46 inch LCD/LED/Plasma?
Discussion
Please help.
Knowing stuff all about TVs and looking for a TV with one of those digital hard disc/CD/VHS recording boxes for our lounge.
Probably viewing distance of between 8 and 12 foot away and placed on a stand in the corner, rather than wall mounted. The gap avaialble is only 45 inches wide, so anything bigger won't fit.
The guy at Currys was pretty helpful but I came away totally baffled in the end over what choice of TV.
I think the favoured was a Panasonic 46 Plasma or a Samsung LED but is the LED really worth being almost twice the price?
It looked really good instore but there was no sound available and so please can anyone advise what to buy. I suppose that we could buy wireless speakers if the sound isn't that good from the actual TV.
Knowing stuff all about TVs and looking for a TV with one of those digital hard disc/CD/VHS recording boxes for our lounge.
Probably viewing distance of between 8 and 12 foot away and placed on a stand in the corner, rather than wall mounted. The gap avaialble is only 45 inches wide, so anything bigger won't fit.
The guy at Currys was pretty helpful but I came away totally baffled in the end over what choice of TV.
I think the favoured was a Panasonic 46 Plasma or a Samsung LED but is the LED really worth being almost twice the price?
It looked really good instore but there was no sound available and so please can anyone advise what to buy. I suppose that we could buy wireless speakers if the sound isn't that good from the actual TV.
Plenty of threads here extolling the virtues of Plasma over LCD (even LED backlit ones), so get the Panny bought!
As for the recorder, I presume you're not looking for a dual DVD/VCR one, but rather a hard drive based DVD recorder?
If so, then Pioneer or Panasonic would be the preferred option, and with the Panny, you'd be able to use the VIERALink so you only have to connect it, and it pulls the Freeview info from the TV, meaning less time to set it up, ready for use.
The Pioneer might be more appealing as it still has an analog tuner (if you're not running a HD Sky/Virgin box) so you can record channels 1-5 whilst watching something else on the AV input of the TV.
Moot point if you've embraced Freeview with a feed (internal/external) and may be adding FreeSat to the viewing choice.
As for the recorder, I presume you're not looking for a dual DVD/VCR one, but rather a hard drive based DVD recorder?
If so, then Pioneer or Panasonic would be the preferred option, and with the Panny, you'd be able to use the VIERALink so you only have to connect it, and it pulls the Freeview info from the TV, meaning less time to set it up, ready for use.
The Pioneer might be more appealing as it still has an analog tuner (if you're not running a HD Sky/Virgin box) so you can record channels 1-5 whilst watching something else on the AV input of the TV.
Moot point if you've embraced Freeview with a feed (internal/external) and may be adding FreeSat to the viewing choice.
Have a look at the Sharp LED backlit LCD TV too, seem to be the same pic quality as the Samsung but about a billion times brighter 
Not as thin though.
Remember also that a TV Screen is measured diagonally so dont use the screen size as a guide if you have a specific space to put it into, make sure you measure the cabinet.
Not as thin though.Remember also that a TV Screen is measured diagonally so dont use the screen size as a guide if you have a specific space to put it into, make sure you measure the cabinet.
Edited by headcase on Saturday 24th October 21:35
Ta for the advice.
So Panasonic or Sharp recommended so far.
What about LG? We've got their 42 inch LCD in the kitchen and it seesm pretty good so far.
Everyone at the stores seem to recommend higher than 50 hz refresh rates - does this make a noticeable difference? I mean that, once it's in your lounge, you're no longer comparing it to the next tv in the store.
So Panasonic or Sharp recommended so far.
What about LG? We've got their 42 inch LCD in the kitchen and it seesm pretty good so far.
Everyone at the stores seem to recommend higher than 50 hz refresh rates - does this make a noticeable difference? I mean that, once it's in your lounge, you're no longer comparing it to the next tv in the store.
I'd recommend LCD and a Samsung. Pioneer no longer make plasmas for the general public by the way. If your looking for a good colour range a decent LCD will beat a plasma easily. The plus point of the plasma is they refreshing a lot faster but most modern LCD tvs refresh at a rate that is more than fast enough. Anything over 50hz is a waste. Even most Blu ray movies are produced for a lot lower than 50hz. Also don't bother with 1080p unless you have blu ray as skyHD is only 720.
Sorry Norts, but having the knowledge without comprehending it, is like making an apple tart, but not having an oven to bake it in.
If you understood what you've read/learnt, you'd know aside from a select few LCD's, the rest of what's on the market doesn't equal Plasma, let alone exceed it.
Samsung are mediocre TV's at the best of time, but as you probably have one, it's natural for you to offer it as the best thing since sliced bread - unfortunately that's not the reality though.
If you understood what you've read/learnt, you'd know aside from a select few LCD's, the rest of what's on the market doesn't equal Plasma, let alone exceed it.
Samsung are mediocre TV's at the best of time, but as you probably have one, it's natural for you to offer it as the best thing since sliced bread - unfortunately that's not the reality though.
PJ S said:
Sorry Norts, but having the knowledge without comprehending it, is like making an apple tart, but not having an oven to bake it in.
If you understood what you've read/learnt, you'd know aside from a select few LCD's, the rest of what's on the market doesn't equal Plasma, let alone exceed it.
Samsung are mediocre TV's at the best of time, but as you probably have one, it's natural for you to offer it as the best thing since sliced bread - unfortunately that's not the reality though.
I don't know what your talking about but i have a Pioneer plasma and Samsung LCD so never assume anything! The plasma is better for faster moving frames like Football but the colours and general picture looks better on the Samsung LCD. I can only comment on what i've got. I didn't post my advice for you to criticise but thanks for your time anyway! If you understood what you've read/learnt, you'd know aside from a select few LCD's, the rest of what's on the market doesn't equal Plasma, let alone exceed it.
Samsung are mediocre TV's at the best of time, but as you probably have one, it's natural for you to offer it as the best thing since sliced bread - unfortunately that's not the reality though.
Im in the same boat 
Shortlisted down to:
Sammy B750
Sammy B8000
Panny G15
From what Ive read the Sammy appears to have a better DLNA setup, although I'm now thinking of getting a PS3 Slimline and streaming content to it from my NAS - at least that way, I dont have to worry about the DLNA setup of the panel, and I get a bluray player/games console thrown in for good measure. You never know, I might even play a game on it!
I plan to run a single HDMI from my amp to the tv, HDMI from the PS3 to the Amp, HDMI/Optical from the Sky HD box to the amp and Optical to the Sonos ZP90 in the lounge.
My other current dilemma is what amp to get. I've shortlisted down to:
Yammy RXV1065
Onkyo TX-SR607
Sony STR-DA2400ES (£299!)
Once I've figured those two decisions out, I'll need to upgrade the lounge surround sound speakers...
'scuse me whilst I go into the garden and burn some more money...
edit: forgot to mention the most important thing: Go an view your panels before you buy, and buy the panel YOU prefer. I can't stress that enough. (Make sure you are comparing like for like - that the source to all 3 panels is identical.) Both the Sammy panels have been well received by the AV media/community. They are both potentially good buys. I guess it's just down to your own personal preference!
Shortlisted down to:
Sammy B750
Sammy B8000
Panny G15
From what Ive read the Sammy appears to have a better DLNA setup, although I'm now thinking of getting a PS3 Slimline and streaming content to it from my NAS - at least that way, I dont have to worry about the DLNA setup of the panel, and I get a bluray player/games console thrown in for good measure. You never know, I might even play a game on it!
I plan to run a single HDMI from my amp to the tv, HDMI from the PS3 to the Amp, HDMI/Optical from the Sky HD box to the amp and Optical to the Sonos ZP90 in the lounge.
My other current dilemma is what amp to get. I've shortlisted down to:
Yammy RXV1065
Onkyo TX-SR607
Sony STR-DA2400ES (£299!)
Once I've figured those two decisions out, I'll need to upgrade the lounge surround sound speakers...
'scuse me whilst I go into the garden and burn some more money...
edit: forgot to mention the most important thing: Go an view your panels before you buy, and buy the panel YOU prefer. I can't stress that enough. (Make sure you are comparing like for like - that the source to all 3 panels is identical.) Both the Sammy panels have been well received by the AV media/community. They are both potentially good buys. I guess it's just down to your own personal preference!
Edited by ukwill on Sunday 25th October 16:38
PJ S said:
Sorry Norts, but having the knowledge without comprehending it, is like making an apple tart, but not having an oven to bake it in.
If you understood what you've read/learnt, you'd know aside from a select few LCD's, the rest of what's on the market doesn't equal Plasma, let alone exceed it.
Samsung are mediocre TV's at the best of time, but as you probably have one, it's natural for you to offer it as the best thing since sliced bread - unfortunately that's not the reality though.
If mediocre means innumerous 5-Star / Highly Recommended / Editors Choice awards throughout the AV media, then I'm all for lashings of mediocre. If you understood what you've read/learnt, you'd know aside from a select few LCD's, the rest of what's on the market doesn't equal Plasma, let alone exceed it.
Samsung are mediocre TV's at the best of time, but as you probably have one, it's natural for you to offer it as the best thing since sliced bread - unfortunately that's not the reality though.
ukwill said:
although I'm now thinking of getting a PS3 Slimline and streaming content to it from my NAS - at least that way, I dont have to worry about the DLNA setup of the panel, and I get a bluray player/games console thrown in for good measure. You never know, I might even play a game on it!
This is what I have just done - you won't be disappointed with the PS3 and I've yet to use it as a game console!The best 46/47" LCD sets are without doubt either Philips 47PFL9664 (the 42" variant just won TV of The Year through What HiFi [if you cannot rely on your own judgement]) whilst JVC's LT-47DV1 is the only other non-plasma at this size to actually work outside of totally rigged demos.
Show me a Korean with comparable black levels on a range of source qualities; I have yet to discover such a mythical beast.
The demise of the Pioneer Kuro is undoubtedly the industry's Concorde Moment but a properly optimised G10/G15 is still a runner.
Honestly if I were in the market for this size - I'd buy the JVC - it has all the publicity of a Bristol Fighter S in a world of Top Geared Ferraris but when you compare it with everything else it is quite simply miles apart.
Re your receiver query and to be frank, that 1065 is Red Rum in a paddock otherwise full of limping donkeys.
Show me a Korean with comparable black levels on a range of source qualities; I have yet to discover such a mythical beast.
The demise of the Pioneer Kuro is undoubtedly the industry's Concorde Moment but a properly optimised G10/G15 is still a runner.
Honestly if I were in the market for this size - I'd buy the JVC - it has all the publicity of a Bristol Fighter S in a world of Top Geared Ferraris but when you compare it with everything else it is quite simply miles apart.
Re your receiver query and to be frank, that 1065 is Red Rum in a paddock otherwise full of limping donkeys.
derestrictor said:
The best 46/47" LCD sets are without doubt either Philips 47PFL9664 (the 42" variant just won TV of The Year through What HiFi [if you cannot rely on your own judgement]) whilst JVC's LT-47DV1 is the only other non-plasma at this size to actually work outside of totally rigged demos.
Show me a Korean with comparable black levels on a range of source qualities; I have yet to discover such a mythical beast.
The demise of the Pioneer Kuro is undoubtedly the industry's Concorde Moment but a properly optimised G10/G15 is still a runner.
Honestly if I were in the market for this size - I'd buy the JVC - it has all the publicity of a Bristol Fighter S in a world of Top Geared Ferraris but when you compare it with everything else it is quite simply miles apart.
Re your receiver query and to be frank, that 1065 is Red Rum in a paddock otherwise full of limping donkeys.
Opinions eh Show me a Korean with comparable black levels on a range of source qualities; I have yet to discover such a mythical beast.
The demise of the Pioneer Kuro is undoubtedly the industry's Concorde Moment but a properly optimised G10/G15 is still a runner.
Honestly if I were in the market for this size - I'd buy the JVC - it has all the publicity of a Bristol Fighter S in a world of Top Geared Ferraris but when you compare it with everything else it is quite simply miles apart.
Re your receiver query and to be frank, that 1065 is Red Rum in a paddock otherwise full of limping donkeys.
The What HiFi "Best TV of the Year" award for the 46-47" tv went to....
That'll be the Sammy B8000
As for the amps I listed, all were highly praised. If only I could spend the time testing all of them in a multitude of different scenarios. At this time, the 1065 is the forerunner, simply considering the price point. At £500 I think it is a veritable bargain. Up there with amps in the £6-800 range.
FunkyGibbon said:
ukwill said:
although I'm now thinking of getting a PS3 Slimline and streaming content to it from my NAS - at least that way, I dont have to worry about the DLNA setup of the panel, and I get a bluray player/games console thrown in for good measure. You never know, I might even play a game on it!
This is what I have just done - you won't be disappointed with the PS3 and I've yet to use it as a game console!NORTS said:
PJ S said:
Sorry Norts, but having the knowledge without comprehending it, is like making an apple tart, but not having an oven to bake it in.
If you understood what you've read/learnt, you'd know aside from a select few LCD's, the rest of what's on the market doesn't equal Plasma, let alone exceed it.
Samsung are mediocre TV's at the best of time, but as you probably have one, it's natural for you to offer it as the best thing since sliced bread - unfortunately that's not the reality though.
I don't know what your talking about but i have a Pioneer plasma and Samsung LCD so never assume anything! The plasma is better for faster moving frames like Football but the colours and general picture looks better on the Samsung LCD. I can only comment on what i've got. I didn't post my advice for you to criticise but thanks for your time anyway!If you understood what you've read/learnt, you'd know aside from a select few LCD's, the rest of what's on the market doesn't equal Plasma, let alone exceed it.
Samsung are mediocre TV's at the best of time, but as you probably have one, it's natural for you to offer it as the best thing since sliced bread - unfortunately that's not the reality though.
If you had (assuming it's not a 5 yo Pioneer, which would explain things), then there's no way you'd have extolled the virtues of the Samsung, nor LCD for that matter.
Admittedly, Samsung have raised their game somewhat, but they'd no other choice but to - but the new LED LCD TV's are not the Plasma-slayers marketing depts would have you believe, not when the same company's own Plasma TV isn't any worse looking than their LED backlit ones, which are a reasonable bit shy of the performance a Panasonic produces.
If I honestly considered Samsung, LG, Sharp, or Knickyknackywoowoo to have Plasma equalling LCD TV's, in every facet (motion resolution, black levels, colour accuracy, pixel response, etc) then I'd be shouting about it from the rooftops - but as it's still the same old "Panasonic Plasma" recommending, then it's safe to assume that time hasn't yet arrived for LCD, no matter how hard anyone wishes to believe otherwise.
As Der say, there's some LCD's putting up a very good counter-argument, but they're still not able to put Plasma in the shade, nor will they ever likely to, since the pixel on/off response time is an order of magnitude greater than Plasma's.
OLED might be the next technology to put Plasma under the cosh, but for a good few years, it'll be at a hefty premium.
ukwill said:
If mediocre means innumerous 5-Star / Highly Recommended / Editors Choice awards throughout the AV media, then I'm all for lashings of mediocre.
You should know by now, don't believe everything you read - and if you knew anything about how those magazines work in reality, you'd take each review with a hefty dose of salt!Industry-biased press reviews and awards are meaningless to anyone confident in their own ability to see what's right in front of them - but as we all know, there are those who like to be told what to do with the least amount of research from themselves. And no, that's not aimed at the OP in any form.
headcase said:
Samsungs arnt as bad as lots of people say, in fact for the price they are actually quite good.
Meh....depends on where each individual sets the bar.PJ S said:
ukwill said:
If mediocre means innumerous 5-Star / Highly Recommended / Editors Choice awards throughout the AV media, then I'm all for lashings of mediocre.
You should know by now, don't believe everything you read - and if you knew anything about how those magazines work in reality, you'd take each review with a hefty dose of salt!Industry-biased press reviews and awards are meaningless to anyone confident in their own ability to see what's right in front of them - but as we all know, there are those who like to be told what to do with the least amount of research from themselves. And no, that's not aimed at the OP in any form.
headcase said:
Samsungs arnt as bad as lots of people say, in fact for the price they are actually quite good.
Meh....depends on where each individual sets the bar.After all, clearly not everything gets awards, and many, many people are influenced by reviews and suchlike. You only need to read opinions of cars on this very site to see that. Furthermore, I would expect to read honest opinions by a number of well respected journo's. They don't become well respected for talking out of their arses.
I've auditioned 2 of the 3 panels I am considering and I liked them both. I was surprisingly impressed with SD on the Sammy's (considering I have a Panny plasma on my wall and it's done a sterling job), and that was my main concern. I will buy the tv that I personally want to buy. If you don't like the Sammy panels then that's your perogative, but to infer that people who do must have their bar set low; well to quote from ancient anglo-saxon, that's just a lot of old b
ks.ukwill said:
FunkyGibbon said:
ukwill said:
although I'm now thinking of getting a PS3 Slimline and streaming content to it from my NAS - at least that way, I dont have to worry about the DLNA setup of the panel, and I get a bluray player/games console thrown in for good measure. You never know, I might even play a game on it!
This is what I have just done - you won't be disappointed with the PS3 and I've yet to use it as a game console!Edited by FunkyGibbon on Monday 26th October 00:03
PJ S said:
As Der say, there's some LCD's putting up a very good counter-argument, but they're still not able to put Plasma in the shade, nor will they ever likely to...
If you can show me a current (i.e. non-Kuro) set of any type to better the DV1 JVC chassis (where both are optimised) then it will be quite something.Re the What HiFi award, the Philips design was the overall winner: I share the cynicism re such things; reviews are far from what they used to be but regardless, the (47)PFL9664 annihilates all current performances conceived on the peninsula.
Like the DV1, it manages to approximate (certainly on high level SD/most HD content) towards the late, master standard.
derestrictor said:
PJ S said:
As Der say, there's some LCD's putting up a very good counter-argument, but they're still not able to put Plasma in the shade, nor will they ever likely to...
If you can show me a current (i.e. non-Kuro) set of any type to better the DV1 JVC chassis (where both are optimised) then it will be quite something.Gassing Station | Home Cinema & Hi-Fi | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff