New TV needed

danrv

Hi
My 32" LG TV's screen has stopped working since a brief storm a couple of days ago. I think the damage was caused by flash lightning.
Sound works OK but as it's over seven years old, I'm looking for a new 43" UHD TV.

Currently it seems that 4K is the base screen quality now and have seen large sets for under £300. Have been pleased with the LG so may go with the same or Samsung. Budget around £400.
There seems to be quite a few similar models from companies with a £50 - £100 price difference.
Just not sure what the extra cost gives you. Maybe higher screen refresh rate?
Mainly casual Freeview use. No movie subscription services but occasional streaming for catchup.
Any help appreciated.

Keep_pedalling

What size are you looking at for the new one?

Rodders53

That size of screen all brands are much of a muchness.  None of them will do UHD HDR well (nor will you sit close enough to benefit from UHD).
Check out other technical forums (such as AVForums) for what TVs you short-list have and any potential benefit you may see for paying more.  (Occasionally the higher price may come with a longer warranty 5/6 vs 1 or 2 depending on supplier.

 Demo them in store to see if they sound OK or need a soundbar.  Plus check if the user interface is acceptable, especially the remote control.  

LG are allegedly pushing ads on people's connected TVs.

danrv

Keep_pedalling said:

What size are you looking at for the new one?

I think 43". A size calculator suggests a 55-60" for an 8.5ft approx viewing distance. 
The distance maybe more (4x3.5m lounge) as I'm still decorating and not yet certain on positioning.

danrv

Demo them in store to see if they sound OK or need a soundbar.  Plus check if the user interface is acceptable, especially the remote control.  

Yes. Might do that at Currys or JL.
I bought the previous one from Argos after reading a Which review. 

Ayr_Rage

Don't dismiss TCL and Hisense, you can get more bang for your buck with lesser known brands.

They both get good reviews, especially the new Hisense models with Freely TV.

Rodders53

I'd recommend John Lewis and Richer Sounds for demos (RS especially as they still have aerial feeds I believe that JL have mostly dispensed with).  Plus Hughes if in East Anglia.

I'd maybe look at sets in Currys but not buy there (nor Argos for that matter).  IF you can get the sets out of super-colour demo mode.  Supermarkets sell some sets (often Vestel made) but it'll be more of a lottery then.

TCL make sets for some majors (as do Vestel) as well as under their own badge. 
I have a Hisense in a bedroom from JL after auditioning it (and connecting it to the aerial feed in their MK store, myself).

danrv

Ayr_Rage said:

Don't dismiss TCL and Hisense, you can get more bang for your buck with lesser known brands.

They both get good reviews, especially the new Hisense models with Freely TV.

Yes, have been looking at those.
A cheaper model manual says 'Aerial required' but a more expensive one says doesn't need one.
I'm assuming TV's still have an RF socket and use 'over the air' reception for Freeview? 

400ixl

Look for something which supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, which will rule out most Samsung's.

https://www.richersounds.com/hisense-43e7nqtuk is a decent option.

43" QLED (so better than just LED but not as good as OLED but that would be out of budget.
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ so you get both of the HDR standards
Dolby Atmos sound
Freely TV tuner
3 HDMI 2.0 ports

danrv

Rodders53 said:

Plus Hughes if in East Anglia.

Yes. I think they're connected with Tesco.

TELLIT01

danrv said:

A cheaper model manual says 'Aerial required' but a more expensive one says doesn't need one.
I'm assuming TV's still have an RF socket and use 'over the air' reception for Freeview? 

I assume those which don't require an aerial are internet connected only.  I wouldn't personally want to go that route.  At least with an aerial you still have TV is t'interweb goes down.