Need to decide on new TV. - UPDATE

spud17

Probably not the best time of day to start a new thread.

After my earlier thread re Freeeview HD, I've now had a chance to visit the usual stores, and read loads of online reviews.

I've also read a few threads on here including Lil306s'

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3024062

Viewing distance is a round 8/9 feet, and no HD source, no games, no BluRay and don't watch films.

Because TV is not that important to me, I've set a budget of £350.

I was considering a Sony, but also had a look at the Samsung 32C530, after AlienRik praised it in Lil306s thread.

However I do need an analogue audio output, the Samsung doesn't even have a headphone socket.

Samsung seem to be poor on sound, whereas the Sony is praised.

The Sony KDL 32EX403 also suggested in my previous thread, is available here play.com for £329.99 delivered.

It gets good reviews everywhere, but at my viewing distance, (I'm not sitting closer), full HD is wasted.

I could just about stand a 37 inch screen, which would better match the viewing distance for 720p.

Richersounds have the Sony KDL 37EX401 for £349.99.

http://www.richersounds.com/product/lcd-tv/sony/kdl37ex401/sony-kdl37ex401

Both of the Sonys appear to have at least a headphone socket for audio output.

I'm not generally this indecisive, someone please give me a nudge towards something.

spud17

A quick aside, I took up the suggestion of cardboard shapes to check how the various size sets might look.

Did you know a Dimplex flat panel oil-filled radiator is within 5mm of the dimensions of a 32 inch Sony? Just stick it on the table.

Also 2 full size PC cases with a small gap between them and set up on a couple of optical drives gives the same dimensions as a Sony 37 inch TV.

Andrew1472

The Sony 37" is 1080 not 720 according to the link you posted. It does have analogue audio out though.
A 720 alternative is http://www.richersounds.com/product/plasma-tv/panasonic/viera-txp37x20/pana-txp37x20
My father has an older version of this set and it has a very good SD picture. It has audio out as well.
I suggest you look at both to see which one you like.

spud17

The Sony 37" is 1080 not 720 according to the link you posted. It does have analogue audio out though.

True, but what I was getting at is, that for my viewing distance the 37" is more suited.

Good find, I'd not really considered plasma, thinking they were more suited to the larger sizes again.

It will have south facing patio doors behind/side of it, would an LCD screen appear more washed out in such a position?

Andrew1472

spud17 wrote: »

True, but what I was getting at is, that for my viewing distance the 37" is more suited.

Yes, I agree.
I have a larger, but more or less similar Sony. Leaving screen size out of it, if I had to choose between mine and my fathers Panasonic, I would have a hard time choosing. They are both very good.

The Sony performs better in brightly lit rooms or daylight, the Panasonic edges it in subdued lighting.

It's all down to what looks best to you, and how and when you watch TV.

Andrew1472

spud17 wrote: »

It will have south facing patio doors behind/side of it, would an LCD screen appear more washed out in such a position?

Sorry, posted my reply before your edit.
No. It's the other way round. Plasmas wash out. It sounds like the Sony is the one for you.
It's a very good TV for that money.

debitcardmayhem

Hello young-un-ish bit over your budget tho but this is at JL at 430 32 and audio out too, i'll be back in a sec with something nearer budget here

debitcardmayhem

This one is not Full HD here at Amazin but has RCA Out for audio and a headphones.
Oops ignore me , call for a nurse what ever, just noticed you need 37in

fwor

It seems you're tending towards a Sony but... don't let Richer's poor product descriptions mislead you.

If you look at the user manual for the Samsung, it has a headphone output on the back, and I'd guess you could extract the Audio Out from the SCART connector if you wanted to (or probably more relevant, if you aren't already planning to use it for something else).

spud17

Thanks for the replies.

@debitcardmayhem,

just noticed you need 37in

I don't need a 37", was looking at 32", it's a catch 22 situation, I'm not a great TV watcher, and the opulent lounge of spud towers is not about to be rearranged around a new TV.
So the viewing distance will remain at 8/9ft, it then makes sense to go for 37" to get the benefit of at least 720p.

@fwor

We had a look at the Samsung 32C530, in the shop and couldn't see any analogue audio outputs.

I can't see any mentioned HERE either.

Incidently, I really liked the picture on the Samsung 32C400, (LED backlit) in Currys sale at £356, but again, not the right outputs.

The salesman assured me the 2 TVs (32c530 and 32c4000) had the same settings and both were being fed SD Freeview.

Something which popped into my head today, I don't watch sport apart from motor racing, so if I go down the LCD/Sony path, is it going to be all blurry?

Should I go for the Panasonic plasma?

A F1 race afternoon is probably the only time I ever sit and watch TV for more than an hour.

The Panasonic TXP37X20 that Andrew1472 suggested is well liked over on AVForums.

Anyone else want to chip in?

UPDATE: The Panny plasma has 100Hz Double Scan, does that mean less blurring with fast moving images?

ukcarper

My daughter has the 37" panasonic plasma and it's very good and I sit about the same distance you will be from it when I'm there. The only thing is it's in a very bright room and is a bit washed out on a bright day you could possibly overcome that in the settings.