TV advice

So was considering getting an awesome TV The one we have now is pretty old school; and I like buying assets after a big poker win so at least if I lose everything I still have some stuff to show for it :>

Soooo... any advice on TVs?

Desires:
- Something around 40"
- I have a preference for LCD over Plasma, but don't really know why. Does it matter too much?
- Something I can plug my computer into and play media
- Is it possible to get one that I can stick an external HDD in via USB, and play media files off etc?
- I don't think I'd want to spend more than like $4k if possible.

Cheers.

just picked up and HD ready 40inch lcd panasonic from jb hifi for $. That particular model was being deleted so pretty cheap. u should def have a look around yak.... Oh yeah and congratulations on the placing.. i was up at the casino and watching, didnt realise it was you until i got back on biggie lol

You should be able to negotiate an absolute bargain.

Offer cash on the spot in exchange for a reduced price.

Try going direct to wholesalers.

Someone else should be able to provide more info on this.

dude you can get hidef 40's for 2500

try sony hq in nugent they have some in stock but get freeview loaded one if sony is your pick

new v series is ok but not sure about the usb trip but has hdmi input

supposed to say $1700

newer models have 2 or 3 hdmi inputs so very handy

Advise?

Don't ask for advise on Biggie Yak, you should know better now...

Pretty sure the USB ports in new TV's are just for photos / mp3's.

I have a full HD Samsung F series TV (100Hz Model)

I would highly recommend it.

Excellent picture quality :>

joovkay lookada toove

- Something around 40"
Pretty good sweet spot at the moment.

- I have a preference for LCD over Plasma, but don't really know why. Does it matter too much?
My preference too. No, it doesn't _really_ matter. Plasma will be slightly better with black, fast action like sports, and slightly better at analog standard def content if you listen to the plasma fans, but I've never found it noticeable in day to day watching myself.

- Something I can plug my computer into and play media
Standard issue

- Is it possible to get one that I can stick an external HDD in via USB, and play media files off etc?

No.

- I don't think I'd want to spend more than like $4k if possible.

Easily done. For $4k you'll find something wicked.

Thats expensive man imo...

I think Mr Pokerman you need to negotiate a sponsorship deal that just happens to include a free widescreen a year utilising those psychological skills of yours to overcome any resistance

Ironically, this is good advice :>

There are a few threads in the tech forum with some very conflicting opinions. Whatever the general consensus among "experts" is, there's always some cunt who works in HiFi or wha'eva, who thinks the others' advice is shit.

A lot of the advice is also completely useless

Note: ask this in Tech, that's what it's there for and you cut down on idiot answers.

As for plugging in HDDs to play media.

You could pay top dollar but it is essentially a gimmick.

Comparatively there's little difference now between LCD and Plasma, there used to be major differences in some ways Plasma is better than LCD - it can actually display true black whereas LCD is only just closing this gap.

Burn in is not much of an issue on plasma's anymore and hasn't been for some time now.

Damn you kris_b I was taking calls while writing my response to effectively say the same thing as you

some helpful advice here

http://www.futureshop.ca/learnmore/AskTheExpert/en/get_rid_of_burn_in.asp?logon=&langid=EN&test_cookie=1

fuck im having a shocker!!! it also came with a 120G xbox 360 halo 3 deal. not sure how much the tv is by itself.. or the xbox for that matter. buut seemed like a good deal

I'm not so heavily into technical media issues that I think Plasma/LCD debate will really matter too much for me..

So then, where's the best place to get a good deal? I've heard of so many people getting awesome deals from random places but I never quite know where to start.

Also do others come with freeview built in apart from the new Bravia ones? Cause that seems a pretty cool feature.

This is the TV I was talking of:

http://www.samsung.com/au/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=television&type=television&subtype=lcdtv&model_cd=LA40F81BDX/XSA&gclid=CMTxyK6ppZYCFRZZiAodf0EY6g

Doovde?

here's a good thread on your topic cool hand

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?ForumId=34&TopicId=24554

Yaksha.

There is some good advice in this thread.

http://www.biggie.co.nz/interaction/forum/viewtopic.php?t=209744

and this link Bob gave in that thread is pretty helpful.

http://dvice.com/archives/2008/09/hd_guru_puts_12.php

I suppose it's not too bad if you've got a xbox with it etc.

Flicking thru the junkmail the other day, yes, a few other sets are getting it now. I want to say some of the Samsung stuff but I just can't recall. Them or Panasonic anyway.

AUCKLAND, July 14 – Next month Panasonic will launch the first of five Plasma and LCD TVs with a built-in high definition tuner for receiving Freeview| HD™.

The new PZ850 range will have integrated digital tuners for consumers who want to enjoy free-to-air HD TV reception without having to connect a separate receiver or set-top box to their televisions, Panasonic Product Manager, Grant Shaw, says “Panasonic is delighted to be able to offer a choice of Plasma and LCD TVs with built-in tuners that will maximise their high definition capabilities”.

“They will simplify the switchover to HD TV for viewers who want the no-fuss set-up that integration allows: a single remote control and none of the extra hardware or wiring that would normally be required to watch Freeview| HD™”.

“All they’ll need to enjoy the ultimate in plug-and-play High Definition TV convenience is a UHF aerial.”

Also I'm not sure if this is a huge concern for you but check out how many HDMI ports are at the back. We have freeview, ps2, ps3 and the desktop all hooked up to the one tv as a monitor.

It's kind of a hassle having to reach around the tv in order to play playstation or watch tv.

Just a thought that's all. I'm not entirely sure how many ports come standard these days. Our Samsung Jasmine is about a year and a half old.

You need to buy a Pioneer Plasma. Easily the best TV on the market. You should be able to pick up a 42" for $2500 at the moment. I sell most brands of TV's and this is a clear winner. Some people will tell you that you need full HD but this is crap.

Plasma > LCD

Did you win lotto or something Yak?

You're buying all this fancy stuff.

Or are you just being a Generation Debt?

oh really? and what about the playback on bluray?

I'm not even going to bother about the whole LCD Vs Plasma thing.

Buy a Plasma.

LCD's are shite.

Did pretty well in a poker tournament

Thanks for the advice all, will peruse these links today

tOO much tv is bad for you! Go do something productive like playin warhammer 40000 or something!!!!

Ok so places to actually buy the TV. My first instinct is Bond and Bond, and then my second instinct is that I'll probably get ripped off there So are there any particularly good deals going around that anyone knows of?

jb hifi is decent here in Aus.

I've decided I'm getting an Akai MPC500

well when the money comes through, don't think it will sink in until it does

Yeah have a look at the JB-Hifi cat. Was just looking at it myself. Seems they only do certain brands though..

There's a JB HiFi brochure in today's Herald.

Apparently JB's after sale service is not the best.

Shop around and weigh up prices before making a decision. Most places will have similar prices however it doesn't hurt to look. Also look at warranties etc.

I would have told you to see my partner at Dick Smith Sylvia park, but he left last week. Talk to a dude there named Robert in AV. He won't bullshit you around.

Stereoworld in Dominion Rd guarantee they will not be beaten on price.

why not try for that offer of paying no interest and no payments for like 18 mths and putting the money in the bank somewhere at good interest

LOL

I put in a complaint to their head office, when I went to DS there they had all the tv's in the wrong aspect ratio, and when I told the salesman about it he looked at me blankly and said that he would tell someone about it and promptly left... a week later and the tv's were still screwed so I went in again, got someone else there and they didn't know what aspect ratio was. I left. Never going back there again.

guaranteed deposit and all

harvey norman and talk them down

Was this during the weekend? The part timers don't tend to do anything about any customer issues at all. Most of them just tell them to come in on Monday and see the AV specialist (my partner) and he'll sort you out...blah blah. Left my partner which a crap load of angry customers. Just one of the reasons he left. Unfortunately the only full timer that actually gives a shit anymore would have to be Rob.

So your partner, the AV Specialist there had all the tv's set up wrong.

Specialist? riiiiight

Dunno if he did. I'll have to ask him...

"Demonraver on biggie says you had the aspect ratio all wrong on your tv's...how do you plead?"

Niiiiice

I should have added something about the tech department as well.

Hey Yaksha - I got the Sony Bravia builtin FreeviewHD bizzo on Sunday night. 32" in the end cause I don't want a huge telly - even that looks small in a wall of 20 other ones at the shop but at home looks pretty large!
Is awesomely awesome - and I HATED LCD/Plasma for years because any kind of standard-def image) TV, even DVD, looked awful on them. But HD-transmitted TV solves a lot of that and I'm really really impressed by DVD's (although they are upscaled out of my PS3).
Have been looking for all that pixelation and motion blur I used to see on LCDs and haven't picked any up - used to work in home theatre too so know something about it.

There is a USB input but that will just read photos - plays them in lovely full HD but. There are multiple inputs for your PC though, 3 HDMI and a PC input (not sure the format of that exactly).

If you're in an apartment be careful with your UHF reception for FreeviewHD though - mine blocks the right frequencies for all the channels on the building distribution setup so had to get an indoor aerial (like $50).

HD looks good on an indoor UHF aerial? O_o

How does divx look, g-dub?

Howcome I can't seem to find them anywhere? So far checked bond and bond, noel leeming, jb hi-fi, stereoworld and none of them have pioneer ones listed?

I've been doing some quick reading and it seems that plasma does edge out LCD these days in the areas that will matter to me, but the only Plasmas I can seem to find around the place are Samsung and Panasonic, with the Panasonic ones looking a bit better.

This one doesn't look too bad:

http://www.bondandbond.co.nz/audiotv/tv/plasma-screen-tvs/panasonic-th42py800az-42-full-hd-viera-plasma-tv/prod95392.html

Is that one comparable to the pioneer ones?
If not, where do I look at those?

You have to ferrit them out, Yak.
http://www.ferrit.co.nz/42800.html

http://www.paulmoney.co.nz/shop/television/plasma/

So you don't actually need to have a sky dish for TVs with Freeview built into them? We have UHF sky already, so does that mean if we get a TV with Freeview built into it, it will be sweet?

According to Pioneer you can get them lots of places. They do seem pretty expensive though:

http://www.pioneernz.co.nz/default.asp?ObjectID=155&ProductObjectID=286

Like that one at Paul Money sheez!

optus1 satellite both so yes

yes

So anyone got any comments or possible limitations or downsides of this one?

http://www.bondandbond.co.nz/audiotv/tv/plasma-screen-tvs/panasonic-th42py800az-42-full-hd-viera-plasma-tv/prod95392.html

Are panasonic good generally?

The beauty of FreeviewHD is that it's got a much stronger, non-directional signal (being teh digital and all) so that aerial gives crap analogue Prime reception but perfect digital. Like Sky, if you lose reception it goes blocky etc...

Haven't run divx yet - will be streaming it through PS3 most likely... Need to start downloading 720p versions of stuff I suppose now.

Panasonic are very good. Mostly cause I get a fucking good deal through my mate who works for them...

Yes Panasonic TV's are good.

Get me one?

When you figure out how to watch h.264 mkv files on your PS3 without converting them. Let me know.

my friend has that or something similar and is good but no freeview hd card installed

he paid 2400 at harvey norman 3 months ago so don't be in a hurry and shop around - sure to be bargains around in these straitened times pre christmas blah blah

pioneer use panasonic panels so they must be good eh old boy?

Sorry dude. If I was working for them, then sure. The discount is massive and if he started to give TV's right left and center to people he doesn't know, questions will be asked about stuff discounts being abused. So I will be selfish and say no at this stage, cause I want to use that privilege as his friend first.

We bought a Samsung too; 40" HD WS. Very good quality, and a very competetive price.

I bought a Philips 42" Full HD LCD tv not long ago. Has three HDMI inputs, although I only utilise one at the moment with my media center, through which I play heaps of DivX content, which looks mint (badly encoded stuff being the exception of course). There is also a Wii and Xbox 360 plugged into it ...overall I think it does an awesome job. Haven't noticed any motion blurring with sport etc.

Oh, and it was less than $3k.

Really? Our 40" was just under $2k and I think it has those same features you've mentioned...

So why doss 2 more inches cost $1k?


Yes... that's what she said...

was yours full HD or just HD Ready ?

He reckons it was right last week when he left.

He also mentioned something about freeview settings...I don't know how valid that is. Him and some other dude usually set them up.

If nothing was done about it, he probably never got the message.

Don't use another HDMI for the 360?

I'm pretty sure it's full HD. I'll check tonight.

Freeview comes in 2 flavours: Via satellite (DVB-S), and via UHF (DVB-T).

UHF is the only way to get Freeview HD.

Most likely yours isn't 1080p.

Do 360's have a HDMI output?

yup.

Elites do too :p

Yup. Reports from installers out in the wops down country have come back of people getting perfect DVB-T reception in areas where nothing even shows up on analog UHF.

The 360 is pretty much just for show. Mike doesn't have any decent games for it to warrant me using it much ...Mike, we need some good 360 games!

Well before I read this topic, I was pretty sure it is 1080p and full HD... But now I'm beginning to wonder. I'll be reading the manual for sure tonight.

Haha.. fair enough Harv. Just asked cause it makes quite a difference for say Grand Theft Auto

What brand? I don't think I have seen any 42" Full HD tvs for under $2k?

I said 40" not 42"

I'm pretty sure this is it:

http://electronics.pricegrabber.com/plasma-lcd-televisions/Samsung-LN40A650A-40-LCD-HDTV/m64779911.html

But I'll check later.

That's US Dollars for that TV.

If you paid that price for it NZ I would be very surprised.

No shit , i was showing the model of tv, not the price.


check this out http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/tv-plasma-lcd/.

$1594 for a 32" full hd tv on the bot right of the images.

We went up a few sizes and got a 40" tv, I think it cost us $1995.

lol, that jbhifi link as a 42" Soniq HD ready for $999. I wonder if they're any good...

except rotovegas

they ain't installing digital service there at this stage because of the sulphur and the cost of the units

Yeah JB are selling 40" Sony Bravias with Full HD for $2K according to todays advert in the herald.

He could have always been using the HD Component inputs on the tv..

Well this was months n months ago...

That's like $3k at Noel Leeming. There is a 40" Samsung that is $2k at Magnuss Benrow that is 1080p.

There are other stuff as well besides resolution that you pay for I guess. When I was looking there was a cheaper tv that was the same size and resolution than what I paid for mine (same brand), but didn't have as good a response time etc or as many features.

Roman: Yup, but they're not 1080p, and only "hd ready". I think it would still look ok, but definitely not the best quality on offer today.

PD: There's definitely some great deals out there. I find JB HI-FI often has some bloody good ones.

He could of been using DVI from the media center also and the 360 was his 'only HDMI'

They're coming down in price all the time as well (the one I bought has dropped in price by over $300 now). Economic meltdowns are the best time to buy stuff I bought a new car a few months ago. Nobody is buying cars at the moment it seems and dealers just want some cash flow.

touché

as peat would say cash is king

best to pay with that and avoid hp