42" TV advice

[rich83]

Hi chaps... we are after a new TV as our 6/7year old 32" LCD 720P is on its way out!

So... is it best at 42" to go plasma or LED?

Initially I am thinking Panasonic again but what other brands should I either consider or avoid?

Spec needs to be:-

42"
Freeview HD
1080P (not fussed about 3D)
3 HDMI
Maybe some sort of PVR with the addition of a USB harddrive
Doesn't need to be internet ready as I have a apple TV and PS3 for all that.


Any advice welcome. 

Rich

[Hurdy]

if you aren't fussed about 3D then it has to be a backlit LED.

[Hedge]

Panasonic plasma. FIN!

[Lone_Par]

if you aren't fussed about 3D then it has to be a backlit LED.

+1. Also the LED will be slimmer etc.

[bakili]

Used to have plasma years ago, upgraded to LCD and now have LED. Honestly picture quality amazing compare to Plasma and LCD.

[Nodz]

Led over plasma IMO, I've got a thing for the Samsung smart led tv's mainly the series 7 & 8's

[rich83]

See i was chatting to my dad about Plasma vs LCD and I thought that Plasma was the last word, but he seems to think that the LEDs are much clearer... and thiner as mentioned above.

[Poppa Dom]

You sure you don't want mine Rich? Top of the range Panasonic 42" 3D. Good Price.

[rich83]

You sure you don't want mine Rich? Top of the range Panasonic 42" 3D. Good Price.

Spec... model?

[Hedge]

Led over plasma IMO, I've got a thing for the Samsung smart led tv's mainly the series 7 & 8's

The Samsung LED's were LED backlit not actual LED screens. 

[Poppa Dom]

TX-P42VT30B   all specs on web. You should come and see it after the Thu meet, even if to give you a more informed opinion.

[PDT]

Depends on budget, but plasma gives much deeper blacks. LED looks better under shop lighting as it looks brighter and sharper, but watch a bluray at home and the blacks look grey and you lose definition between dark objects, often referred to as 'blocking'

Find your local richer sounds and ask for a demo of both in their demo room, watch a few mins of different media (DVD, tv, blurry etc...) and then make your mind up which you prefer.

Personally I still love my 3 year old Panasonic plasma, not a good looking tv compared to modern stuff, thick body and wide frame, but far more realistic picture.

[rich83]

TX-P42VT30B   all specs on web. You should come and see it after the Thu meet, even if to give you a more informed opinion.

Cant make thursday.... but feel free to bring it round to my house so i can trial it.... 

[Poppa Dom]

 

[Hedge]

Depends on budget, but plasma gives much deeper blacks. LED looks better under shop lighting as it looks brighter and sharper, but watch a bluray at home and the blacks look grey and you lose definition between dark objects, often referred to as 'blocking'

Blocking is due to the quality of the signal into the screen not the actual screen.