Panasonic TC-32LX50 32-Inch Flat Panel LCD TV
Simply delightful
I've had this TV for a few weeks now and have no complaints at all.  I researched small to midsize LCDs and plasmas pretty thoroughly, and so far I'm very happy I went with this Panasonic.  Here are a few observations on some points you're probably familiar with if you've been reading reviews and stats: <br /> <br />LCD vs. Plasma: Some of the plasmas I saw were admittedly impressive.  But for me the 42\\" minimum was a bit too big.  And plasmas are real energy hogs: A 42-incher runs at well over 500 watts (compared with less than 150 for this LCD).  That's a lot of heat to be pouring out for hours every day.  Plasmas are also much more fragile.  It's important to remember that LCD is a newer technology, and reviews from even a year ago may be misleading because of improvements since. That's particularly true of poor refresh rates -- not a problem with this TV. <br /> <br />Viewing Angle:  If you move to the side significantly, colors will definitely start washing out, with the effect pretty noticeable at 45 degrees or so.  I can see where that might be annoying for some people, but I was aware of that aspect ahead of time, and it doesn't bother me -- I have no trouble getting the TV and my butt lined up straight.  Two people at either end of a couch with the screen 7 feet away or more will not notice any color drop-off. <br /> <br />Bad Pixels:  This concerned me when I first read about LCDs, but it's been a complete non-issue.  Don't know if I got lucky with  a perfect screen or any dead ones are just unnoticeable, but either way, I'd say don't worry about it. <br /> <br />Contrast & Black:  Maybe plasmas and conventional CRTs do crank out marginally deeper blacks, but again, it's not an issue.  The picture is bright, sharp and vivid, and you simply won't find yourself saying, \\"Damn, I wish those blacks were blacker.\\" <br /> <br />High Definition:  Limiting a TV like this to standard definition is like buying a Corvette to drive around the Target parking lot.  If you don't have access to HD or plan to get it soon, hold off on the purchase -- electronics all get cheaper with time anyway. But when you do go to HD, you won't be disappointed. The nature shows on Discovery HD are stunning.  (BTW, most network prime-time shows and sports are available in HD now.  Cable generally offers it, and Directv should beam it down by year's end; and your local network channels probably broadcast HD on UHF.) <br /> <br />Inputs:  The flexibility of the multiple inputs on the set is great.  You can hook up each component separately with the best connection it can use; e.g., HDMI for a high-def receiver, component video for a DVD player and A/V plugs for a VCR. <br />  <br />All in all, a great TV.  I love it.