Just how bad are Warehouse TVs?

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stuartjmz

228 posts

Master Geek

#105982 15-Jul-2012 23:26

I'm trying to find a TV in the 24-32 inch range for a bedroom. Ideally I'd like to pay no more than $700 and get AVI playback. Pricespy says theirs a Sony 32 inch that squeaks in at 698, but I see the Warehouse has a 24 inch Transonic with a built-in DVD player for $449. The DVD player would be an acceptable alternative to AVI playback, but if the picture quality's awful, I would obviously have to reconsider. With a strong preference not to spend more than $600 if possible, what are my best options?

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20155 posts

Uber Geek

#656251 15-Jul-2012 23:33

stuartjmz: I'm trying to find a TV in the 24-32 inch range for a bedroom. Ideally I'd like to pay no more than $700 and get AVI playback. Pricespy says theirs a Sony 32 inch that squeaks in at 698, but I see the Warehouse has a 24 inch Transonic with a built-in DVD player for $449. The DVD player would be an acceptable alternative to AVI playback, but if the picture quality's awful, I would obviously have to reconsider. With a strong preference not to spend more than $600 if possible, what are my best options??

Pricespy may not be up to date when it comes to specials. You should be able to get at least 20% off the sticker price of a sony tv if you ask for a cash price, and they often have 20% off weekends. I would stick to the top brands, as the price difference isn't that large

richms

28175 posts

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#656253 15-Jul-2012 23:39

DVD player is buying old tech that will break built into the tv.

I have a 24" veon, it plays stuff off a USB drive ok - AVI's at least the low res 360P scene ones. Not tried it since they moved to a better codec.

Wont play MKV's at all. Build quality is ok, port placement is retarded, some backlight bleed but I have seen worse on branded displays.

Has faulty edid information if you want to use it as a monitor be prepared to read up on custom edids to get a usabel image from nvidia cards - ati seemed to ignore it and deliver a 1080 PC mode to it despite only reporting the 1080 consumer electronics modes.

Richard rich.ms

stuartjmz

228 posts

Master Geek

#656256 15-Jul-2012 23:46

Thank you both for your replies, much appreciated. It's good to know that the Veon will play AVIs. This would be very much a 2nd TV, so if I can get acceptable quality for less that would be great. It won't be a monitor, so no hassles there.

JMatt94

225 posts

Master Geek

#656257 15-Jul-2012 23:48

Jbhifi has a 32" Sony for $498.. not too bad :)

stuartjmz

228 posts

Master Geek

#656259 16-Jul-2012 00:00

JMatt94: Jbhifi has a 32" Sony for $498.. not too bad :)

That's fantastic, thanks - the manual for that model on the Sony website says it will play AVIs too! The TV in our bedroom is an old CRT 21-inch, and my wife 's in Oz for a week next month just before the switchover, surprising her with this would be ideal, thanks!

trig42

5810 posts

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#656287 16-Jul-2012 08:55

Pretty sure that JB deal ends today.
They have 15% off Samsung and Sony TVs.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#656352 16-Jul-2012 11:02

You will be able to find an absolute load of 32" TV's for under $700...
When it comes to file playback, the South Korean brands like LG and Samsung will rule the roost.
The best panels tend to be on Panasonic and LG TV's (IPS) so you'll enjoy good off-axis viewing, as well as easy to use remote controls (something that's not the be over rated).
Personally, I'd look for an LG, in particular a 2011 model at a low price!

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Paulthagerous

698 posts

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#656370 16-Jul-2012 11:30

I think that this is the absolute deal for you:

Samsung, 26 inch, plays off USB (though not sure on formats), $319.20 for the rest of the day. 'Only' a Sereis 4 but more than adequate based on your postings:

http://www.dicksmith.co.nz/product/GE6702/samsung-26-quot-high-definition-lcd-tv

Perfect for you IMO :)

ubergeeknz

3344 posts

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Vocus

#656389 16-Jul-2012 11:54

Dunnersfella: file playback.. LG and Samsung will rule the roost.

Agreed, we have an LG 32" and it plays almost everything we have thrown at it so far. More so than our Sony Bravia Blu-ray player.

Jaxson

8042 posts

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#656393 16-Jul-2012 11:58

stuartjmz: my wife 's in Oz for a week next month just before the switchover, surprising her with this would be ideal, thanks!

Nothing says I love you like a new TV in the bedroom.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#656399 16-Jul-2012 12:01

Why heeeeeeelo!
Looks like Harvey Norman are selling a 24" Panasonic. Didn't know they existed?
I'd be interested to have a look at one of those.
http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/panasonic-24-hd-led-lcd-tv.html

Paulthagerous

698 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#656404 16-Jul-2012 12:06

Dunnersfella: Why heeeeeeelo!
Looks like Harvey Norman are selling a 24" Panasonic. Didn't know they existed?
I'd be interested to have a look at one of those.
http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/panasonic-24-hd-led-lcd-tv.html

DSE have a 22 or 26 inch LED for $400/$440 respectively today, and in my experience the Samsungs are generally much better at playing a diverse range of formats off USB.

http://www.dicksmith.co.nz/product/GE2526/samsung-22-quot-full-hd-led-lcd-tv
http://www.dicksmith.co.nz/product/GE2500/samsung-26-quot-hd-led-lcd-tv

Plus IMO they have nicer colours than other makes, but that is very much a personal preference :)

trig42

5810 posts

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#656406 16-Jul-2012 12:12

Dunnersfella: Why heeeeeeelo!
Looks like Harvey Norman are selling a 24" Panasonic. Didn't know they existed?
I'd be interested to have a look at one of those.
http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/panasonic-24-hd-led-lcd-tv.html

That'd be the left over ones Panasonic did not give away in their HeatPump promo.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#656413 16-Jul-2012 12:25

Just found it on the Panasonic website...
MP3 and JPEG via USB only.
So scratch it.
Full HD though, could be an okay option, and it'll definitely be all over the 'direct LED' dross from Samsung this year *bleeurgh*.

vexxxboy

4244 posts

Uber Geek

#656416 16-Jul-2012 12:27

Harvey Norman is having a huge sale on tv's starting tommorow. eg A LG 32" full hd, usb and hdmi imputs for $598. Toshiba HD 32" for $397, Sony full hd 40" $660 many more

Common sense is not as common as you think.

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