Page 1 of Considering buying a widescreen TV - recommendations needed please !

Hey guys

I`m considering taking the step to getting a widescreen TV, and really need recommendations on the best one to get !

This is to use with SKY, DVD (LG DVD-4710) & VHS (SHARP VC-MH711). Basically I`m not bothered about anything other than the picture quality, since I always use my sound system, rather than the actual TV sound. As far as connectivity goes, I`m not too bothered about that either. I just plan on connecting simply via scart.

I`d be willing to check out any size of set (28", 32" etc.) just as long as the thing will play my Region 1 DVDs.

Oh yeah - it`s got to be a budget machine ! I`d rather pay as little as possible !


Thanks,

Brian

This item was edited on Sunday, 30th December 2001, 15:55

I was after the same thing about 4 months ago. I have my sound going through surround sound hi-fi like you, so only wanted a large screen nicam TV, but a lot seem to come with surround sound built in, with those little speakers.

Anyway after having three previous TV repaired (and having a look inside myself), an expensive Mitsubishi that used a Philips tube, an expensive Toshiba portable that used (you`ve guessed it) a Philips tube, and the Bush cheap portable in the kids bedroom, that used a Philips tube, and various other brand components such as Samsung. I decided that there really isn`t much point in going for the expensive brand names, and decided to go for a cheaper one if I found one. Our TV repair man said Philips and Daewoo where the top tube suppliers, so no matter what make I bought chances are it would have one of these in it.

I saw a Bush 32" Widescreen Nicam in Comet (silver casing) for £399. Remembering what I`ve just said above, we got it, and I can`t fault it. The picture is spot on, good colours, really clear, with all the usual settings, different screen formats, zoom, etc. Like I said, it`s 4 months ago now, so don`t know if they still have them. But I`m very pleased with it. If you get one and they try to sell you their 3 year warranty, don`t bother. There`s a form in the box to take the Bush extended warranty out if you want to, and it`s half the price, but they don`t tell you that at the shop.

Mark.

Anyone else found any good machines for a decent price (preferably under £300) ?? ;)


Brian

You won`t get much for £300

I do see that http://www.electricaldiscountuk.co.uk are selling the Philips 28PW6006 for £399 + £10 delivery.

What Video will be doing a review in the Feb issue. I have heard they think it is excellent!

About £500 in comet/Currys!!

I was in the same position earlier last year, luckily with a little more savings. TV sound was not an issue. After looking carefully at Toshiba, Panasonic, Phillips and Sony the Sony TV was ahead for picture quality.

The other thing to think about is 50Hz vs 100Hz TVs. Most 50Hz tvs are really very good all round as this is a well grounded piece of technology. 100Hz sets seem to vary a lot as they do extra "processing" to the picture.

Why do you want 100Hz? Well on larger screens there is flicker at 50Hz (basically scan is longer and can be seen) which can wear you down a bit after some prolonged viewing. 100Hz fixes this but at a price and with varying results.

In my mind (and Eye) Sony has the best 100Hz processing. If you find a case full of cash check out their sets with DRC-MF which increases screen resolution and is brilliant for DVDs.
Spine

I got a 32" Decca widescreen tv from Tempo just as they were closing a store for £275, it gets a very good sharp picture and good built in sound as well.

Again not a top tv name, but excellent for what I paid.