Sony Tv

[Terry Everall]

I need about a 40" or 46" TV at a reasonable cost under £1000

Is LED better than LCD

I am not sure about 3D or HD etc or blue ray

[Tubs]

LED is a bit of a misnomer and is being used to imply better pictures. The TV still use LCDs but they are back lit with LEDs in stead of tradiotional  fluoresence. This means the telly may be a little thinner, but that;s about all.

Definately get HD , almost definitely get BluRay, although you can get this later and don't need to commit, and if you are loaded, then 3D. Personally I don't mind watching the odd movie whilst wearing silly glasses but I don't fancy doing it regularly, which I'd feel compelled to do if I'd spent a large wad on the thing.

Tubs

[Doug Dastardly]

You seem to be set on Sony...but I'm a fan of Panasonic myself.

They used to only do bigger tellys in plasma but now do bigger LCD's too, although I'm not sure if they do LCD's as big as 40 yet.

Would defo go for FULL HD not just HD as HD content will get more common and you might as well make the most of it.

In my experience there's more difference in sound quality than picture quality between tellys but most folk concentrate on the picture more when buying. This may be a slight exaggeration but don't be afraid to turn the volume up in the shop and see how it sounds. Cheaper tellys especially compromise the sound quality to bring the price down.

[Blatman]

Tried a Sony Bravia and a Samsung LCD TV side by side, both 32" screens, both full 1080P resolution screens. At standard def, the Samsung blew the Sony away as far as picture quality goes. I didn't test the Hi Def.

Sound for me is taken care of by a 5.1 surround sound system so I didn't test sound quality.

For a bit of future proofing you need to consider 3D. Like Hi Def, it's (probably) only going to improve and availability increase. It's also worth thinking about "internet" connectivity, so buying a TV with an RJ45 interface or built in WiFi is also worth adding on to the list of things to have. In fact, right now I'd put internet connectivity ahead of 3D on the list of things to have. That said, plenty of Blu-Ray players come with internet connectivity as standard, and the Sony Blu-Ray players seem to get good reviews for the extra services they can provide.

[adamnreeves]

Another vote for Samsung here. I've had a few and better than my mates Sony. I had a Toshiba a few years ago and I think that was better than the Sony as well. My bluRay player is Sony though. Got this because it said internet connectivity on the box and when I got it home it's an optional extra it takes a wifi key. I plugged three of my wifi keys in and none work so I guess has to be Sony!

[Mark Stanton]

and yet another vote for Samsung (Hi-Def) good quality picture           got a 40" myself and very pleased with it - will probably get another in 2011 42" or more      

[Blatman]

My bluRay player is Sony though. Got this because it said internet connectivity on the box and when I got it home it's an optional extra it takes a wifi key. I plugged three of my wifi keys in and none work so I guess has to be Sony!

Good point! Check the specs carefully. The one I'm currently looking at has WiFi onboard, so no need for a dongle...

[Rusty Nuts]

We had two Samsungs, but bought a Sony mainly because the picture seemed more neutral where as the Samsungs colours seemed un-natural. The Panasonics we looked at were in a league of their own but the one we liked pricey and the Sony had the added advantage of Bravia sync which is easy to set up with our Amplifier – also a Sony.

So do give the Panasonics a look in, if you do decide to go for the Sony you won't be disappointed ether.

[PeP]

Love Panasonic here as well but I've got to admit that I'm looking at Samsung LED's for the thinness, but then again I'm going projector for all my big screen fun so only need an ok TV. If I was after just a TV I would be getting a Panny 3D no competition.

[Cleggy the Spyder Man]

don't really know on your original question - however I have had a demo of a 3d set and it has to be said I was very impressed - I actually thought it was better than the 3d at the cinema - seemed to be more depth and you have the option of being able to go for a P**s  

Having said that I think it was top of the range whopping great big LG tv

[Moody Blue]

I know it's not 40" but I've recently got a Panasonic L32D28BS and it's fantastic. Bit pricey but has all the bells and whistles and makes the Samsung and Sony look dull! Apart from 3D I can't see how you could need any more gizmo's. Together with a Panny Blu-Ray player and Aego surround system what more could you want?

[scott beeland]

We're still on a 32" CRT here (admittedly we do have sky)....It's only TV innit?

[Bob Green]

Sound for me is taken care of by a 5.1 surround sound system so I didn't test sound quality.

I agree.  Connecting the TV to a good 5.1 Hi-Fi system via an optical lead will give the best sound.  I have yet to hear a good sound from the speaker sets/kits with most TV packages.

There will be an exception somewhere of course.

[Moody Blue]

Just had a look at the Which? online site and they give as best buy for a 40" LCD LED set the Samsung UE40C7000 with a score of 72% and target price of £999. If you don't want the LED then the Samsung LE40C750 with 72% and target price of £715 comes top.

I went for the Panasonic because it has Freesat and Freeview and internet connectivity even though Which? didn't rate it as highly as the Samsung. Thought the funky purple or white colour was a bit more 'with it' as well!

Agree with the comments on sound quality - non of the modern ultra thin sets can possibly give a good sound rating which is why you need a good surround sound system.

[adamnreeves]

non of the modern ultra thin sets can possibly give a good sound rating which is why you need a good surround sound system.

So true. None of the TVs I have bought in the last several years have satisfied me from a Sound Quality Perspective. Luckily I have a Bose Surround System that I frequently plug into.