New TV Advice

bowlhead99

Generally the best features are only available on the larger models in the range - my parents recently upgraded and as they were only looking at a 43" there was not much point paying (e.g.) £700 for the latest Sony instead of the £350 for last year's LG model. As you get up to 49"+ there can be more variation but 55" is where it all kicks off for best features - but with your budget you won't be getting the same performance as a £1500 range-topper.

A good general thread for decent TVs for a given type / pricebracket is  Dodgexander's 'My best value TVs' over at avforums (/TV Forums/ What Is The Best TV For You?/)  https://www.avforums.com/threads/my-best-value-tvs-2019-2020-edition.2259070/  

mobileron

Sony are still very good,get the android version for all the apps that both LG and Samsung dont give you.
There playstore is free and many apps in it. Just ensure you go to Richersounds for it.

RumRat

codo said:

Thank Rumrat, I have been in contact with our local Richer Sounds and the will have the LF49SM8050 in stock in the next week or so and will go see it then. Will also check the Samsung’s they have in stock. 

Job done....I'm sure they will fix you up with something you'll enjoy.

parcival

I have a Sony smart TV - about 6 years old. BBC IPlayer does not work properly and it often drops the WiFi causing me to have to connect the TV via a Now TV box. Apparently Sony admitted issues with certain models but did not fix them. Certainly put me off ever having another Sony......

codo

Thanks everyone.  I will have a look at av forums and go to our local Richer Sounds. Hopefully will be able to make a good decision then.

SurferDan

This is by far the best site to compare TV's
https://kagoo.co.uk/
Just enter your requirements in the search boxes.
After you've narrowed your choice down go to AV Forums for technical reviews and when you've bought your chosen TV go back to AV Forums to get the best settings for that particular model.
Using Kagoo 3 years ago we purchased a Finlux 49" 4K Smart TV that has been excellent.
It cost £239 reduced from £799 because it was end of range _ absolute bargain.

getmore4less

if staying under 55" you won't need to spend the top budget put some aside and save up for a better TV.
Stick with the older models we are in the model replacement cycle so stocks will be getting low on some of the better value options.
Stick Panasonic on your list.

getmore4less

Richer sounds 6 years warranty say £2pppw(the price of a pt in spoons) gives £1,248 
That's cheap entertainment
Your budget is the same a a 1/2pt a week each for 2 people is that all your TV viewing is worth?

Once you drop OLED quality HDR you start to get problems with the brighter LCD panels that try to do HDR, might as well drop it completely .

RumRat

getmore4less said:

Richer sounds 6 years warranty say £2pppw(the price of a pt in spoons) gives £1,248 
That's cheap entertainment
Your budget is the same a a 1/2pt a week each for 2 people is that all your TV viewing is worth?

Once you drop OLED quality HDR you start to get problems with the brighter LCD panels that try to do HDR, might as well drop it completely .

You are right, it is best to spend more, but, not all can afford to.
It's easy to advise on the top end TV's, any idiot can do that. However, when someone has a limited budget and little knowledge, as in this case,  it's best for them to go see.
Nothing worse than getting a cheap set someone has recommended because they thought it was a great picture, only to find it wasn't that good really.

troubleonline

RumRat said:

If you buy the 49" TV you will always wish you'd bought the 55"...
What is your top budget? 

I am inclined to disagree - I think some people myself included have limits to how big a telly they want.  We have a pretty large lounge (6mx5m) and our current telly is 46".  Unfortunately it developed a fault this week and keeps switching off and as 9 years old is pretty much irreparable as parts will not be available.  Annoying as was a really nice telly and stands up well to a relatively new UHD tv (picture wise - not the on screen navigation!)  Am now looking for new model 50" which is the dimensions of the current 46" plus bezel.  I think any bigger would look overwhelming.