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Original poster

LCD TVs - anyone got any Which reviews or can recommend one

23 replies

Aero · 06/09/2006 11:34

Dh wants an LCD now that our TV is slowly dying. The sooner the better really, but it's a TV minefield out there and I have no idea which one to buy. I don't really want to sign up for 'Which' online as you have to give your bank details even for the free trial! If anyone can recommend a half decent mid-range 32" HD ready one, I'd much appreciate it.

TIA if you can help.

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Original poster
Aero · 06/09/2006 11:58

bump

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MaryBS · 06/09/2006 12:20

I've got Which online, I'll try and have a look tonight. Alternatively, if you want 'expert' help, I can thoroughly recommend www.avforums.com. They have a lot of different forums for different home 'technology', like TVs, Sky, DVDs etc.

You can either read existing advice, or register (for free) and post your own questions

Original poster
Aero · 06/09/2006 12:23

Oh Marybs - I totally forgot about them! I have a feeling I am already registered as I had a burning technological question ages ago when looking for something else. They must have come up on google. Thanks for the reminder - I'll have a look.
Will still appreciate any reviews from which - esp about which not to buy!!

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sweetmonkey · 06/09/2006 12:24

i bought a 20" one from currys a couple of weeks ago. only for the bedroom and the make is humax. i'd never heard of it before but i have to say the tv is v smart and the pic is fantastic.

this one

Original poster
Aero · 07/09/2006 18:03

Thanks sweetmonkey. I went into Curry's today and tbh, they are a bit hard sell on the more expensive models imo (not to mention trying ti flog me an extended guarantee!!), but their TVs do look good. I also went into Comet where they had a smaller range, but were more helpful with info and less pushy. Not that I'm any the wiser as to which model to buy, but am trawling through AV forums reading reviews. My mind is boggled and I'm dreaming TVs!!

Anyone care to recommend any more?

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Kidstrack · 07/09/2006 18:16

We have just bought the one advertised in Argos, its only £500 and its Bush make 32in lcd hd ready, one of the better makes is Sony and also if you want to go up on price Lowe (sp) is an excellent german tv make that can be bought on line

Piffle · 07/09/2006 18:23

we have a samsung 32 inch and its fabulous
it has built in freeview as well which saves us a set top box.
We're highly impressed it is HDMI ready as well which according to DP is vital

Original poster
Aero · 07/09/2006 19:24

I have looked at the samsung one piffle (26" though - 32 too big for lounge) and I really like it. In fact, it's a clear favourite so far. The price is steepish, but we can just about afford it. I'm glad to have your review piffle. I like the swivel aspect too. JL are doing it at the same price as everyone else, but with free 5 yr guarantee and free delivery too, so that's not so bad. Am worried about buying from obscure online shop as I'd not be able to easily return it if anything went wrong. (I have little faith in all things electronic)! BTW - is HDMI ready different from HD ready? (What's the MI bit?)

The bush one we have considered too as we've had Bush stuff before with no problems, but I wasn't sure about Argos for customer service. I could get one from Sainsburys though and they're pretty good when things are faulty.

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serenity · 07/09/2006 19:31

We've had an Aquos one for about 4 years, I think it's pretty good. Picture's lovely and it's got a really wide viewing angle (or do they all now days?) I should point out though that we won it, they were far far out of our price range then!

I'm not sure what's classed as expensive (they all seem pretty pricey tbh) but this is their 32" one.

tissy · 07/09/2006 19:39

I've got a Sony 26" one, we got from John Lewis, purely because the salesman (not a spotty youth) promised me we could then use the same remote for our DVD/video combo (also Sony) and that meant we would always have a spare incase of loss! Unfortunately, if we'd had a DVD player, AND a video player that would apply, but the combos can't do that (don't ask me why- Sony couldn't tell me!).

Anyway....the picture is fabulous, it's easy to set up and we're happy with it.

tegan · 07/09/2006 20:09

Our sony bravia 50" is amazing and I wouldn't be without it.

Original poster
Aero · 07/09/2006 21:13

Oooh good site serenity. I liked the sharp one too and it's good to know you've had it for so long without any problems.

Much as I like the sony one and our portable TV which is sony has lasted 15 years and is still going strong, I think it's really more than we can afford unfortunately. I also read a disappointing review somewhere which has somewhat put me off, which is silly as you are both happy with yours tegan and tissy.

Oh I don't know. pity I couldn't just win one like you serenity, then this decision would be well out of my hands!!!

I'

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Original poster
Aero · 07/09/2006 21:15

Wow - 50" tissy!! Home cinema!!

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Maddison · 07/09/2006 21:19

Sounds like we have the same one as Piffle and we love it. We got ours from Dabs.com for around £800 which is much cheaper than the Sony Bravia.

BTW, Samsung make the screens for the Sony, so the Sony screen is no better than the Samsung.

And finally, DH says that HDMI is a connection on the back of most HD ready TV's. HD compatible needs to have a card added to allow HD images.

HTH

JackieNo · 07/09/2006 21:23

We've got the samsung too - with built in freeview. Very pleased with it.

Bagpuss30 · 07/09/2006 22:05

We've just got the 26" Sony Bravia from John Lewis too - very pleased with it so far.

Original poster
Aero · 07/09/2006 22:47

Thanks for that maddison, and indeed thanks everyone for posting. I have to admit I'm leaning heavily towards the samsung and I know JL customer services are good. The built-in freeview is good too. I don't know if that would make a difference to the channels we already receive via cable though.

So watch this space.........fingers crossed aero will have a new tele soon. Taking MIL to JL next week as she's after a sewing machine, so a good time to check out their in-store prices as I don't know if they are the same as their online prices. If not, hopefully they'll price match for me.

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tegan · 08/09/2006 20:43

Forgot to say ours is hd ready and the picture is well worth the extra money and you have 30 digital channels built in so you can get away with not having sky.

Original poster
Aero · 08/09/2006 21:31

lol - meant WOW Tegan re 50". Am off to JL next week for final viewing.......

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tegan · 09/09/2006 19:38

we got ours the day after boxing day last year from currys and pain £1400 including stand, 2 extra scart leads, delivery and 2 year cover which I thought was quite good really.

hullabaloo · 10/09/2006 10:56

We've got the Samsung one that Piffle has. It's HD ready (which again my DH told me was necessary!) it's got built in freeview and we got ours from john Lewis because they offer a free 5 year guarantee.

Original poster
Aero · 11/09/2006 10:52

Well, we went yesterday (as dh was home and won't be here much for the rest of the week). We dettled on the Sony bravia in the end. Much as we liked the Samsung, we thought the sound was better on the Sony and there wasn't much difference in the price.

Another JL store is selling one for less though (I made a few phone calls to check) so I'm waiting for a confirmation call about that and if there's a saving to be had, I won't feel so bad about spending so much money!!

Fingers crossed eh!

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Original poster
Aero · 11/09/2006 10:54

Oops meant 'settled' of course! Duh!

We too went for JL because of the free five year guarantee. I like a store that stands by it's products.

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