32-inch TV-OFF: Samsung LN32D450 vs. Panasonic TC-L32C3 vs. Toshiba 32C110U

[Raswan]

Trying to put together some options for a friend so he doesn't end up with a dynex or insignia from BB. He needs a 32-inch TV for the living room, through which he streams video from his computer (netflix, regular tv, dvds). Doesn't currently have a Blu-ray player, though he may one day get one. My knowledge of TVs is currently weighted towards the higher end ones, so I'm not as in the loop with 32-inchers. After spending some time at cnet and trusty old lcdtvbuyingguide, here's what I've come up with that fits his needs without breaking the bank.

1. Panasonic TC-L32C3 ($299)
2. Samsung LN32D450 ($349)
3. Toshiba 32C110U ($259)

Personally, I see no need to spend an extra 100-150 for LED lighting, but could probably be convinced with a good enough argument. FYI, he'll be sitting 8-10ft away, lighting in the room (I've seen it) is not great, but 32-inch is the biggest that will fit in his current cabinet.

Please share your thoughts, experiences, advice. Thanks!

 

[kalrith]

IMO, he should get a new cabinet and get at least a 50" TV. See this chart for general guidance on viewing distance vs. screen size at different resolutions. If money or space is too tight, then I still recommend at least getting something on the green line (i.e. 50"). It's better to go with something on the red line (i.e. 65+"). A 65" DLP can be had for around $700 if you keep an eye on the deals, and 50" plasma goes for around $400 - 600.

As an example, I use a 32" 1080p TV as my computer monitor. I sit about 3' away from it, which is the appropriate distance for that small of a TV.

If he's unwilling to get a larger TV, then he should move his couch right up to his cabinet, and then the cabinet can double as a coffee table . That should put him at the right viewing distance with a 32" TV.

 

[Raswan]

IMO, he should get a new cabinet and get at least a 50" TV. See this chart for general guidance on viewing distance vs. screen size at different resolutions. If money or space is too tight, then I still recommend at least getting something on the green line (i.e. 50"). It's better to go with something on the red line (i.e. 65+"). A 65" DLP can be had for around $700 if you keep an eye on the deals, and 50" plasma goes for around $400 - 600.

As an example, I use a 32" 1080p TV as my computer monitor. I sit about 3' away from it, which is the appropriate distance for that small of a TV.

If he's unwilling to get a larger TV, then he should move his couch right up to his cabinet, and then the cabinet can double as a coffee table . That should put him at the right viewing distance with a 32" TV.

Maybe I wasn't clear in the OP. He's not looking to change his setup in any way, or buy a bigger cabinet, or scoot his chair up to the tv. He's a regular guy who just wants to replace his current 32 with a new 32. And while I understand everything you are saying, I'm just looking to help him find the best tv for the needs he's expressed. Not to change his behaviors or priorities.

 

[kalrith]

What's wrong with his current 32" TV? Personally, I would either (a) keep his current TV, (b) buy a 32" CRT for $50 off of CG, or (c) look for deals on a $200 32" TV.

At that distance, I don't think there will be a huge difference between the cheapest Insignia TV and the most expensive 32" TV. Also, I doubt there would be a noticeable difference between DVDs and BDs, so he might as well save money there too and not get one unless he gets a bigger screen.

Have you talked to him about viewing distance and what not? Even though he's a "regular guy", I've seen some regular guys who are disappointed when they get their tiny TV home. They expect to see "HDTV", and they don't notice much difference between their 32" HDTV and 32" SDTV, because they're so far away. If you've mentioned all this stuff and he rejects it, then that's his decision. However, I think as a friend that you have the responsibility to try to educate him to make the best decision possible

If I must choose one of the three in the OP, I'd choose the Panasonic. That's what my 32" TV is, and they're very reputable for their quality and warranty. As far as that specific model is, I know nothing about it. I have the TC-L32S1, and it's great as a computer monitor.

 

[Uppsala9496]

Have a Costco near you?
Hanspree 32" led-lcd is $259.

 

[Raswan]

We don't. Nearest one is in Dallas.

 

[theAnimal]

Maybe I wasn't clear in the OP. He's not looking to change his setup in any way, or buy a bigger cabinet, or scoot his chair up to the tv. He's a regular guy who just wants to replace his current 32 with a new 32. And while I understand everything you are saying, I'm just looking to help him find the best tv for the needs he's expressed. Not to change his behaviors or priorities.

Is his current 32" SD or HD? If it's SD then he may be disappointed with the smaller screen size of an HD.

 

[Raswan]

Is his current 32" SD or HD? If it's SD then he may be disappointed with the smaller screen size of an HD.

It's HD, but his daughter is taking it or something so he needs a new one.

 

[NutBucket]

I'll 2nd what kalrith posted. Hell, you could probably get a perfectly nice CRT for free these days.

 

[Raswan]

What's wrong with his current 32" TV? Personally, I would either (a) keep his current TV, (b) buy a 32" CRT for $50 off of CG, or (c) look for deals on a $200 32" TV.

At that distance, I don't think there will be a huge difference between the cheapest Insignia TV and the most expensive 32" TV. Also, I doubt there would be a noticeable difference between DVDs and BDs, so he might as well save money there too and not get one unless he gets a bigger screen.

Have you talked to him about viewing distance and what not? Even though he's a "regular guy", I've seen some regular guys who are disappointed when they get their tiny TV home. They expect to see "HDTV", and they don't notice much difference between their 32" HDTV and 32" SDTV, because they're so far away. If you've mentioned all this stuff and he rejects it, then that's his decision. However, I think as a friend that you have the responsibility to try to educate him to make the best decision possible

If I must choose one of the three in the OP, I'd choose the Panasonic. That's what my 32" TV is, and they're very reputable for their quality and warranty. As far as that specific model is, I know nothing about it. I have the TC-L32S1, and it's great as a computer monitor.

A) He can't keep it, because he's giving it to his daughter. B) He wants to be able to hook up his computer (which I mentioned in the OP), which I'm pretty sure is going to be hard to find in a CRT. C) I'm not willing to let him buy a Dynex or Insignia with a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, or something with colors so oversaturated that it looks like shit. Hence the reason for this post.

He's not looking for an upgrade here, or I would move him into a 42 or something. He's just looking for a reliable, decent (and I don't think you believe there's really no difference between the worst 32 you can buy and the best 32 you can buy; at least I hope not) new tv.

I'm leaning toward the Panasonic too. Specs are a little better, connectivity is a little better, and it doesn't look awful.

 

[kalrith]

He's just looking for a reliable, decent (and I don't think you believe there's really no difference between the worst 32 you can buy and the best 32 you can buy; at least I hope not) new tv.

I know there can be a huge difference between TVs, but that difference lessens greatly when you view them at a 13° viewing angle. That's like buying a 50" TV and sitting 16 feet away from it. The difference between the best and worst 50" TV will be quite noticeable at 6 feet away, but not so much at 16 feet away. It's like that girl that looks beautiful up on stage, and then you get 5 feet from her, and she looks atrocious D:

Another thought is to actually measure his TV cabinet. If it's tight with his current 32" TV, then some 32" TVs might not fit in there. If he's got some extra space, then you might be able to squeeze in a 37" with a thin bezel.

 

[whoiswes]

Just grabbed that exact Panasonic for my aunt who was in a similar situation (old 32" CRT on it's last legs, etc).

I was very impressed with the picture and overall quality (I have a 54" S1 downstairs and outside of slightly deeper blacks on my plasma the picture was very comparable).

 

[Raswan]

Just grabbed that exact Panasonic for my aunt who was in a similar situation (old 32" CRT on it's last legs, etc).

I was very impressed with the picture and overall quality (I have a 54" S1 downstairs and outside of slightly deeper blacks on my plasma the picture was very comparable).

Thanks Wes. I was already leaning towards it, but will definitely give it a high recommendation now. Where did you grab it from, if you don't mind me asking? Looks like I can get it at Amazon for the cheapest, free two-day shipping, or the local BB for twenty bucks more.