Toshiba 32A43 32" TV
Outstanding value, outstanding TV
I bought this TV to replace an 8-year old Sony XBR (orig price of $1500).  This is the first non-Sony, larger than 20\\", TV that I have owned.  I've never been a big fan of Sony audio components, but I have always liked their video products very much (thus my past brand-loyalty). <br /> <br />When my XBR started going out, I faced either taking it in for an estimate, or purchasing a new TV.  Given the typical more and better toys logic, I immediately thought \\"ah, here's my excuse for HDTV\\".  However, I just could not justify the price of a flat screen given the still-outrageous prices.  Not wanting to lock myself into a non-flat panel HDTV, I decided to shop for an economical TV to \\"bridge\\" to an HDTV flat panel in 2-3 years when prices will most likely be more reasonable. <br /> <br />I surveyed the available 32\\" CRT's (my current entertainment system won't hold a larger TV :( ) and did the cursory review of Consumer Reports latest ratings.  Initially, I was still a Sony shopper.  However, given the reviews here, the Consumer Reports data, and the fact that I found this TV on sale for $340, I decided to give it a try. <br /> <br />My impressions?  This is an outstanding TV at and outstanding price.  It outperforms any of my prior TV's, even the $1500 XBR.  In some ways this is not surprising since technology has advanced in the 8 years since I purchased my prior TV.  But the improvement is two-fold, greater performance and much lower price. <br /> <br />Out-of-the-box, the TV looked good but still suffered from typical manufacturer's \\"cranked up\\" settings.  I pulled out Video Essentials and started to work.  There are really very few problems with this set other than, as one other reviewer mentioned, the TV doesn't have great ability to hold the black level constant.  However, this is a minor concern.  Once all adjustments were completed, the picture is steallar.  Far better than any other TV I've ever owned.  I have no idea how it compares to other manufacturers' TV, but I really don't see how any TV could be significantly better than this one. <br /> <br />As an aside note, my final settings via Video Essentials differ significantly from another posters here - showing not all TV's are identical.  Mine were : Contrast 43, Brightness 34, Sharpness 28, Color 45, Tint 18, and Color Temp Medium. <br /> <br />I'm sure even the most demanding purchaser will be happy with this TV's performance.  However, to get the most out of it, you really should put it through Video Essentials.  If you don't have a copy, get one.  You'll be able to use it on all future TV purchases, along with using it to fine tune and verify your audio system.