Budget LCD Television

[Bell Rep]

I am on a tight budget for a 32" LCD television for my bedroom, I am looking at the Prima LC32U26 32" Widescreen LCD at Bestbuy for regular price of $700
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10078679&catid=23244#
I looked for reviews on google but there are none

Would you recommend that ? if not then which one ? remember I am on a tight budget

I will sometime use it for PS2 & PC monitor but mainly for cable and movies, will upgrade to PS3 later on

[squall458]

Prima is a relatively new brand from China and they are a hit or a miss. Personally my prima tv (crt tube, 2 years old) has run perfectly the last two years and it looks great. It was very good value at that time and I would consider a Prima for my next lcd tv purchase. However, I have read issues of where it would only display black and white (LOL!)....So YMMV...Always check out the picture in person first.

[Bell Rep]

Prima is a relatively new brand from China and they are a hit or a miss. Personally my prima tv (crt tube, 2 years old) has run perfectly the last two years and it looks great. It was very good value at that time and I would consider a Prima for my next lcd tv purchase. However, I have read issues of where it would only display black and white (LOL!)....So YMMV...Always check out the picture in person first.
I also own a Prima 27" CRT for 2 years (paid $104, boxing day) and love it, picture quality is excellent and sound is great and nothing is wrong with it either thats why I was looking at the Prima brand LCD

I would love to get some LCD recommendations ASAP

[Drew_W]

If you're on a budget, why oh why would you not get a smaller screen, but from a reputable brand? If you're going to take a gamble on crap noname electronics, at least buy it from Costco where you can return it in 6 months when it breaks.

[Bell Rep]

If you're on a budget, why oh why would you not get a smaller screen, but from a reputable brand? If you're going to take a gamble on crap noname electronics, at least buy it from Costco where you can return it in 6 months when it breaks.
OHH does Costco still have this policy right now ?
Dont I have to pay for a membership for Costco ?
Which LCD Television from Costco would you recommend ? I dont have a Costco membership
This is in my price range but dont like the brand, Daytek DM32 32" LCD
http://www.costco.ca/en-CA/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10295769&whse=BCCA&topnav=&browse=

27" LCD television just looks so small in my room

[aidzhsiah]

You could always try to go to Costco.ca and buy like a $25 giftcard and send it to yourself (with a 5% surcharge, that's only like $1.25).

Non-members are allowed to buy things with a giftcard. So just go in, buy a TV and pay the balance with cash or a debit card. :D

[Bell Rep]

You could always try to go to Costco.ca and buy like a $25 giftcard and send it to yourself (with a 5% surcharge, that's only like $1.25).

Non-members are allowed to buy things with a giftcard. So just go in, buy a TV and pay the balance with cash or a debit card. :D
So your saying that I can buy a $25 Costco GC and go into Costco and buy my LCD television which is $700+tax and I can use the $25 GC and pay the rest in cash ?

Costco doesnt have much of a 32" LCD

I need LCD recommendations please

[BB88]

I got a Soyo 32" LCD for $699 less a $100 rebate from officedepot... that will slash another $100 from your budget... Quality is ok... but probably better than a Prima... I looked at Prima before and didn't like it.

Also got a 2-year protection plan for $45
http://www.soyogroup.com/products/proddesc.php?id=418&PHPSESSID=2fa425071bc7b881371001b5ffe4956d

[fl4wless]

id take daytek over prima any day... i know some of their larger panels use LG panels, not sure about the 32 though....

[nextboy]

i had that tv for about 2 weeks. There was some ghosting while watching sports and a bit while playing 360. If youre not extremely picky with pq then its a good buy i guess. I ended up exchanging it for a toshiba lcd

Toshiba 32hlc56
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10076544&catid=23244

Remember if you end up buying from best buy or futureshop go here

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=57

and buy some giftcards. It can save you a minimum of 10% of your purchase. After your purchase also remember to keep your receipt so you can price protect incase the price of your lcd goes down within that timeframe(if u buy at bb or fs). I kept my receipt for my tv and within 30 days the price was down $100+ and with my receipt i got that money back.

Good luck on your search!

[teknoluv]

Costco has Viewsonic 32" for $699, which is definitely a better brand than Prima.

[Bell Rep]

So can i buy a $25 Costco GC and buy a $700 LCD TV and pay the rest with cash ?

[CodecX81]

Not sure if this helps any but Samsung makes a great LCD product.

I got an LNS2641D for my bedroom and I love it!

Prima is a decent brand, despite it being "no-name". My fiancees' grandpa got a 42" Prima for his living room. The pictures OK but he had a problem with the sound and had to take it for repair.

Westinghouse is awesome quality for the price!

If you do not get the 32" Prima for 749, pay the extra $50 and get the 32" Westinghouse

[wonton1017]

Wait a little longer, articles on the internet says that LCD HDTV are going to be sold for a really low price.

This LCDTV here was selling for $799 a month ago:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10078597&catid=

[Bell Rep]

Wait a little longer, articles on the internet says that LCD HDTV are going to be sold for a really low price.

This LCDTV here was selling for $799 a month ago:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10078597&catid=
I cant wait, I have nothing to watch right now

Can someone answer my Costco question ? ^

[nextboy]

Can someone answer my Costco question ? ^

I'm sure costco can.

*North York Costco General Information (416) 635-8175

[Bell Rep]

Which one would you buy if you were buying an LCD ?

These are all Regular Price and not yet on sale, so sale price would be around $50 cheaper

Costco Viewsonic 32" LCD for $699, whats the model # ?

Envision 32" Widescreen LCD - Reg Price $700
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10078597&catid=

Insignia 32" Widescreen LCD - Reg Price $730
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10078474&catid=

Prima 32" Widescreen LCD - Reg Price $700
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10078679&catid=23244

Westinghouse 32" Widescreen LCD - Reg Price $800
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10075254&catid=23244

Or is there another LCD that is in my budget and has good quality ?

Is there any Price Match available for these or any LCD for my budget ?

I like the Westinghouse but dont like the price and its Silver, I prefer Black

Costco.ca GC cannot be used in stores, so can I buy a Costco GC at Costco without a membership ?

How can I watch HD channels in HD without buying an HD Terminal ?

[M.D.]

My vote for Envision! Got mine (27") for $550 taxes in, when FS had $50 off
$500, plus I used gift cards.
Very nice tv, also has ATSC tuner, OTA HD looks so sweet :D This is what you need to watch HD channels with regular bunny ears.

[squall458]

My vote for Envision! Got mine (27") for $550 taxes in, when FS had $50 off
$500, plus I used gift cards.
Very nice tv, also has ATSC tuner, OTA HD looks so sweet :D This is what you need to watch HD channels with regular bunny ears.

any suggestions for a cheap and good attena (for the free OTA)

[M.D.]

any suggestions for a cheap and good attena (for the free OTA)

I actually have this one and am very satisfied with it.
http://www.thesourcecc.com/estore/Product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=Indoor+Antennas&product=1518853
I got it when it was on sale for $60 though. I dont even need to extend the bunny ears to get good reception. so it doesn't stand out in my room.
I've tried the other ones from the source and this one seems to be the best there.
You should check out the OTA thread about the channel master, everyone is saying its one of the best indoor antennas out there and is only about $60, the reason I didn't get it was because of its size and it looked like a BBQ grill :lol:

[Bell Rep]

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1926609,00.asp
On that review site its CONs are that component video output is not good
I use component output for my dvd player, so this wouldnt be good ?

[teknoluv]

Does Costco still have the Viewsonic 32" for $699 ? whats the model # ?
Costco.ca GC cannot be used in stores, so can I buy a Costco GC at Costco without a membership ?
I was at their Vaughan store on Sunday, and they have like 2 dozens of Viewsonic 32" there, for $699. I didn't take note of the model number though.

I'm not sure if you can buy their gift card without a membership, but they still have that membership promo which gives out $25 gift card when you sign up for $55. (Please search for the other thread in the Hot Deals.)

[ChinpokoMon]

Costco.ca GC cannot be used in stores, so can I buy a Costco GC at Costco without a membership ?

You can buy a Costco cash card (not the electronic gift certificate) online and then use it in-store.

http://www.costco.ca/en-CA/Browse/ProductSet.aspx?Prodid=10284381&whse=&topnav=&browse=&s=1

[dhamilton]

You can also get a refund on your membership anytime...

So, you can buy a Costco membership, get a $25 GC (mentioned above), buy the TV and then go back later and cancel the membership...you will probably only be reimbursed for the $55-$25 for the GC

Or you can just keep the membership and buy more stuff from Costco lol :)

You also have the peace of mind that you can return your set if it craps out on you,without having to worry about dealing with the manufacturer. And you can return merchandise without an active membership as well.

[ldrafter]

Which one would you buy if you were buying an LCD ?

These are all Regular Price and not yet on sale, so sale price would be around $50 cheaper

Envision 32" Widescreen LCD - Reg Price $700
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10078597&catid=

Insignia 32" Widescreen LCD - Reg Price $730
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10078474&catid=

Prima 32" Widescreen LCD - Reg Price $700
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10078679&catid=23244

Westinghouse 32" Widescreen LCD - Reg Price $800
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10075254&catid=23244

Or is there another LCD that is in my budget and has good quality ?

Is there any Price Match available for these or any LCD for my budget ?

I like the Westinghouse but dont like the price and its Silver, I prefer Black

Does Costco still have the Viewsonic 32" for $699 ? whats the model # ?
Costco.ca GC cannot be used in stores, so can I buy a Costco GC at Costco without a membership ?

How can I watch HD channels in HD without buying an HD Terminal ?

I mentioned this deal in the TSCC LCD clearance thread but I'll mention it here as well. If you're willing to go with a no name brand LCD TV, check to see if your local TSCC still has any of the Centrios 32" LCDs left for $429.99. If it's available, it's likely to be a demo but it should still come with a 2 year warranty. I picked one up and I'm quite happy with it. I'm going to use it as a computer monitor as well as a bedroom TV.

[BB88]

My vote for Envision! Got mine (27") for $550 taxes in, when FS had $50 off
$500, plus I used gift cards.
Very nice tv, also has ATSC tuner, OTA HD looks so sweet :D This is what you need to watch HD channels with regular bunny ears.

After seeing people saying good things about Envision SD quality, I went to FS and take a look at it myself...I was not impressed. It was between a Insignia and a LG, and I think it looks worse than the other two. It's the 32" model.

[squall458]

I actually have this one and am very satisfied with it.
http://www.thesourcecc.com/estore/Product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=Indoor+Antennas&product=1518853
I got it when it was on sale for $60 though. I dont even need to extend the bunny ears to get good reception. so it doesn't stand out in my room.
I've tried the other ones from the source and this one seems to be the best there.
You should check out the OTA thread about the channel master, everyone is saying its one of the best indoor antennas out there and is only about $60, the reason I didn't get it was because of its size and it looked like a BBQ grill :lol:

Thanks M.D.!!! Yea I rather not have BBQ grills sticking out but if it has better reception I would!

[Bell Rep]

So Westinghouse 32" Widescreen LCD - Reg Price $800 OR ViewSonic 32" Widescreen LCD - Reg Price $700+$50 for Costco membership ?

[kev*]

After seeing people saying good things about Envision SD quality, I went to FS and take a look at it myself...I was not impressed. It was between a Insignia and a LG, and I think it looks worse than the other two. It's the 32" model.

I'd be more inclined to believe a bunch of web reviews over in-store quality since they usually have the cheap tv's split so much they look like crap - perhaps to encourage you to buy the "better-looking" more expensive sony or samsung in the next isle. I too am looking for a 32" LCD and will probably get the Envision in a couple of months. It's interesting it also has QAM tuner too.

[Bell Rep]

So should I get the Costco Viewsonic 32" LCD for $700 + $50 Membership ?
and refund the membership after 6 months ? because it I refund it right away I wont get the 6 months warrenty

[BB88]

I'd be more inclined to believe a bunch of web reviews over in-store quality since they usually have the cheap tv's split so much they look like crap - perhaps to encourage you to buy the "better-looking" more expensive sony or samsung in the next isle. I too am looking for a 32" LCD and will probably get the Envision in a couple of months. It's interesting it also has QAM tuner too.

Are there any subjective or professional reviews that say it has good quality? I did really see some severe backlight bleeding from the 4 corners..

[Drew_W]

So should I get the Costco Viewsonic 32" LCD for $700 + $50 Membership ?
and refund the membership after 6 months ? because it I refund it right away I wont get the 6 months warrenty

Why would you be so unethical as to refund the membership?

[Bell Rep]

Why would you be so unethical as to refund the membership?
Because I dont buy things there and refunding the membership after my tv warrenty is up which is 6 months and what good do I have with the membership after that ?

[Bell Rep]

What do I need to look for in an LCD TV to get HD channels without buying an HD Terminal ?

[BB88]

Because I dont buy things there and refunding the membership after my tv warrenty is up which is 6 months and what good do I have with the membership after that ?

By that time you have already bought the TV at a lower price from outside, so even you're not buying things afterwards, you have used it

[Drew_W]

What do I need to look for in an LCD TV to get HD channels without buying an HD Terminal ?

Can you do any research on your own? READ: www.digitalhome.ca/forum

[Drew_W]

Because I dont buy things there and refunding the membership after my tv warrenty is up which is 6 months and what good do I have with the membership after that ?

You bought the TV, therefore refunding the membership and keeping the TV is rather unethical. The cheapness of some people here is just astounding. It's this self-serving attitude that keeps eroding our society.

[teknoluv]

So should I get the Costco Viewsonic 32" LCD for $700 + $50 Membership ?
It's actually $30 for membership (if you take away the $25 cash card). I'd keep it: it's worth even for 1 extra deal there in the next 12 months.

[Bell Rep]

You bought the TV, therefore refunding the membership and keeping the TV is rather unethical. The cheapness of some people here is just astounding. It's this self-serving attitude that keeps eroding our society.
So why do we have a freebie forum if I am so cheap ? isnt everyone that use the freebie forum consider cheap in a way

[Bell Rep]

It's actually $30 for membership (if you take away the $25 cash card). I'd keep it: it's worth even for 1 extra deal there in the next 12 months.
In that case I would probably keep it, does anyone know when this deal expires ?

[Bell Rep]

It says that the Westinghouse 32" LCD TV has a NTSC tuner ?
What is the difference between NTSC and ATSC and "AQSC?" ?

[kev*]

Are there any subjective or professional reviews that say it has good quality? I did really see some severe backlight bleeding from the 4 corners..

No, I don't believe any "professional" reviews exist. The backlight issue had been mentioned in a customer review and was corrected by turning down the brightness slightly. Around the $700 range it gets better customer reviews than most this is probably why I will get one soon unless something better comes along. According to customer reviews it is better than westinghouse, soyo, prima, insignia and daytek.

[Bell Rep]

I see that the Westinghouse 32" LCD TV only has a NTSC Tuner and not a ATSC

Does this mean that I cant watch HD channels like CityTV without a HD Box not even bunny ears ?

[dhamilton]

I see that the Westinghouse 32" LCD TV only has a NTSC Tuner and not a ATSC

Does this mean that I cant watch HD channels like CityTV without a HD Box not even bunny ears ?

Without an ATSC tuner, you will not be able to watch OTA HD CHannels even with bunny ears...

[BB88]

So why do we have a freebie forum if I am so cheap ? isnt everyone that use the freebie forum consider cheap in a way

This is totally different. You are taking advantage on the membership (to buy the TV), and this is NOT supposed to be free

[Bell Rep]

This is totally different. You are taking advantage on the membership (to buy the TV), and this is NOT supposed to be free
But it can be free, really if I somehow get the coupon code to work then I will keep the membership if not I probably refund the membership after 6 months or so because I dont shop there nor plan too after I buy a TV from them

[Narci]

Why not just get a TV tuner card and use your computer as a TV?

I do that right now till the LCD i want goes on sale.

[Bell Rep]

Why not just get a TV tuner card and use your computer as a TV?

I do that right now till the LCD i want goes on sale.
I have a AIW 9800pro but would rather have a tv

I am really stuck on the Envision L32W461 and the ViewSonic N3252W ? Please help me decided
Is that the right model # for the ViewSonic ?

[wisdom_kid]

If you are planning to buy the Envision some things you should know:
- SD quality is not so great
- The bleeding problem exists
- HD quality is good but grainy
- Has VGA input + HDMI

The tv is good for the money you pay for. I would have paid more to get a better tv, but overall if money is an issue then buy the tv because its the best you can get for that amount of money.

[Bell Rep]

If you are planning to buy the Envision some things you should know:
- SD quality is not so great
- The bleeding problem exists
- HD quality is good but grainy
- Has VGA input + HDMI

The tv is good for the money you pay for. I would have paid more to get a better tv, but overall if money is an issue then buy the tv because its the best you can get for that amount of money.
So your recommending the ViewSonic ? but from what I have reviewed the Envision is better then the ViewSonic but I would like people that actually own its opinions

[Narci]

the old 3250 viewsonic had better PQ for SD channels then the 3252. I had both..one upstairs and one in my room before living in TO. Too bad you won't be able to find the 3250 anymore.

[wisdom_kid]

I have not checked out the ViewSonic so i cant recommend it. The Envision TV is good, but it also has its flaws. It was the best tv in my price range when i went to Future Shop to buy it. I compared it to Digimate and the other Tv brand (forgot the name), and the Envision had far better HD quality than those two. I also checked the PRIMA in BB, and i can say that the Envision TV was the best choice for me.

[itsyours]

So can i buy a $25 Costco GC and buy a $700 LCD TV and pay the rest with cash ?

Sure you can, I did that before so I know.
I can even help you to get a Costco gift card and mail it to you if you can't buy from Costco.ca
My recommendation is to post a WTB in our forum. If you can get an used Acer 3220 for $570 - $670 that should be the best buy.

[Bell Rep]

Sure you can, I did that before so I know.
I can even help you to get a Costco gift card and mail it to you if you can't buy from Costco.ca
My recommendation is to post a WTB in our forum. If you can get an used Acer 3220 for $570 - $670 that should be the best buy.
I wouldnt buy a LCD TV off WTB because there wouldnt be any warrenty and if it breaks I am screwed
I am going to try to get my friend to buy it for me and if he doesnt I might need your help but I would only have cash to pay you

[Bell Rep]

I an going to buy the Envision because it has better pq in SD then ViewSonic and if I dont like it I will refund it for the ViewSonic

If anyone still have their opinions to state then feel free to

[Donkey_boy]

I just bought a cheap ILO 32" LCD HDTV from Micro Electronics Direct on Dufferin street for $600 cash out the door, came with warranty, the review were average, but I just needed a cheap television for the bedroom to replace my 27" crt, will be getting the 46" aquos soon anyhow. Picture and color are great!

http://www.epinions.com/ILO_3200_Television

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/6079/cimg1221xo0.jpg

[Bell Rep]

I just bought a cheap ILO 32" LCD HDTV from Micro Electronics Direct on Dufferin street for $600 cash out the door, came with warranty, the review were average, but I just needed a cheap television for the bedroom to replace my 27" crt, will be getting the 46" aquos soon anyhow. Picture and color are great!

http://www.epinions.com/ILO_3200_Television

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/6079/cimg1221xo0.jpg
From what I see from the specs and reviews it actually aint good at all, it has worst specs then these $700 LCD TVs and its only $100 more
I really wouldnt buy this even if it was $600 and seeing that you got a little deal

[Donkey_boy]

yeah $100 more + taxes, Like I said the only time I watch this is for like 1hour before I fall asleep.....$600 aint alot a money for me so to me it was cheap! as long as it functions I am happy, I am prepared to throw more money toward a 46" sharp for the living room!


From what I see from the specs and reviews it actually aint good at all, it has worst specs then these $700 LCD TVs and its only $100 more
I really wouldnt buy this even if it was $600 and seeing that you got a little deal

[kev*]

The digimate 32" is $550 and the Envision 32" is $630 at Futureshop now on sale.

[terrybear]

Again as I sugested in the poll & in pm's the envision one seems the best of the bunch. thought I would be curious as to see how the acer lcd tv's are :)

[hunhunk]

The digimate 32" is $550 and the Envision 32" is $630 at Futureshop now on sale.

where is your location? I checked my local futureshop and their website, still show $699. Would like to get one if it is $630.

[Bell Rep]

where is your location? I checked my local futureshop and their website, still show $699. Would like to get one if it is $630.
That sale ended today at 9AM

[M.D.]

That sale ended today at 9AM

did you finally buy it?!?!?!

[dairymandip]

im also looking for a lcd tv, my old tv finally died

ive narrowed it down to
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10073641&catid=

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10075261&catid=23243

anyone know if the samsung is any good i tried looking for reviews but kept coming up short

[Bell Rep]

did you finally buy it?!?!?!
I probably buy it this weekend when my friend is available and hope its on sale

im also looking for a lcd tv, my old tv finally died

ive narrowed it down to
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10073641&catid=

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10075261&catid=23243

anyone know if the samsung is any good i tried looking for reviews but kept coming up short
If you going to get the Westinghouse then get the 32" version because your were going to spend $800 on the Samsung anyways so I figure you have $800 to spend

[UrbanPoet]

how about buying a VGA TV tuner device and then purchasing a name brand computer monitor?
LG 19"inch monitor is only $200....
you bought buy these VGA tv tuners for $65.

[kev*]

how about buying a VGA TV tuner device and then purchasing a name brand computer monitor?
LG 19"inch monitor is only $200....
you bought buy these VGA tv tuners for $65.

Cause it would be lacking 13" of screen. I don't need that extra strain on my eyes.

[teknoluv]

I was at their Vaughan store on Sunday, and they have like 2 dozens of Viewsonic 32" there, for $699. I didn't take note of the model number though.
Went to Costco Markham today (Monday). There were about <10 Viewsonic 3252 ($699) and >20 3752 ($899) on the floor.

[Bell Rep]

I just notice that the Envision doesnt have HDCP Support, does that make a big difference ?

[bowwer]

Tigerdirect has an Olevia for 599 that looked OK in store. No tuners though.

[Bell Rep]

Tigerdirect has an Olevia for 599 that looked OK in store. No tuners though.
Its not worth it

The Envision doesnt have HDCP Support, does that make a big difference ?

[BB88]

You still haven't made up your mind on the TV selection? I already got another Viewsonic 37" for $650 AR, which is cheaper than any of your selection :D

[JohnnyABC]

I noticed today that the Envision 27" is no longer available on the Futureshop website.