New TV Needed - First time LCD buyers - Help!

Norman_Castle

Cisco001 wrote: »

Go for John Lewis. Their TV with 5 year warranty and a few model from Richard Sound have it as well.

Richer Sounds 5 year warranty avaliable on all tv's for 10% of the purchase price.
http://www.richersounds.com/information/warranties#tv

Buzby

Don't touch Plasma with a barge pole. They are heavily discounted but have limited longevity when compared to other technologies - LCD/LED last considerably longer.

downhillfast

Buzby wrote: »

Don't touch Plasma with a barge pole. They are heavily discounted but have limited longevity when compared to other technologies - LCD/LED last considerably longer.

A huge generalisation. A quality plasma screen set up correctly will outshine most similarly specced and priced LCDs and there is no reason for it not to last just as long if not longer - if you are hinting at the regassing thing then you know even less about TVs! :rotfl:

Sharon87

I'm surprised no one's mentioned HD Ready/Full HD yet

For a screen size you're getting I would highly recommend getting a Full HD TV - 1080p rather than a 720p (HD Ready). This basically means the picture quality is a lot better on HD channels.

I would recommend going for an LED Full HD TV with a reputable brand.

For example:
http://www.johnlewis.com/samsung-ue40es5500-led-hd-1080p-smart-tv-40-inch-with-freeview-hd/p231560690

almillar

Don't touch Plasma with a barge pole

WRONG

They are heavily discounted

WRONG

but have limited longevity when compared to other technologies

WRONG

- LCD/LED last considerably longer.

WRONG
Where do you get this from Buzby?! Are you talking about plasmas running out of gas? It's not 1993 anymore!
How's this for an actually recommendation instead of just repeating out of date pub trivia:
Full HD 42 inch Panasonic LED LCD, Freeview HD, 5yr guarantee and £30 change in your pocket!
http://www.richersounds.com/product/tv---all/panasonic/viera-txl42e5b/pana-txl42e5b

JoJoArmani

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply.

Now, I have loads of info on the specs etc - but... do I need or want a Smart tv or 3d? Do I just get a bog standard TV... or should I be getting up to date with this other technology?

We have xbox, wii and Sky and have never really bothered using the Wii for web browsing - tend to just use the laptop/phone/ipod - but I don't want to spend money on a tv that in a couple of years will seem dated if you know what I mean...so should I be looking at these smart tv's? (I wont be buying a blue ray 3d thingy anytime soon - so guess 3d is not really necessary?)

JoJoArmani

Full HD 42 inch Panasonic LED LCD, Freeview HD, 5yr guarantee and £30 change in your pocket!
http://www.richersounds.com/product/tv---all/panasonic/viera-txl42e5b/pana-txl42e5b[/QUOTE]


I looked at that one... and am tempted... think I need to pop into our local store and have a look see....

JoJoArmani

Ok, we have been to Richer Sounds and the panasonic is not in stock and is the end of the line range - so we ended up with LG 42LS570T - size wise I think the 42 is a better size for our room - guess we could have gone for a non smart tv and saved a bit of money but hey ho.

Wish us luck setting it up and getting the old CRT tv down the stairs and to the tip - without falling out or injuring ourselves! ha ha.

thanks again for all your help

cootuk

I'm a massive Panasonic fan, and their plasma screens are pretty good.
Another vote for Richer Sounds with their extra guarantee...even get a limited stock end-of-range for extra discount.