Looking to pick up a gaming TV
 

So, I just moved into my studio for the upcoming year, and I'm quickly realizing that the 15 inch TV that I have just isn't going to cut it as my main television. I'm looking for something relatively basic, 26-30 inches, 1080p, that'll look decent for gaming (and of course, standard TV/Movie watching). Do you guys have any recommendations?

You don't need 1080p at that size. 1080p is basically only noticeable past like a 37-40 inch range. And hell, some electronics don't know the difference. My PS3 and 360 both register my TV as 1080p, when it was advertised at 720p. Most games aren't even made in 1080p, so you'd only be upscaling the graphics from 720p or something lower anyway.

I have an LG, which is a middle-of-the-road TV. Samsung and Sony make great TVs. Sharp Aquos is another great brand too. You don't sound like you want anything fancy, so I'd just stick with an LCD. I love my LG for what I paid for it.

LG's and Phillips are great. Sonys are generally a waste because of the price to quality ratio and if you get a Samsung, factor in the price of the extended warranty if you don't know how to solder, because you may get one that craps out in a few years.

Look at Vizio brand TVs. I have a 22" and my friend has a 42" and they are awesome and affordable.

Check out your local electronic store for any open box TVs. You can find pretty good deals there.

Also would recommend a Vizio brand. I've had mine for about three years, and I've never had a problem. Also like James said they are very affordable.

When I eventually buy one, I always figured that I should get 1080p to futureproof it as much as possible. The size will likely be around 32 inches.

Are there downsides to buying 720p vs 1080p at that size?

I barely even see a difference on my 42" TV. There is one, but you don't notice it day to day like you do with 480p Vs 720p.

There's no point future-proofing anyway. There's 3D already out there so unless you go that way now, you'll have something top of the range for a couple of years.

Yeah, seriously doubt I'll ever bother with 3D until they perfect it at all angles without glasses, which I don't see happening for a long time, if ever, since I consider it a fad that's destined to fail.

There shouldn't be, no. None I've ever heard of or experienced.