TV Deals

bsod

late or not, it's likely to become the dominant ui standard for catchup tv in the terrestrial market. The op is considering a purchase now, not 2 years ago, so, other than the fact the choice of tv is limited right now, lateness is not relevant.

Cycrow

If you plan to buy a 4K TV make sure it has support for HDMI v2.0 and HCDP 2.2
many of the earlier versions didn't.

Without them, you will be limited to what content you can actually watch on the TV in 4K

almillar

late or not, it's likely to become the dominant ui standard for catchup tv in the terrestrial market. The op is considering a purchase now, not 2 years ago, so, other than the fact the choice of tv is limited right now, lateness is not relevant.

As you say, OP buying a TV now, before most of these Freeview Play TVs come out. When they do come out, and if they're out now, they may be at a premium. So Freeview Play shouldn't be considered a must have, and in my opinion, isn't worth waiting for. What does it do that YouView doesn't? Do you think that YouView is just going to die?

bsod

autumnal arguments again.

who said it is a must have, it was mentioned for information as it was just around the corner and the op was, and may still be, considering their options.

It's out now on a panasonic 4k for £500-£600 if they are interested, and if not there is an abundance of choice. Youview's (which was also late to market) availability on tv's is also limited and new, and all extra features come at a premium, so not sure why you are using this as an argument. betamax died, 3d is heading the same way, gui's evolve and die all the time

almillar

It's out there, and it's good information, but again, I just don't see the use of Freeview Play over the already established YouView. It's been there for years and does all the same things, unless I'm missing something, and it will be easier to find and cheaper. And I don't see Freeview Play replacing it any time soon. OP hasn't been back to ask about catch-up or guides, or whether they already have a STB so we're just talking to ourselves at the moment.

it's likely to become the dominant ui standard for catchup tv in the terrestrial market

Where's the evidence for this? Youview IS the dominant one at the moment, so why make guesses as to the future?

bsod

I didn't know clairvoyant abilities and evidence of the future was required to post an opinion. I also don't know why it matters to you so much. It's just a thread about what tv to buy.

Freeview is the dominant tv platform, built into every tv - it is therefore in a good position when it comes to defining the catchup tv epg standard

This thread is about the choice of a new tv -- not new stb's or giveaway boxes bundled with tv services from a limited number of isps with a vested interest

Youview has had three years to penetrate the tv market, a few months ago the ui was added to some Sony's, not really a dominant position or a tearaway success. Launching stb's without wireless ability didn't help it take off either.

The day I posted, freeview play became available on some panasonic tv's, and is going to be available on various other brands in the near future, as well as stb's from all the big players. Their advert is awful though.

MalcolmY

Zola. wrote: »

I am looking for a new 4k TV... it has to be between 40-44 inch max. Any suggestions for good deals?

If you're not fussed about buying from a major retailer, you may want to look at your local auction house. I know of 6,500 new TVs (44" - 79") that have been routed through auction houses in the last 30 days. They all come with manufacturer warranty and end up selling at auction for about 50%-60% of retail price.

Martin Lewis, don't nick this tip!

almillar

I also don't know why it matters to you so much. It's just a thread about what tv to buy.

It doesn't. We're just having a discussion, on a tangent of TVs. You made a recommendation to look for Freeview Play, which I disagreed with. No problem there.

Freeview is the dominant tv platform, built into every tv - it is therefore in a good position when it comes to defining the catchup tv epg standard

See this is my point - YouView already defined a catchup TV standard (expanding on the Freeview platform). It's been out there for years. It's not going anywhere. I ask again - what does Freeview Play add? If your only answer is 'futureproofing' then I disagree.

This thread is about the choice of a new tv -- not new stb's or giveaway boxes bundled with tv services from a limited number of isps with a vested interest

Humax make lots of great YouView boxes that you can buy without being tied to BT or TalkTalk. It's a great service without those tie ins.

Launching stb's without wireless ability didn't help it take off either.

Agreed - down to cost, simplicity I guess. Does the Freeview Play standard mandate WiFi?

The day I posted, freeview play became available on some panasonic tv's

Exactly - it's exclusively available on some of the brand new Panasonic range. So you're stuck with the latest line, from one manufacturer, at top dollar. I'm sure you know that going for last year's line is a popular moneysaving route, which would not be available if you decided on Freeview Play. Let's come back to it next year and see how things have developed!

agrinnall

Zola. wrote: »

Cheers!!

Just thinking, would I be better waiting to January perhaps to get a good deal?

Two words: Black Friday!

bsod

and you're stuck with the latest line of sony's, from one manufacturer, at even more top dollar, or £200 extra for a stb. As of today, it still hasn't been released on Sony bravia's, so freeview play beat youview to the tv market, despite a 7 year head start. All for an entry in an epg that links to a streaming service.

The panasonic 4k is currently around £80 more than the LG the op asked about, that's not all down to FP. Humax are producing freeview play stb's, as are panasonic, manhattan. Vestel, which produces a huge range of brands, is also making FP kit, as for the difference, try google or currys