50 inch tv for my grandad?

myxbox

hi there

my grandad wants a new tv, his first choice would be one of the Panasonic viera.

he's not bothered about 3d, just good sound and picture and free view hd channels

is this one any good ?

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/panasonic-viera-tx-p50g30b-50-full-hd-plasma-tv-10388043-pdt.html

or are they better options like an lcd led tv , many thanks

m5rcc

Is that your budget? Id upgrade to the Panasonic TX-P50GT30 personally....

myxbox

no its higher than that prob about a £ 1000 , what the difference in the two tv's? many thanks

but most at that sort of price ( 1000) have the 3d etc , things my grandad would never use

m5rcc

OK well then yes avoid the premium of 3D. The one I gave was the best 50" avaliable and is a very very good TV.

Perhaps a LG 50PK350 for no-frills or a LG 50PK590 for a lot of telly for under £800

Cardew

I note the requirement for 'Good Sound'.

You should be aware that the sound on all these 'thin' TVs are not as good as the older CRT TVs because there isn't the room for big speakers. I have just bought the latest 46" Sony and also have the 37" Panasonic and on neither set is the sound as good as the old 32" Sony Triniton CRT they replaced - but the pictures are fabulous.

To get good sound you need a separate 'surround sound'(doesn't need to be really expensive) or you might want him to try wireless headphones.

Incidentally, although the Sony is 3D I find it useless except as a gimmick - the Shark zooming out of the set etc.

almillar

If you want 'good' (PLEASE test before buying!) sound then a plasma will be better, as it won't be ultra thin and will therefore have space for speakers. CRT screens still have better sound than any flatscreens do!

geordie458

myxbox wrote: »

hi there

my grandad wants a new tv, his first choice would be one of the Panasonic viera.

he's not bothered about 3d, just good sound and picture and free view hd channels

is this one any good ?

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/panasonic-viera-tx-p50g30b-50-full-hd-plasma-tv-10388043-pdt.html

or are they better options like an lcd led tv , many thanks

Ive had that Tv for almost a year and can vouch for the picture quality. High Def picture quality is excellent and Standard Def stuff is really good too. As mentioned earlier, sound quality isnt fantastic. I found it acceptable but I like surround sound so I have mine connected to my Sky box and Bluray player which are connected to an AV receiver and speakers. You could buy the TV for £549 from currys or dixons (dont forget quidco cashback) and that will leave room in your budget for a reasonable surround system with Bluray player. Your Grandad wont be disappointed with this TV though.

geordie458

Some reviews of the Panasonic here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-TX-P50G30B-50-inch-Internet-Ready-Freeview/product-reviews/B004TFDTD2/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

acs_2

Im in the AV industry, but of course, that doesn't mean my words should be taken as gospel, but....here's my 10 pence worth...

Plasma TVs dont last as long as LCD or LED - their burn hours are a lot less, the viewing angles are less than those on an LCD or LED and plasmas are prone to single pixel damage, especially if tipped upside down during storage or transport, which can leave you with a perfectly good TV with a random black square in the middle of the screen that you cant get rid of... So firstly, id recommend LCD or LED...

Panasonic are very good screens, but you pay a premium for the Panasonic brand - Just be aware of that.

Your best bet on price, value for money and picture quality is something from Toshiba or Samsung...£ for £ they are the best screens on the market.

As has been pointed out, sound quality in all modern TV's does not surpass that of an old CRT screen and anyone who tries to sell you this flat screen over that flat screen on the basis that there is a better sound is taking you for a mug! yes, the sound quality may technically be better, but when it comes down to it, it wont be brilliant either way. So, my recommendation would be to spend your excess cash on a decent surround sound system. If your grandad doesn't want a cinema in his living room, just go for a 2.1 system...and go for something from Bose. Bit pricier than the competition, but the sound quality is fantastic. Plus their kit is small and discreet.


cheers

Notmyrealname

You're right, avs, your words should not only not be taken as gospel but completely ignored.

Plasmas last as long as LCD and LED. The viewing angles as exactly the same. LCD and LED are prone to pixel issues far more than plasma. Toshiba and Samsung are poor compared to Panasonics - I can't stand to watch SD content on my mates Samsung.

acs_2

Notmyrealname wrote: »

You're right, avs, your words should not only not be taken as gospel but completely ignored.

Plasmas last as long as LCD and LED. The viewing angles as exactly the same. LCD and LED are prone to pixel issues far more than plasma. Toshiba and Samsung are poor compared to Panasonics - I can't stand to watch SD content on my mates Samsung.

Its each to their own, many industry experts will agree with me, so i rest assured in my knowledge. You cant get 3 letters in my username correct, so i wont hold out any hope for your AV knowledge :beer: