40" LCD TV......Please Help

cutebabe01

Hi all,

I need some help from this forums LCD TV experts

I'm looking to buy myself an LCD TV, however I have no idea where to start

I know there is money off codes for Currys which seems to make the TVs a good deal however am so confused.


Im looking for:
40"
Silver
With Freeview

I get confused with the 1080i/1080p, contrast ratio etc and was hoping ppl could point me to a good quality set

Thanks folks

podiluska

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-definition_television

Generally, 1080p is better than 1080i (and distinctly rarer), higher contrast is better than lower, and currys are rubbish.

I'd recommend a Panasonic, but they don't do 40" LCDs.

cutebabe01

What do ppl think of this one

http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/-/318/404/-/1121399/Sony-Bravia-40-KDL40U2000U-Freeview-HD-Ready-LCD-TV/Product.html?searchtype=genre

P1NSEEKER

That looks like a really nice set

It only has 1 hdmi port though which is a little dissapointing.

I cant see where is says the screen resoulution though although im assuming its 720p/1080i

And you havee to have a huge t.v and be a real av freak to notive the difference between 720p and 1080p tbh!

shanta

I would start your research here.
http://lcd-televisions.theselection.co.uk/search.php?phrase=flat-panel-televisions&cid=96252

volume69

whathifi have been recommending a SONY 40" LCD

I would recommned having a oook at whathifi - take a note of the model number that they recommend and then price online

Alternatively you could contact sound and vision who I have used several times - no hard sell and they will advise you fo the best set for you. They will also price match (so guaranteed best price)

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

podiluska

The advantage of 1080p over 720p or 1080i is that it future proofs you for forthcming HD-DVD technologies. Unless you want to be buying another set in a couple of years?

That Sony is a decent 720p set at a good price.

cutebabe01

Thanks for all the replies.

OK then, I really want to get 1080i or 1080p, so the play.com one is out.

Anyone know of any good deals for these?

JSCChan

podiluska wrote: »

The advantage of 1080p over 720p or 1080i is that it future proofs you for forthcming HD-DVD technologies. Unless you want to be buying another set in a couple of years?

That Sony is a decent 720p set at a good price.

True but it depends on what you will be watching on your TV. If you have or are planning to get a HD-DVD or Blu-ray player then you will be able to see true HD quality pictures. However if you just watch broadcast TV then you won't get the most out of 1080p TVs. Even Sky's HD channels are only broadcast in 1080i and there are no plans to switch to 1080p in the foreseeable future, due to the spectrum requirements. Same for Freeview, the outlook on HD is uncertain as no spectrum has been allocated yet even after the digital switchover is complete in 2012.

One other consideration is your viewing distance. The recommended distance to maximise the HD effect is roughly double the screen size ie. you should sit 80" away from a 40" TV, any further away and the naked eye cannot distinguish the sharper resolution and details of a HD picture. So if you are more than 80" away you may as well get a cheaper 1080i model.

Having said that many TVs sold nowadays are 1080p, with the likes of Sony phasing out its 1080i models. However if you want to save yourself a few £ then I would go for the 1080i models.

cutebabe01

This one looks good

http://www.empiredirect.co.uk/content/products/details/?modelcode=SON-KDL40V2500U

fairenoughclough

This site came in useful for pricing and availability.

I ended up buying a Sony from here, as part of a TV + DVD package.

KDL-40S2510U + RDR-HXD870 Sony 40" HD Ready IDTV and 160Gb Sony DVD Recorder @ £799 delivered is the silver version.

KDL-40S2510U 40" HD Ready IDTV Twin HDMI @ £673 delivered for TV only.