Buying a new television. What to go for?

[Z4coupebeaver]

What happened to pioneer?

They've gone the same way as a number of manufacturers of quality products. They couldn't bring the manufacturing cost down without compromising quality and when they brought the quality down they then became a "me too" manufacturer.

They brought out a fantastic unit in the 4 series in the early 2000s but then reduced the quality in the subsequent 5, 6 series etc. Their final fling was the Kuro range which was actually better than the 4 series. You do see 4 series on Ebay now and again for £3-500 but they are at least 6 years old now so the question is - do you feel lucky punk - do you?

You also see Kuro on Ebay but the same statement applies.

Samsung and Sony have reliability issues. Panasonic is quite good value for money.

 

[Hark]

Just had a mailer from Comet, this looks good on paper...
Comet Sale - PANASONIC TX-P50U20B Plasma

50"
1080P
2000000:1 contrast ratio
400Hz
24P

Downside - only 2 HDMI ports

Price - £599

Surely, pending reviews, that's got to make the short list!

Just had a look and that seems very good value

 

[pvr]

Not bad indeed. For my Panasonic, the additional HDMI ports alone were about £400 or so.

 

[sars]

Just had a mailer from Comet, this looks good on paper...
Comet Sale - PANASONIC TX-P50U20B Plasma

50"
1080P
2000000:1 contrast ratio
400Hz
24P

Downside - only 2 HDMI ports

Price - £599

Surely, pending reviews, that's got to make the short list!

Just had a look and that seems very good value

Bargain yes, though it doesn't have an HD receiver nor is it internet ready for streaming, this may not be a problem if you have sky or similar or have a media centre installation.

 

[pvr]

I use an Xtreamer with the panasonic which does the streaming of HD content over the network fine. The Xtreamer connects to the HDMI connection (or Octavia switch in my case).

Just remember for HD content streaming that standard Windows SMB is not up to the speed of getting the data on the network, so you will have to install Hanewin NFS to get the required streaming speed.

Sorry - diverting a bit

 

[Hark]

Just had a mailer from Comet, this looks good on paper...
Comet Sale - PANASONIC TX-P50U20B Plasma

50"
1080P
2000000:1 contrast ratio
400Hz
24P

Downside - only 2 HDMI ports

Price - £599

Surely, pending reviews, that's got to make the short list!

Just had a look and that seems very good value

Bargain yes, though it doesn't have an HD receiver nor is it internet ready for streaming, this may not be a problem if you have sky or similar or have a media centre installation.

You mean streaming straight from the tele from the internet?
Above my head now to be honest, I used to be up on this stuff, but not anymore.

Can't see me neeeding that as I don't watch anything via the net at all, don't watch much tv tbh, just lots of films+ gaming.

 

[pvr]

Streaming includes films from your local network as well though ... including home movies etc. It can also do the photograph browsing on the screen as well.

 

[Hark]

Like virgin on demand??

I use that quite often.

 

[pvr]

Virgin on demand is something different, that is coming from your Virgin box only. That is already connected to your screen.

 

[Anonymous]

Samsung 8000 range, 46 inch, silver surround and stand, with free DVD blu Ray and glasses, plus Shrek box set and 5 year warantee, £1699 at John Lewis

 

[sars]

Like virgin on demand??

I use that quite often.

No like Lovefilm, so you pay so much a month and watch as many films or TV series over the internet or by post as per your subscription allows. Eventually you can see this format eclipsing DVD rental, in the same way what itunes has done for the cd.

If your buying a new TV I would suggest you look at this feature in built or you will have to go down the media centre solution (a pc that connects to your TV).

 

[Hark]

Like virgin on demand??

I use that quite often.

No like Lovefilm, so you pay so much a month and watch as many films or TV series over the internet or by post as per your subscription allows. Eventually you can see this format eclipsing DVD rental, in the same way what itunes has done for the cd.

If your buying a new TV I would suggest you look at this feature in built or you will have to go down the media centre solution (a pc that connects to your TV).

That's good advice. Wasn't aware that Lovefilm were offering that, will look in to it as I have theri 3 DVD rental package.

EDIT: Just checked it out, that's bloody brilliant. lol

This one seems to have it.
http://www.johnlewis.com/230948213/Product.aspx

Just checking, is the connection via wifi, or would I have to physically run cables as that would be difficult as the broadband is on the opoosite side of the house.

 

[bmwangler]

I have a 42" LG Plasma and am very pleased with it. It was great value for money.

I know you can pay a lot more and get a better result, but it always seems to be the "law of diminishing returns" to me - the more you pay, the less extra you get for your money.

If you can afford it though, I agree that Panasonic make great products (across the board)

 

[Anonymous]

Samsung 9000 range is thinest tv, and in gorgeous stainless steel too....but £3200 for 46 and £5000 for 55 inch

 

[Wondermike]

Hark, have you already got a PS3?

 

[Hark]

Hark, have you already got a PS3?

Xbox 360 mate

 

[pvr]

Wifi can not stream HD, only SD.

 

[Hark]

Could it stream it if I hardwired it at a later date presumably?

Thanks for all the pointers, I'm going to go shopping tomorrow.

Currys and Comet in the morning, then John Lewis after lunch.

 

[sars]

Before you buy, have a look at the link below, have to say that I have always gone with their top choices and have been pleased with them all, be it speakers, amplifiers & DVD players

http://awards.whathifi.com/winners/televisions/2010

The KDL-46EX503U is cheaper with the VAT back than the 42" Panasonic

As for reviews, mine

http://www.whathifi.com/Review/Sony-KDL-46EX503/

Panasonic

http://www.whathifi.com/Review/Panasonic-TX-L42D25/

Happy hunting

 

[Wondermike]

Hark, have you already got a PS3?

Xbox 360 mate

In that case I'd be tempted to get a £500 plasma and a PS3, this will let you stream "Lovefilm" movies, BBC iplayer, etc through the PS3 via wireless connection, which will also give you blu-ray/HD source, just add a set of speakers. And of course all the games you can play too.