TV has given up the ghost, time for a new one..

Chili Red · Dec 30, 2008

Well after 5 years, our old crt telly (JVC 28") has finally packed up. It won't switch itself on anymore, and as it only cost about £250 it's not worth getting it fixed.

Great timing as well, could do without forking out for a new one at this time of year. However, the sales are on and I've secretly wanted an LCD for ages!

I'm looking for 40-42" full HD for about £600, any recommendations?

Was thinking of something like this, a Sony Bravia

http://www.digitalempireonline.co.uk/model.asp?Detail=Yes&ModelID=2486

I don't do waiting though, so we're off to Currys/Comet tonight to see what we can find.

Chili Red · Dec 30, 2008

Obviously a few too many "What TV?" threads on here, never mind!!

mace¬ · Dec 30, 2008

Only 32 inch but these seem really good deals

http://www.johnlewis.com/230482229/Product.aspx?Type=SKU&Id=230482229

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001151/productId/1500250995.htm

But I don't know much about TVs so maybe not the best to listen to

I currently have this one... and I'm very happy with it so thats all that counts.
http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/sto...duct&fm=12&sm=0&tm=1&sku=555390&category_oid=

David · Dec 30, 2008

V series are quite good too. Don't get D or S series though imo.

Chili Red · Dec 30, 2008

maceV6 said:
I currently have this one... and I'm very happy with it so thats all that counts.
http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/sto...duct&fm=12&sm=0&tm=1&sku=555390&category_oid=

That looks good, and in my price range - I'm off to Currys in a bit so I'll see what I can find

I definitely want 42"

DrR · Dec 30, 2008

Surely you want a 1080p one?

Munson · Dec 30, 2008

Please, please, only look in the shops to get an idea of the style & design you like. Do not, under ANY circumstances take any notice of the image quality in a shop. Read online reviews from trusted sources such as homecinemachoice, what hi-fi etc.

Things to look for include good black levels and contrast (real contrast not the f**king stupid bloated 'dynamic' sales numbers) and a good uniform backlight with little or no bleed. You won't be able to see these things in a shop, really, so get reading. Decide bewteen 720p or 1080p prior to shopping...don't listen to a single word that dribbles out of any salesmans mouth, unless it's in an AV specialist store.

That's about the only advice I can offer, for what its worth. Good luck, lots of people I know are buying new TVs now. Friends, family, even the newly reappointed f**k buddy, and of course myself. It must be the telly season

Turkish · Dec 30, 2008

Yup as Munson says Ali get yourself a copy of What hifi set your budget and see what they recommend. I never look at screens in shops because 9 times out of 10 some 16 year old c**k has set up the contrast, temperature, sharpness etc of the pic. There'll be 40 odd TV's all taking a feed from the same antenna or some running an SD antenna source and others a DVD so you can never get a decent idea about comparable picture quality.

As for size people have a tendancy to go for the biggest screen they can fit in a room which is always a dangerous way to pick a tv. Most AV magazines give have a guide somewhere for sizing screens to the room they are going in rather than just going OMFGZZZ looks at me 67.5" flatscreen Braaaaaapppppp. Odds on the room it's going in they'll recommend a 32" to 37"

I'd also look at the number of HDMI connections each screen has. You might not use them straight away but if you get a screen with only one you might end up kicking yourself in a year or two when you've got 2 or 3 sources you want to connect with HDMI.

dk · Dec 30, 2008

Liquid Yellow said:
Well after 5 years, our old crt telly (JVC 28") has finally packed up. It won't switch itself on anymore, and as it only cost about £250 it's not worth getting it fixed.

Great timing as well, could do without forking out for a new one at this time of year. However, the sales are on and I've secretly wanted an LCD for ages!

I'm looking for 40-42" full HD for about £600, any recommendations?

Was thinking of something like this, a Sony Bravia

http://www.digitalempireonline.co.uk/model.asp?Detail=Yes&ModelID=2486

I don't do waiting though, so we're off to Currys/Comet tonight to see what we can find.

that tv is perfect for a 40", its at john lewis for £599 with a 5 year warranty at the mo, can't go wrong.

Munson · Dec 30, 2008

A +1 for John Lewis. The 5-year warranty is a nice piece of mind, and you're buying from a very high quality retailer IMO. I didn't get mine from them because I found it £200 cheaper elsewhere and decided f**k the warranty. But if it had been closer to £100 difference I'd have got it from JL.

Rick · Dec 30, 2008

Liquid Yellow said:
Well after 5 years, our old crt telly (JVC 28") has finally packed up. It won't switch itself on anymore, and as it only cost about £250 it's not worth getting it fixed.

Great timing as well, could do without forking out for a new one at this time of year. However, the sales are on and I've secretly wanted an LCD for ages!

I'm looking for 40-42" full HD for about £600, any recommendations?

Was thinking of something like this, a Sony Bravia

http://www.digitalempireonline.co.uk/model.asp?Detail=Yes&ModelID=2486

I don't do waiting though, so we're off to Currys/Comet tonight to see what we can find.

I bought this one at the weekend

Very happy with it, the picture on the built in freeview is decent enough but not spectacular (as you would expect with basic standard definition), but upscaled DVD's look very good and the sexbox through HDMI is the dogs bollox.

For the price, it's highly recommended.

Chili Red · Dec 30, 2008

Cheers all, well we've just bought the 40" full HD Sony Bravia - after trawling round every TV shop in the area. Everywhere had sold out of EVERYTHING! I think that's big enough for our lounge, any bigger and all you'd see when you walk in would be GIANT TV.

Got it from Comet in the end, they're getting a delivery in tomorrow so I'll pick it up then. Places like M&S and Argos had quite a wait on delivery times, and I'd imagine John Lewis would too.

Of course it's not as fantastic as others which you'll pay two or three times the price for but it's got good reviews and I hope we'll be happy with it! I'm glad you like yours Rick.

There was a Samsung in pretty much the same spec which we could have bought for the same price but the sound quality wasn't very good. I preferred the Sony.

JR · Dec 30, 2008

Bought this one from JL for £299 on boxing day, turns up tomorrow.

http://www.johnlewis.com/230482229/Product.aspx?Type=SKU&Id=230482229

Munson · Dec 30, 2008

Good work yellow, looks like you made a good choice there. PICS when it's setup

Chili Red · Dec 31, 2008

If you insist lol, it won't be very exciting! Sadly we can't put it on the wall because the mantelpiece is too high, and you're not meant to put them above fires anyway IIRC.

So it has to go in the corner which kind of loses the point of it being slim/flat screen. Never mind.

TBH I was never that bothered about getting the must-have big screen TV, I always thought our little crt was ok. If it hadn't have broken I'd have kept it!

Revels · Dec 31, 2008

No, it means you need to move the sofas/table around and put it on the other wall

or just put it above the fire and dont turn it on? lol

Chili Red · Dec 31, 2008

Revels said:
No, it means you need to move the sofas/table around and put it on the other wall

Not possible either! This is the basic layout of the lounge and I can't really change it:

I can't have the sofa with the back to the fire!

Munson · Dec 31, 2008

Women just don't get TVs at all. Move it all around, knock some walls through if necessary. Move if you have to. The telly MUST be in the ideal spot. Surrounded by speakers and a f**k off sub. Two lazy boys with a beer frdige in between.

Bodge! · Dec 31, 2008

Roy Munson said:
Women just don't get TVs at all. Move it all around, knock some walls through if necessary. Move if you have to. The telly MUST be in the ideal spot. Surrounded by speakers and a f**k off sub. Two lazy boys with a beer frdige in between.

this man (when not banned) makes sense

Chili Red · Dec 31, 2008

Well I suppose I could get rid of the mantelpiece and fill the fireplace in

Lazyboys and a beer fridge sounds good :evil:

Munson · Dec 31, 2008

Liquid Yellow said:
Well I suppose I could get rid of the mantelpiece and fill the fireplace in

Get it done. Cleaned up and painted by tea time TBH

Turkish · Dec 31, 2008

Roy Munson said:
Women just don't get TVs at all. Move it all around, knock some walls through if necessary. Move if you have to. The telly MUST be in the ideal spot. Surrounded by speakers and a f**k off sub. Two lazy boys with a beer frdige in between.

I must confess when I was looking at apartments I was looking at where the wallsockets, tv socket and phone sockets were. Also how the shape of the room would work with 5.1 speakers

Mine are all in pretty much the spot on position, woot!

If you're putting the tv in the same place that's going to be a right PITA with a 40 odd inch screen, lol.

Oh and I've blatantly been looking at too many websites for apartment stuff I can spot the Ikea bits in the lounge.

Chili Red · Dec 31, 2008

It's annoying that the fireplace is almost exactly where the TV should be, I must say. Obviously wasn't a consideration when the house was built in the 80s...

Would love a surround sound system too but it just wouldn't work with the TV in the corner.

Turkish · Dec 31, 2008

They only had to worry about a tv the size of a postage stamp with a remote the size of of a housebrick.

Munson · Dec 31, 2008

Yellow, this is how you position a TV. The room must be designed around the best possible AV experience. Get that Hilti and bolster chisel out, and get to work

Possibly needy picture, but the point is how to position a telly...

Chili Red · Dec 31, 2008

Loony said:
If you're putting the tv in the same place that's going to be a right PITA with a 40 odd inch screen, lol.

Nah it'll be fine! (famous last words)

Oh and I've blatantly been looking at too many websites for apartment stuff I can spot the Ikea bits in the lounge.

Thought you might, you girl!

Coffee table, TV cabinet, small round glass table and chair are all Ikea. All the world and his mate has that chair! Also the computer desk in the background is Ikea.

Chili Red · Dec 31, 2008

Roy Munson said:
Yellow, this is how you position a TV. The room must be designed around the best possible AV experience. Get that Hilti and bolster chisel out, and get to work

Possibly needy picture, but the point is how to position a telly...

Yes alright Mr Bachelor Pad - very nice!

Munson · Dec 31, 2008

Danke. BTW I meant pics of you setting the telly up, not the telly, setup. lol

Chili Red · Dec 31, 2008

Well here's a sneaky peak at my big box:

dk · Dec 31, 2008

Roy Munson said:
Danke. BTW I meant pics of you setting the telly up, not the telly, setup. lol

we all knew what you meant.......

Lagerlout · Dec 31, 2008

Roy Munson said:
Yellow, this is how you position a TV. The room must be designed around the best possible AV experience. Get that Hilti and bolster chisel out, and get to work

Possibly needy picture, but the point is how to position a telly...

Noice!

My living room is absolutely gay for any kind of AV setup..... unless I can convince the missus to loose the fireplace

Munson · Dec 31, 2008

LOL at 'my big box' dorty minx

clio_mad · Dec 31, 2008

Any particular reason why you can't put a TV above a fireplace? As that was where I was going to fit mine.

Chili Red · Dec 31, 2008

I think you're not meant to because of the heat, and also it would be really high, we'd be craning our necks at it!

Munson · Dec 31, 2008

It will definitely be too high. It's got to be eye level, or as near as 'f**k it' is to swearing. TBH it looks like you could at least have it directly in front of the window? Anyway it's all good banter hun. You'll enjoy it where ever you put it (so to speak). You can always move it at a later date

EDIT: Wall mounting is a pain anyway. For starters if you have plaster board walls then your brackets need screwing into the studs. Even if you're drilling into brick/block, you'll have to chase the wall out to take all the cables, and then plaster & paint. Pointless unless it's a pro install, and then you'd be better off with a PJ. Wall mounting TVs is a popular fantasy until the reality kicks in that you've either got cables dragging up the wall, or you come down in the morning and find the TV face down on the floor.

Turkish · Dec 31, 2008

Liquid Yellow said:
Nah it'll be fine! (famous last words)

Thought you might, you girl!

Coffee table, TV cabinet, small round glass table and chair are all Ikea. All the world and his mate has that chair! Also the computer desk in the background is Ikea.

Pah, you'd be loving it here at the moment, just had a big box of stuff arrive from John Lewis.

I spotted the coffee table, chair and glass table hadnt twigged the others but recognising three is bad enough.

Craig · Dec 31, 2008

Roy Munson said:
Yellow, this is how you position a TV. The room must be designed around the best possible AV experience. Get that Hilti and bolster chisel out, and get to work

Possibly needy picture, but the point is how to position a telly...

same speakers and colour as mine (good taste son) and ive got he mission rears aswell as the rell quake

Munson · Dec 31, 2008

Craig said:
same speakers and colour as mine (good taste son) and ive got he mission rears aswell as the rell quake

I have the 78ds bipolar rears in this setup

Often thought of a REL. the one in my pic is a Yam SW320. 250w I think, but it doesn't go lower than 20hz as far as I know, if that, and it's quite big. I'd like to get a REL sealed enclosure, as I now really need to get that Yam out of the corner. It's mostly still superb but can often get boomy, leading me to have to keep adjusting it. Ported enclosures, especially LFE, in corners FTL! I am going to start looking at RELs current range TBH

EDIT: My current train of thought is small REL between the bench and left main (left side will help hide the power cable). That's where the Yam used to be but the new bench is too big. I knew the yam was going to be a pain in a corner and I was right. Tomorrow I'll start looking at the current range. Anything up to £500 would be considered, but it has to be small, and loosen my bowels, which I know RELs boxes were good at, so I'm sure they still are

Chili Red · Jan 1, 2009

Roy Munson said:
It will definitely be too high. It's got to be eye level, or as near as 'f**k it' is to swearing. TBH it looks like you could at least have it directly in front of the window? Anyway it's all good banter hun. You'll enjoy it where ever you put it (so to speak). You can always move it at a later date

EDIT: Wall mounting is a pain anyway. For starters if you have plaster board walls then your brackets need screwing into the studs. Even if you're drilling into brick/block, you'll have to chase the wall out to take all the cables, and then plaster & paint. Pointless unless it's a pro install, and then you'd be better off with a PJ. Wall mounting TVs is a popular fantasy until the reality kicks in that you've either got cables dragging up the wall, or you come down in the morning and find the TV face down on the floor.

Well today we have to attempt getting it out of the box and setting it up with a hangover :dapprove:. Sticking it on a stand is definitely a lot less of a pain in the ass.

Loony said:
Pah, you'd be loving it here at the moment, just had a big box of stuff arrive from John Lewis.

ooooo!

Chili Red · Jan 1, 2009

Well it's up! It seems mahoosive compared to the old one but the picture and sound are both great. Well chuffed

TV has given up the ghost, time for a new one..

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