What TV - Advise Needed!

johncolescarr

Hi,

Been looking to replace my old CRT (a 28" Thompson 100Hz job) with a new flat screen.

We use the TV for watching movies and telly. I think a 32-37" TV would be best for me but really confused over the specs/brand/etc to suit our needs.

We don't play games on it or anything like that, but would like a good quality image and sound. I might consider viewing holiday pics through it. Am looking to get Freesat HD and a blue ray player. So part of my question is what resolution, is 1080P really required on a screen this size? what contrast ratio is enough, does anything over say 5000:1 really make any difference? Is build quality as/more important than spec?

The other part of my question is what TV? I don't mind choosing a strange brand as long as it has a good track record, but would prefer a well known brand such as Sony, Samsung etc.

I have up to £600 to spend, might consider more at a push is it really will make a difference. I'd like a TV to last me a few years.

macman

I would start with Panasonic or Sony in terms of brand, these models invariably top the best buy listings. You really need to determine the size you want before anything else. My opinion FWIW is that for 32 in and below you don't see much benefit from Full HD (1080)vs HD Ready (720), given that you will pay £150-200 extra for Full HD. I couldn't see any difference at this size-others may disagree. Pick your size and then try to view the 2 side by side. If you go up to 37 in, you also have to decide between LCD and plasma-there are very few plasma sets at 32 in now, but plenty at 37 in.
If you are going the Freesat route, have a look at the new Panasonic range with built in Freesat tuners, this will save you purchasing a separate Freesat box.

aliEnRIK

Buy Panasonic, Sony or Samsung
Dont get bogged down by contrast ratios as its all BS
Look for at least 2 HDMI connections and that it has all connections for what you use NOW (scart or whatever)
Heres some REVIEWS to peruse

M4RKM

IMO, if you're going for blu ray, then yes, i would look at going for a 1080p tv, then you get to all the glory of blu ray..

i went from a 32" CRT to a 40" LCD, and even now think it is a little small, as it is quite a way further back than it was in the room, so think of that when buying too...

M

MX5huggy

I think panisonic are still the only ones that make a TV with HD freesat built in. Maybe look at those if you want to minimize the number of boxes under the TV.

But then it will probably be cheeper to have the freesat box plus you could get a freesat + box.

Traveller1981

1080p is not needed on a screen of that size, even with bluray.
This might be worth considering http://www.richersounds.com/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=PANA-TXP42C10