Can anyone reccomend an LCD TV?

James[UH] · 27th October 2008

I'm in the market for a new LCD TV.

- Up to 40 inches
- 1080p support (perhaps 24 fps also)
- At least three HDMI ports
- Not bothered about built in freeview (although many appear to include this)

I'll be connecting it up to a theatre system, perhaps Sony and may go for a Blu Ray drive also.

Are the top brands all very much the same these days?

JamesSykes · 27th October 2008

Would look at Panasonic or Sony if you are looking for the very best TV. Otherwise most others like Toshiba, Samsung etc.. Are very good these days.

samb · 27th October 2008

I got a Sharp 42" LCD a couple of years ago and I'm very happy with it. My model doesn't support 24fps mode, not idea about the newer ones though.

James[UH] · 27th October 2008

This one is in the frame:

Sony KDL-40W4000 KDL40W4000U

andyb28 · 27th October 2008

I have heard good things about Panasonic TH-46PZ85B and looking to get a model like this myself soon.

markcastle · 27th October 2008

TBH unless panasonic have improved vastly recently i'm no sure I agree that they are that great. The pansonic LCD that I had was just awful tbh and I was actually quite pleased when it broke. I did quite a lot of research and came up with samsung 40" 1080p as being the best spec/picture/deal i could get at the time. I looked at panasonic TV's but they were much stronger for Plasmas than LCDs.

In any case....

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyb28

I have heard good things about Panasonic TH-46PZ85B and looking to get a model like this myself soon.

...isn't that a Plasma rather than LCD?

IMHO the contrast ratio is a huge differentiating factor with TVs... that sony one looks stunning at 33000:1 but then you normally have to pay more just for the Sony badge.
The Samsung 40" I bought is 15000:1 and that was almost unheard of when I got it about a year ago so to now be able to get 33000:1 is quite unreal.

I've not looked for TVs lately but that Sony one looks incredibly cheap for what it is??

TDMWeb · 27th October 2008

Panasonic LCD TVs do well in the Which Magazine reviews and tend to be their best buys. I've got a Sony which I'm very pleased indeed with.

James[UH] · 27th October 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by markcastle

TBH unless panasonic have improved vastly recently i'm no sure I agree that they are that great. The pansonic LCD that I had was just awful tbh and I was actually quite pleased when it broke. I did quite a lot of research and came up with samsung 40" 1080p as being the best spec/picture/deal i could get at the time. I looked at panasonic TV's but they were much stronger for Plasmas than LCDs.

In any case....

...isn't that a Plasma rather than LCD?

IMHO the contrast ratio is a huge differentiating factor with TVs... that sony one looks stunning at 33000:1 but then you normally have to pay more just for the Sony badge.
The Samsung 40" I bought is 15000:1 and that was almost unheard of when I got it about a year ago so to now be able to get 33000:1 is quite unreal.

I've not looked for TVs lately but that Sony one looks incredibly cheap for what it is??

They also do a 80000:1:

KDL-40Z4500 (KDL40Z4500) : TV and projectors : Sony : United Kingdom

I've just ordered the one I posted a link for earlier, along with a Blu Ray player and a handful of films.

I'm kinda thinking 40 inches is too big for the lounge of the house we're moving into next month, but I do like to have a good media setup.

Maff · 27th October 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by James[UH]

This one is in the frame:

Sony KDL-40W4000 KDL40W4000U

I have had that one for about 4 months now, along with Sony DVR and Bluray player.

Its a nice sharp image compared to others I have seen.

Veru pleased with it overall, but then I didn't pay for mine so I can't really moan about it!

FH - Tim · 27th October 2008

I have a 32 " Sony and very happy, Although do tell about this free tv.. If we order some racks can we get one ?

LeaUK · 28th October 2008

General recomendation is that above 37" = plasma...

aXeR · 28th October 2008

From speaking to a few people I've been advised that the newer LCD panels are pretty good at displaying different shades of black now and thus reducing the reasons as to why you should buy a plasma over a LCD.

Anyone got any experience with this panel as I'm wanting to get it for my new housey

Buy SAMSUNG LE46A656A1FXXU | 46" digital 1080p hd ready lcd tv - Televisions | Comet

JamesSykes · 28th October 2008

Panasonic and Sony have been getting the top spot in tests for some time now. That's not to say every Panasonic/Sony is excellent but they make the best TV's you can buy.... if you've got the money.