Looking for 32 inch HD ready LCD - HD newbie

[Sab]

I am looking for a future - proof 32 inch HD ready LCD TV. What models do you guys recommend, please?

I sit about 2m from the screen and was wondering whether a 32 inch TV was too big?

Can someone also please define High Definition? It seems HD has something to do with HDMI / DVI inputs and 720p?

Also, do you find some retailers using the term HD 'loosely' in order to sell LCDs and Plasmas ? That is why I am asking you - AV enthusiasts - to define it precisely.

Thank you in advance.

[pjskel]

3x the diagonal is the recommended sitting distance from a display for SD viewing.
2m is not quite enough - need another 1m to be about right. If you can't manage that, then 26" would be more appropriate.
As for which one - name your budget. If you've money and aren't afraind to spend it, then you're not likely to get much better than Loewe - new Individual or Xelos or Spheros.
If you're a tightwad - then you're looking at Samsung/LG/Sharp moving up to JVC/Sony/Panasonic.
There are no-name brands for less again, but I feel there's more than not having a "name" that's reflects the reason for them being cheaper.

[Sab]

My budget is about 1000 pounds so I should be able to get a decent 26 inch HD ready LCD.

Thanks

[the_ape]

Try the Panasonic TX32LXD52 LCD screen. It's a cracker and available on the net for just over a grand, Try EmpireDirect.

[pjskel]

For a grand - you could almost buy 2 26" LCD TVs.
For that money, I'd say jump in at the top - Loewe Concept. If you can push the budget to £1300, then the Xelos is available.
Loewe is considered to be the pinnacle of LCD TVs, and uses Sharp panels. It's their driving electronics that makes the main difference, and system software. Maybe that explains why Sharp bought in to the company for 30% shareholding.
Anyway, if you don't want to blow the whole grand, then there's Sharp GA6/GD7 and JVC DS6. Others would champion the causes of Panasonic or Sony.

At the end of the day, only you can decide which one you prefer on looks and quality of picture.
If you did opt for the Loewe, it's a bit like buying Apple computers - initially slightly more expensive, but hold their value better in the long term. Also, not the most common brand you'll hear talked about - so you can act aloof if the desire to do so, grabs you.

Xelos 26" (5 yr warranty free)
Concept 26"
Sharp GA6
Sharp GD7
JVC DS6

[wandersen]

I have a Toshiba WLT58 which is brilliant.

[Sab]

If a plasma or LCD TV is HD ready does it mean :

1. It has to have component inputs and DVI / HDMI inputs

2. The component inputs must be able to accept PAL and NTSC progressive scan ?

[grant666uk]

Pop over to my little thread and have a look. There are pictures etc. Might help you make up your mind.

Its here ! (Panasonic TX32LXD52)

[pjskel]

HD Ready must meet 3 criteria to be so labelled.

1) Minimum display resolution of 720 lines/pixel vertically
2) Component input - for HD in analog form
3) HDMI or DVI-HDCP for digital HD and decryption/handshaking between source and output

[Sab]

I measured the distance from the wall in front of me to where I sit. It is 2.8metres. Will a 32 inch LCD TV be OK? ( 1 inch = 2.54cm by the way ).

[pjskel]

Maybe a touch too close, but it's only you that'll be happy with the result or not, so it's a case of sucking it and see.
In all likelihood, you'll be fine and won't have any problems.

[blakey1]

Originally Posted by Sab

I measured the distance from the wall in front of me to where I sit. It is 2.8metres. Will a 32 inch LCD TV be OK? ( 1 inch = 2.54cm by the way ).

Should be fine. I have a37 inch LCD and sit 3.5 metres away and the picture is fine. Even my wife who hates big TV's and wanted a 26 inch! admits that we got the right size. Ok I have the pal optimized P50e but I understand that the latest Pannys and the lowe should give pictures close or on par with the Sharp so you should have no probs with a 32. Also if your going down the HD route then its 2x so 2 metres will be fine.

[rapidone]

Originally Posted by Sab

I measured the distance from the wall in front of me to where I sit. It is 2.8metres. Will a 32 inch LCD TV be OK? ( 1 inch = 2.54cm by the way ).

well, I don't feel involved in the film unless the picture is big, and on a small tv that means getting close.
When whatching films I sit with my eyes about 4 feet from my 32" SD tv, and the only reason I don't sit closer is beacause the tv cabinet would be too close to sit comfortably.

I'm sure a 42" tv would be fine at 2.8 meters, so dont worry.