Finding the Right 32 Inch LCD HDTV

There are a number of reasons you might want to choose one of these televisions.

Space savings. A 32 inch LCD HDTV takes up only a few inches of space when mounted on the wall or can easily fit on nearly any table top out of the traffic pattern of a room.

Energy savings. An LCD TV consumes significantly less energy than a similarly sized plasma TV; the primary competitor for LCD screens. In addition, a smaller 32" screen consumes less energy than a larger screen. All the way around, such a set should help hold long term costs in check.

Upfront cost savings. As you might suspect, a 32 inch screen is less expensive than a larger screen. If a 32 inch screen is sufficient for the size room where it will be located, it can be a smart choice versus opting for the big screens over 42". These smaller screens are also more portable and easier to handle if you choose to mount them on the wall.

With a high resolution LCD screen you can determine what size screen is best suited to your room based on the distance you will be sitting from it. Measure the distance from the screen location to the typical viewing seat in the room.

If the viewing distance will be between 4 and 8 feet, then a 32 inch LCD HDTV should be just right for your needs. At the upper end of this viewing distance a larger screen would be acceptable but not necessary.

So once you've decided that a 32 inch LCD HDTV is the right size there are a few other things to think about when making your selection.

Resolution. HDTV's most often display 720p or 1080p. The higher the number, the better the picture. On the otherhand, the better the picture the higher the cost typically. The question then arises, is the difference visible? Not to everyone. The best thing to do is view them and decide for yourself at a store, and then come back online to shop. We do recommend progressive scan (i.e. 720p) versus interlaced (720i).

Contrast ratio. This is another indicator of the color/picture quality. The higher the contrast the better. For instance 2000:1 is good, 10,000:1 is better.

Response times. In general, a faster response time is better. This is rated in miliseconds. Theoretically, the faster the response time the less possibility for lag time or blurring during fast action scenes.

Connection. If you have devices to attach to your television for gaming, home theater purposes, etc. you will need to be sure the TV has such connections available.

Reliability. Certainly there can be exceptions, but in general reputable brand names tend to be the better "deal". Off brands sometimes offer lower upfront cost but due to a higher rate of failures may not prove to save in the long run.

Photo Credits
Introduction: William_Hook.
Is a 32 Inch Screen the Right Size?:redjar.