Brunt

$20 more for 1080p doesn't sound like a waste to me. As for the brand? Well, I have 3 lesser brand televisions, and they all work great and look good with good source. The 2 32"'ers in my basement are "Spectre" brand and they look great with Hi-Def sources. If this 42" TV your buying is going to be displaying BluRays or PS3 games I would opt for the 1080p for the same reason people opt for thicker speaker wire with shorter runs...peace of mind.

Everything looks decent...but your trim looks backwards.