I need advice on a decent 32" TV

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FHammer

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#248067 9-Mar-2019 12:03

Hi,

I'm downsizing the TV (we only use it for streaming) to a 32 inch so I went to HN earlier but they had a limited range of only 4 TV's that weren't impressive.

It seems there are no 4k so FHD is the minimum resolution. But I'd like excellent colours along with the ability to see darker movies and shows clearer too. The thinnest bezel possible too. Aesthetics is important.

So it really is about the clarity, colour, highest possible Hz and whatever technology that has become available in the last 5 or so years since I bought the old TV.

Sound isn't too important as I connect via a W4S DAC2 through my SM9 Focals as the old TV was.

I haven't bought a smart TV before as I've had a NUC attached to the rear of the old 42 inch and I'm not sure whether we should/will reuse it. It may be that this still allows better performance and more options.

Any advice would be appreciated.

TIA

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#2194700 9-Mar-2019 18:51

If you find a decent smart 32" TV, make sure it will always output PCM over optical when watching Netflix. Brands like Panasonic still default to Dolby, meaning you need a Dolby compatible DAC to get audio OR you'll need to press 'option' every time you watch a new show on Netflix...

In my experience though, finding quality 32" TV's is tough, the demand hasn't been there for a long time.

FHammer

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2194734 9-Mar-2019 19:44

Indeed, it seems that 32inch TV's are something of the past. That 40+ is the new minimum if you want a reasonable quality picture.
The best featured available seems to be the Samsung UA32M5500.

What to do...

shakedown14

59 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#2194737 9-Mar-2019 19:54

We bought a Sony 32W600 about 2 years ago at JBHifi and paid around 400 if I remember correctly.

Picture quality is very good but I would prefer a matte screen as their is quite reflections when watching during the day but I don't think any brands make some.

We stopped using the Netflix built in app as it crashes quite often and the TV seems to loose the connection to the built in Wifi antenna

We use a PS3 for Plex/Netflix and it does a much better job.

richms

28187 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2194754 9-Mar-2019 20:34

Very small screens are not something that sell well so they all have substandard specs like something x 768 panels, no motion modes, not many inputs and no smarts in them.

Richard rich.ms

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#2194769 9-Mar-2019 21:01

Apart from saving a bit of real estate, is there really any really compelling reason to drop down to something as small as a 32”? Even with that, the shrinking size of bezels over the past few years means that “advantage” may not be so significant.

Perhaps see if you can borrow (or even just buy a cheap as second-hand) 32” before you commit to this and place it in the space your tv will go, as you may well find it’s a smaller image than you’re comfortable living with on an every-day basis.