Samsung TXM3298HF 32" Neo Slim Design DynaFlat HDTV
Almost Perfect
When I purchased this TV, I was in the market for a direct view 32&quot; HDTV.  My goal was to find the TV set with the best possible picture (for both analog cable and progressive scan DVD playback) regardless of brand name or price (in the past, I have usually bought Sony or Toshiba).  After weeks of research, I narrowed the field to Sony, Toshiba and Samsung Tantus.  All 3 received very good reviews from Consumer Reports and CNET, among others.  All 3 were comparably priced, with the Sony being slightly higher.<br />In showroom viewing, all 3 TVs performed extremely well, displaying vibrants colors and sharp detail, with both cable and DVDs.  They clearly stood out from the others.  When properly tuned using the Avia DVD, the Samsung Tantus produced the most brilliant colors and sharpest detail.  Toshiba was also excellent; its picture quality was nearly identical to that of the Samsung.  The Sony was very good as well, but it seemed to fall short when displaying text; instead of the sharp, fine edges produced by the Toshiba and Samsung, the Sony produced text that was a bit pixelated and choppy.<br />In the final analysis, I concluded that you cannot really go wrong with any of the 3 (Samsung, Toshiba, Sony), as they are all very good TV sets.  Distinguishing between these 3 sets is somewhat a matter of personal preference.<br />In terms of personal perference, I also took into account these additional non-picture-quality-related factors:<br />1) Aesthetics of the cabinet (Samsung had the coolest looking cabinet, followed by Sony, and then Toshiba).  Samsung's cabinet is simple and zen-like, yet very stylish.  It goes well with any decor and accompanying components.<br />2) Ease of use (Sony was best, then Toshiba, then Samsung).  This is Samsung's biggest shortcoming.  Although Samsung's on-screen menus are not difficult to use or confusing, the on-screen displays on the Sony and Toshiba required fewer steps and were more intuitive than the Samsung.<br />3) Remote control (again, Sony was best, then Toshiba, then Samsung).<br />4) Annoying &quot;bee-bee-bop&quot; sound when you turn on the Samsung TV.  Fortunately, you CAN shut off this &quot;feature&quot; through an on-screen menu option.  So, this is not really a factor.<br />5) Inputs (Sony had the most, then Samsung, then Toshiba).  All 3 sets had two component inputs.  Again, this was not a factor, as all 3 sets had adequate inputs.<br />6) Sound quality (Samsung and Sony were a notch above Toshiba).  Samsung comes with excellent BBE enhanced sound as well as a subwoofer mounted inside the cabinet.  It also has EQ controls (a nice touch).  The Sony also had very good sound.<br />All in all, I am very pleased with my Samsung Tantus TV and enjoy watching it daily!  Overall, I would give it an A- grade.  It's almost perfect and certainly the best TV I have ever owned.<br />If you're in the market for a 32&quot; HDTV, I hope the above helps you make an informed decision.emote control (again, Sony was best, then Toshiba, then Samsung).<br />4) Annoying &quot;bee-bee-bop&quot; sound when you turn on the Samsung TV.  Fortunately, you CAN shut off this &quot;feature&quot; through an on-screen menu option.  So, this is not really a factor.<br />5) Inputs (Sony had the most, then Samsung, then Toshiba).  All 3 sets had two component inputs.  Again, this was not a factor, as all 3 sets had adequate inputs.<br />6) Sound quality (Samsung and Sony were a notch above Toshiba).  Samsung comes with excellent BBE enhanced sound as well as a subwoofer mounted inside the cabinet.  It also has EQ controls (a nice touch).  The Sony also had very good sound.<br />All in all, I am very pleased with my Samsung Tantus TV and enjoy watching it daily!  Overall, I would give it an A- grade.  It's almost perfect and certainly the best TV I have ever owned.<br />If you're in the market for a 32&quot; HDTV, I hope the above helps you make an informed decision.