New tv

[Marsbardark]

 

[Marsbardark]

I'm thinking of replacing my 2008 Panasonic Plasma hd ready tv for a Panasonic LED 640/740 or the Samsung 48 inch 6400. Budget £650 to £800.

Had a look and currys but the way they have the TV's placed (to close to each other) and the rubbish feed on the display makes it almost pointless for comparing.

Has any gone from plasma to mid range LED/LCD and wish they hadn't? I am pretty happy with my TV but thought going to a 1080p screen would improve the picture and would give a bigger screen but phisically the same size as my old tv.

Any views would be appreciated.

 

[Glacialpath]

If your TV can only do 720p then most current 1080p TVs will be better. I would try and stick with Plasma but on a 50" screen and above. If you are staying with 42" then an LED backlit LCD screen will be good enough. I find if you go too far off centre with the viewing angle on anything other than a Plasma you lose colour depth and things tend to look to shiny and the blacks become crushed. So Plasma all the way IMO.

Don't go to Curreys go to Richer Sounds, Audio-T, Seven Oaks anywhere with a Demo room so you can put your own picture through, like a film you really like.

Also make sure you do some kind of simple picture setup or get someone to do it for you otherwise you won't be getting your money's worth from which ever TV you go for.

 

[BIGBERNARDBRESSLAW]

In regards to the 1080p vs 720p question, you will notice a difference when watching a blu ray, but for general tv viewing, it could be argued that 720p gives you an as good, if not better picture.

If you are happy with your tv, and there's nothing on the market that is screaming "buy me", I'd stick with what you've got until either the tv dies, or a better alternative presents itself.

Oh, and don't buy from Currys if you do decide you want one, Richer Sounds offer a free 5 year warranty with all their tvs now, as do JL.

 

[Marsbardark]

Thanks for the replies - I'm currently doing some refurbished panny st, gt, vt hunting in 50 inch screen size. My father inlaw has a sony 46 w905 lcd and I prefer my tv to be honest, just a lot more natural picture. I calibrated it using recommended settings online and to me it looks good. Most of my viewing is sky hd with about 30% split between games, netflix, blu rays and dvds.

the last Panasonic plasmas are still available and with 4k content not available, the temptation is high to get one before they're gone!

 

[theflyingwasp]

Yeah I think a lot of people will regret not grabbing the last of the Panasonic plasmas.4K is a while away so why not enjoy 1080p the best you can.

i wish I could be bothered putting my GT and ZT side by side to see the differences.

 

[Marsbardark]

I've read there is very little difference between the GT and VT. But the ZT is supposed to be one of the best if not the best tv ever made.

 

[bigboss]

There is very little difference between VT & ZT as well.

 

[theflyingwasp]

Yes true there is very little between the VT and ZT except the ZT maintains it's picture quality in lighter rooms.

as for the best ever made ,well if you add the fact the kuro has not got no 3d capability and little or no smart features ( not that there necessary) plus depending on which kuro generation is being used the ZT should come out on top.

whenever there is a ZT v kuro face off a 9th or 10th generation kuro is dug up and calibrated to the hilt to compete.i believe a run of the mill out of the box non calibrated ZT would trump almost all kuros that are still working.

 

[Marsbardark]

Hunt over, ordered a 42 inch GT50 with two years warranty for £350, well chuffed!

 

[theflyingwasp]

Great price! Never had any trouble whatsoever with mine and it's almost 2 years old.excellent tv.

 

[rocketrazor]

I wish you luck with yours. I would personally disagree with flying wasp. If you get a good one you will be ok, if like me you get two duff ones you'll be very frustrated

fingers crossed for you

 

[Marsbardark]

Got it from an AV installation specialist, with 2 x 3d glasses, and according to them its immaculate with the 2 year warranty, I would be worried if it were from a private seller but they know the tv from new as they sold it and part exchanged back. If i can get £50 - 100 for my old tv happy days.

 

[theflyingwasp]

Yes I would be livid with panasonics faulty but within specification rubbish!! No matter what product it is there will be some faulty ones but rocket razor and oldboy didn't half get the s**t end of the stick :wall:

cant fault the 3d on the gt50 marsbardark in fact I wish the 3d glasses with the GT worked with the ZT not to happy with the new glasses.

 

[Marsbardark]

fingers crossed its ok, but for £350 it was a no brainer, will let you know when i get it!

 

[Marsbardark]

Got my gt50, it's immaculate and the picture oh the picture! Feel like a dog with two.........

 

[Marsbardark]

Does anyone know if my TV can decode Dolby Digitial from its optical out? Its not showing on my home cinema system, but does from the sky box optical out.