Spec me a £500 TV

Goose · 26 Feb 2015 at 15:03

Looking to upgrade from my ancient Panasonic and my budget is about £500 max and 42" in size as my living room isn't all that big. I'll admit to knowing very little about what makes one TV better than another and after 10 minutes of googling I settled on the Sony KDL42W8.

If there are better alternatives at this price point then please do let me know, I have no brand preferences and I'm not at all bothered about 3D.

Thanks

kona786 · 26 Feb 2015 at 15:12

The Sony W8 is spot on for the money - don't think there's a better TV for this size.

Goose · 26 Feb 2015 at 15:36

Sweet, my googling and random button clicking really paid off.

I've been given one of these budget sound base jobbies, would you have any idea as to whether or not it'll be better than the sound from the W8?

kona786 · 26 Feb 2015 at 15:41

The soundbase will definitely be better. The one's on the TV are just adequate for general viewing, whereas the soundbase with have much more added depth and clarity.

ShiWarrior · 26 Feb 2015 at 18:08

Samsung UE406700 ?

Goose · 27 Feb 2015 at 11:06

ShiWarrior said:
Samsung UE406700 ?

Any opinions on how the Sammy compares to the Sony?

ShiWarrior · 27 Feb 2015 at 18:01

https://www.avforums.com/review/samsung-h6700-ue-40-48-55-h6700-tv-review.10496

48" version, same screen though

using old firmware, but new firmware has apparently sorted out the issues

thebandit · 1 Mar 2015 at 19:20

I have the Samsung H6700 but was also looking at the Sony. For me the Sony wouldn't quite fit in the space (42" instead of 40") I had so the choice was made simple.One thing i will say up front, all the previous lip sync issues are now fixed. THe picture once adjusted is awesome, good blacks, great colour and clarity. I haven't managed to get the sound exactly as I would like, but I wouldnt say its at all bad. The multi media stuff is good, works well, menus all scroll quick etc. A recent firmware update also now does 5.1 optical pass thru for sound bars. I thought the small remote which has the on screen glow dot was a bit of a gimmick before buying, but it works really well, I never use anything else now. Its well implimented and easy to use, I have HDMI CEC setup so it also controls the SKy HD box. Not used the Sony though in anger so couldn't tell you how it compares.

Goose · 1 Mar 2015 at 21:03

thebandit said:
I have the Samsung H6700 but was also looking at the Sony. For me the Sony wouldn't quite fit in the space (42" instead of 40") I had so the choice was made simple.One thing i will say up front, all the previous lip sync issues are now fixed. THe picture once adjusted is awesome, good blacks, great colour and clarity. I haven't managed to get the sound exactly as I would like, but I wouldnt say its at all bad. The multi media stuff is good, works well, menus all scroll quick etc. A recent firmware update also now does 5.1 optical pass thru for sound bars. I thought the small remote which has the on screen glow dot was a bit of a gimmick before buying, but it works really well, I never use anything else now. Its well implimented and easy to use, I have HDMI CEC setup so it also controls the SKy HD box. Not used the Sony though in anger so couldn't tell you how it compares.

Thanks for that dude. I'll probably end getting whichever one i get the best deal on. Any idea if the CEC thing will work with a Virgin Tivo box? To be honest I'd never heard of it before but it sounds pretty useful since I already have 4 controllers floating around (TV, Virgin, FireTV, Soundbar).

ShiWarrior · 1 Mar 2015 at 21:09

I just picked up a Samsung UE40H6700

I favoured it over the 6500 and 6400 versions, well worth the money

xb8browney · 1 Mar 2015 at 21:19

H6700, I compared the Sony w829 side my side and found the Samsung to have better screen quality, sound waulity, smart features and remote.

NexusK · 1 Mar 2015 at 21:30

I know you said 42" but the 50" w829 is on offer at various places including JL and RS for £599 atm which is a cracking deal.