32" LCD Battle: which to choose?

[corysmith01]

I'm looking to finally get myself a flat HD tv with all the bells and whistles. Due to money/apt size, I've decided on a 32".

I'm torn bt the Westinghouse LTV-32w6 and the Samsung LN-S3251D. I'm torn due to cost vs. benefits. I've read all the glowing reviews on the Samsung, but in looking at the Westy, thought the picture held its own. The major difference is the Samsung has a 4000:1 contrast ratio while the Westy is down at 1000:1. Oh, and 2 HDMI inputs on the Sam vs 1 on the West. Anyway, I'm a cheap s.o.b. and am leaning towards the Westinghouse b/c a) I won't need/utilize 2 HDMI inputs...may not even use 1 and b) it's ~$400 cheaper. Again...I'm cheap. Well, not cheap really, just on a budget.

So I was wondering if the Samsung is beyond question better, enough so to justify $400 additional dollars. OR, is the Westinghouse so close in performance as to negate the need to spend $400 more? Just wondering thoughts. I'd spend for the Samsung if it clearly outclassed the Westy, but to my eyes, it's not an enormous difference. Well, let me be clear– the picture is better on the Samsung, no doubt. But I don't know if it's $400 better. If the Westy is up to task, my wallet would thank me, particularly with the holidays around the corner. Thanks for any input.

 

[markw]

What is it about these two that causes you to narrow it down to just these?

Also, what prices are you talking about? "400 cheaper" isn't really much to go on. If you come clean with that, there are other alternatives available in this area within those ranges. I just went through the same decision process here in NE Jersey.

But, having seen Samsungs in action, I will go on record as saying they have an excellent picture.

 

[corysmith01]

Sure thing. Guess I should have explained a bit more. The Samsung can be had for $1200, while they have the Westinghouse on sale for $809.

And yes, the Samsung's picture had been what won me over...but I must say, the Westinghouse is no slouch. Decisions, decisions.

 

[markw]

Well, the price went up within the last day or so, but

...it's still a contenda at this price. Up until a day or so ago it was $884.

http://www.6ave.com/product.jsp?x=32HL66

Got a car? Scan the online sites for 6th Avenue, Electronics Expo, Best Buy , Circuit City and any other chain that has local stores. You'll see a LOT of options. This is just one.

Print this page and virtually any big box store that sells this brand will match the price. I took the ad (at $884) to Electronics Expo in Woodbridge and they not only met the price but they didn't charge sales tax, but that may have only been a temporary promotion.

They had this set right under a Samsung of the sale size and tge piccies were very, very close and, IIRC, the Tosh was just a leeeeetle better, but in store adustments can be tricky.

Likewise, check the Sunday flyers if you're not in a rush.

 

[sholling]

For that price I'd also check out the 1080p Westinghouse LVM-37W3 37" LCD TV. I've seen it as low as $999 delivered.

 

[corysmith01]

Hmmm...

Anyone see this week's BB flyer? It's online too. They're running the Westinghouse LTV-32w6 for $699 as an in-store price only. For $699, that's pretty compelling. That's nearly half the price of the Samsung. Now, admittedly, I think the Samsung is a better set...but how much better is the question. I guess I have a week to decide as this price is good until the 9th.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

That's a heck of a deal for a 32" LCD. Did you see the review at Amazon.com? The guy said his audio keeps defaulting to the LCD speakers every time he turns the set on, as well as having to use an HDMI calbe to utilize PIP. He also mentioned grainy SD stations. That's one thing I looked for when I bought the 537H Olevia - good SD picture. Almost all your HD is going to look great on an HD capable TV, but the SD is where a lot of sets look horrible. Decisions, decisions.

 

[corysmith01]

Thanks Buck. Wow, no, I didn't see that review. But I'm going to look. I agree with you totally. The majority of what I'll watch, in all honesty, is going to be SD television. I guess I need to do a bit more reading. I'm going to guess (but I'll look) that the Samsung will have a higher quality SD picture.

Thanks for tip...now, off to read.

 

[jcPanny]

Budget LCD

I was considering on of the high end samsung 32" LCDs but went for the Sceptre from Costco. The $600 T-day price and Costco warranty convinced me to pull the trigger. So far so good. The picture (uncalibrated) looks great on DVDs with the native resolution from my PC and I can pick up a few local channels in HD with the ATSC tuner. It doesn't have the contrast ratio of the samsug, but for half the price it works for me.