32" LCD - Panasonic TX-32LXD80 or Sony KDL-32V400 or ...?

[MadDog169]

I’m looking to buy a LCD TV and have £450 tops to spend. It will be our main TV and viewed from a max distance of about 9 ft. I was thinking of getting a 32” screen – does this sound right? At the moment we have Tiscali TV but in the future we might go Sky. We tend to use video and DVD but are not gamers. What LCD would you recommend? I have been looking at the Panasonic TX-32LXD80; which I can get for £380 (Richter Sounds) or the Sony KDL-32V400 at £365 (Multizone).

What do you reckon folks?

[robfosters]

I think you should go a bit larger at a 9ft viewing distance. I comfortably watch my 37inch at 7 foot and am even thinking of going up to 40, so a 40 should be perfect for you.

If I was buying a 40 inch LCD now, i'd be strongly tempted with the Sony 40W4000/W4500

However, with your sources (mainly SD), I would give strong consideration to a plasma screen.

[MadDog169]

Thanks for your thoughts robfosters. I was out with the tape measure and think that a 32" is all we can reasonably manage in the front room. I know that I can get the LG 32PG6000 for a shade over £400 but was concerned about screen burn. Will plasma deliver markedly superior results with SD sources?

[vickster]

Yes, sure you can't fit in a Panasonic 37PX80

[robfosters]

Originally Posted by MadDog169

Thanks for your thoughts robfosters. I was out with the tape measure and think that a 32" is all we can reasonably manage in the front room. I know that I can get the LG 32PG6000 for a shade over £400 but was concerned about screen burn. Will plasma deliver markedly superior results with SD sources?

Screen burn is a lot less of an issue nowadays than it used to be. I have had my Panasonic plasma for well over 2 years and there is not a hint of rentention. As long as you take it easy for the TV's first 200 hours, then you should be fine.

And I personally do feel that plasma deals with SD better than LCD. The gap is closing all the time, but I think plasma still has a winning margin in this area.

I am not sure about the LG. I dont think it's supposed to be top notch in performance. As Vickster said, get your tape measure out and really see if you can squeeze in a 37. You're options open up bigtime for plasma at that size.

If you really can't then you should probably stick to LCD. may I suggest the Panasonic 32LXD80. Amazon.co.uk: Panasonic TX-32LXD80 - 32" Widescreen HD Ready Viera LCD Ready TV - With Freeview: Electronics & Photo