Hardware Forum - Buying a new 32" flatscreen TV, any recommendations? - Page 1

Sony.

I wouldn't go Sony..paying for the name..like Barclays Bank.
Panasonic or possibly Toshiba?

Try some out. I'm not the only one who think the Sony's are better and not just 'paying for the name'.

Best idea is to visit a large electrical retailer and check out the TVs there. When you find one you like the look of hunt around the web for the best price. I recently picked up a 32" Panasonic (model 32pk25) for £830 delivered. I've seen it for £1100 on the highstreet!


Karl.

Try Toshiba because of their ability to use component connection of DVD player. It's the best connection around at the moment.
Just make sure the model you look at has this facility. Most of their models from £700 up seem to have it.
Given that, having raked around loads of places,and watched loads of makes, they are all much of a muchness picturewise and facilitywise it makes sense, in my book, to go for the Tosh purely because of this.
Cheers

If you like the 32PK25, try boselectronics.com (01895 636638), Mr Bos offered me £799
This was part of my quest for a decent widescreen plus good audio (but without breaking the bank. The audio mate I was considering was an all-in-one job, such as the Pan. HT80 or Pioneer NS-DV55 or LG Da3520 or JVc TH-A9R,etc
Alternatively, a really good looking, well-spec'ed TV -the Pan 28PG45 or the 32PG50 with an adequate but matching DVDplayer i.e Pan RV31

Has an one any advice for a novice?? please....

This item was edited on Saturday, 27th October 2001, 00:50

Karl, thanks for your response (and thanks for all the others as well!), as one of the main sets i've been looking at is the Panasonic 32PK25 I would be really interested in how you found the picture quality. Also, could you confirm that this is a true flat screen? I have read some reviews that say the PK20 was a superb set, and I presumed the PK25 was a natural successor to this model. Anyway, your comments would be appreciated as the PK25 is a good deal pricewise at the moment as it appears to be recently discontinued (possibly!). Thanks, Roger.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not a recommendation, but avoid www.cheapesttv.co.uk at all costs AKA T.V.s DIRECT. I thought i'd take a chance on one of their sets and it didn't pay off. The set i got was totally useless with at least two major faults, and their service department just tell you you've set it up wrong when your recieving failure codes telling you to contact service. Luckily i bought it on a credit card!!!!

Roger,

Not being defeatist, and no offence lard, but Sony tv's are just so outperformed these days. While Sony continue to make high quality products-this i am in no doubt of-they continually keep shooting themselves in their gold plated feet by charging stupid prices for what is now pretty standard technology. Ok so their drc-mf sets are some of the best around, but only at a hefty premium of around £1700-£2000.
In comparison manufacturers such as Panasonic and Toshiba concentrate on the actual quality of the picture tube. I'm not alone in saying that Tosh and Panny sets produce images that will blow a comparable Sony out of the ballpark.
Case in point. Sony 32" widescreen with 100hz and Nicam sound system-nearly £1000. 32" Toshiba with 100hz, Dolby Digital sound system, component video feed-£1200(i shopped around for these prices mind!). Okay so £200 is a lot more to some people, but at least the consumer gets a bit more for their buck, and the picture just looks sensational-the Sony image is just 'ordinary'.
I fear that i may be upsetting people here, but this is purely personal opinion. I've followed av and home cinema right from the start and have seen Sony go from top of the heap to Mr Middleground-in this cutthroat market,fancy silver casework,floating design tv's and 'Art Coutoure' really aren't enough to make me want to buy one of their tv's.

Thanks for listening

Westy