New LED HD TV - recommendations

Preto

Preto

Preto

Associate
Joined
19 Jan 2011
Posts
105
Location
London
Hi guys,

I want to buy a new TV this month and I'd be very grateful if I could get some help in choosing the right one for me.

Requirements:

- Full HD (no Smart or 3D needed)
- 40-42" screen size
- at least 1 SCART input
- at least 1 USB input
- at least 1 HDMI input
- able to read/play pretty much all video formats (.avi, .mkv, mp4 etc.) off a USB HDD
- able to read .srt files
- good viewing angles

My budget is £300-£350.

If anyone has any first hand experience with a product having all the above, I'd be curious to hear about it.

I already have a 6 years old entry-level 32" HD Ready TV but my main reason of wanting to buy a new one is the power consumption as lately my TV is always ON (and it doesn't have a USB input either).

Thanks!
 
In fact, if you don't want any smart features at all you can get the H5000 which is exactly the same otherwise for I think £279
 
Thanks for the suggestion mate!

After talking to my wife about it, we decided we want the SMART option too as we might try a service like Netflix, so after a bit more research, I believe I found a very nice set - LG 42LB580V. If someone has it, can you please post your thoughts about it?

I don't have any experience with phoning JL - do they price match if you found an item (they have in stock) cheaper elsewhere?
 
OP if you do go for the LG, take a look at Richer Sounds. Looks like it's cheaper there than JL and you get a 5 year guarantee too. They are every bit as good, it's where I got mine from
 
The LG42LB580V isn't the best of sets to be honest ,•100 Hz processing rate etc I'd beg steal or borrow and get another 150 and you would get a far better set for example the LG 42LB700V if staying within the lg range

Edit, I know people say not interested in 3d or its not needed but 3d sets have faster processing rates
 
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I'm even more undecided now...when I started looking it was between Samsung and LG. After reading a lot of reviews I discovered that Samsung doesn't have great viewing angles and LG has some back-light issues and both have poor blacks.
I'm not bothered about the sound at all, always have my TV on low or mute as I have a small baby.

I saw the LG offer at Richer Sounds but it was in store only and I'm on OHS this week so I can't go to the store and buy it.

Just saw SONY BRAVIA KDL-40W605B on offer for £329 at pixmania, read a couple of reviews and seems like a great deal but that stand looks a bit flimsy. Also they're not UK based, never bought from them before so I'm not too sure.

Damn, I thought this is going to be easy...:confused:

Am I being too picky for the price I'm willing to pay?
 
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Yes you are. The viewing angles complaint on the Samsung is very minor, I would go for the 40H5500 personally.

The Sony w605 is a good set but a quick search shows there aren't many around at the moment.
 
Finally had some time to pop in store at PCWorld and have a look at the TVs. After about an hour of staring and analyzing them, I decided I like the Samsung 40H5500 the most. Well, Sony Bravia has better picture quality but the stand is way too flimsy.
The guy tried to convince me it's a great deal to pay £369 for the TV plus £119 for 3 year warranty....erm, no.
So I ordered the Samsung this morning from RS for £369 with 5 year warranty.

Thanks for the input guys, it helped a lot!
 
out of interest why did you get the H5500 instead of paying a little extra and getting the H6400.... I am stuck between choosing between these two TVs?
 
@wijcc - H6400 - I don't need 3D (I don't really like it even in Cinema and especially on the TVs where I find it horrible, could not watch it) and I don't like the stand.
H5500 also has a Quad-core processor and it's Smart which is everything I need.

I received the TV yesterday, installed it and I can honestly say I'm very happy with the choice I made. Very nice picture, no back-light issues at the corners, love the design and the viewing angles are just perfect for my living room. The remote and the Smart-hub are also very easy to use.

I connected it with a cat5 cable to the router, tried BBCiplayer, ITVplayer, Netflix (HD) and they all work flawlessly.

Can't fault it so far. :)
 
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Good to hear Preto, advised my in-laws to get the same and they are pleased too. Great TV for the price I think.

For what it's worth I have the 6400 and I do love it
 
dl8860 said:
For what it's worth I have the 6400 and I do love it
Click to expand...

I'm sure it's a great TV but me and 3D are not good friends :) plus, I find glasses really uncomfortable, even sunglasses.
Atm I have it on Movie Mode but I need to search online to see if there's a better calibration...but obviously this is also subjective, depending of person's preference, isn't it?

Cheers for suggesting this in the first place!
 
I am not concerned about 3D either, but i have been told that the H6400 has better motion processing...
 
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