Firstly, I am completely new to this. However, I have found the forum a tremendous help, so thanks to all who have contributed. This posting might be a wee bit long as I've got a lot of questions.

Our TV is about to die on us. From what I've read, it seems that widescreen is the way to go. We have a video recorder (albeit a 'cheapy') and SKY (basic package - no films or sport - although these are possibilities for the future). We don't have a DVD player, largely because I've felt it's a bit early to buy one, so this is also a possibility in the future. Connectivity is therefore quite important. It seems that there's all sorts of new technologies coming on stream, so we'd like the new TV to be able to cope/be upgraded to cope with as many of these as possible.

Picture quality is vital - I have an eye condition than can cause epileptic fits if there is any flickering light. We don't have a huge sitting room (the furthest we can sit from the screen is about 10 feet) and, from what I've seen of widescreen TVs, they are quite big. We feel a 28" screen is the best size for the room but, if you experts suggest a 32" would really benefit us, we'd be prepared to move the furniture about to accommodate that.

Our budget is a bit limited - we don't want to go much beyond £550-£600 (although we'd stretch to £650 if it was really worthwhile).

That's the generalities over. Now for some specifics.

1. While I was waiting for confirmation of my forum membership, I checked some (more!) reviews. The Toshiba Strata 28ZD26 (£600) got what seems to be a good review in What Home Cinema, October 2003.
Has anyone got one of these sets? If so, are you happy with it?
And did anyone consider buying one of these, but settle for something else? If so, what put you off the Toshiba?

2. I went to John Lewis this afternon and saw a bewildering selection of widescreen TVs.
The sales assistant was really helpful, and suggested a Panasonic TX28-PS12C. It seems (to me) to be nice, with what appears to be some good features. Any comments for or against?

3. I wanted to compare the picture on the Panasonic against a similar TV. The assistant showed me a Sony KV28-FQ70. The picture seemed much the same, but the TV is £300 more, doesn't have so many features, and, where it does have similar features to the Panasonic, they seem to be inferior.
Any comments on this apparent anomoly? Are Sony TVs particularly good, especially reliable, or something?

4. I am attracted to John Lewis because of their price promise and 5-year guarantee. They will also set everything up, which would be great for me. However, if they don't stock the TV I end up buying, can anyone assure me that their TV was easy to set up (i.e. a manual that didn't miss out any steps and automatic setup that really was automatic)?

I think that's everything. I'd be grateful for any comments or suggestions about the above - and, if anyone feels I've missed anything out, please feel free to reply letting me know.

Many thanks for reading all this.

[Lagavulin]

Originally posted by grahamf
...I am completely new to this. However, I have found the forum a tremendous help, so thanks to all who have contributed. This posting might be a wee bit long as I've got a lot of questions...

Hi there Graham and welcome,

Don't fret too much mate, we've all gotta start somewhere, we were all beginners at some time or the other But this is as good a place to start as any.

Originally posted by grahamf
...Our TV is about to die on us. From what I've read, it seems that widescreen is the way to go. We have a video recorder (albeit a 'cheapy') and SKY (basic package - no films or sport - although these are possibilities for the future). We don't have a DVD player, largely because I've felt it's a bit early to buy one, so this is also a possibility in the future. Connectivity is therefore quite important. It seems that there's all sorts of new technologies coming on stream, so we'd like the new TV to be able to cope/be upgraded to cope with as many of these as possible...

Sensible philosophy. It's a lesson I learnt long ago in the "home-entertainment" field. Buy cheap and rashly now, you'll be 'upgrading' or rebuying in another year or two. Anyway, you can see from my signature below what kit I use now, but I didn't build this overnight. I don't have Sky or anything remotely similar (simply don't watch TV broadcasting), if you think it's a bit early to buy a DVD player I've had DVD since late '98 and would HIGHLY recommend it , my VCR is in the dinning room as it's only used for the kids, but neverthless, my kit is relatively mid to high-end even though it's only used for DVD, Xbox (and occasionally GameCube) and my music. It's certainly worth every penny as I spend most of my free-time at home (not really volutarily - I'm not in the best of health). Moreover I've been into this stuff for about 6 years now, so any advice I can offer, I'm here to help.

Originally posted by grahamf
...Picture quality is vital - I have an eye condition than can cause epileptic fits if there is any flickering light. We don't have a huge sitting room (the furthest we can sit from the screen is about 10 feet) and, from what I've seen of widescreen TVs, they are quite big. We feel a 28" screen is the best size for the room but, if you experts suggest a 32" would really benefit us, we'd be prepared to move the furniture about to accommodate that. Our budget is a bit limited - we don't want to go much beyond £550-£600 (although we'd stretch to £650 if it was really worthwhile)....

Personally I would recommend a 32", but looking at your budget, for a very good widescreen that is sorta "future-proofed" is gonna be a bit difficult Some of the new "picture-frame" style widescreens from Panny and Tosh are actually much smaller than you'd expect due to the TV's internal speakers being below the screnn rather than at the sides (which, of course, dramatically increases the chassis size). Incidentally, I sit about 9-10 feet away from a 36", although I expect you may need to be further away due to your eye condition?

Originally posted by grahamf
...While I was waiting for confirmation of my forum membership, I checked some (more!) reviews. The Toshiba Strata 28ZD26 (£600) got what seems to be a good review in What Home Cinema, October 2003.
Has anyone got one of these sets? If so, are you happy with it?
And did anyone consider buying one of these, but settle for something else? If so, what put you off the Toshiba?...

I've owned 2 Toshiba's and would recommend their sets. The above TV sounds like a good buy, but I personally didn't like the styling of the set. However, Tosh are usually a good bet for a reliable and well specified set.

Originally posted by grahamf
...I went to John Lewis this afternon and saw a bewildering selection of widescreen TVs.
The sales assistant was really helpful, and suggested a Panasonic TX28-PS12C. It seems (to me) to be nice, with what appears to be some good features. Any comments for or against?...

I hear John Lewis are pretty good and in making such a large and important purchase, I would recommend you do use a big "high-street" retailer just incase you have any probs. Apparently JL's customer service is very good, which is exactly what you need to be sure of - as I said, just in case Anyway, I've also had 2 Panny's and again, along with Sony, would recommend their sets. I would say in reference to you next Q that there's not a vast difference between the three above mentioned manufacturers where 'reliability' is concerned - Panny, Tosh & Sony are all generally reliable and usually well made brands. Just remember though, you get what you pay for.

When you're closer to making a decision, let us know and I'm sure there's others out there who'll own the set you're going for and will post with help. If not, I'm here

Keep us posted Graham and I hope you get something sorted out that suits you and you're living room

Best regards,

LAGAVULIN

Lagavulin,

Thanks for your reply - I know I managed the technology of posting my query properly now

Thank you for your advice, too. It's printed and, with other responses, will be a great help when I go back to the shops.

You obviously feel our budget is a bit limited. That being the case, and given our requirements, what do you feel a more realistic figure would be for (a) a 28" screen and (b) a 32" screen?

I am interested in your comments about DVD. Aren't there different formats to be concerned about? You are obviously happy with yours. What are the pros and cons? And, again, can you suggest a sensible price?

Many thanks,


Graham

[simon1]

Graham

There are no different standards with dvd PLAYERS. This only applies to dvd RECORDERS.

So if you want a dvd player, you can either pick up one of the supermarket cheapies at £40. Or buy a brand name one to match your new tv.

I would suggest you go for a 32" widescreen set, which is comparable with a 28"/29" 4:3 set. A 28" widescreen is comparable to a 24" 4:3 set.

Don't take too much notice of the concerns about various sets posted in these forums - you'll only give yourself a headache. Mr average will not notice a lot of these concerns until he goes looking for them.

Most of the big brands make good sets; Panasonic, Toshiba, Sony, Philips, JVC - in no particular order. Buy one based on your opinion - it's you that will be watching.

Buying from somewhere like John Lewis is a good idea, as these people can set everything up for you for only a modest charge and will give good service if you run into any difficulties.

Try and get a set with at least 3x scart sockets, as this gives flexability for adding other equipment; eg SKY/DVD/PVR or VCR. If you use Teletext a lot, then consider a model which features 'sub page memory' - this allows you to flick through the sub pages on teletext at your own pace. I find this one of the best features on my Sony.

Decide if you want cinema surround sound now or later. In my view (and many others here will agree), you are best with a standard stereo set and have a seperate amp or dvd/amp to provide the surround sound. The sets that have it built in, simply do not cut the mustard and lack the different formats of surround sound available on the seperate hardware.

100hz/50hz ? - My current Sony is 100hz, although that wasn't one of the features that made me buy it. I had never noticed a tv picture flicker before, although now I'm used to the Sony, I can now see 50hz sets flicker. If I were you, (and with a limited budget) and it was a choice of 28" 100hz or 32" 50hz for similar money - I'd go for the 32". Size is everything.

You mention Picture quality is vital: "I have an eye condition than can cause epileptic fits if there is any flickering light" - just make sure you demo a potential purchase first.

[Lagavulin]

Originally posted by grahamf
Lagavulin...You obviously feel our budget is a bit limited. That being the case, and given our requirements, what do you feel a more realistic figure would be for (a) a 28" screen and (b) a 32" screen?...

Hi again Graham,

Your budget ISN'T strictly speaking limited, but IMHO I reckon that when considering the understandable importance of your eye condition and desired future-proofing, a few more quid wisely spent now would provide - quite probably - exactly what you need/want and will provide a good number of years of life and, more importantly, enjoyment.

To be fair, I can't really suggest a particular figure as with internet, new year sales etc, prices are dropping left, right and centre. However, taking into account that Simon also suggests going for a 32", for what would satisfy you in ALL respects, a figure of around £800/900 should easily do it.

Since you ask, I'll offer an example; my second TV (in the dinning room) is my - relatively speaking - old Toshiba, a 32" ZP18Q. Pure flat screen, 100hz technology [major reduced flicker - important in your case I expect, plus it produces a much better pic, at least on this particular set], it has three scarts, front A/V and S-Video inputs as well as component inputs for a decent DVD player. In total 6 inputs for different sources [i.e. Sky box, game console, DVD, VCR etc., etc.] which again should be future proofed enough for ya. Picture Q is excellent, has in built Surround Sound w/ included speakers and cable [Dolby Digital no less], it is a doddle to use, and being Toshiba's picture frame design, the overall size of the set is, generally seaking, no bigger than a bog-standard 28" chassis, hence space saving as well. It doesn't have progressive scan, but since you're not yet into DVD, I can't see that being a big problem for ya. Anyway, all this for around £900 (if not less!), but finding one nowadays might be tough at it is "last years" model

Originally posted by grahamf
I am interested in your comments about DVD. Aren't there different formats to be concerned about? You are obviously happy with yours. What are the pros and cons? And, again, can you suggest a sensible price?...

As Simon says above, the only "different formats" concern 'recordable' DVD, which I assume you're NOT too interested in yet (I'm not and I love the DVD format). As for established DVD, it is simply the playback medium, much like CD is for music. The cons of DVD? I would put my neck on the line and say there are non. As a movie fan, it would be sacrilege to watch a film now on VHS. Ok, yeah, it might be easy to scratch a DVD disc and ruin it, but if you look after CD's, it's no different with DVD's.

The pro's? If you like movies, there are too many to list. For example, on the above Tosh TV, with a good DVD player plugged into it via some decent cables, watching a movie will never be the same again. Awesome picture quality, fantastic audio in surround sound, easy access to scenes, FF & RW just so quick and easy, wonderful menu system, extra features on your fave movies such as deleted scenes, cast & crew interviews etc., etc., etc.

I would say a pretty top of the range all round DVD player could be picked up for no more than £300 (my first cost £550 and would be compared to the cheap £100 budget models today )...

Anyway, hope that helps, but I reckon the more Q's you ask, the more Q's will be raised. We're here Graham so don't feel daunted. Just ask away.

Best wishes,

LAGAVULIN

Hi Lagavulin,

Well, I've been and gone and done it. After much thought during the last week, we decided that a 32" set just wasn't going to fit in our sitting room. After much reading and a lot of time viewing and re-viewing today, I've ordered a Panasonic TX28PS 12C from John Lewis. The picture was great and it seemes to have all that options that matter to me.

I got it for £499 with a full, free, 5-year guarantee thrown in. After I've finished here I'll spend some time checking prices elsewhere - JL confirmed that, while they won't apply their price promise against internet companies, they will apply it against any company which has a shop anywhere in the UK. So off I go....

By the way, I decided against a DVD player just now. I'm going to get used to the TV first, then consider whether to upgrade sound or go to DVD player/recorder in a wee while.

I've noticed comments about getting good quality leads. While I'm waiting for the TV to come, should I order some? Does it really make a difference?

Thanks

[Lagavulin]

Originally posted by grahamf
...After much thought during the last week, we decided that a 32" set just wasn't going to fit in our sitting room. After much reading and a lot of time viewing and re-viewing today, I've ordered a Panasonic TX28PS 12C from John Lewis. The picture was great and it seemes to have all that options that matter to me...I got it for £499 with a full, free, 5-year guarantee thrown in. After I've finished here I'll spend some time checking prices elsewhere - JL confirmed that, while they won't apply their price promise against internet companies, they will apply it against any company which has a shop anywhere in the UK. So off I go...

Hi Graham,

Nice to hear from you again. I've just done a very quick search on your new Panny set, and from what I can gather, £499 is a FANTASTIC price for this TV. I doubt you'll find too much of a difference at any high-street store. Empire Direct is £497 and you'd have an extra delivery charge on top of that and NO 5 yr guarantee. Well done!

Also, it's a very well specified TV. 2 RGB Scart sockets and a whole host of picture processing. I think you've done ok there Graham.

Originally posted by grahamf
...By the way, I decided against a DVD player just now. I'm going to get used to the TV first, then consider whether to upgrade sound or go to DVD player/recorder in a wee while.

I've noticed comments about getting good quality leads. While I'm waiting for the TV to come, should I order some? Does it really make a difference?

Eeerrr...the simple answer is yes. For this set, you don't need to go mental and spend hundreds (like me ), but yeah a couple of good quality scart leads [something on the lines of - click on these links to my preffered cable supplier whom I can vouch for wholeheartedly) QED Flat Scart Ixos Scart will be a very worthwhile investment for your new set. Depending on what other equipment you're gonna connect to the set, a few other decent cables MIGHT be needed, but wait until you've taken delivery of your new telly and set it up. In time, you'll get an idea of what you might want to do.

Best wishes and here's hoping that you'll thoroughly enjoy your new set

LAGAVULIN