Sub £500 TV.... LCD or Plasma?

custardy

Iconic wrote: »

Panasonic say they are updating Viera Cast all the time and although it's still not as good as full internet it gets you to the internet much quicker than waiting for a HTPC to boot up!

The USB feature is another quick way of getting your media to the TV with out having to wait. The Panny usb will also record TV progs

we have an LG with their version Netcast. had a few updates and added features as well

Iconic

divadee wrote: »

Im just off to but the samsung le40c580 from john lewis. Its got v good reviews. Will let you know what its like if you want.

Have you got it yet? What do you think of it?

I see aliEnRIK said it was a cracking TV and most reviews are excellent.

I am torn between this and the Panasonic TXP42G20B which costs another £200

geordie_ben

Iconic wrote: »

Have you got it yet? What do you think of it?

I see aliEnRIK said it was a cracking TV and most reviews are excellent.

I am torn between this and the Panasonic TXP42G20B which costs another £200

I asked about the LE40C580 in both John Lewis and Fenwicks and both said the sound was tinny, and I'd be better off getting a Sony, Panasonic, or Sharp. They did show me another alternative but I cant remember what it was now. Cost £599 tho

aliballi

I've just bought a LG 32LD490 with full HD, freeview & internet for under £300 on Amazon which have many others to choose from.

penrhyn

geordie_ben wrote: »

I asked about the LE40C580 in both John Lewis and Fenwicks and both said the sound was tinny, and I'd be better off getting a Sony, Panasonic, or Sharp. They did show me another alternative but I cant remember what it was now. Cost £599 tho

Heads up, all flat panel TV's have poor sound, not much room to squeeze in a decent speaker system.

Thats why home cinema/sound bars and the like are popular.

geordie_ben

penrhyn wrote: »

Heads up, all flat panel TV's have poor sound, not much room to squeeze in a decent speaker system.

Thats why home cinema/sound bars and the like are popular.

Good point, but both shops said the same thing. I was surprised both suggested Sharp, always thought they were a duff make.

I've changed my mind about the size as well.. I'm thinking 37", maybe 40" max, due to the sofas only being about 8.5' away from the TV

So, here's what I'm looking for

37" (maybe 40")
Full HD
Freeview HD
<£500
USB
PVR compatible (Non HD)

To view SD via a PVR at the moment, with the possibility of HD use in the future

It's for my parents who are not technical at all. They wont need the internet on it or any fancy features etc. I'll be setting it up, making the picture as good as possible, then leaving them to it.

Any ideas? Or Suggestions?

penrhyn

Already been mentioned.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-LE40C580-Widescreen-Allshare-Freeview/dp/B003DNSJ5Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300179208&sr=8-1

geordie_ben

penrhyn wrote: »

Already been mentioned.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-LE40C580-Widescreen-Allshare-Freeview/dp/B003DNSJ5Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300179208&sr=8-1

Anyone seen this TV in a shop that offers warranty? Or does Amazon?

penrhyn

I've the LE40C650, didn't bother with an extended warranty, however when you register the set you'll get the inevitable letter from Domestic and General offering extended warranties at popular prices (well they like them).

It was £99, for three years.( 2years over the manufacturers warranty, with accidental damage)

Or buy from John Lewis and get the 5 year warranty thrown in.

http://www.johnlewis.com/230929759/Product.aspx?tmcampid=38&tmad=c&s_kenid=7ab5839d-22d3-94c8-9ac5-00005e244f3a&s_kwcid=paidsearch

almillar

Rik - the Panasonics you specifically referred to was what I was asking about.
iconic & custardy - yes they're being updated for now, but what about after a few years. RE HTPC - you never heard of sleep? That's what your PVRs do!
If you've done your research and you want Viera Cast and the USB functionality go for it, they're great TVs!