Panasonic TV model numbering 23 January 2022 at 4:31PM edited 23 January 2022 at 4:40PM in TV MoneySaving 14 replies 210 views

Grumpy_chap

Hello Forumites,

Saw a TV on offer at Currys (TX-43HX580B) which has Freeview Play (essential feature):
https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/tv-and-home-entertainment/televisions/televisions/panasonic-tx-43hx580b-43-smart-4k-ultra-hd-hdr-led-tv-10207907-pdt.html

Then also saw a very similar model (TX-43JS360B) on the Panasonic website, which also has Alexa compatibility.  I think that is probably a bit of a gimmick but, as it is the same price, why not?  The only thing is, I can't work out whether the one on the Panasonic site definitely has the Freeview Play.  There is a graphic suggesting so on the website (desktop version) but I don't see that graphic on the mobile version of the website and the specification does not clearly state that it has Freeview Play:
https://panasonicdirect.store.panasonic.co.uk/p-7130-panasonic-tx-43js360b-tx-43js360b-panasonic-43-hd-smart-led-television.aspx?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI98rFjODH9QIVU-3tCh0ntQ-MEAQYASABEgJug_D_BwE

Does anyone have any insight to the Panasonic model numbering and able to link to anything that specifically confirms whether this TV does or does not have Freeview Play?

I can phone the Panasonic Direct store tomorrow, but can't see an e-mail contact where I can get confirmation in writing.

Neil_Jones

As a general rule if the TV is newer than 2016 it will have Freeview Play.

Both models provided have Freeview Play according to Panasonic's website.

Rodders53

I would recommend stepping over to AVForums where there are more TV experts about.

HX will be 2020 model year and uhd from the X, so JS could be 2021 J, but is only full HD, from S?  But it seems a discontinued model on the Panny website, already?

Freeview Play is mandated to use Freeview Logo on recent sets and Freeview HD was withdrawn.  Best to seek advice from the horses mouth?

Grumpy_chap

Neil_Jones said:

As a general rule if the TV is newer than 2016 it will have Freeview Play.

Both models provided have Freeview Play according to Panasonic's website.

Many thanks Neil,
I looked for some time at the Panasonic website and could not see anything that actually said the TX-43JS360B had Freeview Play, other than the logo appearing just once.

Can you confirm where you saw it on the website?

Neil_Jones

https://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/televisions/4K-LED-TV/tx-43hx580b.html

https://www.panasonic.com/uk/support/discontinued-products/televisions/tx-43js360b.html

mobileron

Its common for same tvs to have a slightly different model number.was done so people couldnt get price matching.
Dont go to currys for the tv,John Lewis free 5 year warranty,Richersounds free 6 year warranty.
How many years do Currys offer.

Grumpy_chap

I went to the online chat with Panasonic and they confirmed the model did, indeed, include Freeview Play.

Better, still, and the real MSE part, they gave me a 20% discount

getmore4less

At £270  that's not to shabby  

Grumpy_chap

Yeah, it is a bargain.  It was a difference between the 4k screen at Curry's or 1080p full HD screen plus Alexa integration at Panasonic direct.

Prices were £306 (after discount through work) at Curry's or £264 after the discount at Panasonic.  I was going towards the direct model anyway (doubt I'd notice the difference between 1080p or 4K).  £40 saving made it a no-brainer.

Grumpy_chap

I'm pleased to say that the new TV arrived yesterday and it looks great and works great.

The design has really slim frame / bezel, which meant I could go up from 40" to 43" screen in the space, which is nice.  The bezels are so slim, though, that it means the IR sensor sits below / outside the bezel which is almost a backward step in time.

I've always liked Panasonic TV's however, at first use, the menu on this new model is less easy to read and less intuitive than the old model (2014).  It is quite likely that the menu is in the new format on all recent Panasonic TV's - it is quite visually similar to my Mum's SKY box and her Samsung TV, though less clear to read TBH.  I guess that's progress for you.

Grumpy_chap

I just cleared out the old TV to the charity shop - amazing how much heavier that was than the new one.  

I noticed that the receipt says I paid £485 in 2008 for that TV.
With inflation, that would be around £700 today.
So, the new TV at £264 plus the higher specification comparatively is an absolute bargain - like getting 2/3rd off!