While the retail price of the Samsung LN32A450 32-inch LCD HDTV remains just over $1,000, the set can be found online--as well as a major big-box retailers--for considerably less. If you've been putting off getting a second flat panel set for the den or bedroom, or just need a slimmed-down set for the living room, this model might be one worth considering.

This 720p model features a native resolution of 1,366x768, and scales all sources to fit the pixels. The set is compatible with 480p, 720p and 1080i content, while also supporting downscaled 1080p HD content accordingly. We were pleased with the picture results when viewing the LN32A450 and found it to be generally free of digital artifacts and other jaggies. With a dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000:1, we found the black levels to quite acceptable. This set didn't produce the darkest or anywhere near the richest blacks, but we were pleased, given the price. The color was a tad less impressive, especially out of the box. Fortunately, with the multiple picture settings we found that you can get a good picture with a few minor adjustments.

What impressed us even more is that, for a smaller-sized display, this panel doesn't short change you in terms of connectivity options. The Samsung LN32A450 features a total of three HDMI connections, including two rear HDMI inputs as well as a side input, so making the switch between gaming consoles or other HDMI-supported devices is as easy as can be. We were further pleased with the rest of the connectivity options with this 32-inch LCD set, from its two rear component inputs, one rear A/V input with composite, side S-Video input and VGA PC input, as well as twin RF inputs for antenna and coaxial cable. In addition to the side HDMI input, there's a headphone output (a feature we also appreciate on TVs of any size). We were disappointed not to find a USB port, but for the money, this is a small complaint.

The LN32A450 isn't the smallest, thinnest or sleekest set we've seen, but it is fairly light at just over 24 pounds. Samsung LN32A450 features an oval stand that allows the TV to swivel up to about 20 degrees, so you can always get a great view from this set. This is especially important, as we found the off angle viewing to suffer a bit. While this is often a problem with LCD sets, we noticed you do need to be a bit more front and center than normal from our viewing.

On the other hand, we found the picture to be very bright, even with ambient light issues. This makes viewing of the set problem-free regardless of the time of the day--you don't need to worry about the picture being washed out if you decide to watch TV on a sunny day.

Furthermore, we found the built-in 10-watt stereo speakers to be more than adequate for the viewing you're likely to do with the Samsung LN32A450. These speakers support SRS TruSurround XT to simulate the multi-channel experience, and while this still doesn't match a true home theater system, we liked what we heard. All things considered, this is an affordable set that would be ideal for a den or a living room where a larger set would just be too big.

Pros: Three HDMI inputs, optimized game mode
Cons: Not the best off angle viewing, some inaccurate colors

Warranty
1 year, limited, parts and labor