What LCD TV to go with for gift?

[GeforceXtreme]

I am deciding on getting a TV for my parents room. We have tv's in like every room of the house, except their room. Well they have a cable hookup however the issue is, no where to place a TV on. However I thought of getting an LCD monitor so put on top of some shelf thing. Being an LCD is thin, it would fit perfectly fine. Because we just have basic/standard cable TV in the house, no reason to go all out on a HD digital one. So I am trying to get some idea's on some models to look at? I have seen some off brand models that have very good picture quality. I have never purchased an LCD TV before (just monitors) so not sure as to which ones to go with, and which ones to stay away from. So I am looking for a 19-20" LCD monitor, and doesn't have to be loaded with a lot of goodies, just want one which is bright, and has good quality picture.

Also while I am looking, what should I look for in the descriptions? Should it have over a certain contrast ratio? Being LCD monitors I deal with, I try to get ones that are over 500:1.