New TV

[docjames]

Hi all,

Im looking at a new TV (unfortunately). Our old 80cm Panasonic flatscreen CRT has died sufficicently that replacement will likely work out cheaper than repair (and that'd be if parts were available).

As best I can work out, the 80cm works out to 32" however of course the new tvs are rectangle not square, so a 32" will probably seem smaller. So probably best to look at 40" and above.

We dont do gaming etc (no playstation/xbax considerations), we have a DVR already. Not brand loyal so will consider anything of quality (and I mean actual quality, not the name on the front). I thought about spending around $1k but would be willing to go up to $2k if it made a big difference. Less is always good too.

Any recommendations? Where to buy? What to buy? Traps? Extended warranty advice?

Would lean towards LCD, and not really interested in 3D viewing. Happy to buy online if reputable. Is for main living room, which is not overly dark, but we dont tend to watch masses of TV during the day anyway.

Thanks in advance if anyone can advise / point out any problems.

 

[samh004]

If you’re one for earning the most points on your TV purchase the range at Big W should suffice, and luckily they’re not too badly priced either.

I bought an AWA there in late 2010 and it’s worked flawlessly since, touch wood. Though I’m sure others will be disgusted I suggested such a cheap brand

 

[sergeyvzn]

Choice website (can't post the link as AFF does not allow me, I'm too new) should give you a pretty good idea what to look for in terms of quality, functions, price etc
you might need to register to be able to access detailed reports, it's free and pretty quick
rule of thumb - if you watch lots of sports (quick movements), buy a plazma screen
if not, an LCD or LED will be good enough

 

[RB]

I did some reading on this forum
DTV Forum Australia - Australia's Leading Digital TV and AV Forum (Powered by Invision Power Board)
before I jumped in and bought a Panasonic.Have had an excellent run with the Japanese made model I got but they are made elsewhere these days apparently. Same as a lot of forums you need to sort out who actually knows what they are talking about.

 

[drron]

Televisions - Type Of Screen LCD price | Compare Prices & Save on shopping in Australia
This site can be useful.

 

[docjames]

Thanks, all helpful advice. Still, I think this could be painful, i'm a bit lost on which aspects are important.

And of course, the more you read, the more you change your mind. If i want to watch sport, i want a plasma.....

 

[medhead]

My Sony LCD is just fine of sport. I watch the rugby, swimming, olympics and others watch the AFL. Maybe in the early days plasma was better but not now. My LCD isn't even a new model with the latest flash high speed stuff.

I would avoid a plasma as they offer no real advantage for sport, seem to be on the way out and they have a major disadvantage when being transported as they must be kept upright at all times.

Of course, plasma is cheaper in general.

 

[Major]

As a very general rule....LCD for small screens ( bedroom size ) and plasma for the larger screens.

I agree, sport on a plasma screen is great

 

[JohnK]

Hmmm.... Difficult choice indeed.

I am still no closer to getting a TV for my apartment in Brisbane. D!ck Smith has a sale for a Toshiba 32" (81cm) high definition TV for $479 which sounds good value.

And that is a lot of bonus points and QFF points by purchasing at D!ck Smith.

 

[straitman]

As a very general rule....LCD for small screens ( bedroom size ) and plasma for the larger screens.

I agree, sport on a plasma screen is great

That has always been a good general rule but the changeover size is getting bigger.

 

[medhead]

As a very general rule....LCD for small screens ( bedroom size ) and plasma for the larger screens.

I agree, sport on a plasma screen is great

Sport on my 46" LCD is great. No blurring or ghosting

 

[casanovawa]

As with most electronic devices, i usually read up on forums

Here's a page from CNet about Plasma vs LCD (although is 2009)
Plasma vs. LCD: Which is right for you? - TVs
DTV forum is also good.. if i choose a model i also maybe put the model number into one or two websites to see if it has received a lot of complaints or bad reviews..

and I usually also go and ask sales people at several stores (Good Guys, Hardly Normal, etc, etc) Even if i am not going to buy from them, if you ask several sales people for example which companies are best for LCD and for Plasma (or cameras or anything else) and all 3 or 4 say pretty much the same thing then you know its probably a bit more believeable and they aren't just trying to flog their own unsold stock or whatever...

I bought a Panasonic Plasma 50 inch for $2k a couple of years ago as at that time LCD was like 50% more... not sure if the gap has narrowed but the prices have sure dropped across the board, you can now get 55-58 inch and more for somteimes only a bit over $2k... 3D wouldn't be a big feature for me at the moment, early systems always have teething problems and will be changed over time when one standard becomes dominant or new, improved technology arrives often leaving you holding a worthless unsupported system...

if its in a room where direct light is, like a window around to side or in front, even with blinds the plasma will show the reflection which you often get used to and don't even notice, but it will be there where with an LCD it shouldn't be, that to me is probably the biggest drawback of plasmas, but was well worth it when comparing tvs of $2k vs $3.3k at the time...

the cheaper u go the less the issue of how good the brand is as i guess these days a $600-700 tv is only meant to have a life of a 2-3 years or so before replacing, if you spend more you might expect it to last longer and be built a bit better... U might also want to see if its DNLA certified which is collection of a bunch of companies that have developed standards so equipment can work with each other, just enhances ability for connectivity... u might also want to look at energy ratings as saving a few bucks buying the cheaper screen might not be so smart if it costs more to run... and if you have a platinum credit card or whatever you might be able to get an extended warranty...

 

[drron]

Our Sony 55 inch LCD is great for sport.The prices have dropped a lot and i have seen them on sale for $1750.

 

[docjames]

Ok, some online mucking around has yielded a 42" Panasonic Viera Plasma @ $999 (RRP $1299).

There's lesser models available, most commonly one step down, @ $799 or thereabouts (RRP $1049).

42" seems to be the borderline, below and i'd definately do LCD, above and I'd definately do plasma, but our room is not big enough (nor are we die-hard enough) to need/want a bigger tv. This model comes with the ability to link to interweb, computer, do skype etc so it seems good for what it is.

 

[RB]

Ok, some online mucking around has yielded a 42" Panasonic Viera Plasma @ $999 (RRP $1299).

There's lesser models available, most commonly one step down, @ $799 or thereabouts (RRP $1049).

42" seems to be the borderline, below and i'd definately do LCD, above and I'd definately do plasma, but our room is not big enough (nor are we die-hard enough) to need/want a bigger tv. This model comes with the ability to link to interweb, computer, do skype etc so it seems good for what it is.

Are you looking at 1920 X 1080, the true full HD? One of the challenges seems to be that somewhat lesser models can still be described as HD. eg 1024 X 768

Also add that yes the power consumption figures can skew the cost figures over a period of time

 

[samh004]

Sport on my 46" LCD is great. No blurring or ghosting

Likewise, sport on our 47" is good

I would make sure you went with a full HD TV, making sure is it s1920 x 1080 pixels, as it’ll just be worth it in the future. I’ve seen so many caught out by HD ready and the like, not offering full HD.

 

[casanovawa]

yeah definitely go full 1080 HD at the 1920 level rather than 720p...

and for me personally i would def go bigger then 42"... i only upgrade tv's rarely so i find its worth spending a few extra bucks so i will be happy for the next several years and if you can get a few of the latest features that will stop it dating as quickly, so much the better... little things like being able to watch movies off of USB sticks etc can be handy...

but i had about a 42" tv before i bought my 50" and didn't want to spend $2k and walk out to a picture the same size or only slightly larger than what i had just been watching, i needed a bit of wow/getting something more to justify the money i was spending...

 

[docjames]

Indeed the advantage of the up spec is a full 1080 at 1920 whereas the rest are 720 (as best I can work out from the differing specs!)