Hi all,

I'm new to dtv and am about to buy a LCD TV and HD STB. I was hoping for some informed opinion on my likely buying options.
Firstly, I'm not interested in a PVR as almost the only thing I record is sport on Foxtel and unfortunately, you can't record Foxtel with a PVR.

So, I'm torn between the following choices (prices are retail ones in JB-HiFi):
LCD - Sony Bravia KLVV32A10 ($3300) and Samsung LA32M51B ($2400)

The Sony appears to be around $800 - $1000 more than the Samsung yet they have the same specs (the Samsung is superior in aspect ratio of 3000:1 compared to Sony of 1300:1, both have response times of 8ms and HDMI etc).

HD STB - Sony DSTHD500 ($600) and TEAC HDB820 ($399)

I'm swaying toward the Samsung as it's a fair bit cheaper and looks to me like it's got a good PQ. But, like the look of the Sony LCD, looks great and so does the picture (and sub-consciously swayed by the Sony brand!).
As for the STB, no idea, just need the most hassle, bug free and user-friendly one which would work well with the two LCDs above.

Some informed opinions and experience of the products would be great.

Thanks.

I have the V40 models.

With the Sony STB is it absolutely superb. I did some some shopping around when I bought mine, and although bought it erly on I got a reasonable deal, but they are now getting darn cheap compared to what I paid.

the BRavia is beautiful. When I compared shopping around, yeah they all looked good, but the sony looked great. The sony has some major advantages over the samsung - digital sound system, and trust me it does make a difference - little or no distortion at higher volumes, back light system, all round nice tv.

The Sony box had a few bugs when it first came out but I believe they have fixed that now. The box is good, its quick, and easy to use, I have no complaints.

Some people suggest that the samsung and sony are the same. My investigations found this is definately not true. Although the two companies formed a joint venture to buils a factory to produce lcd sheets, apparently thats where it ends. When the sheets come off the line, they go to each respective compby who build the tv's around the lcd panel. Sony uses sony tech to drive its product. while samsung uses theirs. If you pulled them apart (which I havent done and wont do) i bet they are totally different inside. Plus the Sony is made in Japan (but sure the panel is made in korea) where the Sammy is made in Korea.

Go the Sony you wont be dissapointed - Its worth the extra $$$ when you consider you will prbably keep the thing for 6-8 years at least.

Igot mine from Sony Central in Sydney city. I have been back heaps of times since, asking question, buying other bits ect, I paid a premuim, to get it ealry, but their support sevice advice and help afterwards has been great.