LCD displays actually have their roots as computer displays, and the first consumer-level LCD panels were in desktop monitors. Over time these have gotten larger, and today the line between computer monitor and HDTV is blurred--but fortunately, the picture on the screens is much shaper. ViewSonic is a company that had been a monitor company first, and has slowly branched out in the TV space with its larger sets. This includes the ViewSonic N3235W, a 32-inch 720p HDTV.

And while marketed as a TV, this display is really just an overgrown monitor. But if you're looking for a mid-sized TV for the office, den or bedroom, this is certainly an affordable set to consider. Notice we didn't suggest this for the living room, because frankly, the sets bargain-priced design isn't exactly what we'd call attractive. Part of the reason for wanting a flat-panel TV--besides the obvious space saving--is that these HDTVs have a cool factor that is off the charts. Alas, this TV isn't very sexy or cool. The thick, glossy black frame with bottom-mounted speakers and a big silver button in the middle is much more geek than chic, and the included stand is also one of the dullest we've seen in a while. ViewSonic's N3235W has the look of a PC workhorse monitor, not a TV.

The remote control is equally generic, but fortunately, the simplistic menu system makes onscreen adjustments a true snap. Additionally, there are color presets, plus four picture presets--but alas, these can't be adjusted. Worse, there isn't a simple backlight control, which is really a necessary feature to have with an LCD display. As a result, you might have a picture that is far too bright in some lighting conditions. We did find that this set does wash out a bit with some direct ambient light, but not too much, and the set does look good from wide viewing angles.

Where the ViewSonic N3235W comes up really short is in its connections. There is a mere one HDMI input and only one component input. Additionally, the set supports a single composite and a single PC input. Clearly, this is a company that has single-minded thinking when it designs its sets. If this were a PC monitor we'd be happy with these connections, as it could handle an array of inputs. But with a TV this is unacceptable. If you're only using the set in the den or bedroom with a cable or set top box you could possibly get away with this, so it's worth keeping in mind.

As mentioned this is a 720p set, and it does a decent job with HDTV content, and can even display PC resolution up to 1360x768. The N3235W also has a very good response time and this makes it a good set for video games--in fact, for the price this isn't a bad choice. Of course the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 both support 1080p resolution, so that's also something to consider. The bottom mounted speakers do an acceptable job with TV content and movies. These can't compete with a true home theater system, but these don't sound entirely bargain basement either.

The ViewSonic N3235W is what you'd expect from an entry-level LCD set. But with falling prices you could probably get a whole lot more for not a lot more money.

Pros: Good price, good off angle viewing
Cons: Only 720p resolution, limited connectivity options

Warranty
1 year, limited