32" LCD for parents - a bit stuck

[Loppin McPhee]

My parents are currently watching a green hued CRT as their tube has blown.
They've asked me to get them a new "flat telly", no bigger than 32".

Dad watches quite a bit of terrestrial sports, so response time is important.

The Mendip transmitter is now broadcasting HD, so getting one with Freeview HD would be nice.

No Plasmas at 32" any more, so I'm stuck speccing a suitable LCD. I've suggested they have another CRT as they don't really need HD, but they won't have it.

Any recommendations please?

[E31Shrew]

Pana 32S20. Sound quality much better than equivalent Sasmungs, which may be a benefit, plus Freeview HD built in

[E31Shrew]

Just a point though. Your folks 32" CRT will be around the same width, including case, as a 37" LCD or plasma so may be worth looking at those also. Assuming it has speakers on the side

[PJ S]

No Freeview HD on the 37X20 Plasma though - so separate box needed for that route.

[E31Shrew]

PJ S said:

No Freeview HD on the 37X20 Plasma though - so separate box needed for that route.

ooops!

[Deva Link]

If they've stuck with a CRT this long then they're not likely to be bothered about HD, plus they probably won't be able to see the difference on a 32" screen anyway, unless they watch it from about 3 feet away.

I'd second the suggestion of a Panny 37" plasma - I didn't want one too big in our living room when we replaced a 28" CRT but after having it for a while I reckon we could have even got away with a 42". Picture for everyday Freeview watching is fantastic.

[Loppin McPhee]

Thanks for the comments. They've been watching their CRT in green for a few weeks now (what is it with parents? ), so HD may well be lost on them.

I've just been up to a local retail emporium and had a look at a few sets (it's not representative I know). Had a look at the 37's and I reckon they wouldn't go for it. It's actually a 28" CRT they have, so I factored in the sleekness of a LCD already.

The Panasonic 32s20 was there at £700, but can be found at £600 online.

I'll talk to them tonight about their budget.
In the meantime, if anyone has any ideas about a very good 32" non Freeview HD TV, which would look great with SD sports I'd be all ears.

[E31Shrew]

32X20 then!

[Loppin McPhee]

Thanks, budget higher than I thought. Going to get the Panasonic Freeview HD TX-L32S20B.

Which at £600 seems a shed load to pay for a 32" LCD!