buying the right TV

egr103

Hello, this is my first post after being recommended by a friend so please be nice

I am currently looking for a HD ready TV but am unsure of the technical specs to look out for.

I ideally would like it to work in pure motion with a XBOX 360. I am a little concerned however with resolution types (1080i/1080p and 780p etc.). I would also like the TV to be future proof.

I would like a tv to meet these requirements:

a) watching general tv channels via a sky box (but being able to without having the resolution of the screen defaulting to the standard output of 4:3)

b) i like to watch DVD's and films, so will i get maximum widescreen resolution when i do watch them?

and C) will 360 games be compatible with my TV and play to the highest standard (as i do know each game released has a set of requirements).

I am really interested in this samsung LCD tv thats within my price range and is very sleek. Check out the link:

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/111610/rb/27158757396

I would just like to get some advice/feedback on the tv i'm interested in and weather or not it will support the things i want to use it for.

Two different questions:

1)Does response time matter when playing games? Which is the best response time to look out for if i want to do all the above??

2) I've heard people have bought TV's that won't play certain games due to resolution conflicts etc. is this common? what would you suggest?

All advice is appreciated (sorry for the long post).

thanks in advance

Moneymaker

Best advice I can give is "try before you buy". Find a shop that is able to demonstrate the TV working with an XBOX and a Sky Digibox (and a Freeview receiver).

Nothing is "future proof". Nobody even knows whether Freeview will include High Definition in the future. One thing's for sure - if the TV includes a Freeview tuner, it won't support HD transmissions or "TopUpTV Anytime".

I think by "response time" you mean "refresh rate". This is very important for fast-moving game play. Go for the lowest time you can find. Preferably 8mS or less.

ITtim

I have the 32" version of that tv and i'm very happy with it. When i was looking the general consensus was that sammy or the Toshiba 26WLT66, both good all rounders.

So far as response rates and contrast ratios are concerend both of these tv's are pretty much top of their class (ie value for money) the only thing that i regret in hindsight is that the samsung only has one HDMI socket, the toshiba has two. If you don't mind the Toshiba's slightly duller design then i'd plump for that!

Have a scout around AVforums.com, the guys there know their stuff and could help you make the correct choice.

bella123

An excellent HDTV is the 42wlt66 Toshiba which ticks all your boxes and has a1080p resolution with 2 HDMI slots,and only costs £795.00 if you shop around.

egr103

bella, that budget and tv size is a little extravigant for me i'm afraid. I am looking at 26/27". A price range of no more than £450. Thanks anyway

I appreciate all the help i've recieved guys

Thanks

Turk

Picking up on the try before you buy from a previous post. Argos offer a 16 (think this has now been extended to 30) day money back guarantee.

My friend (an absolute techie) had a wharfedale 42" which he uses for TV & XBOX 360 that he's had no issues with and recommends.

dylel

I have the 32" version of the samsung and it is an excellent tv - ideal for playing xbox 360 with a gaming mode. It is a great looking set as well - no bigger than my previous 28" since the screen goes very close to the edge, with the speakers hidden behind.
You can get the 32" at dixons for £524 (I think) using the code 10APR07. It is also possible to get 5% with egg card and 2.5% quidco

ITtim

dylel wrote: »

I have the 32" version of the samsung and it is an excellent tv - ideal for playing xbox 360 with a gaming mode. It is a great looking set as well - no bigger than my previous 28" since the screen goes very close to the edge, with the speakers hidden behind.
You can get the 32" at dixons for £524 (I think) using the code 10APR07. It is also possible to get 5% with egg card and 2.5% quidco

I picked mine up in January from an online retialer for £478, i think i've seen it for little over £450 lately, could say where though. Its a decent screen. I've got HD coming tonight! Yipee!

Idiophreak

I was looking at that 26r74dbx this morning actually (for quite a similar setup to yours) - just so you know, it's 399 on play.com and if you do a kelkoo price comparison, there are a couple of places that have it for £384ish.

egr103

Awsome,

Cheers guys for the amazing feedback. My friend was right! I have posted on forums before but have never got the quantity of feedback i have done on here!

All advice is grateful and 384 - 399 for that TV is sweet! I thought 450 was a bargain!