Top Rated 32-inch HDTVs

Sony Bravia XBR KDL-32XBR6 32-inch 1080p LCD HDTV

The Sony Bravia XBR KDL-32XBR6 32-inch 1080p LCD HDTV, successor to the highly praised and very popular 720p 32XBR4, is our top choice. The 32XBR6 has excellent picture quality across the board. Great contrast, superb detail, and excellent color accuracy. Black levels are very good, a noticeable improvement over its predecessor. The viewing angle is fairly wide for an LCD TV, a definite strong point compared to other LCD sets. The 32XBR6 also uses 120Hz technology that increases the frame rate to reduce motion blur. It does a fine job smoothing out jagged edges in movies and other film-based content.

Consumers love this set. As with the earlier 32XBR 4, the 32XBR6 has unanimous five star ratings (as of May 2008) from Amazon customers. We can't argue with that. This is one fine HDTV.

Although it's a bit pricey for this size, this is the best 32-inch LCD TV available. Spend a few extra bucks and go for the Sony 32XBR6.

32" LCD Sony KDL-32XBR6 $1099 at Amazon
32" LCD Sony KDL-32XBR6 $1199 at OneCall
32" LCD Sony KDL-32XBR6 $1199 at J&R

Panasonic TC-32LZ800 32-inch LCD HDTV

The Panasonic TC-32LZ800 32-inch 1080p LCD HDTV is an excellent choice if you're looking for a high quality picture at a bargain price. Consumer Reports rates this set as equivalent to our top choice, the Sony 32XBR6. The TC-32LZ800 has excellent picture quality, very good contrast, and accurate color. The viewing angle is as good as our top pick. Black levels are good, though a bit bright on the darkest scenes. This set also has a 120Hz viewing mode to reduce motion blur in film based content. An excellent bargain, several hundred dollars less than the Sony 32XBR6.

Consumer Reports concludes: "Among the best LCD TVs you can buy today, with outstanding picture quality, excellent sound quality, and a viewing angle some plasmas will envy. It has a swivel base that allows the set to be easily positioned for the best viewing angle, and its excellent sound is a plus if it won't be connected to a home-theater system." At its current price point this set is hard to beat.

32" LCD Panasonic TC-32LZ800 $866 at Amazon
32" LCD Panasonic TC-32LZ800 $899 at Buy.com
32" LCD Panasonic TC-32LZ800 $879 at J&R
32" LCD Panasonic TC-32LZ800 $899 at OneCall

All Top Rated HDTVs This Size