[Noiseboy]

I've hated every LCD TV picture I've ever seen, but I might have to retire the old CRT to make use of the exciting new Tivo HD stuff. I quite like the look of the Plasma sets though - seem far more natural to my eyes. I understand they're a lot more power efficient these days. Any recommendations of smaller models (definitely no bigger than 37")?

[iangrad]

You will be lucky to find a plasma smaller than 42" just don't seem to be made that small any more .

If you like a soft natural image check out the new Panasonic Tx-L37e3 ( narrow viewing angle ) Or Tx-L37e30 ( wide viewing angle and better graphics performance )
These are LCD screens with LED backlighting and can be set up to the way you seem to like without being brash or over bright .
Ian

[bobcar]

Panasonic still do 37" plasmas.

[iangrad]

Some old stock from last year still in some stores , but no production for some time and NLA even as far back as Oct 2010 its LCD or LCD LED from now on with them .

Plasma starts with 42" ( TX-P42c3 Freeview HD ) upward in the current range .

Ian

[Noiseboy]

Urgh.

Have any LCD/LED TVs got watchable in the last year since I looked? They always make lower quality pictures look unwatchable, camera pans are juddery... yuk yuk yuk.

Otherwise I'll check out the Panasonics - thanks.

[Fred Smith]

The Panasonic TX-P37C2B is still available on Amazon. Not in the Panasonic 2011 range but in the 2010 on the Panasonic website. Bought one last November as a second set, it's the basic model. Just as well I did, did not realise they had dropped them from the range.

[Noiseboy]

Thanks Fred - it looks good but actually I think the dimensions are just a bit too big. I know Panasonic did once make a 32" plasma, but I guess it's not available now.

Anyone else know of ANY watchable LCD TVs for someone like me who hates them? Haven't they improved by now?!

[Roush]

Just look for anything with a refresh rate of 100Hz or more. Cheaper sets will still use 50Hz panels which is what can cause the motion blur problems.

[Fred Smith]

Panasonic stopped making 32" a good few years ago, the last manufacturer of 32" plasma was LG but they also dropped it about two years ago.

[Noiseboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roush

Just look for anything with a refresh rate of 100Hz or more. Cheaper sets will still use 50Hz panels which is what can cause the motion blur problems.

Back in the day I remember 100hz used to actually CAUSE problems, rather than cure them (that was on CRT sets though).

I've never seen an LCD yet that didn't turn a poor quality Freeview picture into something with crawling worms all over it. It's all not helped by TV retailers having their sets so badly set up... on the other hand, at least you know you're usually looking at a worse case scenario! The opposite extreme is when you see Blu Ray, which usually looks amazing on LCD.

[alcockell]

Thinking along those lines - might it be worth getting a tech in to calibrate the unit correctly once it's in place?

[bobcar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iangrad

Some old stock from last year still in some stores , but no production for some time and NLA even as far back as Oct 2010 its LCD or LCD LED from now on with them .

Plasma starts with 42" ( TX-P42c3 Freeview HD ) upward in the current range .

Ian

They're still decent TVs though and still available at a very good price.

[Noiseboy]

Me and Mrs Noiseboy think that actually if we rearrange a load of stuff we could squeeze in that 37" one. I'll brave Currys tomorrow to see if any LCDs don't look atrotious (unlikely), then might just have to order the Amazon one and hope. It's a helluva risk without seeing / hearing it - generally I've liked plasmas when I've seen them and the reviews are very positive at least.