Looking for some LCD HDTV recomendations of smaller TVs

[altonu]

I've had the same old 27" 4:3 television for the last 10 years and it still works fine for TV and OK for DVDs (having widescreen format will be a clear benefit there), but its developed a distortion on the left side thats very visible when playing video games and ruins my enjoyment of that activity so I'm looking to finally upgrade to an HDTV. After talking to a few friends, I've been convinced of the importantce of goign with LCD and realy want to get a set that supports 1080p so I don't regret my purchase in the future (like when I get an X-Box 360 or PS3).

I calculated that a 32" 16:9 would have only a slightly shorter screen height than my current 27" (which I'm satisfied with for size) and I'd like to spend as little money as possible, but I also want a quality reliable brand so I don't mind paying a little more for peace of mind there. The problem is that even among brands like Sony, Samsung, Sharp, Panasonic etc, the only 32" models supporting 1080p seem to be very rare (I think 37" was the smalest I've seen supporting 1080p and that was one that cost more than I want to spend).

My initial target was to find a 32" or 37" LCD HDTV with 1080p, and I was willing to pay upto 700 for a 32" or upto 900 for a 37" and I've had no luck with those criteria so far. I did find a 42" Sharp LC-42D62U on sale for 1199.99 (+ 49.99 shipping (and tax since I live in Washington state which is their HQ) through Costco as an on-line only deal. Its more than I wanted to spend, and its a larger set than I was looking for (but it should still fit in my small living room), but it looks like everything I want in a new television. I just wanted to see if I'm overlooking options that might better suit my initial goals and budget before I spend that sort of coin.

Thanks for any suggestions or feedback.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Any quality 1080p LCD will be around $1100-$1400 depending on brand and model. If you can live with 720p then there are more options and you can save some cash. If you have to have 1080p then you probably will end up spending more money.

 

[SlickSnake]

NOOOO! :frown:

Get PLASMA!

There, now the plasma camp can feel a little better.

I have an LCD 46" Sharp Aquos 62U series and I LOVE it. Just keep in mind the S.D. looks like crap on a regular RCA video connector, and connect it instead with your SVHS on a cable or satellite box. HD rocks on it.

The reason you don't see more sets at that size and res is because as a TV set, not a PC monitor, it's not needed as much at smaller sizes, and it keeps the costs down for them, I'm sure. LCD TVs are in a bloody price war at sizes below 46" ATM, so I think you will see this trend continue for at least another year or so, until HDTV is officially mandated.

You will be a lot happier with the larger LCD 42" 1080p display, and you will be glad you got it later on, even if you have to finagle stuff around to accommodate it.