LCD Television Noise ???

Unless you have this impossible room full of light that would cause un-controlled glare I would look at Plasma, I never noticed a noise from any unit my friends have, but I wasnt trying to hear it and there was always lots going on.

I just purchased a Sony Bravia 32" LCD TV (KDL32S3000) and there is no perceptible wining noise of any type I can hear. I never heard of this being inherent in LCD TV's. All the brands you mention are good ones. Features are what you want to research and select the TV with the features that work for you. I would stay away from Polaroid & Westinghouse. Just my opinion but to me, their picture just doesn't seem to be as good as the more expensive units.

I cannot afford Plasma and anyway the largest size that will fit my furniture is 26-inch. Thus I am seriously considering the Sony KDL-26S3000.

Based upon a very small sampling, I wouldn't worry about it at all. We (well, I) bought a dirt-cheap HD LCD this summer for eventual college use next year. Just went checking that & all the other LCDs in the house - the only noise I could hear was from the el cheapo and that was only a very faint florescent light-like white noise when the backlight came on and that lasted for at most 30 seconds. It was not detectable at all by the third time I turned the TV on, and I was maybe 12-15" away to be able to hear it at all. You should be able to try the on/off test in the store but I'd wager you'll hear nothing, too.

I'd agree w/ Pdn - check for features you want. For 720P @ 26" practically anything will work OK - and if I'm remembering the right one then the 26S3000 is a very nice unit that had decent blacks, too. Looked way better than the plasmas ;~) (for those of us who hate the obvious screen door from most plasmas).