New TV

Rockman

Hi


My TV is starting to go on the blink. Occasionally lines start to go across the screen. After a while they stop but it is starting to happen more regularly now and last longer. The TV is about 15 years old so owes me nothing.


My problem is I don't know where to start when it comes to looking for a new TV as there is so much choice now. There is only my wife and me in the house and we only use it to watch TV and play DVDs on the evening and weekends. I have Sky TV as well.


Can anyone advise as to the minimum specification I should look for in a TV. Do I really need a smart TV? Is there any make/brand I should go for or indeed avoid? Any help greatly appreciated.

Proxima_Centauri

The huge large-screen ones are popular now, though I wouldn't get one for myself. Horses for courses, really. We have a Finlux which is ok if all you want is a basic tv and dvd function.

runaroundpauper

Just bought a 43 inch Sony bravia for 420 pounds from curry's fantastic TV .53 watt output so quite cheap as well to run

AndyPix

You would choose a smart tv if you wanted onlince catch up services such as bbc iplayer, netflix, itv player etc etc.


I think most TV's are smart to some degree these days.


I would advise going to a physical shop to find one that you like to look and price of, and then looking online to find better deals for that particular model

stator

Get a 4K Smart TV with HEVC (h265) built in. There's not much content right now but there is some sport on BT and Sky and content over the internet and placed like netflix are adding more over time. 4k looks amazing.

Neil49

Before buying, you need to note what connectivity you require for your existing equipment such as your dvd player. If it connects by a scart plug then you should be looking for a tv that accepts those.

I was recently looking to buy a new tv and was attached by a Samsung which Richer Sounds had at a very good price but it didn't have a scart connection which is something I had to have. I know you can get adaptors but they weren't worth the hassle.

It is also worth listening to the tv as sound quality on slim tv's can vary from ok to dire.

Overall, Samsung seem to get consistantly good ratings.

stator

Neil49 wrote: »

Before buying, you need to note what connectivity you require for your existing equipment such as your dvd player. If it connects by a scart plug then you should be looking for a tv that accepts those.

I was recently looking to buy a new tv and was attached by a Samsung which Richer Sounds had at a very good price but it didn't have a scart connection which is something I had to have. I know you can get adaptors but they weren't worth the hassle.

It is also worth listening to the tv as sound quality on slim tv's can vary from ok to dire.

Overall, Samsung seem to get consistantly good ratings.

A scart DVD player? The baby jesus would cry. Better to replace the DVD player with an HDMI one at the same time

fleshandbone

Don't get cheap weird branded versions that you see in Tesco's, Asda etc, go for LG, Samsung, Sony or similar.
I would'nt worry too much about getting a 4K TV, HD is fine.
Have Fun.

Naf

I think you should be careful about people advising 4K TVs right off. Its only worth the money if:
1. You actually care
2. You have a source or service which actually sends images of that quality.

I'm very happy with my 1080p TVs. I have a Toshiba downstairs, Technika (Tesco brand) as a PC monitor, and a Samsung Smart TV in our bedroom.

I agree with another poster that you prtobably want to go into a shop - see if the difference between HD Ready (720p), Full HD (1080p), and 4k matter to you.

almillar

My problem is I don't know where to start

Sure you do, it's not technical - start with budget, and size. That will lead you into specifications and what you need and can afford.
I don't quite think 4K TVs are ready yet, give it a year. Loads on the shelf don't have HDR, and I think you would regret buying one of these in later years. There are also 2 different standards of HDR, and there are a handful of (Samsung, I think) TVs that can do both. Maybe next year things will be a lot better.
So, unless you know what you're at and are prepared to change again quite quickly (I don't think that's you), stick with a Full HD TV at a size of your choice.
Heed the advice above about inputs. If you're used to the sound from a flatscreen and you're happy enough with it, that's grand.

Rockman

Thanks for all the advice provided.


Do I need to buy a separate surround sound system or is the sound on TVs nowadays ok?


Thanks