Monitor Mayhem!

[Silvy]

Hey Gang...

I'm in the market for a new TV/Monitor

I've been frantically searching on CNET and Amazon for various reviews and potential sets, but it's starting to make my brain hurt.

Heres what I'm looking for...

32 to 37in HDTV (that doesn't have a huge problem displaying non HD channels)

LCD or Plasma (although it looks like Plasmas are usually larger than my target size)

PC input with PIP (so I can watch my soaps while i'm farming) :wink:

1080i prefered, but not mandatory

Basically I want a nice sized monitor that I can watch TV on too. We don't have HD receivers yet (not to sure when) so its important that the TV be able to handle that Other than that... deep blacks, the ability to have some control of color adjustment and a swivel stand would be nice, although not required.

My first few searches took me to the Samsungs.
Samsung LN32A550
Samsung LN37A530

So... I'm hoping some of you have gone through this process and could possibly suggest some ideas on what might be a good choice.

Thanks in advance,

K & B

[Teneral]

I don't have any specific recommendations right now (at work), but Consumer Reports usually has great info for stuff like that. Assuming I remember this post ( /grin) I'll take a look at some of my recent issues when I get home and see what they say. Or if you know someone that subscribes to the magazine, go bug them to borrow a relevant issue. =)

[LuringShadow]

I recently purchased a panasonic plasma tv from best buy. It is absolutely AMAZING! I got the 65" version but they have one as small as 41". I'm not sure about all sizes, but mine has a dvi port in the back as well as plenty of HDMI ports and anything else. They have some new processor thing that really helps with smoothing the motion and stuff. Plasma will also get you true black.

I watch a lot of HD (I have HD cable and Blu-Rays via my PS3). but it also displays non HD sources (military channel) very well also. I'll be hooking up the gaming rig to it this weekend so I'll let you know how it goes.

Here's (http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Televisions/Plasma-TVs.list.75003_11002_7000000000000005702) the site. I'm sure you can find a better deal than that ( I did).

Edit: I think you want 1080P (it's better than 1080i) and the tv has very extensive color customization options.

[Silvy]

Trickkster-
That would be great if you could gimme a few more sets to look at via Consumer reports. There has to be something in there that would help narrow the field of my search.

LS-
Good Lawd Luring... 65' is gigantic for a monitor! Unfortunately, I can't afford to spend that much for my computer room. But thanks for the suggestions. Oh, and your right, it's 1080p on the ones listed in my post.

[Zyn]

I recently did some looking for a TV / computer monitor and ended up deciding on a samsung. Its only 26", but its 1080 with HDMI and DVI and its mine and I love it. I do remember threw all the reviews I read, that samsung was pretty much the best when it comes to LCD's. 120mhz and all the 1080 bells and whistles.

[Teneral]

Found a couple of articles in recent Consumer Reports issues. Getting access to their online resources (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm) would obviously give you useful details about their findings, but some quick info I found is below. Listing in general "top to bottom" order and only including the upper/better picks.

32 Inch LCD
Sony Bravia KDL-32XBR4
Sony Bravia KDL-32S3000
Panasonic TC-32LX700
Samsung LN-T3242H

37 Inch LCD
Panasonic TC 37LZ85
LG 37LB5D [1080p]
Olevia 537H
Insignia NS-LCD37

40-42 Inch LCD
Samsung LN-T4053H (40)
Sony Bravia KDL-40V3000 (40) [1080p]
Samsung LN-T4061F (40) [1080p]
LG 42LB5D (42) [1080p]
Toshiba Regza 42HL67 (42)

42 Inch Plasma
Panasonic TH-42PX77U
Panasonic TH-42PZ700U [1080p]
Samsung HP-T4253
LG 42PC5D