Sharp Aquos LC32D41U 32-Inch LCD HDTV with Integrated ATSC Tuner
Mine works fine and was purchased from a reliable dealer....
This is the first LCD television I have purchased.  Like most, my familiarity with LCD's has been with computer monitors (Apple, in our case).  Our other televison, which I would describe as the primary viewing unit, is 42 inches with 1080i cable and 720 DVD. As such, it provides a good basis for comparison. BTW: this set will be used in a \\"media\\" room, where I keep the stereo gear; sort of a second TV. <br /> <br />First, with any relatively complex technology, purchase from a reputable dealer.  While I did pay more (over 10%) than \\"mail order\\", the advice was top notch and there is a 30 day return policy; no questions asked.   <br /> <br />Second, when you view (side by side) units in a store, make sure the source material is similar to what you will utilize.  If you do not have 1080 digital and you make your selection with only that programing, you will be mightily disappointed.  Take a DVD that you are familiar with and have the dealer play it.  This will give you a good basis for evaluation. <br /> <br />In our case, it was appropriate to compare with 1080 and normal analog signal.  As such my utterly subjective analysis is: <br /> <br />-The Sony Bravia (XBR) was, as it should be, excellent; however, there was no discernable difference meriting another $800.00; <br /> <br />-The Samsung was also quite nice; but, again, very similar to the Sharp and Toshiba; also, it was a few hundred dollars more. <br /> <br />-The Toshiba and Sharp were, based upon my observations (yours may differ) identical, with a negligible difference in image quality compared to the Sony and Samsung.  All sets were the most recent models, some with build dates in July.  (Curiously, the Panasonic was inferior to the other four.) <br /> <br />Why, then, purchase the Sharp? Glad you asked: <br /> <br />-It was the least expensive of the four I was considering.  I usually do not look for bargains in electronic gear; however, if the quality is the same, money is still money. <br /> <br />-6 ms rate; this may be irrelevant, but to my PS2 (soon to be PS3) colleagues, it sure is a neat conversation piece (\\"What does your set do?  Only 8 ms?  You poor sloth\\"). <br /> <br />-Excellent accessibility to component plugs and jacks, and a goodly number of them. <br /> <br />-The salesman, from whom I have purchased a number of toys, gave it his thumbs up (it is nice to know that Eric has thumbs). <br /> <br />My initial reactions are that this is a first rate piece of electronics that will do the job very nicely.  It is quite likely that several other brands would have performed just as well.  Much of the nuanced talk of subtle differences in LCD's (particularly the nature of the manufacturing process) is worthless jargon; trust your eyes and, if you are lucky to run into an intelligent and well meaning dealer/saleman, trust his/her opinion, as well.  They do spend most of their waking hours ruining their retinas on these things. <br /> <br />One bit of advice: when in doubt, go larger. The 32, viewed from about 9-10 feet is very impressive.  A 37 or 40 would be more impressive, still. If I was to do it over, that would be my only alteration.  The $400-$600 difference is worth it.  However, if you are on a budget, do not shy away from the 32; but, if you are able, spring for the larger unit.