...because our old 27" CRT lost picture last night. It was a GE we got in '97 and it had a great picture up until the end. It also had fantastic sound... as a matter of fact, it
still has great sound.
A 32" unit is an equivalent replacement and is about the right size for the 18" deep, 28" high cabinet it sits on (and where it sits: in a corner with a bifold door behind it that is used as access to my studio)... a 37" would kind of overpower that cabinet and that spot.
So, I'm asking for a little help after doing a couple of hours of online research and seeing customer reviews all over the place on various models and brands.
I searched "LCD TV" here and read through many, many threads and got some good info.
I know I don't need anything higher res than 720p at the 32" size. Just looking at the sale sections from Sunday's paper, Target, Radio Shack, HHGregg, KMart, and Best Buy all have 32" LCD's in the $350-430 range.
I'm looking for one with decent sound... I don't want to have to go with external speakers unless I have to. In some of the reviews I've read, there are complaints about should quality, but there's no way to tell if the reviewer is comparing it to a system with a subwoofer, etc. I guess it remains to be seen whether I can evaluate sound in a store display.
I'd like to have reliability too... if any brands are noted for reliability and longevity with a decent warranty period, that would definitely be a plus.
I know I want it to be able to produce black and dark colors well and want good adjustability.
Some specs have included a feature that keeps the volume at a steady level so you don't get "ad blast"... I'm hoping for that, but don't have to have it. If you know of a certain brand's system that works especially well, let me know.
Do any of you have an LCD with matte finish on the glass, and is that recommended? We can shut the blinds and darken the room in daylight hours to cut down on glare either way.
If there are any other features and considerations I should know about, I would appreciate any help you can give. Thanks in advance.