Page 1 of Buying a new 32" flatscreen TV, any recommendations?

Hardware Forum

Buying a new 32" flatscreen TV, any recommendations?

Roger James (Elite) posted this on Thursday, 25th October 2001, 14:41

We`re looking at some 32" flat widescreen tv`s, and although greatly impressed with my sis-in-laws new Panasonic widescreen (28"), we were wondering has anyone else have a view, perhaps based on personal experience? Replies greatly appreciated as it`s a BIG spend.

RE: Buying a new 32

lard (Competent) posted this on Thursday, 25th October 2001, 17:11

Sony.

RE: Buying a new 32

boonie (Mostly Harmless) posted this on Thursday, 25th October 2001, 17:58

I wouldn`t go Sony..paying for the name..like Barclays Bank.
Panasonic or possibly Toshiba?

RE: Buying a new 32

lard (Competent) posted this on Friday, 26th October 2001, 13:19

Try some out. I`m not the only one who think the Sony`s are better and not just `paying for the name`.

RE: Buying a new 32

dockarl (Competent) posted this on Friday, 26th October 2001, 14:39

Best idea is to visit a large electrical retailer and check out the TVs there. When you find one you like the look of hunt around the web for the best price. I recently picked up a 32" Panasonic (model 32pk25) for £830 delivered. I`ve seen it for £1100 on the highstreet!


Karl.

RE: Buying a new 32

Bowf (Elite) posted this on Friday, 26th October 2001, 16:13

Try Toshiba because of their ability to use component connection of DVD player. It`s the best connection around at the moment.
Just make sure the model you look at has this facility. Most of their models from £700 up seem to have it.
Given that, having raked around loads of places,and watched loads of makes, they are all much of a muchness picturewise and facilitywise it makes sense, in my book, to go for the Tosh purely because of this.
Cheers

RE: Buying a new 32

gambler (Harmless) posted this on Saturday, 27th October 2001, 00:40

If you like the 32PK25, try boselectronics.com (01895 636638), Mr Bos offered me £799
This was part of my quest for a decent widescreen plus good audio (but without breaking the bank. The audio mate I was considering was an all-in-one job, such as the Pan. HT80 or Pioneer NS-DV55 or LG Da3520 or JVc TH-A9R,etc
Alternatively, a really good looking, well-spec`ed TV -the Pan 28PG45 or the 32PG50 with an adequate but matching DVDplayer i.e Pan RV31

Has an one any advice for a novice?? please....

This item was edited on Saturday, 27th October 2001, 00:50

RE: Buying a new 32

Roger James (Elite) posted this on Monday, 29th October 2001, 21:13

Karl, thanks for your response (and thanks for all the others as well!), as one of the main sets i`ve been looking at is the Panasonic 32PK25 I would be really interested in how you found the picture quality. Also, could you confirm that this is a true flat screen? I have read some reviews that say the PK20 was a superb set, and I presumed the PK25 was a natural successor to this model. Anyway, your comments would be appreciated as the PK25 is a good deal pricewise at the moment as it appears to be recently discontinued (possibly!). Thanks, Roger.

RE: Buying a new 32

laid_back_steve (Harmless) posted this on Monday, 29th October 2001, 21:23

AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not a recommendation, but avoid www.cheapesttv.co.uk at all costs AKA T.V.s DIRECT. I thought i`d take a chance on one of their sets and it didn`t pay off. The set i got was totally useless with at least two major faults, and their service department just tell you you`ve set it up wrong when your recieving failure codes telling you to contact service. Luckily i bought it on a credit card!!!!

RE: Buying a new 32

Westy (Elite) posted this on Monday, 29th October 2001, 21:56

Roger,

Not being defeatist, and no offence lard, but Sony tv`s are just so outperformed these days. While Sony continue to make high quality products-this i am in no doubt of-they continually keep shooting themselves in their gold plated feet by charging stupid prices for what is now pretty standard technology. Ok so their drc-mf sets are some of the best around, but only at a hefty premium of around £1700-£2000.
In comparison manufacturers such as Panasonic and Toshiba concentrate on the actual quality of the picture tube. I`m not alone in saying that Tosh and Panny sets produce images that will blow a comparable Sony out of the ballpark.
Case in point. Sony 32" widescreen with 100hz and Nicam sound system-nearly £1000. 32" Toshiba with 100hz, Dolby Digital sound system, component video feed-£1200(i shopped around for these prices mind!). Okay so £200 is a lot more to some people, but at least the consumer gets a bit more for their buck, and the picture just looks sensational-the Sony image is just `ordinary`.
I fear that i may be upsetting people here, but this is purely personal opinion. I`ve followed av and home cinema right from the start and have seen Sony go from top of the heap to Mr Middleground-in this cutthroat market,fancy silver casework,floating design tv`s and `Art Coutoure` really aren`t enough to make me want to buy one of their tv`s.

Thanks for listening

Westy

Go back to Hardware Forum threads, or All Forum threads