The Glade 4.0

I have a crappy old 42" Westinghouse flat panel that is showing signs of failure. There are dark splotches on the screen after it's been on for a while.

It's not an immediate need, but I want to start looking around for a replacement.

I primarily use it for web browsing, slingbox (connected to cable box in another room),netflix/hulu/amazon, etc... I will occasionally log a game in on it, but it's not a primary gaming machine.

The only things currently connected to it are a Windows 7 PC and my Xbox360 (which I rarely turn on anymore). As the 360 becomes more viable as a media interface, I may switch it it for some things (i.e. netflix, etc..). I use the PC to play DVD's and Blu-Rays, although I do that very rarely. I do not have any other dedicated devices connected (dvd players, etc...)

It hangs on the wall directly behind and above my main gaming computer display. I'm about 4 to 5 feet from it when I'm watching it. 42" is probably a bit oversized for what im doing, so I'm looking in the 35" to 42" range, with the smaller being preferred.

I don't know much about current panel technology, or even what the price points are for them, so I haven't really set a budget yet. I would say that I don't really need a super high-end panel, but I'd like it to be of decent qualty and durability, so I'm not going for the cheapest option (that's what i have now, and am regretting it).

From a feature standpoint, it just needs to do a good job of displaying xbox 360 and PC output (on a PC dedicated to this purpose). I don't want any kind of 3D capability, and it doesn't need to support any special 'sports' mode, etc... although I realize most sets include these gimmicks, so as long as I can disable them, that's fine.

Any recommendations?

You are probably going to want to go LCD since you've got a PC plugged in. My LED tv has a bit of input lag with my mouse, so that could get annoying. If I was shopping around in that price range, I'd be leaning toward something like this Panasonic panel mostly because it's IPS, it's not bogged down with unneeded options, and I've had a pretty good experience with Panasonic.

Edit - Unfortunately that particular model looks discontinued :[

I've been browsing for one for a while, I think this Panasonic might be the natural successor of the one Lenas recommended.

I still haven't gotten one, myself. But I'm still looking

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Darksiege: You are not a god damned vulcan homie.

I saw that one Neph. I wasn't sure about it though. Specifically referencing Lenas' comments about his LED TV having input lag. It wouldn't be a big problem except on the rare occasion I log in to a game on it....

Lenas, your comment about input lag concerns me a bit. I'm not familiar with the pros and cons of LED vs LCD vs Plasma when it comes to gaming and such. Would the set NephyrS linked work well with a 360 and as a PC monitor?

On my TV it's avoidable, but you need to turn off some of the features of my set, like local dimming (which is used for better black levels).

On the subject of LED vs LCD vs Plasma, for game playing and PC input I think that LCD is going to be your best bet. The biggest reasons being burn-in with static elements (Plasma), or possible input lag with an LED. LCD sets always seem to have the least amount of overscan when plugging in PC's in my experience, though that usually can be adjusted through video settings anyway.

As to what to look for in a TV, I'd say if you are going to be watching blu-rays that you want a 1080p set. Might as well get the most out of what you paid for, right? After re-reviewing the TV options in that range, I actually think that this one looks pretty great. It's got DLNA, which lets you watch things off of your network, it's got a game mode so no input lag, and it's also got a PC input. Made for Midgen™ stamped on the back.

Hrm.. that one seems to be discontinued too..

I might see if Costco has this one in stock this weekend..
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.as ... =C&topnav=