Using your eyes Vs research!

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I have recently spent a lot of time reading these (and other) forums in the hope of settling on a new TV. I now am familiar with the idea that plasmas have the edge for movies and motion, give a more realistic picture and certainly seem to have less discussed faults that the LCD. I also know well that 'factory settings' are designed for the retail environment and that plasmas in shops often are not shown to their optimum capacities.

Well my research led me to a Panasonic plasma (via a flirtation with some version of a Sony Bravia). But despite all the reviews I have read, despite all the received wisdom of many who know better than I when I saw the 42 Panny beside the Bravia the latter was not only brighter and more vibrant (expected) but also clearer and sharper and had more detail. And both were apparantly displaying a Blu-Ray feed.

My point is that do I trust my own eyes or the research. If the latter it is taking an awful lot on trust. So what do I go with research or my own eyes. Its also a matter of convincing a sceptical 'better half' that the TV which looks the best of the two is not!

Can anyone comment on this dilenmma?

Thank you

JoJo

 

[Anonymous]

If you have compared 2 TVs side by side, showing the same source, and on a variety of sources that you are actually likely to watch the most, then go with the one that you think looks best.

Research is great for helping to narrow down your options, highlighting potential issues that you can then look for when you actually view the screen for your self, and also if for some reason you don't have the opportunity to view the TV in person.

At the end of the day it is your (and your 'better half's ) eyes that are going to be using the TV everyday, so you should get the one you like the look of best.

 

[Andrew Everard]

[quote user="rigadig"]If you have compared 2 TVs side by side, showing the same source, and on a variety of sources that you are actually likely to watch the most, then go with the one that you think looks best.[/quote]

Couldn't agree more

 

[Anonymous]

Thank you. The problem for me is that i don't live near any 'specialist' dealer, just the usual chains. And they tend to not wish to 'disrupt' the overall display for one TV/customer. I want to say show me some freeview or a standard DVD but they just shuffle me off and its so frustrating!!!!

 

[Andrew Everard]

[quote user="JoJoW"]And they tend to not wish to 'disrupt' the overall display for one TV/customer. I want to say show me some freeview or a standard DVD but they just shuffle me off and its so frustrating!!!![/quote]

And they expect to sell anything????

Where do you live. JJW? There must be some decent retailers near you...

 

[Anonymous]

I live in Llandudno! Currys, Comet and not a lot else!

It's not the end of civilization I know, but in this instance I feel a little stranded!!

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="JoJoW"]
I live in Llandudno! Currys, Comet and not a lot else!

It's not the end of civilization I know, but in this instance I feel a little stranded!!

[/quote]

I empathise with you as I live in the far North of Scotland and the only stores we have which have a variety of TVs on display are Tesco and Argos!!!

There are a few independent retailers but they don't have many TVs in their showrooms so the choice is very limited.

That's why reviews are so important to me.

 

[Anonymous]

Ah yes Argos, I forgot those! And ASDA!

Yes and an avid review junkie love the forums.But when it comes down to it its hard to bite a bullit on the basis of research alone. I am not claiming a particularly expert eye or ear but I do feel honour bound to get a first hand look before parting with the hard earned!

JoJo

 

[Andrew Everard]

[quote user="JoJoW"]
It's not the end of civilization I know

[/quote]

No, but almost...

Joking!!!

In which case I think you really have to put some pressure on the local chain retailers to make more of an effort. I'm sure if they are fully aware that you're itching to spend, and not just a tyre-kicker, they'll make more of an effort, especially if you can go in at a less-than-busy time.

If they won't, then I'd make it very clear you're going to a local independent retailer to spend your money, and simply buy from somewhere able to give you the service you require.

 

[Anonymous]

Time to pester then! The things is (time to fess up!) I do want to see the sets put through their paces in these stores, but really want to BUY from John Lewis.

It's a dilemma!

JoJo

 

[Andrew Everard]

Well to be honest, and mad though it may seem at first glance, I reckon a day trip to your nearest John Lewis - Cheadle? Liverpool? - wouldn't be so daft an idea.

After all, you're going to be spending many years staring at the TV, and so it makes sense to put a bit of time into choosing just the right one.

Call ahead to make sure they have the ones you want to see in stock, make it clear you're travelling a long way and why, and even ask if you can make an appointment to spend some time with a sales adviser.

You'll probably find them a lot more helpful than your local electrical sheds seem to be - and if they are, they deserve your business a lot more than Currys or Comet.

 

[Anonymous]

This sounds like a good idea! Excellent in fact. I shall plan it carefully.

Thanks for this, feeling a lot more poisitive about the situation now,

JoJo

 

[Andrew Everard]

Pleasure to help - and don't think I didn't check for sensible travel times before suggesting it!

BTW, don't forget to talk to JL about their pricematch policy - you may find you can get the TV you want for no more than you'd pay at one of those service-free sheds.

 

[Anonymous]

I will look into this. Thank you again.

Will be sure to take to 'Ultimate Guide to Systems' to read on the way!!

Forewarned etc, as my old mother used to say!

JoJo

 

[Anonymous]

JL are usually really good for letting you compare, and always have loads of different tvs which at least have antenna feed so you can see freeview and analogue at the very least, often they have DVD or Bluray available for you to test with too. Richer sounds and Fenwicks are good too, but if possible do a search for independent dealers near you, I am sure there must be a couple, panasonic's website has a dealer search tool for example. Remember that independent dealers will usually negotiate on price a bit and you tend to get good service.

Finally, don't forget that some places (Fenwicks, JL, House of Fraiser) do free 5 year warranty on TVs too, and independent dealers often have free extended warranty deals direct from the manufacturer (Panasonic TVs through many independents have a free 5 year warranty if you buy in store), so shop around on the phone/internet, then arrange a viewing like Andy said above.

 

[Andrew Everard]

[quote user="rigadig"]if possible do a search for independent dealers near you, I am sure there must be a couple[/quote]
I came up with Sargents of Llandudno, but since I don't know anything about them I didn't want to suggest them in case they're just a general electrical retailer. They come up on the Panasonic list, but not on the Sony one, so I don't think they'll be able to help our JoJo with the comparison.

 

[Anonymous]

When you go to view the tv, its worth taking someone else who knows absolutely nothing at all about tvs, blu ray etc. (in my case it was my girl friend or sometimes my flat mate) and dont try to explain any of your research to them. Just see what they think of the tvs you are interested in. They will often give you a different (and valuable) perspective on the choices, and spot things that you miss because you have been looking too hard at really technical stuff.

 

[Anonymous]

Andrew, I am down there tomorrow at first light. I am not hold my bteath, as have walked the street many times and surely would have noticed, but i am impressed by your diligent research!

Thank you

JoJo

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="rigadig"]When you go to view the tv, its worth taking someone else who knows absolutely nothing at all about tvs, blu ray etc. .[/quote]

It was through taking my 'better half' to Currys that got this thread started. 'Look', I kept saying, 'its nothing to do with how they look HERE - and anyway, you're not looking at it right;

Oh shaky, shaky ground...

JoJo