TV and DVD advice please

Sunshine_and_Roses

I am looking at getting a new TV, but unsure which to get.

My main wish list is: either 26" or 32", HD ready, Freeview.

I would also like a DVD recorder with hard drive - would this enable me to record off freeview?

Not too sure on a budget at the moment, as I have not really looked into all the details much.

Can anyone recommend a good brand for me to go for?

Thanks

Tyler_Du

Do you have a HD source (such as an Xbox 360), or plan to get one, for your new TV ? If not why spent the xtra to get a HD Ready TV ?

Reluctant_spender

Samsung, Sony and LG that's my preference.

Have a look here at AV Forums for a more detailed answer.

https://www.avforums.com/forums/index.php

Sunshine_and_Roses

Tyler_Durden_UK wrote:

Do you have a HD source (such as an Xbox 360), or plan to get one, for your new TV ? If not why spent the xtra to get a HD Ready TV ?

Sorry to sound really thick, but I just thought that if you were buying a new TV now you must get one that is HD ready for the switch over. I have not got an Xbox 360, and will just want the TV for general watching 'normal' channels and freeview. My video is on its way out, so I thought I would take the plunge and buy a recordable DVD player too. Have not got a clue what they are all about, except that if I get one with a hard drive I will not have to keep buying disks.

Told you I was thick when it comes to technology!

Reluctant_spender

Freeview is for the switchover HD is for a more detailed picture.

See here for HD = http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hd_ready

Recorders - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_Video_Recorders

Tyler_Du

AFAIK the digital switch off just means that the analogue TV signal is going to be switched off, as long as you have a freeview box, you can still get all the TV channels on your TV. A standard CRT (cathode ray tube) TV will be fine for this, you don't need a LCD TV for this at all.

See here for more info :-
http://www.digitalhomemag.com/features/default.asp?pagetypeid=2&articleid=37359&subsectionid=1300&subsubsectionid=1597

Sunshine_and_Roses

Thank you. I just thought that if I am shelling out on a new TV and DVD I may as well get the best I can afford.

I have just seen a 32" Philips 32PF7521 for £397 with PC World, which sounds like a really good deal.

Struggling with the DVD recorder through at the moment - I would like one with hard drive and freeview included. Are there any decent ones available for a budget of £150?

Thanks

Sunshine_and_Roses

clareski wrote:

Thank you. I just thought that if I am shelling out on a new TV and DVD I may as well get the best I can afford.

I have just seen a 32" Philips 32PF7521 for £397 with PC World, which sounds like a really good deal.

Struggling with the DVD recorder through at the moment - I would like one with hard drive and freeview included. Are there any decent ones available for a budget of £150?

Thanks

I am so sorry to bump my own post, but I have just tried to buy the Philips TV as above and they have now completely sold out.

Still looking if anyone can help. There are so many to choose from.

Thanks

billy_the_kid_2

The all in one DVD Harddrive Freeview recorders are still very expensive. My Fathers Panasonic cost him the best part of £400. Have you considered a PVR such as the Humax 9200T and a separate DVD recorder. In my experience since buying the aforementioned Hummy, everything I record is on the hard drive. I only use the DVD for playing movies from blockbuster.

Sunshine_and_Roses

billy_the_kid wrote:

The all in one DVD Harddrive Freeview recorders are still very expensive. My Fathers Panasonic cost him the best part of £400. Have you considered a PVR such as the Humax 9200T and a separate DVD recorder. In my experience since buying the aforementioned Hummy, everything I record is on the hard drive. I only use the DVD for playing movies from blockbuster.

Never really thought about a PVR. What is the main difference between PVR and DVD recorder?

billy_the_kid_2

PVR uses a hard drive and two freeview recorders so you can recored two sides at once and pause live tv, rewind etc, the Hummy mentioned has 160gb. Its really been the best piece of kit I have bought in ages. Like I said I have hardly touched my DVD recorder and the VHS is gathering dust.