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Help With Choosing Which HDTV To Purchase...
bauer24
05-04-2008
Hi

I am thinking of purchasing a LCD HDTV (at most £800) and have scoured a number of sites looking for the ideal model. I have compiled a list (at bottom), with the links and need some input on which HDTV listed, is best and value for money.

The HDTV will be used for playing games on a PS3, as well as using the PS3's Blu-Ray capabilities to watch movies. The available viewing distance is 11ft 3, is this acceptable for a 42" I would not mind having a 37”.

Also some of the televisions have NICAM, and no FLAT Screen, and i was wondering if that is suitable?

Thank You

PANASONIC TX37LZD80 37" HD Ready 1080p digital LCD TV
http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/stor...ory_oid=-21226
£799.00

Sony KDL40D3500 40" Full HD 1080p digital LCD TV
http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/stor...m=null&tm=null
£699.99

PHILIPS 37PFL7662 37" HD Ready 1080p digital LCD TV
http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/stor...ory_oid=-21226
£704.99

SAMSUNG LE37M86BD 37" HD Ready 1080p digital LCD TV
http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/stor...&category_oid=
£630.09

TOSHIBA 37X3030DB
http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/pro...Vs-_-position2
£699.99

LG 37LF66
http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/pro...1166/LG-37LF66
£699.99

SAMSUNG LE37M87BDX/XEU
http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/pro...LE37M87BDX-XEU
£799.99

PANASONIC TX-37LZD70
http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/pro...NIC-TX-37LZD70
£799.99

LG 37LF65 37" HD Ready 1080p digital LCD TV
http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/stor...m=12&sm=0&tm=0
£699

SONY KDL40D3500 40" HD Ready 1080p digital LCD TV
http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/stor...m=12&sm=0&tm=0
£749

Toshiba 37X3030D 37" HD Ready 1080p digital LCD TV
http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/stor...m=12&sm=0&tm=0
£679.99
fmradiotuner1
05-04-2008
The Toshiba 37X3030D is quite old now but I have the 42in one and am very happy with it.
bauer24
07-04-2008
Could anyone else please give any more feedback?
the hamster
07-04-2008
why does it have to be LCD?

have you had a look at the pro's and cons of LCD and Plasma?

I have this

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...8_03280009.jpg

and i'm very happy with it. This model has been superceded now by this

http://www.hdtvorg.co.uk/reviews/pla...ps42q97hdx.htm

It took me 2 months to choose the right screen, by looking at customers tv's in the flesh not just a bunch of adverts on the net. I still think this is the best value for money tv there is, for quality of picture, motion handling and presentation. The reviews rate it highly and so do I.
deadline
07-04-2008
Go to the library and ask for the last dozen or so copies of What HI FI and Home Cinema...it is the BIBLE of all things electric and fun...well except 'naughty' things
bauer24
07-04-2008
Yes i have checked the advantages/disadvantages of LCD and Plasma. That's a cool setup you have

Anyway i'll check out the What Hi-Fi publications out.

Also which online sites would you recommend buying a TV from (apart from the obvious currys, dixons and comet)
the hamster
08-04-2008
Would you buy a car online without seeing it or driving it?

Best thing to do is to go to Currys and have a look at whats on offer, look closely at the picture quality and narrow down your choice. Ask for a demo of "normal" tv, not just a high def demo dvd or game console they are running.

Get the model numbers you want then look online. Richersounds is a good place that you havent mentioned.

I would never EVER buy a tv off the net without seeing it in action 1st. What people recommend or review may work pants with your set-up or room astetics.

There are lots of threads started on DS because people bought sets that give a grainy/blocky picture and are dissapointed with what they have, but refuse to accept its a bad buy. Dont make the same mistake.
Chrisj3456
09-04-2008
i have a PANASONIC TX37LZD80, it arrived yesterday from Dixons, i paid £780 for it as i used a discount code to get £20 off (aw20) i think.

TV looks very good, SD pictures are great as i dont yet have Sky HD or a blu-ray player.
i would recommend the tv if you are thinking of getting it, this Tv is on sale in Currys for £1050 and they are the same company as Dixons.
bauer24
09-04-2008
I have found this one on PCworld:

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/sto...rmationSection

Did you buy the Panasonic Tv from the online store? Did you get a guarantee??
paulyoung666
09-04-2008
i have just bought a toshiba 42 x from currys and find it excellent , the 1 thing i did notice was that pcworld ( same company in effect ) were selling the 42 c for the same price
Feldman
09-04-2008
I've recently purchased a Sony 40V3000, which is virtually the same model as the 40D3500, the only difference being an additional HDMI and optical out.

Got it from Sound and Vision for only £665. The 40D3500 is about £25 cheaper.
They also have a retail outlet , but it's in Bolton. The good news about that is that you could then try and get John Lewis to price match which would then include a 5 year warranty.

You should be able to see both these TV's in most Currys and Comet outlets.

As to the TV I'm extremely pleased with it. I note games and blu-ray are key requirements, so this being a Sony, integrates extremely well with the PS3 and is able to display 1080p/24. If you want to play blu-ray films then this should be a key requirement to check, otherwise you may find the picture judders on some scenes.

11ft is perfectly fine for this TV, in fact for 1080p HD, you can get as close as 6ft.
I sit about 9ft away and it's just like looking through a window it's so smooth.

The freeview is also very good, though I run mine with SKY HD and V+.

But whatever you get, I recommend that you calibrate it - some blu-ray disks have this capability., or check up on the internet. (one excellent site for this is www.avforums.com) As the out of the box settings for some TV's are appaling.
bauer24
10-04-2008
The 40V3000 on that site is £757.90

On PCworld it's £799, i may purchase it from there, as the payment for guarantee is a fixed monthly charge.

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/sto...rmationSection

I have checked out the AVforums site, and the user/web reviews are very positive for both Sony KDL-40V3000 and 40D3500. So there is no point in checking it out at comet etc.
Chrisj3456
10-04-2008
Originally Posted by bauer24:
“I have found this one on PCworld:

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/sto...rmationSection

Did you buy the Panasonic Tv from the online store? Did you get a guarantee??”


were you asking me? if so i did get it from online store and all i got was the one year guarantee...

i should have asked John Lewes to price match it and give me the 5 years.... doh

ah well the tv looks great so im pleased
Feldman
10-04-2008
Originally Posted by bauer24:
“The 40V3000 on that site is £757.90

On PCworld it's £799, i may purchase it from there, as the payment for guarantee is a fixed monthly charge.

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/sto...rmationSection

I have checked out the AVforums site, and the user/web reviews are very positive for both Sony KDL-40V3000 and 40D3500. So there is no point in checking it out at comet etc.”

Blimey it is, sorry, must have got more of a bargain that I realised!.

However if you check the 40D3500 it is showing £645 though.
bauer24
10-04-2008
Chrisj3456, how does the Price Match at John Lewis work?

I may opt to get the 40D3500 instead of the 40KDL V3000, as there is not a lot of difference in terms of quality.
Jordan.Stone
10-04-2008
Be careful to check the price match fine print from JL – they often don’t honour internet prices.
If you’re inclined to go with the Sony KDL 40D3500, go for it as it’s a solid TV.

If you’re not 100% though I wouldn’t rule out the PANASONIC TX-37LZD70.

We found the PANASONIC TX-37LZD70 for £690- http://www.pricerunner.co.uk/pl/2-99...nic+tx-37lzd70

And the Sony KDL40D3500 £647 - http://www.pricerunner.co.uk/pl/2-10...B%3B&q=40d3500
Delivery included.

Which? this month ranked the Panasonic as their best buy, and What HIFI gave it 5 stars. Having seen the Panasonic in action, the HD picture is outstanding (its HD ready) and it has 2 HDMI ports to accommodate your PS3. The sound leaves something to be desired, but presumable you have a home theatre system so that should take care of things on that front.

Hope that helps, Jordan (from PriceRunner.co.uk)
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