Sub-£1,000 40 inch LCD TVs

[admin_exported]

Hi,

As a new member of this site I was interested to read the review of the new Sony KDL-40W5500, having been hoping that it would get as favourable a review as its predecessor.

I was wondering if the faults identified are likely to be noticeable to someone who is by no means an expert in such matters?

Further, I wondered what the best set to opt for would be at around the £1,000 mark as I realise that the 40W4500 is hard to come by these days?

As I say I don't know a great deal about them but would like to get the best possible tv for the money.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Andy Clough]

Hi Stephen

If you go to the TV reviews page here on the site, you can select the price band you want to pay (£600-£1000), the star rating and screen size you want (37-40in) and that will bring up all the relevant sets we've tested.

Does it have to be a 40in set? I ask because only Samsung and Sony make that size, whereas most manufacturers go for 42in, which gives you more choice.

The Panasonic TX-P42X10B is one of our favourite 42in budget plasmas at the moment, and fantastic value for money (it's HD-Ready, but not Full HD). A plasma won't suffer from the backlight issues that have affected some, but not all, Sony LCD sets.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Andy,

I have been reading through all the reviews but to be honest I am never too sure which is the best to go for because being experts you are able to pick up things that probably I wouldn't even notice.

I wasn't set on 40 inch particularly and I hadn't even realised that it was only Samsung and Sony that make that size either, I had just assumed it was standard.

I only suggested 40 inch because of two things really:

1. I only have limited space and don't want the tv to take over the room. I would say I am about 10 feet away from it when sitting. Saying that there really isn't much difference between a 40 and 42 inch.

2. I had initially been interested in a 32 inch tv but I read somewhere (don't think it was on this site) that to get the full effect of HD you needed a 40 inch tv or above. I am not sure if I have just imagined this now though.

And in response to your recommendation about the Panasonic, I hadn't even realised that HD Ready wasn't Full HD! Show's how much I know, best do some reading on that as well!

Thanks for the help though, its much appreciated.

 

[Andy Madden]

Hi Steven,

we've also got a test of 37-inch sets coming up in our July issue that features both Samsung and Sony - just in case you're interested...

 

[Anonymous]

Andy Clough:

The Panasonic TX-P42X10B is one of our favourite 42in budget plasmas at the moment, and fantastic value for money (it's HD-Ready, but not Full HD). A plasma won't suffer from the backlight issues that have affected some, but not all, Sony LCD sets.

Or if you want a Full HD, there is the Panny P42G10. Great reviews everywhere.

 

[lobby]

Hi Steve first of all you need to identify the uses for your new tv, whether it's for sd tv, gaming, movies etc.Once you gathered your thoughts then decide Lcd or Plasma, there pro's and con's for both types of technology as im sure your aware. At that viewing distance 40-42" would be ideal you may choose to go even bigger, but i would seriously consider not going any smaller. Then make a list of fancied models, noting some models may be cheaper if you shop around so that you don't rule one out because it may not be in your price range. Then go and audition them, take a few favourite films check sd tv sky, with sports dvd or blu-ray. I would try and buy the best you can afford, but don't rule out an older model, some newer models are not always better. I would consider the Sony 40w4000, 40w4500, and the 2008 or the newer 2009 Panasonic plasma's. If you can strectch 200 more the slimline Samsung UE40B7020 looks good or the Sony 40Z4500. With no sky and poor reception a tv with built in freesat may be an option also don't expect the greatest sound from the inbuilt speakers, some kind of surround system may be needed to enjoy films at there best. And try and audition to avoid disapppointment. Hope this might help.

 

[Anonymous]

if you want a really good tv the new txp42s10 looks a good buy. full hd with new 400hz technology!!!

 

[Anonymous]

murray_:if you want a really good tv the new txp42s10 looks a good buy. full hd with new 400hz technology!!!it doesnt have the new , neo pdp panel , according to reviews thats a big negative

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks a lot for all the advice, its much appreciated.

I intend to use the tv for:

1. SD and HD TV (I have Sky HD and watch sports etc in HD as well as some documentaries etc)

2. Xbox 360

3. DVD's - at present I have an upscaling Sony DVD player but would like something that is good for Blu-ray which I intend to purchaseÿin the future at some point.

As to the pro's and cons between LCD and Plasma I will have to do some research as I have no idea to be honest.

It certainly sounds like trying them out would be a great idea, although I don't have the most critical eye at least I would know if I liked it I suppose.

I guess what I really need to do by the sounds of things is as you suggest to make a shortlist of models to go and try out, including some LCDs and Plasmas.

Trouble is making that shortlist is not easy because I suppose at the end of the day it all comes down to personal preference, though using the reviews and suggestions on this website / forum is certainly a step in the right direction.

Whilst I am still unsure as to which TV to go for I feel like I have a little more idea to go about researching so all the help is very useful.

At least I now know there is a difference between HD ready and full HD and that 40 inch tv's are only made be samsung and sony which I wasn't aware of before...ÿ