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Help! We need a new TV!
alsmama
Posts: 4,564
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Ours died this morning so we better get another one. We are not really big TV people - we have one TV in the corner of the lounge between the four of us, it has a 20" screen and is very basic. Now we need to replace it we would like to come into the 21st century without going mad, and we certainly don't want one of those big things that take up half the room.
I'd be grateful for any hints - it's a long time since we bought a tv!
Also, I'm just exploring Smart TVs - the ones I have looked at need a dongle - does that mean you have to subscribe separately for internet for them or does the dongle somehow ride off your home wifi?
Thanks.
I'd be grateful for any hints - it's a long time since we bought a tv!
Also, I'm just exploring Smart TVs - the ones I have looked at need a dongle - does that mean you have to subscribe separately for internet for them or does the dongle somehow ride off your home wifi?
Thanks.
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And I would very much doubt a Smart TV absolutely requires a dongle and cannot be connected via an ethernet cable, can't say I've seen any that are like that.
On the subject of makes of TV. Sony and Panasonic would probably rank at the top of most peoples lists. LG and Samsung somewhere in the middle and the "supermarket own brands" down at the bottom.
The 'dongle' is to enable the TV to connect to your WiFi.
Go and look at as many as you can..........
You don't say what your budget is......If you give that then people will recommend certain sets for you.
Call100, you may be right about the size but I think I will take the risk!
Good idea to go look. I guess we would like to pay under £400 ...
Thanks again.
A cable is way easier to use. Far far cheaper to buy and more secure and quite probably a more reliable connection.
Which? say this: If you're on the market for a 32-inch set then this one should be on your shortlist. It might have some shortcomings - particularly sound - but it's otherwise an excellent TV.
Pros: Good picture quality, great line-up of Smart TV services, useful PVR features.
Cons: Unimpressive sound, Smart TV features can be hard to use.
Richer Sound link: http://www.richersounds.com/product/tv---all/lg/32ls570t/lg-32ls570t
Evil c, thanks for the link.
Mmmmm.....I am...:D......Min 37" as already suggested...;)
I have LG 42lm760t which came with free 3D bluray and surround sound and can highly recommend it. It has wifi so has LoveFilm, BBC iPlayer, games and many other apps too. It also has a free iPhone/iPad and Android app do you can control the TV and take screenshots.
PJ
I wouldn't run cables under carpets where people are likely to walk over them as that can cause damage to the cable. But round the edge should be OK. Only one cable would be needed even if you have an internet TV, Blu-Ray player Sky box, Freesat box, Freeview box or whatever else sat under the telly as a simple network switch could provide feeds to all of those.
An alternative to cable or WiFi is HomePlugs which use the mains cabling to connect one plug to the other. ie one plug at the router and another behind the telly. Only cables needed are short ones from plug to router/TV.
I use a 15M length from the router to the TV like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LONG-5m-FLAT-Network-Ethernet-Cat-5e-Cat5e-Cable-Lead-Easy-Hide-Thin-Wire-5-MTR-/110896214890?pt=UK_Computing_NetworkingCables_RL&hash=item19d1edf36a
You may well find that HomePlugs as an alternative are actually cheaper than some manufacturer specific dongles.
Or you could look for a TV with built-in WiFi
What a rubbish statement......It should read 'regarded as electronic filth by the amateur radio community'. Others who use them thinks they are a good idea and work very well in most situations.....
I doubt the OP will be the first in their area to utilise them.. Anyway it only affects something up to 100ft away as the article states....I think anyone would know if there was a radio ham next door...
Maybe the radio hams could chat over Skype to get around the issue....:eek:
There are pros and cons to plasma versus lcd but the point about size is that with four people watching only the person sitting dead center will see a decent picture on a cheap small tv.
A small screen may be ok for one person sitting close but more people requires a bigger screen further away if everyone is to get a good experience.
Good choice, enjoy it
Thanks, I am enjoying it ... Right now! Had no idea how fab a smart tv would be.
Make sure you buy a TV with a DVB-T2 Tuner inside it as it will future proof you and pick up the Freeview HD channels
See here for details http://www.dtg.org.uk/consumer/dvbt2.html
and here http://www.freeview.co.uk/HD/Products and Click on TVs
Bit late with the advice I'm afraid:( - see post 19
From a quick look most, if not all, LG 32" Smart-TVs have Freeview HD