New TV, will I be disapointed?
Discussion
Steve_W said:
Interesting thread - duly bookmarked.
We're still using our 26" Panasonic LCD that we've had for years.
Since we're doing up the sitting room, my OH thought we could look into getting something a bit newer and with a bigger screen (you know where this is going?)
She came back from John Lewis having seen a 55" Sony with a "speaker in the screen". A quick poke on the website shows £1999 worth of Sony AF8 with "Acoustic Surface" (or the AF9 for nigh on £3000!)
https://www.johnlewis.com/sony-bravia-kd55af8-oled...
No idea if that's any good and negates the need for a soundbar?
I'm way out of touch with the "must haves" on a TV - we don't have a satellite service, or a decent broadband speed (waiting on Gigaclear - whole other story!) We get no more than 7mb on Broadband on a good day (ancient copper all the way to the nearest village).
TL:DR - is the Sony AF8 any good, or are there better TVs around for less?
dont all the oleds use lg panels? going from 26 to 55 is quite a leap! will your living room take it? We're still using our 26" Panasonic LCD that we've had for years.
Since we're doing up the sitting room, my OH thought we could look into getting something a bit newer and with a bigger screen (you know where this is going?)
She came back from John Lewis having seen a 55" Sony with a "speaker in the screen". A quick poke on the website shows £1999 worth of Sony AF8 with "Acoustic Surface" (or the AF9 for nigh on £3000!)
https://www.johnlewis.com/sony-bravia-kd55af8-oled...
No idea if that's any good and negates the need for a soundbar?
I'm way out of touch with the "must haves" on a TV - we don't have a satellite service, or a decent broadband speed (waiting on Gigaclear - whole other story!) We get no more than 7mb on Broadband on a good day (ancient copper all the way to the nearest village).
TL:DR - is the Sony AF8 any good, or are there better TVs around for less?
Edited by Steve_W on Wednesday 10th October 17:41
Best thing to do is use the screen speaker and buy a small sub to hide behind it. It works really, really well.
The Rel T Zero is a good choice, super small but adds so much.
The 55" A1 OLED is an even sexier design, and the sub can be hidden well behind it.
It also has an infa red pass through so boxes like Sky can be hidden behind the TV too.
Can be had for around £1700 now.
The AF8 was a more conventionally designed A1.
The Rel T Zero is a good choice, super small but adds so much.
The 55" A1 OLED is an even sexier design, and the sub can be hidden well behind it.
It also has an infa red pass through so boxes like Sky can be hidden behind the TV too.
Can be had for around £1700 now.
The AF8 was a more conventionally designed A1.
The AF8 is a good TV by all accounts. I've heard that the acoustic surface effectively acts as a centre channel - so dialogue should be a bit clearer - but doesn't replace an external sound system. Probably fine for boggo TV but I think audio plays a big part in immersing you in films/dramas etc. With more and more streaming content being at least 5.1, and often Atmos it's a no-brainer to me to add some sort of sound setup. Even a good quality 2 channel setup makes a lot of difference to clarity, effects and music which all helps with that immersion.
petemurphy said:
dont all the oleds use lg panels? going from 26 to 55 is quite a leap! will your living room take it?
I believe that yes, the base technology is LG, no matter the final manufacturer. Re the room size, the original TV was my OH's in a 2 bed flat; the room we're doing up is a full size sitting room with a 5 meter wall and 2.8 meter ceiling height so should be ok. The nice man at John Lewis has given us a template that shows all screens up to 65" (I think), and recommended seating distance/viewing angles etc so we'll be taping that to the wall to check.
Thanks for the info on the things such as the Rel T Zero too chaps - all info much appreciated.
tenohfive said:
I'm not a soundbar fan full stop - I'd consider some of the higher end ones (as you say, £750 mark upwards) but given the choice I'd be looking at some sort of surround sound system. I'd much rather have that extra element of control and ability to match the sound to the room.
But sometimes, in some rooms, we don't want speakers everywhere. In my conservatory I don't mind, it is that sort of room....
But in my sitting room the last thing I want is speakers, hence a B&O with a decent sound system built in and a sub plugged into it and hidden behind the sofa is ideal, as would be a Sony A1 with a sub...
Having said that, I haven't even bothered wiring the rear speakers up, had them sat in the box for nearly 3 years.
I have gone from having a £30k Meridian system and spending every living moment thinking about the next upgrade to just wanting a 'nice' sound that is easy to operate and looks nice too.
After owning the B&O I realised I enjoyed watching TV just as much with that sound wise than I did with all the kit, in many ways it impresses more.
gizlaroc said:
But sometimes, in some rooms, we don't want speakers everywhere.
The setup you describe is aesthetically a good one, and I'm sure sound wise it's good enough for a front room. A reasonable trade-off for a front room setup, particularly if (like you and I) you have a separate room with the a dedicated AV setup. But you pay a premium for B&O built in sound systems or an A1 with an acoustic surface. My argument is twofold:1. You can spend less money to get the same sound with a 2.0 or 2.1 setup/spend the same and get better audio.
2. Most people buying an A1 will be doing so as their main TV, and as such even if it's in a front room will want it to be something of an event sticking a film on.
A cheap 2.0 or 2.1 setup will outperform soundbars of a similar price and will cost significantly less than the premium for built-in acoustics (all else being equal.) The trade off is some cables to hide.
For some idea of what I have in mind, my 'main' setup consists of an AVR and two front speakers - little ones costing £220, that will become my rear surrounds when funds allow me to add the rest. The difference between those and the soundbar they replaced is huge. It can be done cheaply and simply, and even in this setup doesn't involve a mass of cables everywhere.
Soundbars have their place and some are very, very good I'm sure. I just think that for many a simple dedicated sound setup with a cheap AVR will offer a more enjoyable experience for the same cost. And it's most people I'm talking about, not those who can afford an A1 as a second TV.
But it's all compromises. If someone decides a soundbar works best knowing the options available, with an understanding of the convenience and sound differences for the various alternatives then that's a good decision in my mind.
Edited by tenohfive on Friday 12th October 08:17
gizlaroc said:
If you want a 50" TV, the only real option at the moment is the Sony 49XF9005.
Can be had for around £850 from TPS.
John Lewis will match at £945 but mot match the £100 cashback TPS are offering.
That Samsung uses an IPS panel on the 49", better viewing angles but poor blacks.
The Sonys is a local dimming LCD with a VA panel, it is no OLED but the only choice IMHO if you are used to Plasma.
Great recommendation thanks and a great thread for those not Tele savy ! I plan to get this TV in the next couple of weeks but keep reading a sound bar just gives it that extra edge. Is there a further recommendation for one of those as I didn't really want to spend anymore and wondered if the cheap one at £129 was ok or should I save up and get a more expensive one later on.... CheersCan be had for around £850 from TPS.
John Lewis will match at £945 but mot match the £100 cashback TPS are offering.
That Samsung uses an IPS panel on the 49", better viewing angles but poor blacks.
The Sonys is a local dimming LCD with a VA panel, it is no OLED but the only choice IMHO if you are used to Plasma.
Steve_W said:
Interesting thread - duly bookmarked.
We're still using our 26" Panasonic LCD that we've had for years.
Since we're doing up the sitting room, my OH thought we could look into getting something a bit newer and with a bigger screen (you know where this is going?)
She came back from John Lewis having seen a 55" Sony with a "speaker in the screen". A quick poke on the website shows £1999 worth of Sony AF8 with "Acoustic Surface" (or the AF9 for nigh on £3000!)
https://www.johnlewis.com/sony-bravia-kd55af8-oled...
No idea if that's any good and negates the need for a soundbar?
I'm way out of touch with the "must haves" on a TV - we don't have a satellite service, or a decent broadband speed (waiting on Gigaclear - whole other story!) We get no more than 7mb on Broadband on a good day (ancient copper all the way to the nearest village).
TL:DR - is the Sony AF8 any good, or are there better TVs around for less?
Steve, you must be my twin! Except I'm still stuck in the 20th Century.We're still using our 26" Panasonic LCD that we've had for years.
Since we're doing up the sitting room, my OH thought we could look into getting something a bit newer and with a bigger screen (you know where this is going?)
She came back from John Lewis having seen a 55" Sony with a "speaker in the screen". A quick poke on the website shows £1999 worth of Sony AF8 with "Acoustic Surface" (or the AF9 for nigh on £3000!)
https://www.johnlewis.com/sony-bravia-kd55af8-oled...
No idea if that's any good and negates the need for a soundbar?
I'm way out of touch with the "must haves" on a TV - we don't have a satellite service, or a decent broadband speed (waiting on Gigaclear - whole other story!) We get no more than 7mb on Broadband on a good day (ancient copper all the way to the nearest village).
TL:DR - is the Sony AF8 any good, or are there better TVs around for less?
Edited by Steve_W on Wednesday 10th October 17:41
We too have a 26" Panny that we've had for around 14 years or more and have recently moved house.
The new room is larger and the TV farther away from the seating, about 6metres away!
Wife keeps asking about a new TV ( I rarely watch it preferring to view the occasional prog on the lap top as I can actually see the text!).
So looking for a new larger TV (preferably another Panny as we have good results from them) .
Next she is wanting a recorder. We currently use freeview and a firestick.
I've read a recommendation on here for the youview BT box but does that need a hard wire ethernet cable? We haven't a phone socket in the room.
About the only things I watch are Gardeners World, MotoGP (on C5 but would love to see it live/recorded on BT Sport) and used to watch Squawk Box on CNBC but that seems to be available on Sky only. Sky dish on side of house but doesn't work and sockets in wrong place in the house)
Enough of my blether, summing up, need a decent size, but not too large (40"ish) TV decent picture and sound and a method of recording TV. Oh and it needs to be simple to operate.
Skyedriver said:
...I've read a recommendation on here for the youview BT box but does that need a hard wire ethernet cable? ...
Ours work quite happily through powerline adaptors.The Humax/BT YouView boxes were cheap (eBay a few years ago), but Freeview Play may be a better platform for future developments.
gareth_r said:
Skyedriver said:
...I've read a recommendation on here for the youview BT box but does that need a hard wire ethernet cable? ...
Ours work quite happily through powerline adaptors.The Humax/BT YouView boxes were cheap (eBay a few years ago), but Freeview Play may be a better platform for future developments.
gareth_r said:
Freeview Play may be a better platform for future developments.
I'm learning all the time, "Freeview Play" is that just another scroll back, catch up option or can you record on the box?My arguement is that if she hasn't watched in in 28 days she's never going to get around to it as there's so many other programmes she wants to watch, but she seems to think it's easier scrolling through the days/week TV listings and clicking record like we used to do on a Sky box years ago. Actually can I use an old Sky box as a recorder without a card/dish, I've a couple in the loft.....?
Skyedriver said:
Powerline adapter, just had a look, these use the earth wire on a ring main to transfer the signal?
Correct.Skyedriver said:
I'm learning all the time, "Freeview Play" is that just another scroll back, catch up option or can you record on the box?
My argument is that if she hasn't watched in in 28 days she's never going to get around to it as there's so many other programmes she wants to watch, but she seems to think it's easier scrolling through the days/week TV listings and clicking record like we used to do on a Sky box years ago. Actually can I use an old Sky box as a recorder without a card/dish, I've a couple in the loft.....?
Freeview Play is Freeview's answer to YouView. Scroll back/catch up, global search, streaming apps, built in to some smart televisions, recorders available. My argument is that if she hasn't watched in in 28 days she's never going to get around to it as there's so many other programmes she wants to watch, but she seems to think it's easier scrolling through the days/week TV listings and clicking record like we used to do on a Sky box years ago. Actually can I use an old Sky box as a recorder without a card/dish, I've a couple in the loft.....?
New Humax/BT YouView recorders can be cheaper on eBay or Amazon, but it looks as if YouView is becoming more and more a BT platform whereas Freeview Play will be more generic and better supported. There have been a few YouView/Freeview Play threads.
I think I've read on other threads that a Sky box can be used as Freesat only, but you'd need a dish, of course. Perhaps start a new thread, or see if search comes up with anything?
Most modern sets will have FreeviewPlay built in, and the ability to plug in a hard drive and record to it.
Having said all that, how much is the basic Sky package?
Nearly every channel in HD, best recording and menu system out there.
A Humax box that gets even half way there is £299 with 2TB, I think I would rather pay Sky £25 a month.
Problem with the Humax boxes is after a couple of years they feel dated, so are they really that good value?
Having said all that, how much is the basic Sky package?
Nearly every channel in HD, best recording and menu system out there.
A Humax box that gets even half way there is £299 with 2TB, I think I would rather pay Sky £25 a month.
Problem with the Humax boxes is after a couple of years they feel dated, so are they really that good value?
Thanks Gareth & Gizlroc
Sky is initially 20/month rising to £25/month so more expensive than Humax. Have used Sky in the past and yes it's pretty simple to use. No real experience of Humax but inlaws use one apparently and it sometimes goes wrong. That said MIL records massive amounts of TV and "power watches" it...
Will go looking at Freeview Play
Sky is initially 20/month rising to £25/month so more expensive than Humax. Have used Sky in the past and yes it's pretty simple to use. No real experience of Humax but inlaws use one apparently and it sometimes goes wrong. That said MIL records massive amounts of TV and "power watches" it...
Will go looking at Freeview Play
Far Cough said:
gizlaroc said:
If you want a 50" TV, the only real option at the moment is the Sony 49XF9005.
Can be had for around £850 from TPS.
John Lewis will match at £945 but mot match the £100 cashback TPS are offering.
That Samsung uses an IPS panel on the 49", better viewing angles but poor blacks.
The Sonys is a local dimming LCD with a VA panel, it is no OLED but the only choice IMHO if you are used to Plasma.
Great recommendation thanks and a great thread for those not Tele savy ! I plan to get this TV in the next couple of weeks but keep reading a sound bar just gives it that extra edge. Is there a further recommendation for one of those as I didn't really want to spend anymore and wondered if the cheap one at £129 was ok or should I save up and get a more expensive one later on.... CheersCan be had for around £850 from TPS.
John Lewis will match at £945 but mot match the £100 cashback TPS are offering.
That Samsung uses an IPS panel on the 49", better viewing angles but poor blacks.
The Sonys is a local dimming LCD with a VA panel, it is no OLED but the only choice IMHO if you are used to Plasma.
I don't fit in at all here.
Our TV is a 17 year old high end Panasonic with a CRT. A TX 36 PD. When I bought it for many ££'s the reviews all thoufht it was one of the best pictures ever.
When people come to our house they always comment on how good the picture is, compared with their modern LCD/Plasma etc.
The main downside is no HDMI input. I use component video from my home cinema system and for things like firestick and HDMI to scart adaptor. It has more connections than many modern tv's, it currently has connected:
Firestick, WII, PS4, Home cinema system, display lead for my laptop, I still have 2 spare inputs. It does have a a million miles of tangled cable behind it.
Anyway, who needs these modern flat screens with crap picture
Our TV is a 17 year old high end Panasonic with a CRT. A TX 36 PD. When I bought it for many ££'s the reviews all thoufht it was one of the best pictures ever.
When people come to our house they always comment on how good the picture is, compared with their modern LCD/Plasma etc.
The main downside is no HDMI input. I use component video from my home cinema system and for things like firestick and HDMI to scart adaptor. It has more connections than many modern tv's, it currently has connected:
Firestick, WII, PS4, Home cinema system, display lead for my laptop, I still have 2 spare inputs. It does have a a million miles of tangled cable behind it.
Anyway, who needs these modern flat screens with crap picture
Edited by blueg33 on Monday 15th October 23:01
PhilboSE said:
See how you get on with the sound on the TV on its own before splashing the cash. It is surprisingly good. I've got an all in one 5.1 system going spare I had intended to use with the Sony but I just haven't bothered to set it up.
You should try plugging your sub into it. Transforms it.Gassing Station | Home Cinema & Hi-Fi | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff