Help in buying a LCD TV

Mr_Mister

Looking to buy a LCD to replace my old CRT.
Around 32" -37" screen.
Samsung preferably or maybe Sony. All other brands are out of the question.
How many HDMI sockets should I be looking out for?
Any good deal out there at the moment?
Thanks

Jon_C

How many devices do you have (or plan to buy) which have HDMI outputs?

Examples are Sky HD box, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 Elite or certain DVD players/recorders (these tend to be described as having the ability to upscale).

I wouldn't put too much emphasis on the number of HDMI sockets unless you know precisely how many you are likely to need. You can buy splitters for around £40, although of course one of these is an extra box and some require an extra AC socket.

The other thing you need to consider (if buying a TV with a diagonal screen size of 37ins or more) is whether you need 1080p. This is the highest available quality of high-definition display.

Without getting too technical, 1080i and 1080p are both high-definition standards but 1080p is regarded as better when you are feeding an appropriate output to a screen of 40ins of bigger.

The 1080p standard is available on some 37in TVs but many people feel that on such a small screen (relatively speaking!) the difference between that and 1080i (which all TVs branded HD-ready must be able to show) is difficult to perceive.

I'm guessing from your question that you do not need 1080p so I'd advise you to put your money into a good 1080i TV rather than an entry-level 1080p one.

I can't recommend specific models as I simply do not know yet (I'm shopping around at the moment too) but price-wise, I've noticed that Dixons website is very competitive. Plus you can get a 4% Quidco rebate and there are discount vouchers on these forums if you do a search.

angelus

You are limiting yourself by only considering Sony and Samsung as IMO Panasonic and Toshiba make equally as good (and often better) tv's than those two. If you can afford it Plasma is the way to go. Much better picture quality, deeper Blacks, better shadow detail, better motion handling, more natural colours and skin tones.

To get the best deal search the web for a retailer who also has a high st shop for the best price then get John Lewis to price match them and you also get their 5 year warranty.

Mr_Mister

angelus wrote: »

You are limiting yourself by only considering Sony and Samsung as IMO Panasonic and Toshiba make equally as good (and often better) tv's than those two. If you can afford it Plasma is the way to go. Much better picture quality, deeper Blacks, better shadow detail, better motion handling, more natural colours and skin tones.

To get the best deal search the web for a retailer who also has a high st shop for the best price then get John Lewis to price match them and you also get their 5 year warranty.

Thanks but the reason why I'm avoiding Plasma is because I heard they take up too much power and dont last as long.
Is that true?

AceCobra1

u can get burnout too with plasma... i would def. recommend if u want to buy the high end sony, they are better than samsung, but if u want to get a cheaper sony, go for a samsung... i have a 40w2000 which is a full HD tv and i can recommend that to anyone... the contrast ratio might not be as good as the best plasma but it is better than loads... think 8000:1 or something insane... the Samsungs are cheaper - not sure if they have any full HD one these days but thier contrast ratio is on average 4000:1 which makes it a good best buy... also have a look into Sharp Aquos too...

I would get a Full HD TV rather than a HD ready one if u can afford it as they seem to hold thier value better and just better investment for the future

deanos

Mr_Mister wrote: »

Thanks but the reason why I'm avoiding Plasma is because I heard they take up too much power and dont last as long.
Is that true?

Plasma will last the same as a LCD, you can get some screen retention depending on the make, ive got a Panny PX70 and often fall asleap with Sky news on for hours until i wake up and not had any problems, i understand Pioneers are really bad for retention

BT

I bought a 37inch Samsung LE37M87 from Costo - Its absolutely brilliant.

My tv died so I started looking for a Full HD (1080p) LCD.
A friend said have a look in costo (you don’t have to join to view) so I did. I found the Samsung was £850 (a month ago) – seemed like a bargain for the spec.

Picture is fantastic. Changing channels (on digital tv) is a bit slower then I’m use to, but totally happy with so far.

I noticed QVC had it today for about £950:rotfl: , so still a bargain if Costco still do it for £850.

Jon_C

Dixons has the 40in version of that (well, the LE40M86BD which is just cosmetically different) for £916.

Enter the appropriate coupon code for £10 off all orders over £300 or another code for £50 off all orders over £999 if you're buying, say, a TV stand with it.

Buy through Quidco for 4% cashback.

skintlass

Try richersounds, www.richersounds.co.uk as they are usually cheap and will pricematch. I'm looking for a 32" LCD at the mo and have considered the Sony Bravia but its a bit old now (for the richer sounds model selling at £499) but they are advertising a Panasonic [SIZE=+0]TX32LMD70[/SIZE] at the same price £499 and thats a Which Best Buy winner.

volume69

http://www.soundandvisiononline.co.uk/

They are online and have a shop in Farnworth near Bolton. they price match and will provide you with any advice you may need.

If you get a TV with 2 HDMI then it will be enough for now.

Mr_Mister

Spotted this Samsung 37" with free DVD Recorder for £799. Any good?

http://www.johnlewis.com/Audio+and+TV/Televisions/Televisions/TV+Special+Offers/1149/230429931/Product.aspx