New TV - recommendations or stay away from?

no1catman

Last TV was a Technics 38", changed that for a Samsung Smart 40" (2014) did have problems a few years ago and had a PCB fitted, however now have a picture fault - top few inches is shaded - as if looking through partial sun-glasses.
Looks like the next size up is 43", smart is not necessary - don't get a good enough signal, and besides Cable supplies what I need. Any 'picture quality' enhancements I should look out for? LG, Sony, Sharp, JVC, Panasonic Samsung - comments please.
I'd prefer to see the set in action so Tesco, Curry's, Argos or Euronics?

JJ_Egan

John Lewis or Richer Sounds best .

DCFC79

How important is seeing the TV in action as Argos, Euronics, Curry stores aren't open ?

Same with John Lewis and Richer sounds.

Only option might be Tesco then.

Could you put up with the issue until the previously mentioned stores are open ?

[Deleted User]

Try youtube for reviews. 
Richer sounds or JL online for the extra warranty and CS.

Cornucopia

Definitely John Lewis (includes 5 year warranty) or Richer Sounds (includes 6 year warranty).

I would wait a few weeks until (probably) you can visit one of those stores.

Not sure what you mean by "smart is not necessary - don't get a good enough signal" as the content for smart features comes from the Internet.   In all likelihood, you won't be able to buy a non-Smart TV these days, anyway.

eastcorkram

I assume the .... smart not necessary...comment means it just won't be used? I'm in a similar position. They all seem to be smart now. My current set is non smart , about 11 years old. I've been looking at getting a new one, almost certainly LG. I use a virgin V6 box , so with that, I can already get stuff like Netflix and Amazon etc. So the smart features of any new set, presumably won't get used. Especially given as from what I've read today, the new TV's so called magic remote won't control the V6 box anyway so I either have to start using two remotes, or only the old virgin one. 

wongataa

It is impossible to get a half decent TV that isn't smart nowadays.  You don't have to use the television's smart features if you don't want to.  If you want a good remote to use with any equipment look at the Harmony remotes.  A bit pricey maybe but programmable (a button press can perform functions on multiple pieces of equipment at once) and will work with pretty much anything.

no1catman

Thanks for the replies. Local Euronics was open - but only for phone orders. Needed to go to Tesco anyway, disappointed not to be able to see any 'on' - but time is passing so bought a 43" Toshiba, staff were very helpful in getting it into my car. Unpacked and assembled it the next day - fortunately tuning is automatic these days. Did have a minor problem with how to alter brightness, but Customer support (in the UK) were very good - now picture excellent. Only minor irritant even though I'm on the Virgin (Tivo) Media set-up - I have to use the TV remote to change the volume. 

cranford

You could try the VM community help forum to see if anybody can help you with the code for your Toshiba model.
https://community.virginmedia.com/t5/custom/page/page-id/CommunityHubForums

[Deleted User]

no1catman said: even though I'm on the Virgin (Tivo) Media set-up - I have to use the TV remote to change the volume. 

Here's the link to re-programme your Virgin remote:

https://www.virginmedia.com/help/virgin-tv-using-tv-remote

macman

If you'd gone to RS for the Samsung in 2014, then 6 years later you might still have (just) been in warranty: free repair or replacement, no quibble.
Toshiba...oh dear.