First Time LCD TV

[Matt Horne]

Hi..

I have been looking into a flat lcd tv for the bedroom..now I do not wish to spend a fortune and so from browsing the web I have seen a 15" samsung which seems to fit the bill

Samsung LW15E23C

Anyone own this ? Or have recommendations for other 15" screens under £600 (max).

Having just got back from lunch and seen the above screen in Dixons.. its not bad though it seems to have quite a bit of smearing (wimbledon was playing) -- the LG and Philips also on display looked a better picture (but u never know how well the screens are setup)

Ideally I would want a screen which could take s-video via the scart socket (or component would be good) and handle video games (which I believe is really down to the refresh rate!)

Thanks

Matt

[LV426]

For bedroom use - something to watch out for is vertical viewing angle - you may need to be able to watch this from below the horizontal, depending on how you intend to use/position it. Many (but not all) LCDs have a fairly poor vertical angle - including the more expensive Panasonic w/s ones. So, when checking them out, try crouching below the set to see if the PQ deteriorates - in the worst cases it begins to look like a negative!

For a 16x9 set - take a look at the 17inch Grundig on sale at Dixon$ for GBP700.

And, when you do buy, get it from somewhere that allows you to either:

a) check out YOUR set before you take it away or
b) return it no questions asked

because, LCDs can suffer bad pixels - these are a manufacturing 'defect' which many manufacturers have a policy that is less than 100% working - in many cases, up to say 5 permanently bright pixels is deemed to be OK - which you would not want. The good news is that, if perfect when new, it is UNLIKELY to aquire bad pixels in use.

[OGIII]

Matt

Another (cheaper) option is to get an LCD monitor with svid etc inputs and connect it to an STB.

I've got a 15" Neovo F315 that costs around £250 connected to Sky Digital STB.

You can get a wall mount for it for little money and viewing angle up/down and side is very good.

Pic and sound quality is excellent - looks nice too (see pic).

Only problem with this for a bedroom is no remote control option although if you use a Free to View STB with sound control you;re laughing.

Cheers
OG

[Matt Horne]

Thanks guys...

Its to go on a high chest of drawers so its likely we will be looking from below so to speak, and I would only be using it with my Nintendo Q (panasonic dvd player + gamecube) via s-video cables. Maybe a monitor is a good idea.. but is there not issues with the refresh rate on PC based monitors.. or am I talking rubbish ?

Cheers

Matt

[LV426]

It's not refresh rate exactly - its the speed of the LCD cells - how quickly they can change state. Too slow, and fast motion gets blurred. They all differ; newer sets tend to be faster, as do dedicated TV's (as distinct from PC monitors). Don't know enough to offer suggestions - except to try it out.......

[OGIII]

I use a 17" AOC (LM-720A) LCD for PC gaming and don't have any problem with that - don't know how the 2 compare spec wise in that department though.

Have a look at the Sony, looks great and very good picture. If you have a Costco (American Wharehouse shop like Macro) near you they do it for £520 inc 3 year warrantee. One month full refund available if your not happy with it as well which is a good test, I'm sure you would be though. Sharp are good as well but speakers are a bit naff.

Cheers

[Richard46]

Originally posted by Matt Horne
Thanks guys...

Its to go on a high chest of drawers so its likely we will be looking from below so to speak, and I would only be using it with my Nintendo Q (panasonic dvd player + gamecube) via s-video cables. Maybe a monitor is a good idea.. but is there not issues with the refresh rate on PC based monitors.. or am I talking rubbish ?

Cheers

Matt

Hi Matt

Surely that means you will be looking up at the set, or have I misunderstood you. I was just in a Currys looking at LCD's and I did the kneeling down test mentioned above and some of them almost dissappear completely at quite small angles from the horizontal. (the picture that is not the TV). I did not stay down there long enough to notice which ones were worst (too painful) but I think they all became pretty unwatchable.

Regards Richard

[LV426]

Originally posted by Richard46
...but I think they all became pretty unwatchable.

That's my point, almost. Many become unwatchable from just below - but there is an increasing number of newer, typically dedicated TV LCDs, that remain fully watchable from below. Some but not all Sharp and Samsung offerings have a wide vertical angle (~160 degrees +/-) which will be fine for the purpose - but you do have to check this aspect out thoroughly. FWIW, the Panny widescreen sets have very poor below-horizontal performance.

[Matt Horne]

I had better be very careful then

OGIII any chance of a view from below test on your screen


Cheers

Matt

[gmt steve]

Hi Matt, how you doin'? Iv'e got a couple of the Sharp sets. A big advantage would be if you can tilt the set down, so that whilst below it, you're still actually looking at it head on so to speak. I know that the Sharp sets let you do this, the ones with integral stands anyway. Unforunately, the 22" widescreen model is the only one with a tilting stand and the newer ASV panel, which gives a wider viewing angle. I got mine for £1250, twice your budget I'm afraid. See if the Samsung has a stand that allows downward tilt, it could be the solution to one of your worrys.

[Dutch]

Hi Matt,

How about the 17" Relisys RLT1720 from dabs at £468? Hi-res screen, 160 degree V and H viewing angles, 16 ms refresh rate, VGA and component inputs. There is a teletext tuner available next month if required.

Steve

[OGIII]

Originally posted by Matt Horne
I had better be very careful then

OGIII any chance of a view from below test on your screen


Cheers

Matt

Why not - I'll let you know in the morning.

[Ekko Star]

If you want to go the monitor route then these guys are doing a 17" F-17 Neovo for a blinding £269. 20ms refresh rate as well, which should make it great for AV usage.

http://www.blankdiscshop.co.uk/acata...Section__.html

I got myself an LG 15" LCD TV a couple of months ago for £349 from HoF. I think they were on promotion back then as they seem to have gone back up nearer to £500 in some places.

The LG I thought was better than the equivalent Samsung, and had a better picture overall. It still suffers from some blurring on fast motion but you tend to get used to it. Close up it is very easy to spot the digital artefacts and the poor quality picture on most LCD screens. However, if you view these screens generally as a TV, ie from a few feet away, then the picture is very good indeed.

For static images or for PC use though LCD screens are fine and are generally as good in this use as their CRT counterparts.

[Matt Horne]

Cheers OGIII!

Hi Steve.. yes a bit over budget.. wife would kill me

I wonder if HOF will have them in the sale as I have some furniture to buy there anyhow!..

I have seen (on the web) the Relisys screen.. very nice but I would have to see it IRL before buying...I think for the price and spec the AG Neovo is leading the way at the mo

Cheers everyone

Matt