David Katzmaier,
Senior Editor
April 6, 2009
We review predominantly big-screen flat-panel HDTVs here at CNET, and in fact, 32 inches is as low as we'll go. However, in 2008 we've checked out our share of 32-inch, entry-level sets from several manufacturers, so here they are in one easy-to-compare format. Our favorite overall so far is the Samsung LN32A450, while our budget pick is the Toshiba 32CV510U. If you really want to save cash, the Insignia isn't the worst choice you can make. The Sony scored second highest, but we think shoppers in that price range will prefer the Samsung, whereas the Sharp came up shortest of our expectations. Update 05-21-08: We've also added an LG that falls squarely into the middle of the pack, but offers plenty of picture tweaks for geekier buyers. Read the full reviews for details.
| Product name | ||||||
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| Price | $529.95 to $594.99 | $588.38 to $959.00 | $469.99 to $512.73 | Check Prices | Check Prices | $483.83 to $499.99 |
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| Review date | April 22, 2008 | May 14, 2008 | May 20, 2008 | May 12, 2008 | April 02, 2008 | April 08, 2008 |
| The Bottom Line | Solid picture quality propels the Samsung LN32A450 LCD TV to the front of small-screen class. | While it's blessed with attractive looks and a solid picture, the higher price of Sony's KDL-32M4000 will turn off many 32-inch LCD comparison shoppers. | LG's 32LG30 doesn't produce the deepest black levels, but its color accuracy after calibration will warm geeky hearts. | Toshiba's 32-inch 32CV510U LCD, with its picture quality and feature set, makes a solid choice for mainstream HDTV shoppers. | The bargain Insignia NS-LCD32-09 32-inch LCD performs better than its basement price would indicate. | While stylish and well featured for an entry-level HDTV, the 32-inch Sharp LC-32D44U's picture quality falls short of expectations. |
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| Features | ||||||
| Input Video Formats | 480i 480p 576i 576p 720p 1080i | 480i 480p 720p 1080i | 480i 480p 720p 1080i 1080p | 480i 480p 720p 1080i 1080p | 480p 720p 1080i | 480i 480p 720p 1080i |
| Analog TV Tuner | NTSC | NTSC | NTSC | NTSC | NTSC | NTSC |
| Weight | 28 lbs | 30.9 lbs | 26.2 lbs | Info unavailable | 46.3 lbs | 25.4 lbs |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Digital TV Tuner | ATSC | QAM ATSC | QAM ATSC | QAM ATSC | QAM ATSC 8-VSB | QAM ATSC |
| Resolution | 1366 x 768 | 1366 x 768 | 1366 x 768 | 720p | 1366 x 768 | 1366 x 768 |
| Sound Output Mode | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo |
| Speaker System | 2 speakers | 2 speakers | 2 speakers | 2 speakers | 2 speakers | 2 speakers |
| Enclosure Color | Info unavailable | Gloss piano black | Gloss piano black | High-gloss black | High-gloss black | High-gloss black |
| Radio | None | None | None | None | Info unavailable | None |
| TV Tuner | Info unavailable | 1x analog/digital combo | 1x analog 1x digital | 1x analog/digital combo | 1x analog 1x digital | 1x analog 1x digital |
| Stereo Reception System | MTS | MTS | MTS | Info unavailable | MTS | MTS |
| DVD | None | None | None | None | Info unavailable | None |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 31.4 in x 9.9 in x 22.7 in - With stand | 31.9 in x 3.9 in x 21.3 in - Without stand | 31.6 in x 3.1 in x 21.4 in - Without stand | 31 in x 3.4 in x 20.7 in - Without stand | 31.8 in x 11.7 in x 24 in - With stand | 30.6 in x 3.7 in x 20.6 in - Without stand |
| Battery | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Remote Control | Remote control - Infrared | Remote control - Infrared | Universal remote control - Infrared | Universal remote control - Infrared | Remote control - Infrared | Remote control - Infrared |
| Technology | TFT active matrix | TFT active matrix | TFT active matrix | TFT active matrix | TFT active matrix | TFT active matrix |
| Diagonal Size | 32 in - Widescreen | 32 in - Widescreen | 32 in - Widescreen | 31.5 in - Widescreen | 32 in - Widescreen | 32 in - Widescreen |
| Digital Television Certification | HDTV | HDTV | HDTV | HDTV | HDTV | HDTV |
| Additional Features | Matte finish | Clock V-Chip Hotel mode On-screen menu Channel labeling Parental control Contrast enhancer 3:2 pull down compensation Ambient light sensor (ALS) Digital MPEG Noise Reduction Circuit | V-Chip On-screen menu Channel labeling Parental control XD Engine technology Video noise reduction Digital MPEG Noise Reduction Circuit Intelligent Room Illumination Sensor (IRIS) | CineSpeed DynaLight Game mode REGZA LINK PixelPure4G 14 Bit REGZA Video Processor | On-screen menu Channel labeling | V-Chip On-screen menu Parental control 3:2 pull down compensation |
| Display Format | 720p | 720p | 720p | 720p | 720p | 720p |
| PC Interface | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) |
| Video Interface | HDMI S-Video Component Composite | HDMI S-Video Component Composite | HDMI S-Video Component Composite | HDMI S-Video Component Composite | HDMI S-Video Component Composite | HDMI S-Video Component Composite |
| Product Description | Samsung LN32A450 - 32 in LCD TV | Sony KDL-32M4000 - 32 in LCD TV | LG 32LG30 - 32 in LCD TV | Toshiba 32CV510U - 31.5 in LCD TV | Insignia NS-LCD32 - 32 in LCD TV | Sharp LC 32D44U - 32 in LCD TV |
| Product Type | LCD TV | LCD TV | LCD TV | LCD TV | LCD TV | LCD TV |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
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