Broccoli Storm
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I'm in the market to get a flat-screen LCD TV for my bed room. I've decided that I want a 32-inch screen because anything bigger would be too big and anything smaller doesn't seem worth it. I will be using this TV for gaming A LOT, but will also be watching a significant amount of TV and movies on it. I would also like to be able to hook my computer up to it and use that as a monitor occasionally (my PC can't handle the greatest and latest games, so I don't think the 1080 is make-or-break here). The big issues I have are the following:
-Pricing: Want it to be less than $700. It can retail for anywhere up to $1,000 because I can most likely find it cheaper somewhere.
-1080 vs. 720: I've read that 1080 really isn't even noticeable at a smaller screen size like this. Can I just go for the 720? If I do get a 1080, I will not be able to get a Samsung/Sharp/Sony model because it would most likely be out of my price range, so please consider that.
-Aspect Ratios, Contrast Ratios, Pixel Response Time, etc: Do these things REALLY matter to someone who just wants a good picture, but isn't a picture quality Nazi?
When I went to Circuit City just to take a look at everything and have it in front of me, the associate threw out things about ghosting, calibration, etc. I know these things matter, but should I be nit-picking on all of these issues? I've seen tons of calibration threads on here, so I am leaning toward saying that I can adjust the TV to fit my liking better on my own rather than having someone set it up for me.
-I want the inputs to get the best picture I can with my 360. I don't think I have an HDMI output on my 360, but it wouldn't hurt to have it for the future. I also need a headphone jack.
-Buying from a store vs. reputable online retailer vs. E-bay/Craigslist: Obviously, as you go through those three options, they get cheaper and cheaper. I also hear that individual TVs vary even if they're the same model. Is saving on price and being able to get something like a Samsung LN32A450 but not being able to see it before I get it worth it, or is that too big of a risk?
Quality vs. Pricing: From the research I've done, I know what brands are supposedly better than others, but is a lower- or middle-tier TV THAT much worse? Compare something like a Vizio or LG with similar specs to a Samsung or Aquos: for someone who wants a good picture, but isn't really going to notice the smaller imperfections, is it worth the extra $100, $200 to get the top-of-the-line model or would I be happy settling with something more entry-level.
Also, for my 360 in particular and best hook ups to my Time Warner Cable Box, what cables will give me the best picture? My 360 is a launch one, so it doesn't have an HDMI output.
Finally, if I find a good deal online somewhere, should I buy it now, or should I just wait another month until Black Friday and hope that I can make out well there?
That's it (finally!). Please recommend me some specific models in both classes (the top-tier stuff, and then maybe some more entry level models) and if possible, let me know why you recommend them! Thanks!
-Pricing: Want it to be less than $700. It can retail for anywhere up to $1,000 because I can most likely find it cheaper somewhere.
-1080 vs. 720: I've read that 1080 really isn't even noticeable at a smaller screen size like this. Can I just go for the 720? If I do get a 1080, I will not be able to get a Samsung/Sharp/Sony model because it would most likely be out of my price range, so please consider that.
-Aspect Ratios, Contrast Ratios, Pixel Response Time, etc: Do these things REALLY matter to someone who just wants a good picture, but isn't a picture quality Nazi?
When I went to Circuit City just to take a look at everything and have it in front of me, the associate threw out things about ghosting, calibration, etc. I know these things matter, but should I be nit-picking on all of these issues? I've seen tons of calibration threads on here, so I am leaning toward saying that I can adjust the TV to fit my liking better on my own rather than having someone set it up for me.
-I want the inputs to get the best picture I can with my 360. I don't think I have an HDMI output on my 360, but it wouldn't hurt to have it for the future. I also need a headphone jack.
-Buying from a store vs. reputable online retailer vs. E-bay/Craigslist: Obviously, as you go through those three options, they get cheaper and cheaper. I also hear that individual TVs vary even if they're the same model. Is saving on price and being able to get something like a Samsung LN32A450 but not being able to see it before I get it worth it, or is that too big of a risk?
Quality vs. Pricing: From the research I've done, I know what brands are supposedly better than others, but is a lower- or middle-tier TV THAT much worse? Compare something like a Vizio or LG with similar specs to a Samsung or Aquos: for someone who wants a good picture, but isn't really going to notice the smaller imperfections, is it worth the extra $100, $200 to get the top-of-the-line model or would I be happy settling with something more entry-level.
Also, for my 360 in particular and best hook ups to my Time Warner Cable Box, what cables will give me the best picture? My 360 is a launch one, so it doesn't have an HDMI output.
Finally, if I find a good deal online somewhere, should I buy it now, or should I just wait another month until Black Friday and hope that I can make out well there?
That's it (finally!). Please recommend me some specific models in both classes (the top-tier stuff, and then maybe some more entry level models) and if possible, let me know why you recommend them! Thanks!
