Hi all, so Im looking at buying a decent flat panel :D Has anyone got any good recommendations of brands/models and good places to get the best price! Looking at at least 40" at the mo. Mainly for xbox 360, HD sky, and downloadable video content (non HD)
1) BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET 2) if u live in dvb-t area get one with digital tuner 3) if u can afford get one with full HD 4) go to harvey norman, pay cash, and spit out a price you might be surprised. also check out jbhifi.co.nz
if you're not getting full HD buy the cheapest one. $1700 for 50" is possible
for full HD you really want picture quality, and perhaps functionality. - plasma: go viera or samsung about $3.5k for 50" - LCD: much more expensive, but lighter and lower power consumption: go samsung series 7, 8 or 9 if you can afford 9
note: there are lots more out there and they all do nearly the same things, with slightly different styles - a lot comes down to price, personal preference, or just what's available really
Cheers for the replies guys. Went and had a look around on the weekend. Anyone got any opinions on the following models/brands? Panasonic 50" plasma TH-50PV80 LG 42" LCD 42LG6FD Even better if anyone knows a good HDTV review site, so I can look for the info myself :)
personally I wouldn't buy the LG but don't let that put you off. If I was buying plasma I would stick to Panasonic, LCD Samsung but I wouldn't buy LCD. Plasma picture is so much nicer and easier on the eyes in the long run.
The sticky at the top of this forum has some good info in it (not added to since last y ear but still relevant).
When you buy it's the little things that get you. For instance my Pana PZ850 has cooling fans that run all the time it is on. It doesn't bug me too much, but I wish I had noticed it in the store. You really must have a play with the TV before you buy it. And try to watch it for a while. I find the vividness LCDs tiring after a while.
Make sure an LCD is at least 100hz.
If you intend to watch (or can receive) Freeview terrestrial then get a TV with an inbuilt tuner.
If you are looking at 40 inch then I think the Panasonic TH42-PZ850 presents pretty good value for money (price rises included).
The previously mentioned retailers are worth a look. Additionally if you are in Auckland check out the Appliance Shed, they don't bargain but their price is normally competitive and will give a good basis for comparison.
Areas of Geek interest: Home Theatre, HTPC, Android Tablets & Phones, iProducts.
Also check for the remote - it can be a prick to get the sales people bring one out, but check that there is an aspect button on it if you watch lots of old shows off dvd since that will be 4:3 and all the players I have tried dont signal it properly on hdmi.
I ended up getting the Panasonic 50" plasma TH-50PV80 at harvey norman on sunday for about $2k. Looks pretty impressive and HD looks really good on it! :D
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