Have not bought a TV in a dozen years and ours just died tonight. So looking for about a 40" flat screen and currently reading through a mountain of info on types! Don't need a 'rocket ship' but don't need to shop in the bargain bin either, just want a good all round TV to watch a bit of sport, the odd movie, just general stuff really. Don't game nor need to access the internet or 3D.
Honestly, if you are just looking for a bog-standard TV with a good picture in around 40", then you probably can't go too far wrong with any of the main brands on the market at the moment. While they all have their plusses and minuses, and idiosyncratic foibles, the reality is they are all pretty good sets for most purposes. See what is on offer next time a major retailer has a sale, - then look at the models they are offering in the shop, and google for some reviews to be sure.
Personally, I have a Panasonic and a Samsung and would buy either brand again (depending on the deal on offer). I am happy with them both, but the Panasonic (admittedly is 2 years newer) probably has a marginal edge in terms of picture quality and general usability. A friend has a Toshiba, which is also pretty good.
I don't know how good the cheapo brands that JBHiFi and the Warehouse (Soniq and Veon respectively), but would tend to avoid those unless budget is a real constraint. I also have a deep dislike of Sony and try to avoid the brand wherever possible, but that's more of a personal thing about the company and its business practices than a verdict on any particular product.
myopinion: The Panasonic plasmas I found are listed as HD but then they list the resolution as 1024 x 768? How is that HD?
Sorry this one http://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/tvs-dvds/televisions/plasma-televisions/panasonic-th-p42x50-42-high-definition-plasma/prod115940.html
To be classsed as HD a TV only has to have more than 720 lines of vertical resolution so 768 is enough to be called HD. To be called 'Full HD' a TV has to have 1080 lines of vertical resolution. These days only smaller TVs (32" or less) or larger 'budget' models tend to come with anything less than 'Full HD' @ 1920x1080.
The Panasonic plasma you link to is the 'bottom of the range' X50 so thats why the low (but still 'HD') resolution.
tallmaninthecnr: Have not bought a TV in a dozen years and ours just died tonight. So looking for about a 40" flat screen and currently reading through a mountain of info on types! Don't need a 'rocket ship' but don't need to shop in the bargain bin either, just want a good all round TV to watch a bit of sport, the odd movie, just general stuff really. Don't game nor need to access the internet or 3D.
Suggestions would be welcome
thanks
1: What equipment do you already have? (Sky, DVD, VCR etc)
2: Will there be light on the screen? (windows, ceiling lights, reflections etc)
3: Are there any features you want? (Skype, 3D etc)
4: Size? Always triple check this, too many people buy a TV that is too small.
DON'T go by screen size! Cut out some cardboard with the full dimensions of the TV you are looking at and sit it in place at home.
Re the TH-P42ST50 Panasonic, I'd be interested in people's experience with:
* Overall brightness * Screen reflections
I currently have a ~5 year 46" old Sony Bravia LCD that was the top-of-the-line model in it's day. It's still pretty damn good, but does struggle with black, colour contouring, and off-axis performance. That said, I've seen a LOT of TVs on display that would be a step backwards.
I'm currently considering the new Panny Plasmas thinking either a 60" GT or ST, or a 55" VT. What worries me is whether they'll be bright enough for a room with big windows, or if reflections from the glossy screen will be a killer.
I'm not fussed on spending big on another LCD unless the off-axis issue is solved, as I do a lot of my viewing lying on a couch slightly off to the side of the TV.
Things are LookingUp.... A photo from my back yard :-) http://www.astrophotogallery.org/u141-rodm.html
Yes freeview is pretty much standard now. The Panasonic Viera TV mentioned above also has the ability to record TV ny schedule, pause rewind etc by plugging in a USB drive or SD card. Only one tuner though so cant watch something else, unless it it say an Apple TV running via HDMI.
LookingUp: Re the TH-P42ST50 Panasonic, I'd be interested in people's experience with:
* Overall brightness * Screen reflections
I currently have a ~5 year 46" old Sony Bravia LCD that was the top-of-the-line model in it's day. It's still pretty damn good, but does struggle with black, colour contouring, and off-axis performance. That said, I've seen a LOT of TVs on display that would be a step backwards.
I'm currently considering the new Panny Plasmas thinking either a 60" GT or ST, or a 55" VT. What worries me is whether they'll be bright enough for a room with big windows, or if reflections from the glossy screen will be a killer.
I'm not fussed on spending big on another LCD unless the off-axis issue is solved, as I do a lot of my viewing lying on a couch slightly off to the side of the TV.
Its a bit hard to remmeber my previous screen now but....
Oveall brightness. Is very good though I never watch in broad daylight. As I recall its brighter than my older plasma and brighter than the 55gt30 I had. The whites really "pop". I've not really had an issue with the little day time viewing I've done - tends to be a bit rainy or overcast and picture has been great.
Screen reflections. This I definitly recall and is much better. It used to bug me how an over head light would bounce right back on the older TV - now there are so few refections I don't even notice them.
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