$500 or less... Best 32" LCD as a Computer Monitor

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Radeon962

Senior member
Jan 1, 2005
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I have read the 4:4:4 thread over on [H] as well as on AVS Forums and Googled the question quite a bit. It seems that for a low end 32" the Westinghouse VR-3225 is recommended while on the higher end a Samsung LN32D550 has quite a few favorable reviews.

If I am willing to pay $500 or around there...What is the best 32" LCD available for use as a PC monitor and also as a TV? I know it needs to pass the 4:4:4 test, 1080p and 60Hz (would 120Hz be better).

I would plan on using a DVI-D to HDMI connection from PC to TV.

I would also prefer to buy it locally from BestBuy, Costco, Walmart, etc. rather than online as I could just return it if things don't work out.

It would be replacing a Dell 2408WFP.

I'm open to suggestions/recommendations but am looking for input from those who actually have a 32" LCD that they use for both and are very satisfied with the TV as their computer monitor.

Thanks, Bill
 
AdamK47

AdamK47

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
15,665
3,524
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I have a PC connected to an LG 32LD450. It looks fantastic with an EDID override driver. 4:4:4 chroma and S-IPS. Text is sharp and the colors are excellent. It's CCFL and has no backlight bleed. The only problem is that the corners do not get as bright as the center.
 
exar333

exar333

Diamond Member
Feb 7, 2004
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Do your research and get a good 32'' TV with a quality panel. The 'TV brand' is meaningless really.
 
R

Radeon962

Senior member
Jan 1, 2005
591
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I know about the size but this machine is setup to record TV and is used quite a bit to watch TV. We have a larger TV in the basement but inevitably everyone sits in the smallest room on the main floor to watch TV. It is used quite a bit as a computer as well so I know I need to sacrifice one or the other. I could just go 27" monitor but I don't know it the jump from my 2408 to a 27" is worth it. 24" to 32" for around $500 seems to be reasonable to the wife. She was not excited about $1000 for a 30" monitor. That's what got me going on the TV angle as she seemed to think that was OK.
 
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BTRY B 529th FA BN

Lifer
Nov 26, 2005
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I have a 27" LCD i use for gaming and i'm about 32" away from the screen and it seems a little big if I use the 1080p res to game with. But if I lower it to 1200x800 it's not bad so maybe going with a 32" would be fine. It seems like you can get the best of both if you work with it.
 
Throckmorton

Throckmorton

Lifer
Aug 23, 2007
16,829
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I have a 32" TV as a monitor and it works great. I'm about 4ft from the screen. A regular desk won't work obviously. The distance makes it relaxing to view for long periods.

Can someone explain the 4:4:4 thing? I've Googled and turned up nothing except threads discussing which screens are 4:4:4 (almost none), and how to test, but not what it means.
 
mnewsham

mnewsham

Lifer
Oct 2, 2010
14,539
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i use a 46" at the foot of my bed, a full size mattress length (i am sitting at the far end) it is perfectly fine at that distance for me.
 
AdamK47

AdamK47

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
15,665
3,524
136
Throckmorton said:
I have a 32" TV as a monitor and it works great. I'm about 4ft from the screen. A regular desk won't work obviously. The distance makes it relaxing to view for long periods.

Can someone explain the 4:4:4 thing? I've Googled and turned up nothing except threads discussing which screens are 4:4:4 (almost none), and how to test, but not what it means.
Click to expand...

LG 32LD450 (working)
444-test_LG_32LD450.png


Sony 32EX500 (not working)
sony_32EX500_444.jpg


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=19723268
 
qliveur

qliveur

Diamond Member
Mar 25, 2007
4,090
74
91
I'd go with an LG 32LK450.

The S-IPS models are about as close to ideal for use as a computer monitor as you could get, but beware the panel lottery. You could end up with a VA panel, which isn't nearly as good.
 
R

Radeon962

Senior member
Jan 1, 2005
591
7
81
qliveur said:
I'd go with an LG 32LK450.

The S-IPS models are about as close to ideal for use as a computer monitor as you could get, but beware the panel lottery. You could end up with a VA panel, which isn't nearly as good.
Click to expand...

On my short list with the Samsung LN32D550. Bestbuy has a LN32D550K1F, which I believe is the same model just with a different model # to avoid Bestbuy having to price match a competitor.

Both Walmart and BB have the 32LK450, so I hope to check them out this weekend.
 
K

Kenmitch

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 1999
8,505
2,250
136
Samsclub has a decent 32" LED 120hz ips,wifi,apps, etc.

Been using one almost a year with no issues.

Decent price and return policy. Cheap extended warranty also.
 
qliveur

qliveur

Diamond Member
Mar 25, 2007
4,090
74
91
Radeon962 said:
On my short list with the Samsung LN32D550. Bestbuy has a LN32D550K1F, which I believe is the same model just with a different model # to avoid Bestbuy having to price match a competitor.

Both Walmart and BB have the 32LK450, so I hope to check them out this weekend.
Click to expand...
You know about the serial # indicating IPS or VA, right?

I think the IPS models are supposed to have a "Y" in there somewhere.
 
kami

kami

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
17,627
5
81
LG. but make sure there is a 'Y' in the product code on the box. If its a D instead of a Y it's not IPS. I believe it's the 3rd or 4th character. The non-IPS doesn't support 4:4:4. 47" and up are always IPS but below that it's a lottery.
 
R

Radeon962

Senior member
Jan 1, 2005
591
7
81
kami said:
LG. but make sure there is a 'Y' in the product code on the box. If its a D instead of a Y it's not IPS. I believe it's the 3rd or 4th character. The non-IPS doesn't support 4:4:4. 47" and up are always IPS but below that it's a lottery.
Click to expand...

4th character. Apparently the 2011 models have a "W" rather than a "Y" as the 4th character for IPS, but "D" still is a VA.
 
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