Do I need a new TV?

quacker · 02-09-2007, 22:09

Please advise.

My main criteria is a wide screen set which I have in my Sony KV-24LS35U obviously 24in and as a bedroom tv very much under-used.

I am having the V+ put in my room and as such will be using tv a lot more. I have constantly toyed with the idea of "upgrading" to LCD/Plasma and more importantly, HD ready.

I'm now thinking the only disadvantage is the set is somewhat bulky compared to the sleek-lined modern TV's, but in its favour is great picture quality.

I believe I can always get a "flat screen" model later. Someone please confirm I am right to think this way and don't need to spend for the sake of spending or technology's sake.

I'm having Virgin' services fitted September 19th so have only a few weeks to research a replacement. Not even sure what I want or even need HD and flatscreen would be nice but is it essential?

I'm assuming the quality of the content (Virgin's output) should be more important to the quality of the pictue (Hetc.)

Please advise!

Steve

Chris Simon · 03-09-2007, 00:04

No, a new TV is in no way "essential". If your existing TV has a decent picture (and, knowing Sony, it probably will be) then the only advantages of a new LCD screen are as you've already worked out, the possibility of HD and the reduced depth. Only you can decide if you want those!

A lot of people find that LCD isn't as good as a CRT for non-HD broadcasts, but it's very subjective and also depends on the way it's been set up. Many people also think that LCD is better! Visit your local Currys or Comet and have a look at some 24" LCD sets and see if you're happy with them. Beware though, if they are displaying animated films or computer graphics then it's not a true representation of what LCD might look like with real pictures.

LCD sets will always look 'crisper' than a CRT and, as much as you might think your current TV is as good as it gets, sde by side with an LCD it might look a bit washed out. But don't let that impression override anything else - common complaints levelled against LCDs are a lack of true black (black and dark greys will tend to look the same and you therefore lose definition in dark scenes), motion blur and 'judderiness', and they will show up compression artifacts in digital TV broadcasts more than a CRT will.

Note also that a 24" LCD TV will give you a slightly bigger screen than a 24" CRT. You'll probably find that your existing TV only measures something like 22.5" across the diagonal.

I'm not sure but I don't think you'll be able to get a plasma in a 24". They tend to be 32" and larger I think. Depends if you want to go bigger than your existing set.

quacker · 03-09-2007, 17:34

Thanks for taking the time out to reply Chris - it is much appreciated. I could do my own research - it usually comes down to personal preference and choice.

The Sony has a good picture - plenty good enough for me. Perhaps you can point me in the general direction of where one can compare these sets. Ultimately, i will want LCD/Plasma and a wall-mounted picture.

Meanwhile a good pic & widescreen will suffice.

Any sites you can recommend regarding the choices?

Thanks again

Steve

Chris Simon · 03-09-2007, 17:42

You'll probably find more informed, erm, information on http://www.avforums.com/.

02-09-2007, 22:09	#1
quacker Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Gateshead Co. Durham Posts: 233	Do I need a new TV? Please advise. My main criteria is a wide screen set which I have in my Sony KV-24LS35U obviously 24in and as a bedroom tv very much under-used. I am having the V+ put in my room and as such will be using tv a lot more. I have constantly toyed with the idea of "upgrading" to LCD/Plasma and more importantly, HD ready. I'm now thinking the only disadvantage is the set is somewhat bulky compared to the sleek-lined modern TV's, but in its favour is great picture quality. I believe I can always get a "flat screen" model later. Someone please confirm I am right to think this way and don't need to spend for the sake of spending or technology's sake. I'm having Virgin' services fitted September 19th so have only a few weeks to research a replacement. Not even sure what I want or even need HD and flatscreen would be nice but is it essential? I'm assuming the quality of the content (Virgin's output) should be more important to the quality of the pictue (Hetc.) Please advise! Steve

03-09-2007, 00:04	#2
Chris Simon Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Snowdonia Posts: 2,725	No, a new TV is in no way "essential". If your existing TV has a decent picture (and, knowing Sony, it probably will be) then the only advantages of a new LCD screen are as you've already worked out, the possibility of HD and the reduced depth. Only you can decide if you want those! A lot of people find that LCD isn't as good as a CRT for non-HD broadcasts, but it's very subjective and also depends on the way it's been set up. Many people also think that LCD is better! Visit your local Currys or Comet and have a look at some 24" LCD sets and see if you're happy with them. Beware though, if they are displaying animated films or computer graphics then it's not a true representation of what LCD might look like with real pictures. LCD sets will always look 'crisper' than a CRT and, as much as you might think your current TV is as good as it gets, sde by side with an LCD it might look a bit washed out. But don't let that impression override anything else - common complaints levelled against LCDs are a lack of true black (black and dark greys will tend to look the same and you therefore lose definition in dark scenes), motion blur and 'judderiness', and they will show up compression artifacts in digital TV broadcasts more than a CRT will. Note also that a 24" LCD TV will give you a slightly bigger screen than a 24" CRT. You'll probably find that your existing TV only measures something like 22.5" across the diagonal. I'm not sure but I don't think you'll be able to get a plasma in a 24". They tend to be 32" and larger I think. Depends if you want to go bigger than your existing set.

03-09-2007, 17:34	#3
quacker Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Gateshead Co. Durham Posts: 233	Thanks for taking the time out to reply Chris - it is much appreciated. I could do my own research - it usually comes down to personal preference and choice. The Sony has a good picture - plenty good enough for me. Perhaps you can point me in the general direction of where one can compare these sets. Ultimately, i will want LCD/Plasma and a wall-mounted picture. Meanwhile a good pic & widescreen will suffice. Any sites you can recommend regarding the choices? Thanks again Steve

03-09-2007, 17:42	#4
Chris Simon Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Snowdonia Posts: 2,725	You'll probably find more informed, erm, information on http://www.avforums.com/.

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Do I need a new TV?