Want massive tv, but don't care about 3D - help?

[mr_tony]

Wife says we need a new tv! I bought what hi-fi and wandered round John Lewis but nothing excited me.

I want a 60" screen (at least) and best possible picture. Main issue is I Am Not interested in 3D - just best possible picture quality.

Prepared to spend reasonably stupid money while I have the go ahead so tell me - what should I go for?

[bristolracer]

What size is your front room?

You should be sat 8 times the height of the screen away from the set to get the best picture. Any closer and you will find the picture disappointing

General advice is to buy a good named brand- eg sony panasonic or samsung if you want it to last.
John Lewis is always a good bet to buy from as they will chuck in a 5 yr waranty and also deliver and a 60 inch tv will come in a very big box, not the sort of thing you want to have hanging out of the back of the family car

[Trustmeimadoctor]

what budget

[6th Gear]

http://www.whathifi.com/awards/2011/televisions

Worth a read.

[mr_tony]

Budget is 2.5k but could spend more if there is a genuine benefit.

I'm sat about 24 ft away.

Key requirement for me Is to be able to use mac mini on it from that distance at max resolution. Currently font is too small on a 42" set and do not see point in lowering resolution....

[Trustmeimadoctor]

you will need to spend more really

this is a decent set panasonic TX-P65VT30B its circa 4k though

[Driller]

mr_tony said:

I'm sat about 24 ft away.

I suggest a pair of these!

[FlossyThePig]

Have you considered a projector system?

[OldSkoolRS]

FlossyThePig said:

Have you considered a projector system?

Probably unlikely to get 'top quality' within the OP's budget by the time the screen is taken into account: Projectors require a room with very dark walls, not just no ambient light, to give the best image. You can get away without this, but then you need a special screen and these cost thousands especially for an electric one rather than a fixed screen. You've either got to be dedicated/anal to have a great projector setup, or rich IMHO. You can have something that gives a big picture and is fun, but whether it's 'great picture quality' is debatable.

I sit 1.3 x my screen width away (from a 9.5' 2.35:1 screen) and sometime feel I'd like it bigger as like everything you get used to it overtime.

[h0b0]

I know it is not of any use to you but.....


For those in the US,

Panasonic VIERA TC-P60ST30 60-Inch 1080p 600 Hz 3D Plasma HDTV

Add to cart and it will cost $1300 or 836 pounds. Sounds like a steal to me!

[mr_tony]

h0b0 said:

I know it is not of any use to you but.....


For those in the US,

Panasonic VIERA TC-P60ST30 60-Inch 1080p 600 Hz 3D Plasma HDTV

Add to cart and it will cost $1300 or 836 pounds. Sounds like a steal to me!

Actually - I am in Chicago next week... Not sure about getting it back in, and is the quality up there with the latest models mentioned below?

[13 DJP]

Trustmeimadoctor said:

you will need to spend more really

this is a decent set panasonic TX-P65VT30B its circa 4k though

If you go with this one, I got offered it for £3.5k last week.
PM me if you want to know where.

[RobDickinson]

Good chance it wont do PAL or work on 240v.

[h0b0]

The 65 inch st is $2k. It is an international tv and will work in the UK.

[T84]

I don't think it will, my North American 55ST30 says '120v' under power rating.

[mr_tony]

Most big sets are international. Voltage no issue - just get a transformer.

Will compare the options here - Panasonic looks good though.

[h0b0]

The 65VT30 is on amazon at $2900 and east coast TVs at $2700 but may be subject to shipping and tax. This time last year i needed a TV and nearly paid $4500 for a 65VT20 so these are now bargains.

Panasonic 65" VT30 Series Plasma HDTV - TCP65VT30

Edited by h0b0 on Tuesday 29th November 13:27

[Raverbaby]

This is the cheapest 60" I can find, not sure about spec, mayber someone else will know if its any good
£1100
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/lg-60pv250k-60-full-h...

[monkey gland]

bristolracer said:

You should be sat 8 times the height of the screen away from the set to get the best picture. Any closer and you will find the picture disappointing

If I'm the only one watching something I will sit 7 feet away from a 50" TV. It's like being in the cinema - at home!

[OldSkoolRS]

monkey gland said:

If I'm the only one watching something I will sit 7 feet away from a 50" TV. It's like being in the cinema - at home!

Try 10 feet or so away from a 128" screen; that really is a cinema in my own home.