Smaller LCD Televisions

Small LCD TVs for the bedroom or kitchen

Widescreen LCD TVs that measure less than 32 inches are significantly cheaper than larger LCD panels. While these LCD televisions will look awfully small mounted on a wall, their smaller size makes them great for the bedroom or office. Most -- but not all -- can be used with a personal computer.

Sets in Samsung's LND450 line are worth a look, says TelevisionInfo.com in its review of the 32-inch Samsung LN32D450 (*Est. $350) . Other screen sizes in the series include the 22-inch LN22D450 (*Est. $225) and 26-inch LN26D450 (*Est. $315) . According to the site's Jackie Lee, all should perform similarly. The two largest members of the series have two HDMI ports instead of one.

Picture quality is pretty good, but not perfect. Contrast is one shortfall, and Lee finds that the nondefeatable dynamic backlight is a distraction. On the other hand, blacks are pretty deep and uniformity is good according to TelevisionInfo.com's test. Likewise, color performance, while not perfect, is good enough to outperform many other LCD TVs. Features are limited -- no 3D or Internet connectivity, of course -- but there is a USB input for playing back files on the TV. Despite some quirks, file support is broad for movies, music and photos, leading Lee to call it "robust and intuitive." User feedback is mixed thus far, but there's too little of it to give it too much weight.

The Samsung TVs above use conventional CCFL backlights, which are bulkier and less energy efficient than the LED backlight used in the 19-inch Vizio E190VA Razor (*Est. $190) . That LED backlight also allows for a razor-thin profile that's only .75-inch thick. Like the sets above, the resolution is just 720p but, again, that's fine for a TV in this screen size. A picture-frame function lets you watch a slideshow of your favorite photos when you're not watching TV programs. An ambient light setting dials down picture brightness when called for. That and the LED backlight help the E190VA achieve exemplary energy efficiency. Audio features include SRS TruVolume to even out those jarring volume shifts between programs and commercials. Though professional reviewers are silent thus far, user feedback, while still not abundant, is relatively strong. At Amazon, for example, the E190VA garners a solid 4.7 rating, with none of the nearly 20 owners weighing in giving the TV less than 4 stars out of 5. Though reviews at other sites are even less plentiful, they are, for the most part, no less positive.