TV Choices for Summer Sports Overload

unsure

With the Euro 12 Football Champs, Wimbledon and the Olympics coming up we've decided it's time to upgrade from our 32" LCD to something larger with HD. That's the easy bit!

We are not hifi buffs or techies. A good picture and sound across most sources is what we'd like.

Can't have more than 42" max (prefer 40"), not wall mounting and happy to have a thicker tv if that means better speakers and audio! would like built-in Freeview HD. Not convinced or overly concerned about the power arguments of LED over LCD over Plasma (quick back of the envelope sums suggested we're talking about £10- £20 difference per annum, which seems pretty immaterial to me) -- but very concerned about picture general quality.

For future-proofing internet connectivity seems a must (ideally built in but prepared to buy dongle if necessary...can't use powerline adapters in our house). Not at all fussed about having 3D.

I know plasma should be best for fast motion sport but I don't know if the average viewer (me!) can really tell the difference. I see Plasma and LCD prices dropping as LED becomes flavour of the month.

So with a budget circa £500 (not asking much am I?!) which TV do the wise and noble MSE techheads think would tick most boxes? Your opinions and experiences would be most welcome.

Andrew1472

I don't think a £500 LCD/LED will tick all your boxes particularly for motion handling, but a plasma might. 42" is the smallest.
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/panasonic-viera-tx-p42g30b-full-hd-42-plasma-tv-09933668-pdt.html?srcid=867&cmpid=comp~Google~TV%2C+DVD+%26+Blu-ray~09933668&istCompanyId=bec25c7e-cbcd-460d-81d5-a25372d2e3d7&istItemId=xlwqxiit&istBid=t
would be a good one to look at. Make sure you look and listen to it. The sound on all flat panel TVs is rubbish imo:)

Review links
http://www.avforums.com/reviews/Panasonic-G30-TX-P42G30-50G30-42G30-46G30-Plasma-TV-Review_182/Review.html

http://www.trustedreviews.com/panasonic-tx-p50g30_TV_review
Ignore the screen size, the 42" is the same in every respect apart from that.

osborn99

Sainsbury's have a 42 inch hd ready with 3d for £330

http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/shop/technology/televisions/123084136_celcus_lcd423d913fhd_42_full_hd_1080p_3d_lcd_tv_plus_4_pairs_of_3d_glasses.html?SRC=LPTV&POD=TVTOP1

almillar

That Sainsburys TV doesn't have Freeview HD.
How about a Panasonic 42" plasma with 1080p and Freeview HD for £450?
http://www.richersounds.com/product/plasma-tv/panasonic/viera-txp42g30/pana-txp42g30
Good to see you've done your research. The power difference is nowhere near as big as people think, and plasma and LCD and LED use power differently. Also those lovely thin screens leave less and less space for the speakers.