Newbie Advise for an LCD

[admin_exported]

Hi Guys,

We've got a CRT TV, which we'll be ditching to join the revolution in the new year.

These are the main details:

- Lounge - viewing distance of about 2m - 2.5m

- Ideally with built-in freeview

- Use mainly for watching TV and DVDs

- would like to pair up with decent home cinema system

- Since I don't anticipate getting Sky/Cable, does this impact my selection, e.g. I don't want to pay for features I won't be able to use (although I'm aware bbc and other channels will start showing HD soon)

I was thinking size of 32 inch ? Too small? or upto 40 inch? Would prefer a smaller set with better quality than larger set with poorer quality.

- Budget of about £1000 (to include any home cinema system)

- No plasmas!

Sorry if this still sounds too vague, I've looked at the best buys, like the look of the Sonys' and PAnasonics.

Many thanks!

S

 

[simonlewis]

If it's HD your after check out panasonics PZ81 range with built in freesat.

Although free to air you will need to get a satellite dish if you've not already got one.

 

[ianandyr]

s4nj:(although I'm aware bbc and other channels will start showing HD soon)

There's a reasonable amount of HD content out there already, BBC 1, ITV 1 and Channel 4 being three although I'm not sure if Channel 4 HD is on freesat yet. On our 32 inch LCD from a distance of about 3m the improvement over SD is significant.

 

[Anonymous]

Hello S.

I think the Samsung 32A457 would suit you very well. It offers really excellent picture performance, and is a bargain at around £330, which leaves plenty of money for a home cinema system. It is a 32 inch set which is ideal for the viewing distance you specify. Any bigger and you may end up with sore eyes and you might find that you notice too many flaws when watching a standard-def source, such as the built-in Freeview tuner (which coincidently you asked for). This set has not been reviewed by What Hifi but it's identical 26" version got 5 stars and this is exactly the same. I know this because my brother has the 26" version and I have the 32" one! They really are great tvs. I strongly advise you to get a Blu-ray player as they are not much more expensive than a standard-def dvd player, they will play all your standard dvds and upscale them, and will also of course play stunning blu-ray discs that will make the most of this stunning tv. The Panasonic DMP BD35 is a top blu-ray player and can be yours for less than £250. Add the Sony STR-DG820 and you have a stunning high-def multichannel (surround sound) amplifier. Then just add KEF's KHT1005 5.1 speaker package (only £200 from Richer Sounds), and for a total of £1080 you have an absolutely stunning high-def visual and audio treat with all the latest tech. Just add two HDMI cables and speaker cables and you will be all set.

This is just an example of some great products but if you did put these together you would be very happy with the results. Anyway good luck.ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

why not a plasma??

 

[Davro83]

All i say is 32" in my opinion these days is too small for a main tv. get a 37" or 40". Oh and yeah why not a plasma? They are better for SD content! Get a plasma

 

[Anonymous]

Davro83:All i say is 32" in my opinion these days is too small for a main tv. get a 37" or 40". Oh and yeah why not a plasma? They are better for SD content! Get a plasmaPanny 37PX80 Best Buy 37" on this site (check out the reviews), also the PX80 was Best Tv of the Year under £1000 on another review site. Say no more

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks to you all - esp gansta, for the advice.

Re: Plasma - I guess it's based on the old issue with the gas degrading on older models. I guess, I have seen more LCDs in friends' homes, so feel more comfortable with one of them.

Will have a butchers during the sales and see what seems good. In the process of moving to a new place, so I will need to sit tight a while til we move in, then checkout where we'll be siting the TV. Calculated, if we put in the the corner of the room, viewing distance will be circa 3-3.5m, I don't know if this impacts the selection too much? In any case, I will try and update this thread in a few weeks, once I have more info.

Have a good Xmas all!

S

 

[Anonymous]

s4nj:
Thanks to you all - esp gansta, for the advice.

Re: Plasma - I guess it's based on the old issue with the gas degrading on older models. I guess, I have seen more LCDs in friends' homes, so feel more comfortable with one of them.

Will have a butchers during the sales and see what seems good. In the process of moving to a new place, so I will need to sit tight a while til we move in, then checkout where we'll be siting the TV. Calculated, if we put in the the corner of the room, viewing distance will be circa 3-3.5m, I don't know if this impacts the selection too much? In any case, I will try and update this thread in a few weeks, once I have more info.

Have a good Xmas all!

S
Content edited due to extreme swearing.....DO NOT RULE OUT PLASMA!! Much better for SD TV, imo.

32 is too small nowadays, especially from 3 metres.

Happy Christmas

Rob

 

[Anonymous]

hifi_nut:s4nj:
Thanks to you all - esp gansta, for the advice.

Re: Plasma - I guess it's based on the old issue with the gas degrading on older models. I guess, I have seen more LCDs in friends' homes, so feel more comfortable with one of them.

Will have a butchers during the sales and see what seems good. In the process of moving to a new place, so I will need to sit tight a while til we move in, then checkout where we'll be siting the TV. Calculated, if we put in the the corner of the room, viewing distance will be circa 3-3.5m, I don't know if this impacts the selection too much? In any case, I will try and update this thread in a few weeks, once I have more info.

Have a good Xmas all!

S
Content edited due to extreme swearing.....DO NOT RULE OUT PLASMA!! Much better for SD TV, imo.

32 is too small nowadays, especially from 3 metres.

Happy Christmas

Rob

Much better for hi def content too ;-)

 

[Anonymous]

s4nj:

. Calculated, if we put in the the corner of the room, viewing distance will be circa 3-3.5m, I don't know if this impacts the selection too much? Minimum 42/46" and you could go for a 50", just depends on how the rest of your room accomodates it.