New TV advice.

[DQuaN]

Hi all,

I'm thinking about buying a new TV next month. I have never owned a flat screen TV before (all mine are CRT) and I think I deserve one!

Only thing is that i'm a bit out of the loop.

Currently I'm looking at 32-37" LCD 720p TV's at around £400. I hear wonderful things about 1080i/p but don't think I can afford it (would probably have to get a tiny tv for £400) and I don't really have any hi-def sources.

Am i taking the right route or should I future proof by going for a smaller 1080 TV?

*edit*

Hold the phone!!

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.202-5644.aspx

Although isn't a 1:700 contrast ratio pretty poor?

 

[Diego440]

I think that is indeed pretty poor.

I'm not the most knowledgeable on the subject, but I've also been checking around to buy one. I'm looking at LG, though. Their 42" is about the same as Philips and Toshiba's 37" and around 80€ cheaper.

 

[Vasco]

Personally I wouldn't worry about a 1080p at that size, I have a 720p TV and that looks fantastic in HD! It's not like you can be outphased anyway with 720p, it's still HD.

I would try and go for a brandname though, you might be able to find a Samsung 5 series 32" for that price, they're quite good (a 6 series would be even better ) - or a Sony V series.

 

[TheCracker]

Tricky one that. I presume UK HD TV broadcasts are no more than 720p*, in which case if you have no BluRay, PS3/XB360 or upscaling DVD player, anything more than 720 is going to be a waste. I would also argue that normal res broadcast TV can look badly pixelated when viewed on any screen bigger than 32" My mum has a high-end Toshiba 40" LCD that i was watching last week and the picture quality is poorer than my ancient 25" CRT Sony in most cases.

1080p sets are only going to get better and cheaper as time goes on. If you have no need for that now i would personally get a smaller, good quality (decent named brand) 720p for now.

* Just checked and found that it's broadcast at 1080i - although a lot of content is actually just upscalled SD content rather than actual full HD stuff.

 

[DQuaN]

Hmmm...

Philips is good.

http://www.richersounds.com/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=PHIL-37PFL5522

 

[DQuaN]

^ Is in the back of my car and will be set up when I get home!!

 

[TB]

HD goodness awaits you, DQ! Congrats! 👍

 

[Kryz11]

Tell us how's the picture and everything congrats!

 

[DQuaN]

It rocks my socks!!

Can't tell you how good it can get as i don't have a proper HD source.

However, standard picture and functions are brilliant. Got my PC and PS2 plugged into it and they look great too.

I'm really happy.

Pics to come.