Part 0800.0005

[Ain't Nobody Here]

We've been thinking about getting a new, bigger screen, TV for a while now but the final impetus was when we were watching 2 characters talking to each other face to face across a table (think Alas Smith and Jones!). All we could see was the tips of their noses .

 

Trouble is, I have no idea where to start - size of screen, LCD, LED, plasma, HD, HD format, 3D, internet ready, freeview - the list goes on and on .

 

Anyone bought a new TV recently and can offer some advice?

[Geoid]

LCD is the one to go for if the screen size is under 42 inches

Plasma is the one to go for if the screen size is 42 inches or above, or if you watch a lot of sport

LED is what backlights the TV, try to get one with LED as it will last longer and use less electricity

HD is high definition, try to get one with HD. Especially if you want to watch things on blu-ray

Freeview is a TV with a freeview box built in, but not required if you are using Sky or a cable provider

3D is a bit of a gimmick in my opinion, dont bother

Internet ready means you can connect your TV to the internet and download films and browse the web from your sofa

 

How much space do you have for your new TV and how much do you want to spend. Also, what do you mainly use it for?

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Thanks Fred, that's really helpful.

 

OH watches some sport, but generally we watch tv series and some films. Watch DVDs rarely so Blu-Ray isn't necessary. We have Virgin cable so freeview not needed.

 

Current TV is 26" so I was thinking 40" would be good but I'll look into 42" and plasma. OH would like that for the sport, I'm sure. Although if it costs a lot more, it's probably not worth it.

 

Not sure about internet-ready - OH has a PC and I have a laptop (within view of the TV!) so would it really be useful?

 

Our living room is quite big (L-shaped with the dining room) so I think 42" would be OK. Budget not really an issue but probably wouldn't want to spend more than £500.

[WarrensWorld]

If you're going for 42" plasma just check out the Panasonic. We did, and are well pleased with the result. Look out for deals.

[Purplemaniacs]

If you're going for 42" plasma just check out the Panasonic. We did, and are well pleased with the result. Look out for deals.

OH bought one last weekend a Panasonic 42" HD I think plasma but to me a tv is a tv He was thrilled with it, he got it from Currys and thought it was a very good buy

 

Chrissie

[Shirl]

We have a panasonic LCD which the OH is really pleased with so much so he bought another for the kitchen and also our son bought one for his home. To me well they're all just Tvs aren't they?

[chuckmum6]

I would try and get one with Internet connection personally, it will broaden you choices in the future and allow you to access netflix and other such sites now. Telly is going to change in the next few years and will become more Internet focused, I would make sure mine had connectivity if I were buying. We have Sony and Panasonic, always good. Look at Richer Sounds, they are keenly priced and very helpful if you can go to a store, you can get 5 yr warrantys there and at John Lewis.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

You're right, Shirl, I'm probably over thinking this (I tend to do that) .

 

As long we have a picture that doesn't cut off a couple of inches each side and it's nice and clear, we'll be happy.

 

Good point you make though, ChuckMum, I'll be keeping that in mind .

[chickencam]

We bought a new one last September after getting put off by the range and choice for a couple of years. Our faithful old CRT (an ebay bargain for £30) eventually gave up so that forced our hand. We bought a Panasonic Viera 42" 3D plasma because we watch a lot of sport it cost us about £620 but the non 3D version was about £100 cheaper. We felt that we may as well future proof ourselves because the chances are we won't buy another TV for many years. We have not used the 3D yet because we are waiting for the price of the glasses to come down, there are 5 of us here and it would cost about £350 to buy a decent set for all of us

 

We then upgraded our Sky package to HD, which I think is essential if you have a large screen, it is fab and watching things in standard definition is awful now. It is amazing for F1 and football coverage, anything fast moving. having said that I still think that we are being had in this country because they are still using CRT televisions in Europe and they cope with movement so much better, which is why we were reluctant to buy a flat screen.

 

We feel so up to date when we see that our television is the one that is being advertised as the one for the Olympics.

 

Good luck with your quest, and be prepared to spend many hours standing around in electrical stores, and don't expect most of the staff to have a clue what they are selling, you have to ask many people before you find the geek that you need.

[clucker1]

I ditto Chuckmama, we bought our 42" tv last January and I wasn't into having a big tv, but now wouldn't be without it. It is really great for watching wildlife programs and anything with scenery in. John Lewis are FAB!!!! They really know their stuff and aren't pushy.....we revisited them again last weekend looking at 3D tvs( a new one for the kids/teenagers den). JL also explain it in non-techy language too.

Sometimes, bigger is cheaper too.....we were going for a 40", but the 42 was cheaper. Good luck!

[Geoid]

This looks perfect for your needs and is under £500, bargain if you ask me.

[chickric]

We have just ordered this one, to replace our ageing 42" plasma, bigger screen but no internet connectivity.

 

Steer clear of any that say HD Ready as these aren't full HD, look for 1080p or a resolution of 1920 x 1080 in the details.

 

We ordered ours from Amazon because although slightly more expensive it would be delivered and I had heard that plasma screens should be transported in a vertical position, which I couldn't do in our car.

[chickencam]

Another thing to bear in mind is that companies like John Lewis and House of Fraser often have offers of a free 5 year guarantee. We bought pours from House of Fraser, we paid about £20 more than we would have done at Comet/Currys but we got the extra guarantee and fab customer service.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Thanks for all your input/advice .

 

I've spent hours poring over internet reviews and have at last decided on the Panasonic Viera TX-L42E5B LED HD 1080p Smart TV, 42 Inch with Freeview HD. I had a look at the real thing in Currys today and a helpful chap confirmed that I was making a good choice. I'm getting it from John Lewis though, because it's a real shop and for the 5 yr warranty. I also have £105 John Lewis vouchers from my Barclaycard .