Buying TV-Help needed please

LindsayT

It's a long time since I had to buy a TV. I'm looking for a reasonably priced 40 or 43 inch and only want to watch terrestrial TV and freeview. Not interested in Netflix or any of the other stuff.

However, I have no idea about OLED, QLED, Roku or anything else.

I guess I'll probably get different opinions but I'd be grateful for any help/advice.

TroubledTarts

What's your budget, whats important to you such as sounds etc?

Do you want budget or high end

High end comes up top of many reviews

https://amzn.eu/d/0er3uRVy

Movie lovers and gamers

https://www.johnlewis.com/samsung-qe43qn90f-2025-neo-qled-mini-led-hdr-4k-ultra-hd-smart-ai-tv-43-inch-with-dolby-atmos-black/p113610078?irclickid=370QV%3A1GVxyZTLNUl0zZ-206UkuV0iTPM1DGWc0&irgwc=1&afsrc=1&tmcampid=99&s_afcid=af_221109_Content

Budget

https://amzn.eu/d/0ikyS65E

Jemma01

What's a reasonable price for you?

Rocu is for smart TVs, which you're not interested in. Both oled and qled are display tech, both are good.

flaneurs_lobster

By "only want to watch terrestrial TV and freeview" does that preclude watching "free" streamed services on things like iPlayer or ITVX?

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82058995#Comment_82058995

AFAIK, it is difficult to buy a non Smart TV, unless you go for a budget small one. So by not wanting a Smart TV, the OP is really restricting themselves on choice. Probably better to get a Smart TV and just not use the Smart part.

Or as already mentioned you can just use it for BBC IPlayer or ITVX

OP - Regarding the 'display technology' OLED is the best but also the most expensive. As you are a not a TV buff, it is unlikely to be worth it for you and you might not tell the difference anyway.

Another tip is not to buy the latest 2026 model. Last years model will be almost the same but cheaper. The big names are more expensive, like Samsung, LG etc . whilst the cheaper Chinese ones are quite good for the money.

TroubledTarts

https://www.samsung.com/uk/tvs/qled-tv/q7f2-43-inch-qled-4k-smart-tv-qe43q7f2auxxu/?cid=uk_paid_ppc_google_2037183098_ID~GLB0006T3C_CN~TV+%7C+PMX+%7C+LOW+CATCH+ALL_BS~vd_SB~tv_PR~cptg_CH~shop_AT~sepma_OB~conv_PH~on_PK~roah_FS~hobl_MK~gb_MD~h_PB~gads_PL~goads_FF~ppc-pmax_&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22853787539&gbraid=0AAAAAD8U7YHLDh4TNGoayM5_zDyZgwvgP&gclid=CjwKCAjwgajSBhBEEiwASicJU8LumoBwJ90l0B1UpkxsP2MDyuSM1h3uSDq1ZB0GOMWczU8b0U857BoCng0QAvD_BwE

You can't generally go wrong with a Samsung and this is £239 plus a free 5 year warranty when registered with Samsung within 90 days

Grumpy_chap

We purchased our TV's that seem to match the OP's brief direct from Panasonic. The prices were competitive plus a long (5 year) warranty when we purchased.

sheenas

Mini LED is better than LCD and cheaper than OLED. These TV make most sense if your not into critical viewing or gaming. Hisense or TCL make great value options, while they might no be the brands you are familiar with, they are good TVs.

Rodders53

Check out AVForums on this subject, to reinforce any suggestions made here...

From what I understand: Small (43 and below) screens are generally in the cheap and cheerful mould, not a great deal to choose between them in the main - even from the more famous top brands, who may subcontract the manufacture to others. There are some (more expensive) exceptions, as always.

Freely is the latest 'Freeview derived spec' for TVs aimed at delivery of programmes via streaming {which is the future delivery mechanism, with the terrestrial transmitters slated for eventual closure - but not quite yet!}.

ALWAYS go audition some potential TVs in the flesh - handle the remote: some are painfully small buttoned and poorly laid out; other large and heavy: what suits one may not suit you. Ditto with the User Interface.

Samsung TVs have their own EPG system and streaming channels … and don't pay to be tested to be certified Freeview (or Freely) products any more. If that matters.

LindsayT

Thanks for the replies. I will look into those mentioned.

Whatever I decide on, will it be easy enough for me to set up?

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82059109#Comment_82059109

Yes, just follow the on screen instructions. For Freeview you still just need a traditional Ariel connection. For the Smart part, you need an internet connection- usually more convenient via Wi FI, if you have a good signal.