Which large screen HD-TV (Budget £1,500)

[admin_exported]

I am finally deciding to make the plunge for a HD-TV, having still got CRT!!!!

Budget is a max of £1,500. Looking for a large screen (probably 46"-52"). Not really decided between Plasma/LCD/LED.

Few choices I have are:

LG 50PS3000 £684 (poss too cheap - better one for budget in range?)
Panasonic TX-L37G15 £699
Panasonic TX-P42G10 £711 (poss ruled out as V10 bigger and in budget)
Panasonic TX-P50V10 £1,479 (THX picture, good reviews)
Philips 42PFL9664 £1,500
Philips 47PFL7404 £1,000
Samsung PS50B650 £1,000 (buzzing issues)
Samsung UE40B7020 £1,018
Samsung UE46B7000 £1,290 (LED)
Sony KDL-46WE5 £1,284 (ticks the wifes box as energy efficient)
Sony KDL-46Z4500 £1,209 (backlight issues? supposedly good sound)
Sony KDL-46Z5500 £1,523 (newer model of 4500 but without subwoofer)

 

[bigboss]

Go for the biggest screen you can buy, you won't regret it. Take a look at the Panasonic V10 series, excellent quality.

http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/9223419/Panasonic-Viera-NeoPDP-V10-Series-50-TX-P50V10-HD-1080p-Freesat-Freeview-Slim-Plasma-TV/Product.html

 

[Garth Man]

I would go for a Samsung PS50850, which retails at £1100. My friend has this panel and its awsome. Or the 650 which can be had for under a £1000.

Then use the remaining money to buy a decent bluray player

 

[Anonymous]

Stay away from the sammy PS50B850, I had 2 both had really loud buzzing noises and dreadful image retention.

The second one went for 2 repairs by samsung, and the buzzing was loud enough to be heard from 13ft away with my amp on. The thrid time the noise can back I made them take it back and got a 52PFL7404, they retail for £1350 ish and it is awesome.

 

[SnowyJohn]

Be cautious when making this decision. I'm looking at the Panny G10 range but seeing as the 47" model was £749 at dixons the other week, I'm biding my time.

I just missed out on that deal!! I would buy it in a flash should the opportunity arise...

 

[tvspecv]

go for the 50-inch panny v10 you wont be dissapointed

 

[Anonymous]

I have updated my original post with up to date prices, recommended options, and some of my own comments.

Bigboss / tvspecv - V10 does look like a good contender that I hadn't previously considered. THX picture seems like a bonus and haven;t seen that as an option on any of the others when I have read about them. A 50" one is still in my budget too.

Garthman / markjaspi - one for and one against the Samsung PS50B850 (and I presume the 650 is a lower model suffering from same issues). Have ruled it out for now I think.

SnowyJohn - G10 is currently £711 so even cheaper than Dixons if you are looking at getting that. For me though it is half my budget and I'm not sure why I would buy the G10 instead of the V10.

It seems the more I look into the options, the more it expands others. Would be great if I could trial each for a week, or even see them all side by side of an hour! Might have to go into the shops and see them one at a time and see what jumps out at me.

 

[Garth Man]

if thats the case, I would buy the G10

The V10 is better, but not by much. (my opinion)

I would try all of them with a good test disk for film and tuners (if you haven't got Sky, Virgin etc)

Dont rush buying one, I did that and even though i am happy with my TV, I wish I viewed a few more and posibly waited a few months

 

[Anonymous]

According to a review I read, the V10 to G10 comparison is worth it for the THX option alone.

 

[Garth Man]

personally I thought it was a bit gimmicky myself (THX), though the screen does produce a excellent picture

My brotehr who has one, is chuffed with it

 

[bigboss]

To an extent, THX is gimmicky. But all THX is, is just achieving some minimum standards to qualify for the THX logo. If the TV has managed to achieve the standards, it's atleast an assurance that it should be good.

One of my mates has the Panny 50" V10 & he's very happy with it. The picture quality definitely is superb.

If I had not got the Kuro, my 2nd option on the list was a V10.

 

[Garth Man]

hmm not necessarily (THX) some of the LG's have this feature, and quite honestly I think a lot of their screens are poor, or average

Big Boss I want your screen!!! Also the V10 is no comparison for you Pioneer, such a shame i cant get one