It been a while since I last purchased a TV. And decided to go for a SMART TV. I'm currently looking into Panasonic, Samsung or Sony models, preferably within the 40-55" size and under £1k.
Thanking you in advance.
Thanking you in advance.
Best Smart TV to go for?.
I think you should begin by detailing more of your requirements, preferences, etc.
Do you watch a lot of movies?
Do you use it for gaming?
Do you need wide viewing angles?
Do you need high quality sound?
Do you need 3D?
Do you watch a lot of movies?
Do you use it for gaming?
Do you need wide viewing angles?
Do you need high quality sound?
Do you need 3D?
Cheers.
Yes we do tend to watch mainly tv series, via streaming, With the odd movies for kids.
Occasional use for gaming via Wii.
Sounds/Wide angles not too bothered really.
3D would be optional.
Thanks
Yes we do tend to watch mainly tv series, via streaming, With the odd movies for kids.
Occasional use for gaming via Wii.
Sounds/Wide angles not too bothered really.
3D would be optional.
Thanks
Some good TVs to consider:
Samsung UE48H8000 (curved screen and slightly over £1k), UE48H6500, UE50H6400, UE55H6200, UE55H6700. Watch out for restricted viewing angles on Samsungs. Sony KDL-42W829B, KDL-50W829B. I know you didn't mention it but also the LG 55LB730V and the John Lewis (actually made by LG) 55JL9000. No Panasonics to recommend under £1k but slightly over is the TX-47AS802B £1079 at HiSpek.
If you wanted to try a 4K TV under £1k then the Samsung UE50HU6900 would be worth a look.
Samsung UE48H8000 (curved screen and slightly over £1k), UE48H6500, UE50H6400, UE55H6200, UE55H6700. Watch out for restricted viewing angles on Samsungs. Sony KDL-42W829B, KDL-50W829B. I know you didn't mention it but also the LG 55LB730V and the John Lewis (actually made by LG) 55JL9000. No Panasonics to recommend under £1k but slightly over is the TX-47AS802B £1079 at HiSpek.
If you wanted to try a 4K TV under £1k then the Samsung UE50HU6900 would be worth a look.
Seems to me that you're primary needs then are for a TV with good Smart functionality. Reputedly Samsung's TVs are among the best in terms of having the widest range of apps currently. And the newer LG's have the renowned webOS system that is supposed to be very user friendly.
I was going to get the Samsung 6400 until my wife decided she didn't like the stand. Now I'm thinking the LG 730.
I was going to get the Samsung 6400 until my wife decided she didn't like the stand. Now I'm thinking the LG 730.
Cheers Guys, useful. It was so much easier 10 years ago. Now there too many choices. 
Currently have a Panasonic so might play safe.
PANASONIC VIERA TX48AX630B
http://www.richersounds.com/product/...pana-tx48ax630
Is this any good?
Currently have a Panasonic so might play safe.
PANASONIC VIERA TX48AX630B
http://www.richersounds.com/product/...pana-tx48ax630
Is this any good?
That TV has 4K Ultra HD. Do you really need that? It doesn't sound so from what you've said about your requirements above. Also, although the TV supports 4K, it doesn't support Netflix 4K Streaming.
I was considering the PANASONICVIERA TX47AS650B which is only £599.95. Doesn't have Ultra HD but still has 3D and looks similar otherwise.
One thing that appealed to me about Panasonic is the way their TV guide integrates with the on-line services. i.e. click on BBC1 program yesterday in the guide and it automatically plays it back using iPLayer.
I was considering the PANASONICVIERA TX47AS650B which is only £599.95. Doesn't have Ultra HD but still has 3D and looks similar otherwise.
One thing that appealed to me about Panasonic is the way their TV guide integrates with the on-line services. i.e. click on BBC1 program yesterday in the guide and it automatically plays it back using iPLayer.
Originally Posted by Fried Egg:
“One thing that appealed to me about Panasonic is the way their TV guide integrates with the on-line services. i.e. click on BBC1 program yesterday in the guide and it automatically plays it back using iPLayer.”
“One thing that appealed to me about Panasonic is the way their TV guide integrates with the on-line services. i.e. click on BBC1 program yesterday in the guide and it automatically plays it back using iPLayer.”
It's called 'FreeTime', and comes from the later Freesat boxes.
Originally Posted by Fried Egg:
“That TV has 4K Ultra HD. Do you really need that? It doesn't sound so from what you've said about your requirements above. Also, although the TV supports 4K, it doesn't support Netflix 4K Streaming.
I was considering the PANASONICVIERA TX47AS650B which is only £599.95. Doesn't have Ultra HD but still has 3D and looks similar otherwise.
One thing that appealed to me about Panasonic is the way their TV guide integrates with the on-line services. i.e. click on BBC1 program yesterday in the guide and it automatically plays it back using iPLayer.”
“That TV has 4K Ultra HD. Do you really need that? It doesn't sound so from what you've said about your requirements above. Also, although the TV supports 4K, it doesn't support Netflix 4K Streaming.
I was considering the PANASONICVIERA TX47AS650B which is only £599.95. Doesn't have Ultra HD but still has 3D and looks similar otherwise.
One thing that appealed to me about Panasonic is the way their TV guide integrates with the on-line services. i.e. click on BBC1 program yesterday in the guide and it automatically plays it back using iPLayer.”
Viewing distances are critical as is the balance on TV Size. Even an old good quality 50 inch plasma at 720p from some eight feet away will be little different in detail than a Higher Definition Model. The closer you get the higher the definition is noticeable and a larger size can be employed in balance. So with UHD perhaps its more a consideration to your room size and viewing position.
One thing that does stand out with the new 4K is the colour / brightness and depth. So "vibrancy" may give a greater degree of satisfaction than actual detail?
Why not phone Richer Sound and ask them if they will demo the TVs you'd like to see, side by side. Also tell them you will be bringing a blu-ray disc so can they set up a player for you as well.
I've found them to be very helpful in this respect and you have no obligation to buy (I didn't). Pick a time when the store is liable to be quiet so there will be fewer punters instore to get in your way during the demo, and the salesman will have the time to spend with you. Also if they will let you and you feel competent, check from the remotes that the TVs aren't in demo mode, as it makes the picture look artificial, or ask beforehand for them not to be in demo mode.
Take a blu-ray that you are familiar with and pick a scene or two with plenty of contrast and fine detail and a fast action scene to see if the TVs can handle the motion without blurring. Note down the times so you can tell the salesman where to go on the disc quickly.
Also see how the TVs handle both HD and SD broadcasts and anything else you feel would help you decide. Try and position yourself to be the same distance and height as you would be at home.
I've found them to be very helpful in this respect and you have no obligation to buy (I didn't). Pick a time when the store is liable to be quiet so there will be fewer punters instore to get in your way during the demo, and the salesman will have the time to spend with you. Also if they will let you and you feel competent, check from the remotes that the TVs aren't in demo mode, as it makes the picture look artificial, or ask beforehand for them not to be in demo mode.
Take a blu-ray that you are familiar with and pick a scene or two with plenty of contrast and fine detail and a fast action scene to see if the TVs can handle the motion without blurring. Note down the times so you can tell the salesman where to go on the disc quickly.
Also see how the TVs handle both HD and SD broadcasts and anything else you feel would help you decide. Try and position yourself to be the same distance and height as you would be at home.
If I were you I'd go with John Lewis as they give you a free 5yr guarantee, anywhere else will charge £150-200 for that!
Originally Posted by Lidtop2013:
“If I were you I'd go with John Lewis as they give you a free 5yr guarantee, anywhere else will charge £150-200 for that!”
“If I were you I'd go with John Lewis as they give you a free 5yr guarantee, anywhere else will charge £150-200 for that!”
Rather misleading
Richer Sounds don't charge anything like that amount (just 10%?), and if you buy a Sony or Panasonic from a dealer they come with a proper 5 year manufacturers warranty.
Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin:
“
Richer Sounds don't charge anything like that amount (just 10%?)”
“
Richer Sounds don't charge anything like that amount (just 10%?)”
Because Richer Sounds' warranties are NOT underwritten by an insurer.
Whereas those from the likes of Currys, Argos, Tesco etc are.
So, even if the retailer goes bust, you're still covered.
And because RS is not a PLC, you can't access their financial position on-line unless you pay Companies House to download their end of year accounts to see how viable they are in the medium-long term.
There was a lot of fuss about un-insured warranties about 15 years ago when a number of companies - Tempo, Tiny, Time, Escom spring to mind - went under leaving customers with worthless warranties.
IMO it's time that the law was changed so that every warranty on an electrical item was shown to be underwritten independently of the seller.
Originally Posted by AlanO:
“Because Richer Sounds' warranties are NOT underwritten by an insurer.
Whereas those from the likes of Currys, Argos, Tesco etc are.
So, even if the retailer goes bust, you're still covered.
And because RS is not a PLC, you can't access their financial position on-line unless you pay Companies House to download their end of year accounts to see how viable they are in the medium-long term.
There was a lot of fuss about un-insured warranties about 15 years ago when a number of companies - Tempo, Tiny, Time, Escom spring to mind - went under leaving customers with worthless warranties.
IMO it's time that the law was changed so that every warranty on an electrical item was shown to be underwritten independently of the seller.”
“Because Richer Sounds' warranties are NOT underwritten by an insurer.
Whereas those from the likes of Currys, Argos, Tesco etc are.
So, even if the retailer goes bust, you're still covered.
And because RS is not a PLC, you can't access their financial position on-line unless you pay Companies House to download their end of year accounts to see how viable they are in the medium-long term.
There was a lot of fuss about un-insured warranties about 15 years ago when a number of companies - Tempo, Tiny, Time, Escom spring to mind - went under leaving customers with worthless warranties.
IMO it's time that the law was changed so that every warranty on an electrical item was shown to be underwritten independently of the seller.”
Why? You are not forced to take or pay for RS warranty. If you prefer you can insure indepently with an insurance company, and let those prepared to take a gamble on RS not going under do so.
Originally Posted by Winston_1:
“Why? You are not forced to take or pay for RS warranty. If you prefer you can insure indepently with an insurance company, and let those prepared to take a gamble on RS not going under do so.”
“Why? You are not forced to take or pay for RS warranty. If you prefer you can insure indepently with an insurance company, and let those prepared to take a gamble on RS not going under do so.”
Not true - they're only offering a "free" extended warranty on TVs, not everything else they sell.
And if they were to go bust and you'd got a tv you thought was covered you'd be pretty annoyed if it went wrong and you found the warranty was worthless.
Originally Posted by AlanO:
“Because Richer Sounds' warranties are NOT underwritten by an insurer. ”
“Because Richer Sounds' warranties are NOT underwritten by an insurer. ”
Neither are JL's warranties - so we're comparing like with like (plus neither have any service facilities either).
Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin:
“Neither are JL's warranties - so we're comparing like with like (plus neither have any service facilities either).”
“Neither are JL's warranties - so we're comparing like with like (plus neither have any service facilities either).”
Wrong on the first:
http://www.johnlewis.com/our-services/added-care
4. Status disclosure
Added Care for your technology, small appliances and television is underwritten by London General Insurance Company Limited, a private company limited by shares and incorporated in England, whose registered head office is at Integra House, Floor 2, Vicarage Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 9JZ. Registered Number 186573. London General Insurance Company Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority, FRN 202689. Added Care for your home appliance is provided by The Warranty Group (Isle of Man) Limited, whose registered address is Third Floor, St. Georges Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 1EE, Isle of Man. Company number 094279C.
