Buying FIRST HD TV - Tips?

[Schitzo]

Hey folks! I'm about to buy my first shiny HD TV. I've decided I want an LCD one. However I cant decide on what brand.

I was wondering what are some of the tips or what should I look for when purchasing a HD TV?

I've checked a few of the past threads & have a vague understanding, but I'd like to be thorough since I'm a total n00b when it comes to TV's.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[hyperian]

I don't know if I can be of much help, but there are a few factors to consider.

1. Firstly, how much do you want to spend?

Screens range from the entry level 32" samsung which you can get for R3999 at the moment all the way up to R60k beasts.

2. Are you willing to settle for an HD Ready tv (720p), or do you want a full HD tv (1080p)?

Full HD is more expensive than HD Ready (if you consider screens of the same size from the same manufacturer). But Full HD delivers a better picture as the resolution is higher. If you only want to watch tv in HD, Full HD may be a bit of a waste, because as far as I know, HD tv is broadcast in 720p and that doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon.

3. Are you bothered about brand?

Although samsung is a very popular choice, many of the forumites swear by Sinotec which is a lot cheaper.

4. What do you want to use the tv for? (ties in with point 2)

If you just want to watch movies, you can get away with a response time which is slightly higher than screens which are better for playing games on, i.e.: the lower the response time, the better, and generally, the more expensive the screen. On the other hand, if you're going to be gaming on a PS3 or XBox which output at Full HD resolution, a Full HD tv may prove to be better suited to your needs.

 

[ponder]

TV is a waste of time.

 

[ngwenyas]

LG has released the LED tv. much much much better than lcd. Visit the imagine store in Vodaworld and check it out. They also have the scarlet full HD tv's with a ps3 hooked up to it. it's awesome!!!! LED tv going for about 24k and scarlet at about 14k. both are 47"

 

[matt loves telkom]

if you wanna watch standard dstv on an lcd i must WARN you it looks shocking.
i can deal with the tearing and blockies but i know it will annoy most ppl.

 

[Albereth]

I just bought a Sony Bravia 40" from Digital Experience in Fourways. I got the V series and paid R12500. Makro are selling an old 40" S series for R10000. Digital Experience are selling the latest S series for R11000.

The LEDs are way too expensive at the moment.

Ordinary TV does look sucky on a big screen just because the broadcast resolution is low. But it all comes right with just a DVD nevermind HD channels or Blu Ray.

My suggestion is to set a budget for yourself and then get the best within that budget otherwise you spend forever shopping

I had considered plasma because a lot of people are saying that it gives a better picture. However, the pros of LCD are that they are lighter and use less power. And I really can't see much difference in the picture.

They say that the real test comes when you try to watch 'live' sports.

 

[Dolby]

What do you guys feel about 50hz and 100hz TVs ... ?

I was looking at the V Series Bravia or Series 5 Samsung, but both are 50hz. When Googling, I see that with CRT it made a huge difference, plasma made no difference - and LCD somewhere in between.

Is that right?

 

[Trix]

Buy according to your requirements

My 2c:
If you want to watch mostly standard tv or standard dstv buy plasma. I've heard Panasonic is the best here but Samsung and LG have got some relatively good value offerings. 42" or 50" depending on the distance you are viewing at.
I recommend: 42" plasma Samsung PS-42B450 42" around R8.5k at catsdigital/ 42" plasma LG 42PQ30 at dion wired for R8k

If you are mostly a gamer (PS xbox etc) and watch more (Blue-ray, DVD or pc media) movies then go the LCD route as response times and picture sharpness is better. Again the size depends on distance.
I recommend: 37" LCD Sony KLV37S400A at macro is selling for R8k

 

[Schitzo]

I don't know if I can be of much help, but there are a few factors to consider.

1. Firstly, how much do you want to spend?

Screens range from the entry level 32" samsung which you can get for R3999 at the moment all the way up to R60k beasts.

2. Are you willing to settle for an HD Ready tv (720p), or do you want a full HD tv (1080p)?

Full HD is more expensive than HD Ready (if you consider screens of the same size from the same manufacturer). But Full HD delivers a better picture as the resolution is higher. If you only want to watch tv in HD, Full HD may be a bit of a waste, because as far as I know, HD tv is broadcast in 720p and that doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon.

3. Are you bothered about brand?

Although samsung is a very popular choice, many of the forumites swear by Sinotec which is a lot cheaper.

4. What do you want to use the tv for? (ties in with point 2)

If you just want to watch movies, you can get away with a response time which is slightly higher than screens which are better for playing games on, i.e.: the lower the response time, the better, and generally, the more expensive the screen. On the other hand, if you're going to be gaming on a PS3 or XBox which output at Full HD resolution, a Full HD tv may prove to be better suited to your needs.

Hiya! Thanks for replying!

1. My budgets roughly around the R22k mark. I've decided I want something in the 42' - 46' mark.

2. I'm looking at the Full HD range. Just to clarify an "HD Ready" TV can't display HD TV, it can only display TV at a slightly higher screen RES than regular TV?

3. As long as it works & works GOOD, I don't mind where or what I buy. Longer Warranty & good Customer Care would be a must too.

4. Mostly movies & the occassional PS3 game.

 

[Schitzo]

if you wanna watch standard dstv on an lcd i must WARN you it looks shocking.
i can deal with the tearing and blockies but i know it will annoy most ppl.

So just to clarify, if I wanted to watch regular DST on my LCD using my DSTV Decoder the picture would or might be dodgey? I'd have to get a HD Decoder then?

 

[Schitzo]

I just bought a Sony Bravia 40" from Digital Experience in Fourways. I got the V series and paid R12500. Makro are selling an old 40" S series for R10000. Digital Experience are selling the latest S series for R11000.

The LEDs are way too expensive at the moment.

Ordinary TV does look sucky on a big screen just because the broadcast resolution is low. But it all comes right with just a DVD nevermind HD channels or Blu Ray.

My suggestion is to set a budget for yourself and then get the best within that budget otherwise you spend forever shopping

I had considered plasma because a lot of people are saying that it gives a better picture. However, the pros of LCD are that they are lighter and use less power. And I really can't see much difference in the picture.

They say that the real test comes when you try to watch 'live' sports.

Great advice! I'm actually doing that now. I'm just trying to arm myself with as much knowledge as possible before I go out...

I don't think I'd need a LCD TV or be able to fit one into my budget. I'm also looking at the Sony Bravia range.

With reguards to Durability, how long does the average LCD last, is there anything I should look at when buying a TV.

Someone mentioned ports & how they bought a TV & it didnt have enough or the adequate ports. I didn't really get that, but if someone could explain that to me, please, I'd be grateful!

 

[Smurfatefrog]

2. I'm looking at the Full HD range. Just to clarify an "HD Ready" TV can't display HD TV, it can only display TV at a slightly higher screen RES than regular TV?

HD Ready means it displays at 720p & 1080i
Full HD means 1080p

DSTV HD is at 720p & 1080i
Blu Ray is mostly at 1080p
PS3 games are at all of the above

You will only notice the difference between 720p & 1080p on a screen 50" + unless you sit closer then 2m from it

 

[Dolby]

Regarding ports, earlier LCDs never had HDMI. My mom bought a 42" Pvision LCD for something crazy like R27k because it was new technology etc.

When they decided to go DSTV HD, they released the TV never had HDMI ports as it was too old. They had DVI though, so lucky they only needed an adapter.

DSTV HD is only 720 - with no plans for 1080 (see other thread).

 

[matt loves telkom]

So just to clarify, if I wanted to watch regular DST on my LCD using my DSTV Decoder the picture would or might be dodgey? I'd have to get a HD Decoder then?

definetely its all about the resolution and the bigger the screen the worse the picture..its like when you increase the size of a small picture...yeah BLOCKY Il get an Hd pvr when i move out but while im cooped up in my room its all about the Xbox and Hd rips

 

[arf9999]

Hiya! Thanks for replying!

1. My budgets roughly around the R22k mark. I've decided I want something in the 42' - 46' mark.

2. I'm looking at the Full HD range. Just to clarify an "HD Ready" TV can't display HD TV, it can only display TV at a slightly higher screen RES than regular TV?

3. As long as it works & works GOOD, I don't mind where or what I buy. Longer Warranty & good Customer Care would be a must too.

4. Mostly movies & the occassional PS3 game.

http://www.makro.co.za/live/content.php?Action=product&Cat=&ProdId=16694&Sku=000000000000162558|EA Now with 3-year warranty.

 

[iceman23]

Hiya! Thanks for replying!

1. My budgets roughly around the R22k mark. I've decided I want something in the 42' - 46' mark.

2. I'm looking at the Full HD range. Just to clarify an "HD Ready" TV can't display HD TV, it can only display TV at a slightly higher screen RES than regular TV?

3. As long as it works & works GOOD, I don't mind where or what I buy. Longer Warranty & good Customer Care would be a must too.

4. Mostly movies & the occassional PS3 game.

I've got around the same budget.

LCD is not an option for me, Has to be Plasma Full HD.

Decided on the 50 inch Series 6 Samsung PS50B650 / PN50B650 (Overseas model) (Full HD)

Finally managed to find a store able to special order for me AND provide me with an extended warranty. TV with warranty (2 + extra 3 years) came to R24 000. It took a while but I should have it in two weeks time.

Cant wait...


Edit: Forgot to mention that Game has the Series 5 50 inch Samsung PS50B550 (Full HD) for R16999. Thats quite a good deal as well. Doesn't have Wifi / Internet Connectivity though.

 

[iceman23]

http://www.makro.co.za/live/content.php?Action=product&Cat=&ProdId=16694&Sku=000000000000162558|EA Now with 3-year warranty.

Nice TV that...

Also a local store Kay Makan has the W series for R20 500 (slightly higher specc'd).

Dionwired have the Z series (200Hz motionflow) for R25 000.

 

[Piesang]

I got a Wharfedale 46" & Sansui 46", both Full HD LCD. R8000 a piece and I don't have a problem with the picture quality when watching BluRay, playing PS3 or even DVD's. Only when I'm watching normal television it looks crappy.

 

[GouKi]

I just bought a Sony Bravia 40" from Digital Experience in Fourways. I got the V series and paid R12500. Makro are selling an old 40" S series for R10000. Digital Experience are selling the latest S series for R11000.

Game selling the 40" FULL HD S Series Sony for R9999.
Makro selling it for R10,499 including 3 year warranty.

Anyone care to rate this TV for me I am seriously considering whipping out the credit card for this

 

[Brawler]

Game selling the 40" FULL HD S Series Sony for R9999.
Makro selling it for R10,499 including 3 year warranty.

Anyone care to rate this TV for me I am seriously considering whipping out the credit card for this

Its very very good.