[Alarae]

Considering I've lived with crappy tiny TVs for some time now and when I decide to play a game the writing is so small on the screen I have to sit stupidly close to read it I thought it was time to upgrade :P

I'm thinking of a 32' TV, but that's all I got. Not sure on LCD/LED/whatever, what brand etc. I don't care about 3D.

I am a student so there is an element of affordability there, but considering I've got nothing to do but work for the next seven months until my course begins in October I should be able to earn the money.

[Pesci morti]

I have a 26" but that was all i could afford back when i bought it. A 32" would be great I'd imagine, not small, and not something that you'd have to leave behind if you're taking it to university (?). As to whether you get LCD or LED, its up to you, there are advantages and disadvantages for both. I've found this which sums it all up for you:

LCD TV Advantages

- Higher native resolution than plasma screen of same size meaning you will get best viewing experience when working at native resolution
- Consumes less power than a plasma screen of the same size
- Lighter than plasma screen of the same size
- Longer lifespan. LCDs are guaranteed for 60,000 hours use. Plasma screens generally have a shorter lifespan 30,000 - 60,000 hours. 30,000 hours of use equates 10 years of use at 8 hours per day. You are more than likely to replace the set before then.
- LCD does not suffer from screen burn where as Plasma screens are susceptible - but thanks to improved technology and screen savers this has become less of a problem with modern plasma sets.

LED TV Advantages

- Consumes far less power than LCD and Plasmas
- Incredibly thin screen depth
- Very high contrast ratio
- Far more-accurate reproduction of deep blacks and bright whites
- Faster, clearer images
- Wider colour gamut with vibrant colours
- Wider viewing angle

Plasma TV Advantages

- Better motion tracking than LCD with little or no motion lag which makes plasma better for fast moving scenes in movies or sports. The response time on top end LCDs is improving all the time but they still suffer from slight motion lag.
- Better colour saturation than LCD meaning richer and more natural colour reproduction
- Higher contrast levels than LCD
- Display blacks more accurately than LCD

Source: http://www.askdirect.co.uk/Advice/LC...me/as1724.aspx

My only other advice is to go with a reputable brand, they may be slightly more expensive but you can have peace of mind that you know it will work and there is always a good customer support waiting for you if anything does go wrong. I've had a LG TV for god knows how many years now, and never once has it gone wrong. However, if you would like to save the money, a TV from somewhere like Sainsburys, Argos etc, would suffice.

If you're not bothered about extremely high quality playback (Blu-ray) then i'd recommend getting a television with a DVD player built in, it just save the hassle of moving and sorting out a dvd player if you ever move it.

If i've forgotten something, or if you'd like more help i'd be happy to advise you

[Dumachi]

here we go

http://www.dixons.co.uk/gbuk/samsung...ltpta&istBid=t

[Alarae]

(Original post by Tom_Andrews)
xx

Ah, that is extremely helpful! And I'm already at university, my course is just practically over now apart from exams/revision lectures

By the sounds of things, an LED TV will be the best out of the three types? And I was thinking of maybe Samsung/LG/Sony, since apparently those are good? However they are a bit more expensive because of the brand.. I know my Dad has everything Sony and worships them in the Home Entertainment department and they never seem to go wrong except for old age (when the TV blew out... it was like ten years old though, one of the old massive ones).

However I don't really know where to look at within those brands... there are always crappy ranges so..

[e] I came across this LG model when I was looking at the Samsung since it was a bit cheaper... can anyone tell me if it is any good?

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/lg-32lk...warar&istBid=t

[Dumachi]

(Original post by Alarae)
Ah, that is extremely helpful! And I'm already at university, my course is just practically over now apart from exams/revision lectures

By the sounds of things, an LED TV will be the best out of the three types? And I was thinking of maybe Samsung/LG/Sony, since apparently those are good? However they are a bit more expensive because of the brand.. I know my Dad has everything Sony and worships them in the Home Entertainment department and they never seem to go wrong except for old age (when the TV blew out... it was like ten years old though, one of the old massive ones).

However I don't really know where to look at within those brands... there are always crappy ranges so..

[e] I came across this LG model when I was looking at the Samsung since it was a bit cheaper... can anyone tell me if it is any good?

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/lg-32lk...warar&istBid=t

in terms of image quality the Samsung is leagues ahead, trust me im a expert.

[mfaxford]

These days generally you want an LED tv if you can afford it. They're thinner than LCD can have better blacks and are more energy efficient. LCD can be cheaper to buy (but will cost more in electric)

The only real reason to go Plasma is if you watch lots of sports and want it to cope with motion better. But realisticly I'm not sure most people would notice the difference.

Other things to consider are number of inputs and resolution (ideally you want 1080p).

In terms of brand LG/Samsung are usually considered to be good (I quite like samsung and recently got a 40" D5520). Sony obviously are also good but you will pay more for the name. Panasonic might also be worth a look.

If you can it's worth visiting a large currys (or similar) so you can see what they look like (but be aware they might have tweaked the settings a lot to make them all look similar)

[Dumachi]

(Original post by mfaxford)
These days generally you want an LED tv if you can afford it. They're thinner than LCD can have better blacks and are more energy efficient. LCD can be cheaper to buy (but will cost more in electric)

The only real reason to go Plasma is if you watch lots of sports and want it to cope with motion better. But realisticly I'm not sure most people would notice the difference.

Other things to consider are number of inputs and resolution (ideally you want 1080p).

In terms of brand LG/Samsung are usually considered to be good (I quite like samsung and recently got a 40" D5520). Sony obviously are also good but you will pay more for the name. Panasonic might also be worth a look.

If you can it's worth visiting a large currys (or similar) so you can see what they look like (but be aware they might have tweaked the settings a lot to make them all look similar)

LED doesnt have better blacks unless it has full led local dimming and no LED LCDs on sale today have it. They are all crappy edge lit LED.

In fact they have a worse picture due to back light inconsistencies usually and only draw a few watts less, they are however thin.

The Samsung uses a SPVA panel which has the highest native contrast on a LCD and best blacks (around 0.04 to 0.03 cdm2 MLL.)

[theronkinator]

Here you go, ok so it's not the best make (big brand in Aus, new to UK), but it's quite a bit cheaper than most, which helps if you're a student and has some decent features.

Kogan 32 Inch 1080p HD LED TV With PVR And Digital Tuner / Kogan KULED32XXXA / Freeview - £199.99

Same price direct from Manufacturer as well:
32" Full HD LED TV with PVR and SRS Audio - Kogan Elite LED32

You can plug a memory stick into it and record TV as well, which most TV's don't offer.

Here is a review:
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/d...led-tv-review/

It got 4 out of 5 stars based on a price of £339 and is a lot cheaper now, so a bargain really.

[benterz222]

LED & Samsung....

[mfaxford]

(Original post by Dumachi)
usually and only draw a few watts less, they are however thin.

When I was looking at 40" I think the difference was something like 100W vs 150W (and in reality I think the LED is lower than that, but then the same could be true for the LCD as well).

I believe my samsung can do some localised dimming even if it's only for an edge or part of an edge. Similarly it could dim all the LEDs for dark scenes where LCD the backlights will always be fully on.

[Alarae]

I actually looked at some Samsung models and that LG I found, and while the Samsung was better, it wasn't enough to make me warrant paying about £80 more in comparison.

I'm not massively bothered about the intricacies of the picture, as long as it is clear and sharp (to me).

Thank you for all your help though guys, when I go out and buy a TV for when I have my own actual house after graduating I'll probably definitely upgrade to a 40' Samsung of some kind.

[Yoghurt]

(Original post by mfaxford)
These days generally you want an LED tv if you can afford it. They're thinner than LCD can have better blacks and are more energy efficient. LCD can be cheaper to buy (but will cost more in electric)

The only real reason to go Plasma is if you watch lots of sports and want it to cope with motion better. But realisticly I'm not sure most people would notice the difference.

Other things to consider are number of inputs and resolution (ideally you want 1080p).

In terms of brand LG/Samsung are usually considered to be good (I quite like samsung and recently got a 40" D5520). Sony obviously are also good but you will pay more for the name. Panasonic might also be worth a look.

If you can it's worth visiting a large currys (or similar) so you can see what they look like (but be aware they might have tweaked the settings a lot to make them all look similar)

I noticed you mentioned you recently got a 40" D5520. it's looking likely that this'll be the one that I'll be purchasing, would you recommened it?

[H.C. Chinaski]

(Original post by mfaxford)
These days generally you want an LED tv if you can afford it. They're thinner than LCD can have better blacks and are more energy efficient. LCD can be cheaper to buy (but will cost more in electric)

The only real reason to go Plasma is if you watch lots of sports and want it to cope with motion better. But realisticly I'm not sure most people would notice the difference.

Other things to consider are number of inputs and resolution (ideally you want 1080p).

In terms of brand LG/Samsung are usually considered to be good (I quite like samsung and recently got a 40" D5520). Sony obviously are also good but you will pay more for the name. Panasonic might also be worth a look.

If you can it's worth visiting a large currys (or similar) so you can see what they look like (but be aware they might have tweaked the settings a lot to make them all look similar)

Only sports ????
Better for films, better for just about everything.

running cost will not even be noticed...

[Dumachi]

Plasma triumphs LED/LCD in every way imo....