New set-up

[Sgt Bilko]

The time has come to update the old TV set up, and when i mean set up i mean a TV.I currently have a 42" plasma (old one - not HD). I'm in the market for something decent, but not fussed about 3D. Preferably plasma given the size. It can't be wall mounted though, and i have bog standard Sky. I'm also looking to get a PS3.

Thanks to a recent PPI refund, i'm not penny pinching but I do like a good deal. Has anyone got any suggestions or reconsiderations?

[Morningside]

I thought even old plasmas will do HD. My old one will via the VGA socket (ie HDMI to VGA).

[OldSkoolRS]

Older plasmas might accept 720p but often only at 60Hz as it's meant for a computer connection. If you try watching UK TV at 60Hz it will judder quite badly and no video processor can 'convert' 50Hz into 60Hz without causing judder.

TBH if the plasma is that old then probably even a cheap LCD would have better blacks as the early ones weren't fantastic in terms of contrast. One of the current plasma screens would look considerably better.

[Sgt Bilko]

So, any kit suggestions?

[OldSkoolRS]

Sorry missed that bit off as I was being dragged out to the shops...

As this is PH may as well be the first to suggest a Panasonic plasma. You can start at the cheaper end with the 'GT30' models or pay more for the 'VT30' or if you don't want 3D at all then a 42S30B would b e under £500. If you want a 42" set then that would be 42GT30 for example, not sure if they do the 'VT' in the smaller sizes though but for an idea just look in John Lewis if you have one near you (then get them to price match as they include a 5 year warranty).

Hopefully this link should show Panasonics at John Lewis:

http://www.johnlewis.com/Electricals/Televisions/T...

[F i F]

btw proper panasonic shops are doing 6 yr warranties on certain ranges.

http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/W-2/7292440/...

I know that link says it ended June 2011 but it's still on at our dealer.

[Sgt Bilko]

I've still not sorted this out. I spent two hours today wandering round the shops looking at different options. On reflection I can fit a max diagonal width of 54" (around 120cm wide). The LG ones seem good, but when I looked some up on the web they were still cheaper online despite apparent "sales"

I've not got the PS3 yet (next week) but I have just picked up an external HDD with some movies on it which I'd like to playback on the tv. Would that be a direct USB connection to the TV?

I'm not fussed about plasma over LCD now looking at the differences. Does LCD really save money on power consumption?

I only have 1 phone aux socket near the TV. Can a PS3 and Sky run on the same on?

I have no idea when it comes to this these days!

That's before I've even got into sound quality.