32-inch HDTV showdown: 2008 edition

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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.

More Resources: Best HDTVs: 32 inches or less,; Best budget HDTVs: 42 inches or less,; TV Buying Guide,; CNET's HDTV World

Features
Product name	Samsung LN32A450	Sony Bravia KDL-32M4000	LG 32LG30	Toshiba Regza 32CV510U	Insignia NS-LCD32-09	Sharp AQUOS LC-32D44U
Price	$489.95	Check Prices	Check Prices	Check Prices	Check Prices	$399.99 to $499.99
CNET editors' rating	3.5 stars Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)	3.0 stars Overall score: 6.7 (3.0 stars)	3.0 stars Overall score: 6.9 (3.0 stars)	3.0 stars Overall score: 6.6 (3.0 stars)	3.0 stars Overall score: 6.0 (3.0 stars)	2.5 stars Overall score: 5.9 (2.5 stars)
Average user rating	3.5 stars	3.5 stars	3.5 stars		2.0 stars
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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Input Video Formats	480i 480p 576i 576p 720p 1080i	480i 480p 720p 1080i 1080p	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	28.7 lbs	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
HDMI Ports Qty	3	Info unavailable	3	3	2	2
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	Info unavailable	2 speakers	2 speakers
Enclosure Color	Info unavailable	Gloss piano black	Gloss piano black	High-gloss black	High-gloss black	High-gloss black
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	31.4 in x 9.9 in x 22.8 in - With 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	Info unavailable	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	32 in - Widescreen	32 in - Widescreen	32 in - Widescreen
Digital Television Certification	HDTV	HDTV	HDTV	Not certified	HDTV	HDTV
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 32CV510 - 32 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
Buying choices	Refurb Depot $489.95 In stock: Yes Price from 1 CNET Certified store	E-mail me when this product is available	E-mail me when this product is available	E-mail me when this product is available	E-mail me when this product is available	Amazon.com Marketplace $399.99 In stock: Yes Sears $499.99 In stock: Yes Prices from 2 CNET Certified stores