Looking for a new TV :)

LFlyingPanda on 20/05/2011 - 18:31
Last edited 20/05/2011 - 18:32

Hi,

In the market for a new TV but I have no idea what I am looking for, obviously picture quality is a big one but what I am really after is a TV that can support a wide range of codecs, and a range of devices, I know there are TV's with built in USB etc but I have no idea if half of these would work.

The new internet TV's don't seem to be what I thought they were either, I was imagining I would be able to stream data to them or something similar, but it's youtube etc.

I'm after a TV in the 40 to 50 inch range, with a fair amount of connectability, spending around $2000. Worse comes to worse I might just have to invest in a HTPC or use my 360 to steam media to it (but even then I'd be relying on the 360's codec support right?):P

Also I've heard LED isnt what it's cracked up to be, not sure if this is true so should I be looking at plasmas or ?

I hope this makes some sense about what I'm looking for and I am extremely grateful for any advice given :)

Thanks :)

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • Cheeper on 20/05/2011 - 20:06
    +2

    Heaps of info and "opinions" ??? here >> http://www.dtvforum.info/
    With the LCD or Plasma question there is no straight answer imo.. You can get rubbish and brilliant in both types. Fans of both formats with disagree with me but that is the truth.
    Individual brands are a definite factor to consider and so are various models within those brands. Buy Chung Ho and you are taking pot luck.
    Specifications alone are never a guide to a good product, they can be false and powered by something that will be in the bin 1 month out of warranty.
    I have several sets (Panasonic Plasma 42", LG LCD 42", Hisense LCD 26" & Vivo 13" LCD) and all are excellent for me.
    The best bet is to hit the stores and see them in action, take a USB stick with a sample video with you if that is a factor for you.
    You will only get opinions on the net, some of them can be biased and uninformed as well. There is no subsitute for seeing the item first hand. Oh, be very wary of salesmen they can be pushing just what is giving them the biggest comission at that time or what they have surplus stock of.
    Whatever you buy it will be obsolete vary fast. :-( :-(

    • FlyingPanda on 20/05/2011 - 21:29

      Thanks a lot for that, it really helped, do not know why I didn't think to take a USB with me haha. Yeh I know what you mean about the salesman :P I'll have a look around some local stores tomorrow and see what I can find :)

      Thanks again :)

  • wiz187 on 20/05/2011 - 23:42
    +1

    Using USB stick and 1tb ext h/d connected to samsung via its usb ports.. Plays all I have put in it. Think wife has used it 2 record live tv onto the stick.. Internet tv is ok, good for added sports channels. If you with bigpond, it is also unmetered :).
    Some where able to get the superseeded samsung 50" plasma @ around $1000. 4 hdmi inputs, LAN in, 2 usb, pc in,component in, optical audio out… IMO, a awesome set for the price. With your budget, options galore!

  • ur2dads on 21/05/2011 - 11:17
    +1

    related pro-tip; set all TV values to default. Savvy retailers have been known to optimise the contrast/brightness of both clearance stock Tvs and those with higher profit margins., whilst jacking down the others.

    The USB video from wiz187 is a good idea too!

    • FlyingPanda on 21/05/2011 - 11:40

      ah thankyou, didn't think of that one either :P

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