Focal point. That was the big debate. While I agree that it's silly to position all the furniture in a room so that you have to crane your neck to see the television, the thought of building a family room all around a TV set makes me cringe. It's about family, right? Not about staring off, zombie-like into the “boob tube.”
While Sam went for practicality, I went for ambiance. The fireplace, I declared, should be front and center. I mean, really, what brings a warm, loving picture to your mind, the family gathered around a glowing fire, singing, talking, laughing? Or the family gathered around the glow of an LCD screen?
It was, finally, a visit to the Parade of Homes a couple of years ago that introduced the compromise. Hang the flat screen TV over the mantle.
Since all our current televisions were pre-affordable-flat screen, we were due a shopping trip. We found a great price on an excellent set in the Westinghouse TX-42F430S 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV.
This flatscreen TV features:
- Viewable Screen Size: 42″ Diagonal
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Native/Optimum Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color Capability: 16.7 Million colors
The screen has a nice, clean look, with controls on the side and a well-designed remote. The colors are vivid and clear. It's also fun to get all the new HD programing choices and special features.
The ginormous TV set is currently mounted to the wall in the master bedroom of our rental unit. A bit of overkill, I know. But when the home is done, it will share front and center with fireplace in our new family room.
The 1080p is awesome. The best thing ever invented. I love it and will never have anything less.
Hi, cool post. I have been wondering about this topic, so thanks for writing.
Appreciate the detailed info. Keep it going!
We have this TV, I think it’s the same model. It is a great set but we have it in our den. Great picture and I even like the remote layout.
I just recieved this refurbished 42in Westlinghouse, hooked it up to a blu ray player, and was very impressed by the picture and sound. The picture was very crisp and visually engaging. This LCD would have had 5 stars if it only had more RCA inputs. Now, I’m forced to buy component cables, which I know in the end I’ll be thankful.
Best to accompany such a tv with a nice gaming system of blue ray player to take advantage of that high def!