New Telly for Mother in Law!!

rhodgreen · 08-07-2008, 00:29

As the family gadget guy, the mother in-law wants me to recommend her next telly to her! Obviously, if I get this wrong life as I know it........!!
I've shortlisted three models..
1. Sony 40W4000
2. Panasonic 42PZ85
3. Samsung 40A626
My worries for each are as follows and I'd be grateful for any opinions people might have.
1. Sony - No 100Hz and is the most expensive.
2. Pana - Have seen some strange goings on around the on-screen dog/logos when watching HD.
3. Sam - Seems to be the least favourite of sales staff and price has suddenly dropped quite substantially - why?
Will be connected up to Sky HD (and prob Blueray in due course) and Wii. Sound not an issue as goes through a surround amp.
Thanks for your help.

Ghostleader · 08-07-2008, 00:37

For the love of God, dont buy the Samsung, unless your Mother inlaw is colour blind, loves macro blocking, and want's the T.V. to develop a fault some where in the next two tears or so, which will leave her without a T.V. for 4 to 6 weeks.

soulboy77 · 08-07-2008, 09:47

Sony 40W4000 - One of the best LCD pictures. Ignore the fact it doesn't have 100Hz - you will never notice the difference. Great with Blu-ray. If the plan is to get a Sony Blu-ray player then you can make use of the Theatre Sync feature with the TV.
Panasonic 42PZ85 - As a plasma it has the best picture of the three. Not aware of the HD logo issue you mention but it can show up deficiencies in external sources.
Samsung - Each new series improves over the previous. They are good value for money ie PQ v price and I have never had any problem with reliability. Look at the LE40A656 model not A626. Samsungs work great with the Wii graphics.

As always go and have a look at them first in a store before you make your mind up.

DEMISCAMP · 08-07-2008, 11:25

"New Telly for Mother in Law!!"

Sounds a great swap

rhodgreen · 08-07-2008, 18:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulboy77

Sony 40W4000 - One of the best LCD pictures. Ignore the fact it doesn't have 100Hz - you will never notice the difference. Great with Blu-ray. If the plan is to get a Sony Blu-ray player then you can make use of the Theatre Sync feature with the TV.
Panasonic 42PZ85 - As a plasma it has the best picture of the three. Not aware of the HD logo issue you mention but it can show up deficiencies in external sources.
Samsung - Each new series improves over the previous. They are good value for money ie PQ v price and I have never had any problem with reliability. Look at the LE40A656 model not A626. Samsungs work great with the Wii graphics.

As always go and have a look at them first in a store before you make your mind up.

Sorry - my mistake - it was the 656 I meant (midnight typing for you).
The issue I've noticed with the PZ85 is that when there's a static image (such as the BBC HD logo) and then a fast moving image behind it (such as scanning the audience during Wimbledon or snowboarding on Rush HD) the logo image distorts all over the place. I've pointed it out to some shop people at JL and a Panasonic shop and none of them had noticed it until I pointed it out - but are now quite concerned!!

Finally - is the Sony worth the extra £400??!!

bobcar · 08-07-2008, 22:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhodgreen

Finally - is the Sony worth the extra £400??!!

If its more reliable it is, whether the new Sony's are as reliable as the old ones I don't know but there is more to value than spec/PQ against price.

JBlink · 10-07-2008, 20:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEMISCAMP

"New Telly for Mother in Law!!"

Sounds a great swap

Second time I have read this thread. First time I read the title I thought exactly the same thing but was too late to post.

Second time around I just have to say DEMISCAMP has got it spot on - still laughing

rhodgreen · 10-07-2008, 21:34

Well I still have a M-in-law!! And from JL for 799 she's just bought the Samsung 40A656. It got a great review on hdtvtest.co.uk - but won't be buying mine (did I mention the ulterior motive!!) until I've seen her's up and running! Still fancy the Sony myself!

08-07-2008, 00:29	#1
rhodgreen Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hedge End Posts: 362	New Telly for Mother in Law!! As the family gadget guy, the mother in-law wants me to recommend her next telly to her! Obviously, if I get this wrong life as I know it........!! I've shortlisted three models.. 1. Sony 40W4000 2. Panasonic 42PZ85 3. Samsung 40A626 My worries for each are as follows and I'd be grateful for any opinions people might have. 1. Sony - No 100Hz and is the most expensive. 2. Pana - Have seen some strange goings on around the on-screen dog/logos when watching HD. 3. Sam - Seems to be the least favourite of sales staff and price has suddenly dropped quite substantially - why? Will be connected up to Sky HD (and prob Blueray in due course) and Wii. Sound not an issue as goes through a surround amp. Thanks for your help.

08-07-2008, 00:37	#2
Ghostleader Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Laughing at Sky fanboys! Posts: 714	For the love of God, dont buy the Samsung, unless your Mother inlaw is colour blind, loves macro blocking, and want's the T.V. to develop a fault some where in the next two tears or so, which will leave her without a T.V. for 4 to 6 weeks.

08-07-2008, 09:47	#3
soulboy77 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Herts Posts: 17,005	Sony 40W4000 - One of the best LCD pictures. Ignore the fact it doesn't have 100Hz - you will never notice the difference. Great with Blu-ray. If the plan is to get a Sony Blu-ray player then you can make use of the Theatre Sync feature with the TV. Panasonic 42PZ85 - As a plasma it has the best picture of the three. Not aware of the HD logo issue you mention but it can show up deficiencies in external sources. Samsung - Each new series improves over the previous. They are good value for money ie PQ v price and I have never had any problem with reliability. Look at the LE40A656 model not A626. Samsungs work great with the Wii graphics. As always go and have a look at them first in a store before you make your mind up.

08-07-2008, 11:25	#4
DEMISCAMP Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 65	"New Telly for Mother in Law!!" Sounds a great swap

08-07-2008, 18:30	#5
rhodgreen Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hedge End Posts: 362	Quote: Originally Posted by soulboy77 Sony 40W4000 - One of the best LCD pictures. Ignore the fact it doesn't have 100Hz - you will never notice the difference. Great with Blu-ray. If the plan is to get a Sony Blu-ray player then you can make use of the Theatre Sync feature with the TV. Panasonic 42PZ85 - As a plasma it has the best picture of the three. Not aware of the HD logo issue you mention but it can show up deficiencies in external sources. Samsung - Each new series improves over the previous. They are good value for money ie PQ v price and I have never had any problem with reliability. Look at the LE40A656 model not A626. Samsungs work great with the Wii graphics. As always go and have a look at them first in a store before you make your mind up. Sorry - my mistake - it was the 656 I meant (midnight typing for you). The issue I've noticed with the PZ85 is that when there's a static image (such as the BBC HD logo) and then a fast moving image behind it (such as scanning the audience during Wimbledon or snowboarding on Rush HD) the logo image distorts all over the place. I've pointed it out to some shop people at JL and a Panasonic shop and none of them had noticed it until I pointed it out - but are now quite concerned!! Finally - is the Sony worth the extra £400??!!

08-07-2008, 22:05	#6
bobcar Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 14,718	Quote: Originally Posted by rhodgreen Finally - is the Sony worth the extra £400??!! If its more reliable it is, whether the new Sony's are as reliable as the old ones I don't know but there is more to value than spec/PQ against price.

10-07-2008, 20:22	#7
JBlink Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 2,926	Quote: Originally Posted by DEMISCAMP "New Telly for Mother in Law!!" Sounds a great swap Second time I have read this thread. First time I read the title I thought exactly the same thing but was too late to post. Second time around I just have to say DEMISCAMP has got it spot on - still laughing

10-07-2008, 21:34	#8
rhodgreen Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hedge End Posts: 362	Well I still have a M-in-law!! And from JL for 799 she's just bought the Samsung 40A656. It got a great review on hdtvtest.co.uk - but won't be buying mine (did I mention the ulterior motive!!) until I've seen her's up and running! Still fancy the Sony myself!

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New Telly for Mother in Law!!