Hi guys,
I am looking at purchasing a new 32" TV to setup as my new computer monitor and also to play on my PS4. I have anything from $ 200 - 450 to play with, except I really am uncertain what will be the best for what I want it to do/how much I have.
Thanks guys, any information is great and appreciated :)!
'Choice' has several 32 inch models in their latest round of tests.
You have a budget that allows a bit better than bargain-basement, so I'll just mention one of the two LG's and two of the three Samsung's that were tested.
The better of the two Panasonic 32 inch model tested did quite well (unlike most of their other sets tested, but the Sony model (like the second of the two Panasonic 32 inch sets) performed poorly, despite being listed as being well above your price range.
The Samsung UA32H4000 seems like the one to emphasise.
If you had stressed broadcast viewing, the LG model (32LB5820 - potentially, with a deal, in your budget), would get the nod, but you should be able to get the '4000 series' Samsung model for well under $400.
It has the same Blu-ray score as the '5000 series' model above it, and that implies a very good all 'round picture at native resolution, via external input. Likely best for your purpose.
Just generally (experience of others), there are indications that Samsung does actually appreciate that their sets will often and also get used as computer monitors, and tweak them accordingly.
Incidentally, the '6000 series' Samsung tested as the best of the 32 inch sets, but sells for around $700.
Edit: Staticice states a best-available price of $354 for the UA32H4000 (at David Jones!)
Oh good god no!.. Two worst brands particularly from a quality, firmware and service viewpoint.. Even TEAC has become better at making Tvs. The dodgy reviews done by choice magazine also becoming a trend, especially reviewers like Chris Ruggles. I am yet to cancel my choice membership more because I get a laugh out of reading this reviews.
Seriously not recommended either Lucky Goldstar (LG) or SamStung. Sony's are good and reliable units KDL32W700B is around $500-$570. Any chance you have a costco membership? They usually carry a good line of sony's.
Anyway check out the sony units, you might be able to get a panasonic model at that size too. They are typically excellent units. KDL32W700B seems to be around for a similar price to the Sony as low as $465 online (NSW).
If you really can't stretch the budget a little, look at the non-name brands very carefully, you may find some of them are not half bad and can strike a good deal (JB has a few no namers)
Good luck.
I have issues with Choice reviews, too. I consider them to be only a rough guide, if that.
That said, I reckon that the 10 point lower broadcast picture score, and 15 point lower Blu-ray picture score (of the exact Sony model you quote), likely does represent something discernable.
As I inferred above, the more expensive of the Panasonic 32 inch models did reasonably well, but the cheaper one performed very poorly.
Sets, as a group, are reliable. The most recent - this year - collated reliability survey (% without problems in the previous 12 months), puts Sony at 93, both Samsung & LG at 91, TEAC at 85.
Quality of certain components (I remember when a repairman I know confirmed that Panasonic had halved their electrolytic capacitor MTTF spec), firmware issues (really significant ones and company response to them), and satisfaction with general 'service' - right across brands and models - are about as variable as comments on OzBargain…
I have been extremely happy with my 32" Kogan smart tv under $300 delivered
http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/32-agora-smart-led-tv-hd-zb/
Friends have also purchased Kogan TV's and are great value for money.
40in is the new 32.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/164962