Help buying a new TV

[admin_exported]

I can’t believe how difficult it is to find a good tv these days, I’ve spend the last few months ploughing through reviews and just cannot keep up with the number of new tv sets coming out (I fully sympathise with what hi-fi staff who are doing a great job). I currently have a great 32” Sony CRT, which has been going for over 5 years (this set received 5 stars from what hi-fi). 

Nearly all of my viewing is done in standard definition via my sky box. I don’t feel its value for money paying the extra for a HD box and subscription due to the limited number of HD channels. I’m looking for a 40” – 42” tv set and want to spend around £800.I think I’ve managed to limited my search down to the following tvs:

Sony 40W4500 – 2008’s star of the show – saw this at a cut price £599, however I’ll only be getting the standard 12 mths guarantee.

Samsung LE40B650 - £799 (top of my budget). Don’t think the staff at what hi-fi got round to reviewing this one.

Sony 40W5500 – The prices vary for this one, however I think I can get it within budget if I shop around. Only concern is around the build quality, specifically the inconsistent backlighting as mentioned in the what hi-fi review.

I really need some help? What should I go for or should I wait? Hopefully the experts at what hi-fi can help me? I’ll look forward to the response.

 

[tvspecv]

if you watch a lot of standard def why lcd?
what hi fi reviewed a panasonic plasma 42 cant remenber the set but it was v.good for standard def this was a while ago. go for that shouldnt be to expensive

 

[Anonymous]

I'm a big Sony fan, which is why I was looking into LCD. ÿOne store advisor said to me if you like the look of the picture then you should choose that tv set, but as you'll know one needs to look at the full package before making their mind up.ÿ

Thanks for the tip - I believe you are referring to this model:ÿPanasonic TX-P42X10B. ÿI'll have to a visit a store for a quick demo before deciding.

 

[Anonymous]

hi i have the samsung le40 650 but it went wrong after 2 months, i only have freeview and i think its a very good picture i had a sony crt tv for 10 years no problems so i think the best bet is to get one wth extra warranty!

 

[Anonymous]

I've heard good things about this Samsung tv - appears to be a good alternative to the Sony. ÿI've seen it for £799 + a free samsung dvd player + 5 years guarantee - so it's probably worth my while taking another look at this set.

I honestly thought buying a mobile would be tough, especially with all the new models coming out - but for some reason I feel comfortable with this technology. ÿTV's are another ball game altogether, it's left me stumped and seriously confused, it would be really good to have an expert help me - hoping the what hi-fi colleagues are readingÿ

 

[Anonymous]

I just got my 40w5710 (5500) yesterday, and let me say its fantastic. Yes it does have backlight bleed (But so did all 3 of my 4500's which were replaced). Its just one of those things i think you can never get away from with sony lcd (maybe all lcds?). But its not like its so bad i cant watch the tv. Its just a little brighter in the top corners. But the HD picture from blu ray will take your eyes of it.

 

[Anonymous]

It's quite strange you mention backlight bleed - I remember when the first flatscreen tv's hit these shores and the what hi-fi reviews were quite amusing, as the picture quality was below par compared to the old CRT tv's. A few years on and there are still issues with this technology.

I have been doing a lot of intensive research for a new tv - l'm more confused now

 

[Andy Clough]

tvspecv:
if you watch a lot of standard def why lcd?
what hi fi reviewed a panasonic plasma 42 cant remenber the set but it was v.good for standard def this was a while ago. go for that shouldnt be to expensive

Model in question is the Panasonic TX-P42X10B. 'Only' HD-ready, but excellent value and just the job if you mainly watch standard def TV.

 

[Anonymous]

Andy Clough:tvspecv:
if you watch a lot of standard def why lcd?
what hi fi reviewed a panasonic plasma 42 cant remenber the set but it was v.good for standard def this was a while ago. go for that shouldnt be to expensive

Model in question is the Panasonic TX-P42X10B. 'Only' HD-ready, but excellent value and just the job if you mainly watch standard def TV.

HI Andy - many thanks for your response. ÿShould I then take out the LCD TV out of the equation then? ÿOr is their an LCD TV out there which delivers very good standard definition viewing?ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

Hi All,

I'm back again - visited a few shops specifically to look at theÿPanasonic TX-P42X10B, the only thing that is putting me off is the lack of 1080p. ÿAlthough technology is moving on rapidly, I do not tend to chase after the latest kit - hence my current 32inch Sony CRT is still going strong after almost 5 and 1/2 years of constant use. ÿI watch a lot of movies so a bigger screen is the logical step up. ÿTherefore I would like to buy a 1080p tv which offers a pretty good standard definition picture and also a really good HD one as well as I make the step up to HD and Blu-Ray over the next couple of years - I don't think I'm asking for a lot? ÿFor me I would be looking to stick to the tv for around 5 years.

Your help is required in helping me find the 'best' tv for my needs.ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

a 42inch panasonic g10 plasma would be ideal for you , full 1080p , very good sd , freesat hd , champions league , fa cup , golf , wimbledon etc all in hd , very good tv for movies , in my opinion plasmas do hd movies better , might cost a bit more but its a great tv .

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tip regarding Pansasonic G10, however there seems to be conflicting reviews across the web, especially in terms of the quality of standard definition footage. Would appreciate views of anyone who has this set or a really good LCD 1080p which would tick the boxes for me. ÿI'll look forward to your views.

 

[tvspecv]

if you want an lcd go for the new 37inch lcd freesat models from panasonic i had an older one lzd range which is fantastic for standard def better than some of these sonys