Panasonic TVs 2013 vs 2014 Range

isotonic_uk

Hi

I am very close to purchasing a new set and coming from a Panasonic TXGT430 Plasma I have decided after some research and the price reductions as its a end of line model to go with the TX47DT65 LED.

I also been looking at the newer range 2014 of Panasonic. Mainly the TX47AS740 Set.

From what I can tell this has improved smart tv features that are in the newer Panasonics but from a pic quality the DT65 will be a better bet as its a slightly higher spec TV.

Before I go and spend the cash tomorrow just wanted to get other opinions if possible.

I am not enthusiast, just want a nice clean 2D picture, not too worried about Sound as I have a Sonos Playbar, but things that are especially important are connectivity to remote NAS and smart TV features.

Do I stick with the DT65 as I can now get this within my budget or should I be looking at the newer AS series from Panasonic?

Thanks

Chino

isotonic_uk wrote: »

but things that are especially important are ... and smart TV features.

If access to catch-up services is important to you, have you investigated whether this model supports any catch-up service other than the BBC iPlayer? In the past, Panasonic televisions were pretty poor in this regard.

agrinnall

I bought a Panasonic at the end of 2013 and you're right, it only has iPlayer (although it does have Netflix, which is useful). Whether the newest models are any better I don't know.

googler

Google Chromecast gives, at the moment, Netflix, iPlayer and YouTube as the main catch-ups, with others expected to follow.

For £30, why concern yourself with whether or not these are built in to the TV ... ?

Chino

googler wrote: »

For £30, why concern yourself with whether or not these are built in to the TV ... ?

Because, from what you've described, an extra £30 buys one nothing more than what is already provided by most "smart" televisions. Not very money saving.

debitcardmayhem

Anyone here got a "smart" TV that is more than 2 years old that gets regular updates to their software ?

Didn't think so :cool:

vyle

The 2014 models have freetime in which has bbc and ITV integrated into the EPG with 4oD and D5 due to follow, as well as other apps through vierac apps, or whatever they call them these days.

A.Penny.Saved

I do hope that you are going to see the TV in person and compare it against Plasma TV's because if you can see and are not blind, chances are you will hate any LED TV.

InsideInsurance

There is a much bigger consideration of Plasma -v- LED here than a few extra smart TV features, most of which will be outshone by any of the 3rd party sticks/plug ins

If you arent up on the differences then go and visit them in a decent shop (not Currys) and ideally have a look in normal lighting conditions rather than the ultra bright lights shops normally have (eg in a viewing room or some will temporarily turn their lights off)

almillar

Buy the best screen. You can plug many things into a TV to improve it, but you can't improve the picture...

googler

Chino wrote: »

Because, from what you've described, an extra £30 buys one nothing more than what is already provided by most "smart" televisions. Not very money saving.

It buys the ability to control the programme from an iPad or similar tablet.

Play/pause, 30sec rewind, jump directly to any part of the programme, and a variety of other onscreen (on the iPad screen) doodads ... how much if this can be done from a TV remote?