advice please on a tv upgrade

[admin_exported]

hi everyone,

im in need of some much needed advice with upgrading my tv.

im still currently using a ten year old phillips 32" tv that is now almost knackered so i need to upgrade to an lcd.

i have no idea what the things to go for are or what to avoid so im a complete novice when it comes to tv's etc.

i notice there is a thing called freeset now aswell as free view?? what is best to gor for and will age better over the next ten years???

im after a 37" i think or depending on price i may go a tad bigger.

my price range is between £600 - £850.

can anyone give me some good examples from either own experience with the tv or good reviews from friends etc?????

dan.

 

[strapped for cash]

The Panasonic TXP42G10 (plasma) and Philips 42PFL7404 (LCD) both suit your budget (check out the price of both on the Richer Sounds website). I went for the Panasonic, but if you're viewing in bright conditions then the Philips LCD might suit you better. If you can stretch your budget a bit then you can also check out some of the new Samsung LED sets (they're very pretty, but the model numbers can differ as certain stores stock 'exclusive' versions of these televisions). It's a good time to buy because many sets have dropped rapidly in price in the run-up to Christmas. Both models I mention have been around for a while, but are yet to be usurped by their manufacturers 2010 models.

 

[Anonymous]

id add the sony 40kdl5810 to that list , there are some great deals around where you get dish installation , even bluray players thrown in for £8-£900 , it also has freesat like the g10 , and black levels to match , a very nice tv ...

 

[Anonymous]

thanks for you views on the few tv's mentioned!! do all the tv's you have both mentioned have freesat??

am i definately better off going with freesat as this tv will more than likely have to do me for the next 8-10 years so i really want a tv that will not be too old hat give it just a few years!

any more suggestions would be good,

thanks,

dan

 

[strapped for cash]

The G10 (definitely) and the Sony (I think) both have integrated freesat tuners, though you will obviously need a satellite dish to make use of this option.

Whether you think Freesat is worthwhile depends on several factors. First, if you have a satellite dish then you can access free HD programmes on BBC and ITV, which has particular advantages if you're a sports fan -- the 2010 World Cup will be broadcast in HD, along with Wimbledon and Champions League football on ITV. Given the rather poor broadcast quality of some free to air sports broadcasting, the option of watching these events in a 1080i (or HD ready) broadcast format is a real bonus. However, the amount of free HD material is very limited at the moment (check out the BBC website HD channel listing to see what I mean).

To further complicate matters, Freeview HD will be rolled out via a select number of transmitters next year (starting with Manchester, I think), though to take advantage of this you will need to live in one of the few areas in whch this service is being initially broadcast, as well a being the owner of either a HD freeview tuner box or a television with an integrated Freeview HD tuner (some manufacturers are introducing these features in their 2010 models).

f course, if you subsrcibe to Sky then you will be able to view much more HD material than using either Freesat of Freeview HD (when it becomes available). It's all very confusing, but for now Freesat is the only way of viewing HD programmes without having to pay a monthly subscription to Sky/Virgin Media.

I wouldn't let any of the above heavily influence your choice of TV. I would opt, first and foremost, for a television that affords you a picture that you're happy with and suits your viewing environment (i.e. plasma for darker conditions, LCD for brighter rooms). If you go for a TV that doesn't have an inbuilt Freesat tuner and you want to take advantage of this service then you can always add a set top box/video recorder like the 'Humax Foxsat' at a later date. If you're not happy with the picture on your TV, however, then you will be stuck with it!

Best of luck...