Help! I need a telly!!

[24lemons]

I want to replace my 32" TV with a 42" model and I'd be grateful of some advice,

I dont want to spend very much (£350ish) and I've seen various different specs at that price (Plasma, LCD, 1080i/p 50hz/60hz).

As well as general viewing, I want it for watching Blu-ray discs and playing video games. I sometimes feel that my current LCD struggles to keep up with fast moving games.

I'm led to believe that the higher refresh rate the better, so presumably I need 60hz rather than 50? Also, I think I want full HD rather than 720 or 1080i. I'm planning on buying a PS4 at some point so I'd like the TV to cope with the requirements of the PS4.

Can anyone give me any recommendations as to what I should be looking for and what models to consider?

Thanks in advance!

[gpo746]

1. Go to Currys and look at the various models, look for one and compare specifications etc
2. Make your mind up and reduce your choices to two or three models and note the prices.
3. Go Home and check the prices on the web.
4. If the price on the web is significantly cheaper then buy on the web and save the money - the after sales service will in all likelihood be almost the same.

OR

Find an independent shop with a good track record and have a look and possibly buy from them.
DO NOT milk the independent shop for advice then buy on the web
Currys deserve to be treated shabbily the independent may not

[TEKNOPUG]

24lemons said:

I want to replace my 32" TV with a 42" model and I'd be grateful of some advice,

I dont want to spend very much (£350ish) and I've seen various different specs at that price (Plasma, LCD, 1080i/p 50hz/60hz).

As well as general viewing, I want it for watching Blu-ray discs and playing video games. I sometimes feel that my current LCD struggles to keep up with fast moving games.

I'm led to believe that the higher refresh rate the better, so presumably I need 60hz rather than 50? Also, I think I want full HD rather than 720 or 1080i. I'm planning on buying a PS4 at some point so I'd like the TV to cope with the requirements of the PS4.

Can anyone give me any recommendations as to what I should be looking for and what models to consider?

Thanks in advance!

Go to some independent retailers and see if you can haggle some deals on discontinued stock or ex-display. £350 will barely by a decent 32" TV.

£123 off. Go and buy this if they still have it in stock.

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/tv-dvd-blu-ray/televi...

[24lemons]

Thanks, I have actually been into a couple of shops and I'm struggling to see alot of difference between the models. I was hoping somebody could tell me from experience what/what not to look for. For example, will I notice the difference between 50/60hz when playing games like Battlefield or Gran Turismo, Is it worth getting a 1080p model over 720 etc..

I used to work in an independent camera shop so I fully appreciate what you are saying about milking them for advice etc.. which is why I posted my question here rather than hassling a sales assistant for three hours!!

[gpo746]

24lemons said:

Thanks, I have actually been into a couple of shops and I'm struggling to see alot of difference between the models. I was hoping somebody could tell me from experience what/what not to look for. For example, will I notice the difference between 50/60hz when playing games like Battlefield or Gran Turismo, Is it worth getting a 1080p model over 720 etc..

I used to work in an independent camera shop so I fully appreciate what you are saying about milking them for advice etc.. which is why I posted my question here rather than hassling a sales assistant for three hours!!

1080p if you can do it in your budget

[24lemons]

TEKNOPUG said:

Go to some independent retailers and see if you can haggle some deals on discontinued stock or ex-display. £350 will barely by a decent 32" TV.

£123 off. Go and buy this if they still have it in stock.

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/tv-dvd-blu-ray/televi...

I saw that one and It is tempting however it is only 720p which prompted me to start this thread to see if it would be much of an issue in real terms.

[TEKNOPUG]

24lemons said:

I saw that one and It is tempting however it is only 720p which prompted me to start this thread to see if it would be much of an issue in real terms.

OK. Didn't read through all the blurb.

Can you wait until you have a budget north of £500?

[OvalOwl]

24lemons said:

Thanks, I have actually been into a couple of shops and I'm struggling to see alot of difference between the models.

Most TV's have a display setting for shop use that ups the contrast and brightness, so what you see in the shop isn't what you will see in your house.

[24lemons]

TEKNOPUG said:

OK. Didn't read through all the blurb.

Can you wait until you have a budget north of £500?

I could but to be honest I'm reluctant to spend that much on a TV when the extra cash could go into my PS4 pot. I'm not a connoisseur so I just want a no frills TV that will give a good picture and be suitable for gaming.

[croyde]

TEKNOPUG said:

Go to some independent retailers and see if you can haggle some deals on discontinued stock or ex-display. £350 will barely by a decent 32" TV.

£123 off. Go and buy this if they still have it in stock.

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/tv-dvd-blu-ray/televi...

I was about to point this one out. I took ages to give up my CRT and get one of these new-fangled flat panels and after a lot of searching I settled on a Panny Plasma and I have to say that the picture is great and doesn't look ultra realistic (hence not realistic) like the LEDs and LCDs of the time (2011).

It's a G30 which they don't do anymore so I'm presuming that the one linked to is similar. Looking at the specs it doesn't have as many HDMI sockets as mine nor appears to be a 'Smart' TV but it's more than half the price I paid. If you want a TV to be 'Smart' you can get a little set-top box from as little as £29.99.

As others have said, go and have a look. Try and get them to play a favourite DVD on various sets so you can compare the picture.

[TEKNOPUG]

24lemons said:

I could but to be honest I'm reluctant to spend that much on a TV when the extra cash could go into my PS4 pot. I'm not a connoisseur so I just want a no frills TV that will give a good picture and be suitable for gaming.

They'll all be much of a muchness at that price point tbh. Maybe look for other features such as smart capability, HD tuner, number of HDMIs etc.

Or look to go smaller, like a 32". I'd advise plasma at 42" and above but they are probably above your price point and they don't make them below that size. Read through lots of review sites and see if you can identify a winner. You won't learn much by viewing in big showrooms under strip lighting.

Throw up some examples and see if people can offer some specific advise.

[HRL]

Got an extra £30 lying around?

http://www.richersounds.com/product/tv---all/samsu...

[ADEuk]

HRL said:

Got an extra £30 lying around?

http://www.richersounds.com/product/tv---all/samsu...

Check the clearance list for your local store too

[24lemons]

HRL said:

Got an extra £30 lying around?

http://www.richersounds.com/product/tv---all/samsu...

That does look good actually

[FlossyThePig]

24lemons said:

...will I notice the difference between 50/60hz when playing games...

I would say no to that. Historically TVs in America used 60hz and Europe 50hz because that was the frequency of the mains supply.

[gpo746]

And remember if you do buy at a shop just remember to give a dodgy address if you don't have a TV Licence.