Panasonic Plasma 42" £297 at Tesco

Horizon81

http://www.tesco.com/direct/panasonic-viera-tx-p42x50b-hd-ready-42-plasma-tv/594-4666.prd

It's HD Ready, not Full HD, but all you need for general freeview/sky viewing, including HD, as they are broadcast in 720p. Full HD only really necessary for bluray.... anyway thats another story.

Although this is a really good deal, I'm posting this with a warning. I bought one from my local store yesterday. Turned it on and was really happy with it, especially the Freeview HD which was amazing considering the price but unfortunately the set buzzes like crazy.

A quick google search will bring up countless pages of users complaining about Panasonic plasmas making a buzz. I thought people were being pedantic until I bought one myself. On the one I bought, it was audible over the sound of the broadcast from 12 feet away when I was sat on the couch. The closer you got the worse it got. Of course, if you havent got particularly sensitive hearing (I have) then this TV may be worth a shot as it's outstanding value.

I honestly don't think mine was faulty - I'm sure that's just the way they are. Shame as it ruins a brilliant set. Mine's going back.

Wheres_My_Cashback

Sorry, this product is currently unavailable.

Totality

Sky HD transmits in 1080i, not 720p. THat's another story too though.

Horizon81

Totality wrote: »

Sky HD transmits in 1080i, not 720p. THat's another story too though.

I bow to your superior knowledge. As long as people know that they're only getting the benefit of their Full HD if they're watching bluray. I was honestly blown away by the Freeview HD on this bargain basement set, just as good (if not better) as I'd seen it on friends 1080p TV sets. But the buzzing....... such a shame, I'm gutted. If you get a good set (if such exists) or are hard of hearing then £297 for this 42" set is a complete bargain. Can only assume it's so cheap as everyone has bought into the need to have Full HD, or the super thinnest LED set, even though most people don't need smart connectivity or 3D, or even more than 2 HDMIs (which is all this has).

I'll likely end up spending double the price of this on a decent LED backlit TV and it still wont be as good quality as that Panny plasma. But hopefully buzz free.

lally666young

That is an old model, we have the current one and if you can afford to get the newer one get it. We did and we are very happy with it.

andy.m_2

I have that set, bought it from a merchant and the 2nd set we got was buzz free. The first one went back and the store staff were happy to plug the set in and try it in-store.

Superb telly.

Horizon81

lally666young wrote: »

That is an old model, we have the current one and if you can afford to get the newer one get it. We did and we are very happy with it.

The x50 series is a 2012 model. Out of interest what model do you have?

Horizon81

andy.m wrote: »

I have that set, bought it from a merchant and the 2nd set we got was buzz free. The first one went back and the store staff were happy to plug the set in and try it in-store.

Superb telly.

I take it the first set you got buzzed loudly? The userguide mentions 'drive noise' which I assume refers to the buzz. From reading up on it, all plasmas buzz to some extent, although some more than others. The one on my set was unacceptable. Didn't try a replacement as they had no more in stock and I didn't expect a different one to be any better.