Any help with TV for Aunt?

The Halk · 2 Jan 2011 at 00:29

My very elderly Aunt is hard of seeing and hearing. She mentioned that she struggled to see the subtitles on her TV. I had her take a look at another Aunts 37" LCD and she thought it was big, but she could read the subtitles.

Since they're not too expensive I thought I'd grab her one.

I need it to have freeview, and I need it to have a USB socket so she can plug in her camera.

I saw a Grundig 37" for £300, which did everything I need. However I don't believe that's a real make of TV any more, I think it's just a badge that certain companies will fire on a generic cheap TV. I'd rather pay a bit more and get her something nice. Plus the Grundig is out of stock.

I can't seem to see any TVs that do not fit the bill - everything seems to have Freeview and a USB port. I'm looking at about £370 for the LG that I've seen.

Finally, she lives in a small block of flats, and as far as I can tell there's a communal aerial up top. I assume that'd be fine for Freeview?

Is there anything else I should be looking out for?

Please don't link any competitors. OcUK don't sell anything suitable, but I believe anyone who will sell it will compete with OcUK, and I'm not keen on breaking rules.

Ta!

lucid · 2 Jan 2011 at 01:14

You're right about Grundig just being a badge job now. Stick with a recognised bigger brand if you want better manufacturer support.

The only thing that comes up a lot with the entry level branded products (LG, Samsung etc) is relatively poor sound. The speakers aren't as big as the ones in CRT TV sets because there isn't the space. Top quality brands such as Panasonic compensate with better quality speakers and clever design so the sound is pretty good for a thin set.

The Halk · 2 Jan 2011 at 01:26

Ah, sound isn't a biggie. Subtitles is what she'll be using mostly. I'm going to buy her a set of wireless headphones too.

Thanks Lucid.

lucid · 2 Jan 2011 at 02:39

Sounds like she's a lucky aunt to have you for a nephew

The Halk · 3 Jan 2011 at 01:06

I can make her life a lot better with a little money, everyone's a winner

I'm going to buy it tomorrow, thought I'd give it a bump just in case anyone can think of anything I haven't yet.

blairw · 3 Jan 2011 at 03:03

40inch Sony for 400 at rs right now, we got my grand parents it when it was quite a bit dearer and they love it. Looks very classy too

The Halk · 3 Jan 2011 at 03:33

Thanks for the spot Blair, but it's in store only, so I'd need to go all the way into Glasgow to see if they have any left, plus it could be ex-display. Plus, she thought the 37" was too big - she'd not like a 40".

For the sake of saving £17 it's not worth a 2 hour round trip.

The model I'm looking at is LG 37LD450. It doesn't have HD freeview - I don't think she'd see any benefit. Other than that it's got a scart so the DVD can get plugged in, and it's got a USB port for her camera...

Zairs · 3 Jan 2011 at 03:45

42 at an indian for 380 full hd

is that the one yourve seen, my parents got this and its great

The Halk · 3 Jan 2011 at 19:53

Ended up spending more and getting a Sony instead.

I got the Sony Bravia KDL37EX401U 37-inch Widescreen Full HD 1080p LCD TV with Freeview for £384. Plus a set of wireless Panasonic headphones with a charging stand in case she finds that easier.