My smart TV, isn't very smart anymore...

[Gamefreak501]

Hi all,

I've an old 42" LG LCD probably circa 2008-2009. It's been reliable and up until recently, I was enjoying Youtube on it. Unfortunately, due to HTML5 or Flash Player updates, my Youtube app no longer works. This is pretty much the same as all the other apps which were bundled with it. My phone won't work with it either.

Moving forwards, I intend to donate it to my parents (as the picture is actually sharper than their 20" JVC CRT television). Plus they've been wanting an excuse to get rid of this television anyway, even though it's been very reliable since I bought it for them in 2004 because it takes too much space and looks rather unsightly.

Looking at the market, it looks like 4K televisions are now a lot more affordable than they ever have been. However, not knowing much about them, I had a few questions:


1). How does a 4K television react to a 1920x1080 full HD signal? Will I experience issues with the picture or will it have clever processing features so that I can still enjoy my blu-ray, or standard definition DVDs?


2). I guess the above question will apply to the standard definition TV signal as well.


3). I have a plan to probably get a PS4 at some point - I'm not sure if the FFVII remake will be available on the PC platform and I did love that game. There are whispers that the PS4 will offer 4K support - and hopefully there is tangibility to these rumours. Does anyone believe this will be the case? Should I spend the money on a decent computer instead?

4). I'm looking to budget between £400-£600 on a 4k television. Is this a realistic budget or should I look to increase this?


5). I have a Sony Blu-Ray player, which will likely need to be replaced with a 4K compatible Blu-ray. Worth replacing, or should I just wait for the PS4 to support 4k or a good Computer?


I'm planning to buy a 4K TV within the next 1-4 weeks after spending some time looking at the televisions, reading reviews and comparing features.




All help greatly appreciated


For those who wanted to know, I got the idea of the thread title from My Secret Garden, by Depeche Mode. haha.

 

[Gamefreak501]

Thanks for your replies,

I think the biggest danger is that 4k isn't yet mainstream as has been rightfully pointed out - I might look at a nice LED or OLED backlit 1080p screen for now as 4k still has a premium attached to it and there isn't a great deal out there to take full advantage.

I don't think I buy into the 3D thing either, so will probably avoid that too.

 

[Gamefreak501]

Nope, nothing wrong with my television at all apart from the Smart features (and sort of telling my parents I will give them my tv) perhaps an Amazon firestick is a better idea and my parents will benefit from a trade in on their TV at a high street store.