Suprash Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 Right Im buying myself a HD TV for my birthday as I have no misses to buy me one for me lol, thing is Im cack at shopping at online. I have been into Curries to browse their TV's and get up to speed with all this HD Vs Ready and 1080p waffle as Im a right technophobe when its comes to home entertainment stuff, but I think I have decided on the spec, which is a 37" LCD 1080p HD TV.... Which retail is £800, but could I get it any cheaper online, obviously brand would make a difference, but is there any quality difference between brands ? The one I picked out in the shop was a Samsung I believe...... Does anyone know any good online places that could better this price ? Thanks Guys..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorin Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 Samsung seem like the one to get IMO. Random website... http://www.rgbdirect.co.uk/ProductDetails.asp?SKUNumber=106478&Model=LE37A656A1FXXU That's the current range I think? Series 4 37" TV's seem to be available for under £600 now, whether or not it's worth the extra for Series 5 or 6 I don't know? Samsung seem to have lots of TV's that look pretty much the same but with slightly different model numbers. What the differences are I've no idea. A new TV will likely be one of my next purchases after the credit cards are paid off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorin Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 http://www.avforums.com/ is the place to look really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyT Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 Where's that can'o worms. Seriously mate, you do need to do a little research at AVForums. There is loads of difference between brands and loads of snobby best brand cack to overcome too. This will save you hundreds mate. As a starter though, everything you should look at should be 1080p now. 3 HDMI slots would be nice. (games console, blu-ray player if you don't go ps3, and the hi def source receiver, Sky + Virgin etc.) The unsung hero brand at the mo seems to be the LG too. Don't skimp on quality connections either. I'll be doing this next year. I can feel the headache now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suprash Posted June 26, 2008 Author Share Posted June 26, 2008 Samsung seem like the one to get IMO. Random website... http://www.rgbdirect.co.uk/ProductDetails.asp?SKUNumber=106478&Model=LE37A656A1FXXU That's the current range I think? Series 4 37" TV's seem to be available for under £600 now, whether or not it's worth the extra for Series 5 or 6 I don't know? Samsung seem to have lots of TV's that look pretty much the same but with slightly different model numbers. What the differences are I've no idea. A new TV will likely be one of my next purchases after the credit cards are paid off. Sorry mate, bit confused, what series was that one you posted, as that was £745 ? But are you saying that the one I was looking at in Curries was probably a series 4, that you can get for under £600 ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suprash Posted June 26, 2008 Author Share Posted June 26, 2008 Where's that can'o worms. Seriously mate, you do need to do a little research at AVForums. There is loads of difference between brands and loads of snobby best brand cack to overcome too. This will save you hundreds mate. As a starter though, everything you should look at should be 1080p now. 3 HDMI slots would be nice. (games console, blu-ray player if you don't go ps3, and the hi def source receiver, Sky + Virgin etc.) The unsung hero brand at the mo seems to be the LG too. Don't skimp on quality connections either. I'll be doing this next year. I can feel the headache now. Yep, Im living it now lol, I have been advised not to skimp on cabbles, buying the £60 jobbies etc so will do that. Have already decided it has to be 1080p and thought I found a bargain 42" 10180p input TV but then found out that 1080p input isnt true 1080p is upscales. I will upgrade to Sky HD and then have my PS3 for blueray, so could get away with 2 slots, but one spare would be nice, but if there was a difference on price then one less slot wouldnt bother me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suprash Posted June 26, 2008 Author Share Posted June 26, 2008 http://www.avforums.com/ is the place to look really. I should have guessed really shouldnt I, thats usually my first trick if I dont really know about something, forum it lol.......Oh well here goes to getting blown away by the can'o worms Im about to open lol...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorin Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 I have been advised not to skimp on cabbles, buying the £60 jobbies etc so will do that. No do skimp on cables, the Gadget show recently did a test... Identical TV's side by side Identical Bluray source Identical settings on both sets... But one with the cheapest HDMI cable they could find and the other with the most expensive (around £150 IIRC). There was zero noticeable difference. I can see there may possibly be improvements for old analogue signals when using "gold plated" connections etc. (even then I doubt you'd notice unless with the same test conditions), but in this digital age it just doesn't matter. edit: and the link I posted was series 6, I've no idea what you looked at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyT Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 One less slot wouldn't make much difference in price mate. Just nice to have the expandiblity (is that a word). As you've noticed though, it's not all in the sales explanation from the manufacturers. Try and find the reaction times for an individual model. Standard seems 8ms. Way I understand it is this time is crucial for viewing higher speed events/sports without streaking across the screen. Also refresh rates, I think 100mHz is the figure now. Oh dear, I'm gonna have to go to AVF and get up to date now. I do remember Adam Bell on here is well up on this stuff and can get deals too. Worth a PM mate. Quick edit: Found some earlier research and was impressed with this : The KDL-40W3000 by Sony Better upscaler than the Samsung so everything looks better and 24 frames per sec too. I know it's high brand but this did stand out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suprash Posted June 26, 2008 Author Share Posted June 26, 2008 One less slot wouldn't make much difference in price mate. Just nice to have the expandiblity (is that a word). As you've noticed though, it's not all in the sales explanation from the manufacturers. Try and find the reaction times for an individual model. Standard seems 8ms. Way I understand it is this time is crucial for viewing higher speed events/sports without streaking across the screen. Also refresh rates, I think 100mHz is the figure now. Oh dear, I'm gonna have to go to AVF and get up to date now. I do remember Adam Bell on here is well up on this stuff and can get deals too. Worth a PM mate. Quick edit: Found some earlier research and was impressed with this : The KDL-40W3000 by Sony Better upscaler than the Samsung so everything looks better and 24 frames per sec too. I know it's high brand but this did stand out. Oh mate mhz I have been trying to avoid, refresh rates etc, this is what I didnt want to get into lol, Oh no I can see Im not going to get off lightly on this.....Hmmm, just googled that Sony you mentioned, first link coming in at £749, thats cheaper, bigger at 40" and you say the refresh rate on it is good, so wheres the catch with that one then ? I dont understand....... Shall PM that chap as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorin Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 Yeah the true 24 frames per second thing seems to be something that should be high on the list of requirements from the sounds of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suprash Posted June 26, 2008 Author Share Posted June 26, 2008 No do skimp on cables, the Gadget show recently did a test... Identical TV's side by side Identical Bluray source Identical settings on both sets... But one with the cheapest HDMI cable they could find and the other with the most expensive (around £150 IIRC). There was zero noticeable difference. I can see there may possibly be improvements for old analogue signals when using "gold plated" connections etc. (even then I doubt you'd notice unless with the same test conditions), but in this digital age it just doesn't matter. edit: and the link I posted was series 6, I've no idea what you looked at. Interesting So not worth going stupid on cables then, just enough.... My mum was telling that when she was buying her TV the chap told her that all the screens for the different brands are made at the same place in Japan, one big plant, lol, even I laughed at that.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay_vr6 Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 yeah forget expensive cables, I have a £90 hdmi cable and a £3 one from ebuyer, no friggen difference! in fact they could of almost come form the same place. As for buying http://www.digitaldirect.co.uk are excellent, good info on specs and great range, they also do 9months and 12months interest free if that appeals. I used them a few weeks ago for my panasonic plasma and they were fantastic, quick delivery too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 My personal preference is Panasonic as they are almost as good as the pioneer while being 1/3rd of the price. Definitely don't bother spending your cash on cables, its a digital signal.. its either on or its off. All that quality of signal is a lot of cack. I've been preaching about that since digital first came out and its only now that its actually coming to light. If i was spending the money and i wanted a 37" TV this is what i would buy.... http://www.digico.co.uk/model.asp?Detail=Yes&ModelID=2075 I wouldn't bother with 1080p at 37" to be honest. You won't be able to tell the difference below 42" and even at 42" you would be hard pushed. It only really comes into play 50"+. If money is tight then definitely go for the Samsungs, they are great screens and look a bit nicer than the panasonics but they aren't quite as good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrRalphMan Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 I got this one and it's great. http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?t=137280&highlight=john+lewis JL will give you 5 years warranty on the tv too.. Also the TV bloke wasn't talking poo, there is more then one but not many sources of the screens.. It's the 'leccy parts that make difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrRalphMan Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 yeah forget expensive cables, I have a £90 hdmi cable and a £3 one from ebuyer, no friggen difference! in fact they could of almost come form the same place. As for buying http://www.digitaldirect.co.uk are excellent, good info on specs and great range, they also do 9months and 12months interest free if that appeals. I used them a few weeks ago for my panasonic plasma and they were fantastic, quick delivery too. I think people were raving about a Wilkonson's HDMI cable.. Think one person got it for 99p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vicky Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 Ive recently bought a samsung and its probably the best tv ive had, i managed to get mine cheaper than anywhere else from Dixons online Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suprash Posted June 26, 2008 Author Share Posted June 26, 2008 I wouldn't bother with 1080p at 37" to be honest. You won't be able to tell the difference below 42" and even at 42" you would be hard pushed. It only really comes into play 50"+. Thats odd, everyone is telling me I want true 1080p ??? I dont know nothing about TV's but even Im sure I need 1080p......? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 You don't, they are saying that because they don't really understand it and they see it as the "next big thing". 1080p is the highest definition available at the moment but, there is no point in having it on a screen that it cannot be seen on. I'll give colour as an example. Set your desktop to 16 bit colour if you can... have a look around and see if you can see any difference between 16 bit colour and 32 bit colour. I certainly can't, its all just a much of a muchness. As i said though, after 42" 1080p starts to stand out a little. By 50" its getting noticeable and by 60" its in its eliment. If you want the patter for down the pub then buy 1080p, if you would rather have the money to actually buy a pint then get 1080i. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyT Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 Lol that's put me in place. I did know about the gold plate etc. not being a viable upgrade anymore. There must be some differences in the standards of the fibre optics though. Shouldn't there? Must admit £150 on a bloomin' cable. Up in the flat in Hoylake we had a 47" Sharp Aquos LCD but everything else was old school. Picture was rubbish viewing TV but sticking a DVD in showed what the screen could do. I put it down to the analogue inputs. Hope you get it right mate. It's a minefield, good unbiased advice is what you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 Lol that's put me in place. I did know about the gold plate etc. not being a viable upgrade anymore. There must be some differences in the standards of the fibre optics though. Shouldn't there? Must admit £150 on a bloomin' cable. Up in the flat in Hoylake we had a 47" Sharp Aquos LCD but everything else was old school. Picture was rubbish viewing TV but sticking a DVD in showed what the screen could do. I put it down to the analogue inputs. Hope you get it right mate. It's a minefield, good unbiased advice is what you need. Nope, put it this way.... take the dodgyest cable you can get your hands on and hook it up to a 12v battery, hold one piece on your tongue and touch your testies with the other. Think you would feel it? Next, take the best possible cable and do the same proceedure... think the latter would hurt more? In actual fact it probably would as there would be less resistance but the fact that you would feel it in both instances proves that it would make no difference to digital. A digital signal has 2 states, on and off (0 and 1). It doesn't matter how good the signal is as long as there is one. Of course it has to be within a certain range but it either works or it doesnt, there is no difference in picture quality. Digital sound is exactly the same, analogue sound and video is where the money needs to go into cabling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 Rule of thumb LCD less than 40", Plasma greater than 40" I have bought a 46" Panasonic TH46PZ85B which is 1080p and is Plasma. It's f&*(ing amazing. End. (It's attached to Sky HD (1080i) and a PS3 which both help - a TV is only as good as it's source material.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suprash Posted June 26, 2008 Author Share Posted June 26, 2008 Rule of thumb LCD less than 40", Plasma greater than 40" I have bought a 46" Panasonic TH46PZ85B which is 1080p and is Plasma. It's f&*(ing amazing. End. (It's attached to Sky HD (1080i) and a PS3 which both help - a TV is only as good as it's source material.) YEah I have just learnt this, Sky broadcast in 1080i, which is interlaced, meaning they only re-transmit colours that have changed, but my mate said that you would need 1080p (progressive for making the most of blue ray. Anyway he works for Sony so get 40% off products, so he is going to sort me a good spec'd TV for about £500/£600 quid, certainly saves all this minefield business...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supra_aero Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 Ive recently bought a samsung and its probably the best tv ive had, i managed to get mine cheaper than anywhere else from Dixons online I got samsung too best for styling in my opinion. Empiredirect.co.uk are by far the cheapest when I bought. And they threw in a free hdmi cable too. They have stores as well so no need to wait for delivery (Assuming it'll fit in your car) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyT Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 Nope, put it this way.... take the dodgyest cable you can get your hands on and hook it up to a 12v battery, hold one piece on your tongue and touch your testies with the other. Think you would feel it? Next, take the best possible cable and do the same proceedure... think the latter would hurt more? In actual fact it probably would as there would be less resistance but the fact that you would feel it in both instances proves that it would make no difference to digital. A digital signal has 2 states, on and off (0 and 1). It doesn't matter how good the signal is as long as there is one. Of course it has to be within a certain range but it either works or it doesnt, there is no difference in picture quality. Digital sound is exactly the same, analogue sound and video is where the money needs to go into cabling D'oh. So easy when the grey stuff receives a nudge. Thanks for the lesson bud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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