24 replies to this topic

[Gurtofen]

I have tried searching through the thousands of threads on this forum and I am still no closer to working out which TV I should buy.

Forum Experts - Can you please just tell me which TV I should buy before Xmas and why? I am happy to spend up to $3000. I need a BluRay player to go with it.

I watch a lot of sport and my wife loves movies. I currently have a 42" LCD but am happy to go either LCD or Plasma with the new TV.

If I get a lot of replies I will probably just go with the majority vote so I have faith in you guys!

Cheers,
Gurtofen.

[AndrewW]

I am very happy with my new 58" Samsung 3D Plasma.  Can be had for under $2400, and comes with a BD player via redemption (this is slow though, might be quicker to buy one up front and sell the redemption one once it finally arrives).

You don't state what size you are after, the 50" can be had for under $1600!

[pgdownload]

I'm no expert but I do post a lot.

IMO you're hard pressed to go wrong with a panel TV these days, especially if your spending more than a grand or so. Any new TV will look a bit 'different' for the first few days or week, but for most people, the eyes and brain seem to adjust so that minor differences in PQ start being filtered out and you just get on with watching TV.

FWIW, You haven't really provided enough info for people to make a fair suggestion. It would help to know

1) What size TV you are now looking for? (still 42")

2) What do you mostly watch (FTA, Foxtel, BluRay)

3) Do you intend to watch a lot of SD content (FTA or DVDs)

4) Is the room brightly lit with sunshine (do you watch most TV at night?)

5) How far back from the TV do you normally sit?

6) What model TV do you currently have and what about it makes you want to buy a new one?

7) Do you have, or want to have a PVR?

8) Do you intend to play games on the screen (eg PS3 etc.)

FWIW you should be able to get a cracker of a TV around $2000.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

[DM Dave]

Not my cup of tea,however JB HiFi have an interesting deal on 65" Pannys.Asking $2998,free freight online.Blue Ray system by redemption.

[Sabor]

I wouldn't hesitate recommending the Samsung PS58C7000 either. I've got it's slightly bigger brother and could not be happier so there's that as well if you don't mind stretching the budget a bit.

I'd have a good hard look at the Pana 65"S20a though. From what I've seen it looks pretty decent. Others here have managed to sweet-talk JB down to $2500 and this includes a free HTiB by redemption so you're essentially getting a monster Plasma for a touch above $2000!

The HTiB looks pretty ordinary though (I've never seen speakers more plasticky) so you might consider selling then you'd have even more change left over from $3000 for a Blu-ray player as well as other toys.

Edited by Sabor, 24 November 2010 - 11:58 AM.

[50MXE20]

Gurtofen, on Nov 24 2010, 08:32 AM, said:

I have tried searching through the thousands of threads on this forum and I am still no closer to working out which TV I should buy.

Gurtofen.

Really a TV is such a personal thing.

Why not just wander into a shop and see what takes your fancy.

Everybody on here will have a different opinion.
As a rough guide LCDs tend to be better for brightly lit areas and Plasmas tend to be better for sport and are perhaps more natural looking.

With that budget you should be able to get a good TV and BD player.

My only suggestion is don't go under 50 inches.

[Gurtofen]

Thanks for the replies so far. To answer some of the questions asked:

1. I currently have a Philips 42" Ambilight LCD which I am very happy with except it only displays 1080i and has no inbuilt tuners.
2. I have no real size in mind at this stage but I don't need too big.
3. I mostly watch Foxtel (unfortunately I am moving house - Cable to Satellite).
4. I have always watched FTA through Foxtel cable but will now need to get a STB/PVR for the old TV and inbuilt tuners for the new TV.
5. Room can be dark or light and most TV is watched during the night.
6. The new lounge room will have about a 6m viewing distance from the TV.
7. The reason I am looking for a new TV is because I will be having a second TV in the master bedroom. I don't know whether to put the new TV in the bedroom or the lounge room. My old TV needs an STB/PVR so it might be best suited in the lounge room due to the extra boxes inolved.
8. I just want the ability to watch and record both FTA and Foxtel in both rooms on the best equipment available within my budget.

Cheers,
Gurtofen.

[pgdownload]

Gurtofen, on Nov 24 2010, 08:06 PM, said:

Thanks for the replies so far. To answer some of the questions asked:

1. I currently have a Philips 42" Ambilight LCD which I am very happy with except it only displays 1080i and has no inbuilt tuners.
2. I have no real size in mind at this stage but I don't need too big.
3. I mostly watch Foxtel (unfortunately I am moving house - Cable to Satellite).
4. I have always watched FTA through Foxtel cable but will now need to get a STB/PVR for the old TV and inbuilt tuners for the new TV.
5. Room can be dark or light and most TV is watched during the night.
6. The new lounge room will have about a 6m viewing distance from the TV.
7. The reason I am looking for a new TV is because I will be having a second TV in the master bedroom. I don't know whether to put the new TV in the bedroom or the lounge room. My old TV needs an STB/PVR so it might be best suited in the lounge room due to the extra boxes inolved.
8. I just want the ability to watch and record both FTA and Foxtel in both rooms on the best equipment available within my budget.

Cheers,
Gurtofen.

All good answers. Unfortunately they point to an answer that might best be described as "not sexy"

1) At 6m almost no TV is big enough to take advantage of true HD. That is a bluray showing 1080i or 1080p would look pretty much identical.

2) Most Foxtel content is less than FTA SD in picture quality. There's some Foxtel HD channels now, but not sure how much of those you watch (or will on satelite?). Also subject to 1 above.

3) You will need a new PVR or STB it seems regardless of your choice.

4) You're not looking at any big size increase, so maybe 50"? However you're inclined to keep the current TV in the lounge (50" in a bedroom is a bit of overkill IMO (in all respects))

My suggestion?

1) Keep the 42" TV in the lounge

2) Look to investigating a TV for the bedroom. Probbaly much less used? Look to get a 32" LCD with inbuilt HD tuner. Cost well under $1000

3) Purchase a FTA PVR for the Lounge. Something like a BeyonWiz Lite for $450 would cover all your FTA needs.

4) If you felt really extravagant you could bet a Beyonwiz H1 'slave' unit that could be hooked up to the main unit ($300) and so play any recordings in both rooms.

5) Get a bluray unit for the lounge ($200-$500 or so.)

6) Maybe look at getting some speakers and a receiver fot the lounge TV ($1,000 - $50,000) as you might find that would be a good improvement on the whole viewing experience.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

[Gurtofen]

Thanks for the advice Peter.

I did some more accurate measurements from the floor plan of the house and the viewing distance would be more like 4.5m but don't think that would change much anyway.

I like your suggestions and think that is probably more the way to go.

I didn't mention but I already have a 5.1 speaker setup with a Yamaha RX-V863 receiver and PS3 to go with the 42" LCD TV for the lounge room setup so what you said makes sense.

I will have to check out the Beyonwiz setup you were talking about as I don't know anything about it but if it can record FTA and replay on both TV's then that would be perfect as I will have Foxtel iQ multi room for the Foxtel recordings.

Any suggestions on the best 32" LCD's on the market at the moment.

Cheers,
Gurtofen.

[pgdownload]

.

Edited by pgdownload, 24 November 2010 - 08:58 PM.

[pgdownload]

Gurtofen, on Nov 24 2010, 09:51 PM, said:

I did some more accurate measurements from the floor plan of the house and the viewing distance would be more like 4.5m but don't think that would change much anyway.

Agreed.

Quote

I will have to check out the Beyonwiz setup you were talking about

Not the only option, although probably the best performer and value for a multi room setup.

Quote

Any suggestions on the best 32" LCD's on the market at the moment.

Can't help there, but any major brand (Panasonic, Samsung) should be fine. Should be a few threads dedicated to 32" and possibly a few others can suggest something.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

Edited by pgdownload, 24 November 2010 - 09:06 PM.

[Sabor]

I like Peter's suggestions of a Beyonwiz Lite for the main room and a H1 slave for the bedroom.

I'd still go for the following though:

Panasonic 65" S20a which would be perfect for your 4.5 metre viewing distance. I know you mentioned that you don't need too big but I'd suggest seeing for yourself just to see what you think.

Rotate the 42" into the bedroom.

If you can talk the 65" down to around $2500-$2600, then eBay the Redemption HTiB (since you've got a pretty decent AVR and 5.1 speakers already) for say $400, the Beyonwiz units for ~$800, that would be your $3000   . Also you probably don't really need a Blu-ray player since your PS3 can fulfill that duty but in case you do @ $150 - $200 for a dedicated player, it's not that big a deal.

Good Luck with whatever you decide anyway.

[eze1]

Hi

I am in a similar situation.
I have a shortlist of three TVs

1. Panasonic 65'' S20
2. Samsung PS63C7000
3. Samsung PS58C7000.

I am planning to use the TV in the open living Area. I will use it mostly for watching Blu-ray or 1080p movies, playing Xbox games during the day and some FTA HD ( mainly sports). I have foxtel but I am not planning to connect it to the TV.

the movies and xbox will be watched from 3 to 4.5 metres . FTA also maybe from the dinning table about 6 to 7 metres.
the room is bright but only direct light in the morning, the closest window is like two metres from where I am planning to put the TV but is facing east, so only light in the morning. I think I will use it 70 percent of the time during the day and at night I will watch some movies from time to time.

I was considering the Panasonic 65''. I think is a great price for the money, but I am starting to be a bit concern about not having 3D, not for nowadays contest , but mostly for what we can have in 2 or 3 year. I don't want to buy another t v for 5 years at least. 3D gaming on the xbox could be coming very soon.

So the best option for me would be the samsung 63'' but it is a bit over my budget. The 58'' also seems a very good option for the price, but I am thinking that maybe in some time I will start regretting not getting a bigger TV.

Edited by eze1, 26 November 2010 - 11:10 AM.

[pgdownload]

Quote

1. Panasonic 65'' S20 - $3100
2. Samsung PS63C7000 - $2900 (here)
3. Samsung PS58C7000. - $2300

"Regret?" I'm not sure what size and quality TV you currently have but a 58" TV is going to look huge. I'm not sure how much more enjoyment you'll be missing out on by not getting something a hand's width bigger?

In this size bracket you can really save a fair bit going down a few inches. $140 or so an inch in this case.

But now I'm confused as the Panasonic is more expensive than the PS63 (which is out of your budget comfort zone already?)

Personally I don't 3D is going to be all that huge (at least in TV) for another 5 years. However I could be wrong on that Regardless 3D is a feature I'd be happy to forgo if other factors (like price or 2D PQ) where met.

Ultimately, the factors you've listed can only really be decided by your preference. 3D, Price, Size.

FWIW None of the TVs you've listed should disappoint.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

[AndrewW]

eze1, on Nov 26 2010, 11:08 AM, said:

3. Samsung PS58C7000.

I don't think you'd be disappointed with this choice, I know I wasn't

And once you get it home and installed I doubt you'd be concerned about it being too small.

[DM Dave]

Simple solution to gauge size requirements.

Newspaper,preferably broadsheet,Age or Courier Mail/measuring tape/duct tape/texta/calculator.

Screen size is diagonal,therefore 65" squared=width squared plus height square.As an example.Ratio is 16x16 (256) plus 9x9 (81)=337= ~ 18.36x18.36 (336.86).

Slide paper into required size,tape and get someone to hold it up.

Use a texta/marking pen and ruler/straight edge to denote smaller sizes.

Works for me.

Edited by DM Dave, 26 November 2010 - 02:04 PM.

[50MXE20]

Or go to the shop(s) with a tape measure and stand/sit where one would at home.

Look, think and buy accordingly.

IMHO Samsung Plasma's are the new Pio's.

Brand name snobbery aside (to pinch that expression from a forum mate), they seem to have the goods and be bang for buck.

[eze1]

pgdownload, on Nov 26 2010, 02:25 PM, said:

"Regret?" I'm not sure what size and quality TV you currently have but a 58" TV is going to look huge.

But now I'm confused as the Panasonic is more expensive than the PS63 (which is out of your budget comfort zone already?)

P

Peter Gillespie

Hi Peter

Thanks for your feedback. At the moment I have a 37 LCD , so everything will look huge to me.
I think the link you send for the PS63C7000 is a refurbish place, isn't it? Have someone bought from this place recently? Did they have any problem? I think by buying to them I won't have any official warranty or I cannot apply to any Samsung redemption , am I right? I think the best price they have good for a new TV from a retailer is 3300. The 65 Pana is listed a au$ 2998 in JB website, so I think you could easily get it at around 2700 or 2800

Dave. I think I will try with the newspaper at my wall. I have already seen these three TV on the shops but sometimes I get lost with some many TVs one next to the other. I have stand at the distance I would be watching , but I never gives you an idea how it will look on my living room

Cheers
Eze

[duster]

My vote
pana 65s approx $2700 +
pana twin tuner 500gb Blu Ray recorder approx $900 (mate loves his- everything in one)

[pgdownload]

No endorsement of the site. Just a link I googled for example.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

[johndee]

I'm in roughly the same position.
I am looking for a new TV to replace the 42" TCL, which will then replace a 68 cm CRT Sony, which is in the process of losing all it's colour.
I'm not sure if 3D is worth it even in the long run, but would like comments on the advisability of making sure what I get has a LAN port, since I have cabled the whole house (Only excluding the loo - my wife would'nt let me)).
JB

[yorac]

Current Pana S20 65'' comes with a Blu ray HTIB for approximately $2964 at Hardly's...........

[DM Dave]

Hi john dee,

                 What has the TCL been like?

I expected to see heaps of those on the Oz market,however mainly advertised by GG/Retravision.

Gee,great idea there.Wonder if I can wall mount my Acer 23.5" and a pair of small speakers on the dunny door?

Or should I consider a larger screen size?

[johndee]

[quote name='DM Dave' date='Nov 27 2010, 06:50 AM' post='1643690']
Hi john dee,

                 What has the TCL been like?

I expected to see heaps of those on the Oz market,however mainly advertised by GG/Retravision.

Hi,
The TCL has been very good. We've never got the HDMI to work, but that may be the old Toshiba DVD we are trying to use.
I got it when 42" screens first dropped below $2000, so it's a fairly low resolution screen and analog, but when connected to the B/W P2  with composite gives a very good picture.
The Retravision guys I have talked to say it's a Thompson, and the quality is much better than several of the other cheap ones on the market.
JB

[Gurtofen]

Thanks to all those that replied.

I ended up going with a Sony KDL40EX710 LED/LCD TV with Sony BluRay Player via redemption. I also went with the Beyonwiz Lite-i and will purchase the H1 as a slave unit as per Peter Gillespie's recommendations. Got a pretty good price on everything too I reckon, which is always a bonus.

Now I just have to get to the new house to set it all up and start enjoying it all.

Once again, thanks for the replies it saved me a lot of time and effort.

Cheers,
Gurtofen.