Best High-Def TVs Under $1000

These screens top the list for clarity, value and good looks.

By Jeff Bertolucci, Contributing Writer

From Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, February 2008

Maybe your den is already filled with the Big Screen, and now you want something less gargantuan for crystal-clear viewing in your bedroom. Or perhaps you don't want your primary living space to be TV-centric. We have the hardware for you.

TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
	iPhone Challengers
	Best Tech Buys
	Everything For Your Home Office
	MORE TECHNOLOGY ADVICE

For less than $1,000, you can own a 32- or 37-inch LCD high-definition TV to fill the video void.

[Note: None of our four picks offers 1080p (also called full HD) resolution. But with their smaller screen sizes, you won't notice the difference.]

SCREEN, STYLE AND EXTRAS

This stylish, 32-inch TV is a bit pricier than other HD sets its size, but its outstanding picture, sleek design and extra features make it worth the money.

With excellent contrast, brightness and color, the LN-T3253H does justice to high-def imagery. But almost as impressive is the package surrounding the screen. The frame's glossy black finish and rounded edges give the Samsung an elegant air, and the swivel base is convenient for turning the screen from bed to treadmill.

A USB port on the side lets you easily connect a digital camera (or an iPod or other music player) for viewing photos on the TV. And the set's three HDMI ports -- two in back and one located conveniently on the side -- are handy for hooking up equipment, such as gaming consoles, camcorders, cable boxes and DVD players. You can find the Samsung LN-T3253H at big-box discounters and online stores for $800 to $900 (what we call the street price).

BRILLIANCE FOR LESS

The LC-32D43U is a very good 32-inch HDTV that costs about $100 less than the Samsung LN-T3253H. Its brilliant, crisp picture is as good as the Samsung's. Its slim shape and thin black frame are attractive, although it's not as pretty as the Samsung.

We have only a few quibbles with the Aquos LC-32D43U. It lacks a swivel base, which may or may not be an issue for you, depending on how you use the TV. Sharp includes two HDMI ports, which isn't bad, but three would have been better. And we'd like to see a USB port. Street price: $700 to $800.

THE BIGGER CHOICE

If a 32-inch screen is too small but your budget is capped at $1,000, the Regza 37HL67 is a solid pick. This 37-inch HDTV has a good picture overall, although we found its image quality, including contrast and color, to be a slight step down from that of the Samsung and Sharp models. The Regza's boxy black frame lacks panache, but it will blend with any decor.

You'll find three HDMI ports on the 37HL67 -- all are on the back, which makes connecting cables a bit inconvenient. The Regza could use a USB connector, too. Street price: as low as $900 to $1,000.

37-INCH viewing ON A BUDGET

Upstart Vizio has built a thriving business by selling quality HD sets for a lot less than the big guys. The VX37L follows this formula perfectly. Picture quality is pretty good, but it lacks the crispness and vibrant colors of the top-of-the-line screens. The Vizio's design is merely okay: We found the black border and silver speakers a bit clunky. Two HDMI inputs are located on the back.

Vizio TVs are about value, not state-of-the-art per-formance and style. This one is a solid, 37-inch HDTV and a very good deal. Street price: $750 to $800.

NEXT: More Technology Advice

• Print
• Comments
• Email
• RSS

Reader Comments (10)