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Top 5 Budget 32" LCD HDTVs

Great for the Home Office or Bedroom

From , former About.com Guide

If you're looking for a deal then this list is for you as these HDTVs should have sub-$600 purchase prices. I'll admit up front that these are entry-level models so it would be unfair to rate them as high end. Still, that doesn't mean low cost equals bad product. It just means you don't spend as much when buying a HDTV.

All of these products have built-in ATSC digital tuner so they are immediately compatible with digital television. They are recommended as a secondary HDTV in the bedroom or study.

1. Philips Model 32PFL5403D/F7

Philips’s model 32PFL5403D/F7 is a 60hz 720p (1366x768) 32” LCD HDTV with a sensational 25,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and an 8ms response time. It has three HDMI 1.3 inputs and a one year parts/labor warranty. When you look at the market, Philips is doing a really good job in making quality panels at a bargain price. I like that it has Pixel Plus 3 picture enhancement technology, which is a feature I find rare in TVs for under $500. This TV is sold at CostCo, which is good because you can double the manufacturer’s warranty to two years.
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2. Samsung Model LN32A330

Samsung’s model LN32A330 is a 60hz 720p (1366x768) 32” LCD HDTV with a sparkling 8000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 6ms response time. It has two HDMI inputs and a one year parts/labor warranty. Consumer opinions are good and let’s face it...it’s a good day when you can buy a Samsung 32” LCD for under $500. The picture looked nicer than the other sub-$600 HDTVs that I saw while researching this article on the sub-$600 aisle at stores in my area. It’s definitely a good value when on sale.
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3. Sony Model KDL-32L5000

Sony’s model KDL-32L5000 is a 60hz 720p (1366x768) 32” LCD HDTV with a 13,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio . It has three HDMI 1.3 inputs and a one year parts/labor warranty. It is Energy Star 3.0 certified, which means lower power consumption. Obviously, this TV should do well with consumers because of the sub-$600 price and the Sony brand name. While this is the entry-level model for Sony, some technology trickles down to it like the 24p True Cinema mode, which will help gamers and movie fans enjoy the theater experience when using with a Blu-ray player or Playstation 3.
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4. Vizio Model VOJ320F

Vizio’s model VOJ320F is a 60hz 1080p (1920x1080) 32” LCD HDTV with a 1300:1 contrast ratio and 6.5ms response time. It has three HDMI inputs and a great one year parts/labor warranty. Opinions are favorable for this HDTV and really Vizio deserves credit for putting competitive panels on the market at a lower price. They’re causing my opinion to change somewhat. I like Vizio’s warranty and believe this a good value if you want to buy 1080p for under $600.
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5. Insignia Model NS-LCD32-09

Best Buy’s Insignia model NS-LCD32-09 is a 60hz 720p (1366x768) 32” LCD HDTV with a 1500:1 contrast ratio and 6.5ms response time. It has three HDMI inputs and a one year parts/labor warranty. Consumer opinions of this HDTV are mixed but people generally favored this TV more than not. It’s debatable as to who made the panel for Best Buy. My web query uncovered various conspiracy theories and rumors. Best Buy usually has it priced around $500 or less, so definitely give this one a look when shopping for HDTVs at $600 or less.
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