Every deal has a catch, and today’s article on the pros/cons of cheap LCDs does a good job of raising a red flag on TV “bargains”. As if on cue, DELL is offering $300 off the 42” Gallevia GV42LF from one of the more famous (infamous?) third-tier makers - Vizio.

If you put stock in reviews, the set actually does quite well compared to it’s bigger and certainly more expensive brethren. PCWorld liked it’s vivid colors and handling of DVDs/Blu-ray titles. ZDNet was impressed with it’s deep blacks (unusual for the budget class) and solid PC performance. Owner reviews site “great sound” (?!), attractive chasis (??!!) and built-in program guide. So much for user opinions ;)

Thumbs down include a hard-to-read menu, poor shadow detail, and a mediocre job of smoothing out jagged edges. There’s also the lack of local VIZIO shops in case you are in need of repair.

Specs on the GV42LF include: 1080p HD (1920x1080), 1800:1 contrast, 178 degrees viewing angle, 3D digital comb filter, 3:2 pull down compensation with 2:2 pull down compensation, 2 HDMI ports (19 pin HDMI Type A), 2 component video inputs, 1 TOSLINK, and the usual plethora of useless RCA/composite inputs. One reviewer notes that these ports are all on the back of the set and facing down making adjustments awkward at best.

I’ll admit I’m torn when it comes to these budget sets. I certainly appreciate a good deal, but I also want the best technology for my home theater. When asked, I tend to suggest these TVs for people more impressed by size, or those wanting a second/third TV for a extra room where it won’t be so scrutinized. However, after reading the above reviews I would suggest prospective buyers to at least check out the budget option and decide for themselves.

Sale price: $999.00

Deal ends: n/a

Buy now: www.dell.com