[CYMRAES]

Looking at 32" CRT, came across the JVC AV-32R57SK for £350 delivered. Wonder how it is - can't find it in any shops, only on websites, (it is shown as "NEW") and can't find any reviews. Looking at the JVC because they seem to offer more inputs, many with 3 scarts etc. This model has inputs for home cinema/surround sound - has a subwoofer and speakers included.

Would appreciate feedback - did like the JVT HV-32D40 which has integrated freeview, great reviews, but do not want to pay £600 plus for a CRT! There is the JVC AV-32T5BK but doesn't seem to have the inputs etc - perhaps you know better!

[sparky_paul]

You can get the user manuals from JVC here

http://www.jvc.co.uk/download.php?type=2

...which is quite useful as there are specifications at the back. Just put the model in the search box, e.g. 32r57

There's also review of the AV-32R57SK here

http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-...?reviewid=6315

As far as I know, both the TVs you mention have 3 scarts, with two of them being RGB enabled.

[CYMRAES]

I had seen the review in 'Home cinema choice', and although I have been on JVC website, did not come across the manual, so thank you. I was wondering if anyone had this set at all, but I suppose if it is a new set, there isn't anyone here that has gone for it.

It does seem a reasonable price (£336.00) if I decide to go for a new CRT, although it is without integrated freeview. The nicest one is the JVC HV32D40, and cheapest I found was £591.00, but if I were to spend that amount, I would probably go for LCD. I will have to make a decision in the next few weeks, as watching a 12" portable since my 28" sony packed in over 6 weeks ago is driving me nuts!

Thanks again for your help.

[aekostas]

Originally Posted by CYMRAES

The nicest one is the JVC HV32D40, and cheapest I found was £591.00, but if I were to spend that amount, I would probably go for LCD.

Would you? I just came back from a 3-hour trek looking at TVs. Very disappointed and confused:

• Costco have 2 CRTs available, a Sony and a 36" Toshiba at more money that the Bank of England has ever printed. JL no longer stock CRTs. I am disgusted, because...
• What I saw from LCDs (even without looking at the prices) was disheartening: I was watching the news from 5m and as soon as the presenter moved their head you could see it go soft, until it stopped moving again. Watching footbal must be absolutely painful. I also thought that the images looked as flat as the screens.
• Comet (esp) and Currys, that have quite a few CRTs on display, have such a variable signal that one cannot deduce anything about PQ (and I assume that PQ is subjective). A salesperson advised me to look at the website reviews!!! Speaking of which...
• The one CRT I liked, Toshiba 28YT56, gets very bad press in this forum. I also liked the colours of the Philips (PW6720D05), but reading letters looked jumpy. The JVC AV28T5SK looked generally OK if not as sharp as the Philips next to it; it also looked to me like it rendered cool (green?) while the Philips was a bit yellow perhaps.

I am pleased I paid £75 to replace all the capacitors of my old, 21" Grundig in Sept and I am not so desperate, though I now see a few red and green horizontal lines at the top when showing a black bg. I am extremely unhappy at the options available (or lack thereof). Thanks for reading though

[CYMRAES]

aekostas, I know what you mean - I have made a few visits to look at different tv's - CRT and LCD. I have also spent the past 6 weeks looking through forums - CRT and LCD.

I had been sold on the Toshiba 32YT56 until reading so many negatives (not only on the AV forum, but also reviews from other sources) especially with sound issues that I dropped it completely!

I am in a dilema, especially as I am getting rather depressed at watching a 12" portable since my 28" died on me. Anyway, I am none the wiser - do I spend a few hundred more on LCD, as we are pushed to believe it is the way forward, or spend around £500 on a CRT??? Let's face it, a 32" CRT is so so bulky and heavy, it is very tempting to go for a light slim panel. All the CRT's I have been looking in to have negatives, and not many have the inputs I would like - many have just 2 scarts and an RF input! On the other hand, any LCD you look into has negatives, and everyone has an opinion.

It is confusing, and no matter how many times I go to have a look at tv's in a shop, you don't get a true picture or sound because of the set up.

I can see what is going to happen, I am going to get to a point that I get so fed up, I shall buy something and make a big mistake out of desparation!

[sparky_paul]

Originally Posted by CYMRAES

It does seem a reasonable price (£336.00) if I decide to go for a new CRT, although it is without integrated freeview. The nicest one is the JVC HV32D40, and cheapest I found was £591.00, but if I were to spend that amount, I would probably go for LCD.

I've just been looking around for a 32" CRT, I too looked at LCDs but found that whilst they are much improved, the PQ still falls short of a good CRT - and try watching them in a room with a sunny window...

The HV-32D40 and HV-28D40 are getting increasingly hard to find, there's a few still advertising them but there's another thread on here about them not actually being in stock. I settled on a HV-32P37 from empiredirect - I wasn't bothered about freeview as I have a freeview PVR and Sky. From what I have read it's a similar TV to the HV-32D40, but a slightly earlier model, without the digital tuner and it looks very different. However, it was £408 delivered - I think they may have gone up a little now though.

It was delivered earlier this week, but unfortunately, they managed to deliver the wrong stand with it, and bizarrely, the only way they can rectify this is to deliver a complete new TV and stand, and take the first TV and stand away, despite the thing being in two completely separate boxes. Crazy...

So I am waiting for a call on Monday to arrange another delivery. I have tried the TV, and was very impressed with it - it was much better on analogue/RGB signals than I expected after reading some of the comments on here and the review on HCC, but it did require much experimentation tweaking with the DIST settings to get the picture right. Being able to connect DVD via component progressive scan on AV4 is a real bonus. I think the only real negative is the size of it, having the speakers at the side as it does - although I think it will look OK on the stand.

Originally Posted by aekostas

The JVC AV28T5SK looked generally OK if not as sharp as the Philips next to it; it also looked to me like it rendered cool (green?) while the Philips was a bit yellow perhaps.

I noticed the cold, greeny-blue on mine as soon as I turned it on - the TV has an adjustment for COLOUR TEMP. in the menus, with cool, normal and warm settings. The TVs are shipped with it on COOL, changing this to NORMAL fixed this - I reckon the T5 has the same adjustment.

[CYMRAES]

I settled on a HV-32P37 from empiredirect - I wasn't bothered about freeview as I have a freeview PVR and Sky. From what I have read it's a similar TV to the HV-32D40, but a slightly earlier model, without the digital tuner and it looks very different.

Sounds pretty good - I have just had a look at it. Empire direct has also got the JVC AV32E50S for around the same price and it has integrated freeview. Don't know if I could add surround sound to it, although there are left and right audio inputs at the back.

unfortunately, they managed to deliver the wrong stand with it

I hope you get some luck with sorting the order mix up quickly - it is bizarre that they couldn't just deliver a stand only!

I went out this morning to look at tv's - again! Still don't know what to do - unfortunately couldn't find any of the jvc models I have been looking at on the web! Wonder whether to go for one without seeing it in the flesh as it were?!

[aekostas]

Originally Posted by CYMRAES

I went out this morning to look at tv's - again! Still don't know what to do - unfortunately couldn't find any of the jvc models I have been looking at on the web! Wonder whether to go for one without seeing it in the flesh as it were?!

Pot luck, mate, though I am not sure anymore if it's any different from seeing it in advance. I am about to take the family out on a related outing. I am 70% settled on the Toshiba 28YT56; they can't all be broken, and that's what warranties are for. Of course noone needs the hassle, but at least it does not cost the earth.

[aekostas]

Originally Posted by sparky_paul

I settled on a HV-32P37 from empiredirect - I wasn't bothered about freeview as I have a freeview PVR and Sky. From what I have read it's a similar TV to the HV-32D40, but a slightly earlier model, without the digital tuner and it looks very different.

It is also 100Hz, unlike the d40!!!

Originally Posted by sparky_paul

I noticed the cold, greeny-blue on mine as soon as I turned it on - the TV has an adjustment for COLOUR TEMP. in the menus, with cool, normal and warm settings. The TVs are shipped with it on COOL, changing this to NORMAL fixed this - I reckon the T5 has the same adjustment.

Ace, thanks. The JVCs also come in black!

[sparky_paul]

Originally Posted by aekostas

It is also 100Hz, unlike the d40!!!

I think both the D40 and P37 are 75Hz sets, according to JVC.

I was also looking at the 32" Toshibas, they are a very nice set and get good reviews - it's the comments on here that made me a bit wary, especially about the whistling...

[sparky_paul]

Originally Posted by CYMRAES

I hope you get some luck with sorting the order mix up quickly - it is bizarre that they couldn't just deliver a stand only!

I went out this morning to look at tv's - again! Still don't know what to do - unfortunately couldn't find any of the jvc models I have been looking at on the web! Wonder whether to go for one without seeing it in the flesh as it were?!

I was scratching my head when I came off the phone, I can tell you...

They understood what I was saying, they just couldn't (or wouldn't) swap the stand on it's own. Instead of a nice, new, boxed TV in stock, they'll have one which has been out of the box, used, and boxed up again... and have to transport them from Leeds and back... absolutely barmy...

Can't say I would recommend them, unless you really want the 32P37, CS are poor and emailing them is a waste of time - you have to phone to get anything done. Even then it's hard work.

I bought the 32P37 without seeing it, I'd seen the D40 a while ago, but it was too much £££ for me. There are very few JVCs in the shops, I haven't seen any 32" ones round here recently.

[CYMRAES]

They understood what I was saying, they just couldn't (or wouldn't) swap the stand on it's own. Instead of a nice, new, boxed TV in stock, they'll have one which has been out of the box, used, and boxed up again... and have to transport them from Leeds and back... absolutely barmy...

Surely you could insist on keeping the new tv you have! Why don't you send the one that arrives with the courier back and keep the stand - I would. Do not settle for a tv that has been out of the box and used. Remember, you are the customer - it doesn't make one bit of difference to them which one you send back. I would not pack the one you have received to send back if you are happy with it. I would just send the wrong stand back - makes no difference to the courier!

I think I shall have to think twice about empire direct - don't like the sound of that.

Out of curiosity, why didn't you go for the JVC AV32E50S as it cost the same and is IDTV - I know you have a freeview box and sky, but you could have got rid of one box and gained a scart.

[aekostas]

Originally Posted by sparky_paul

I think both the D40 and P37 are 75Hz sets, according to JVC.

I had a look at the website and could not find data on the p37. Pricerunner classes it as a 100hz:

http://www.pricerunner.co.uk/sound-a...189686/details

[aekostas]

Originally Posted by aekostas

I am about to take the family out on a related outing. I am 70% settled on the Toshiba 28YT56; they can't all be broken, and that's what warranties are for.

Inconclusive visit, other than that we are assessing our targets. We prefer 32 to 28; we believe we need 100Hz; and it looks likely we will need to sacrifice the ID bit.

The 32YT56 flickered terribly with snooker on. There were no 100Hz IDTVs available and the analogue signal was so terrible we could not understand what was going on.

If we go back on the previous priorities, the 28YT56 it is.

And all this is in the wrong thread

[sparky_paul]

Originally Posted by aekostas

I had a look at the website and could not find data on the p37. Pricerunner classes it as a 100hz

I only know because it's been discussed here in a few threads. There is a comparison of the specs here

http://www.jvc.nl/files/techspec/04jnl_television1.pdf

Gary_B has confirmed this, and that the D40 and P37 are similar apart from the looks and the digital tuner - he seems very clued up on the JVCs.

[sparky_paul]

Originally Posted by CYMRAES

Surely you could insist on keeping the new tv you have! Why don't you send the one that arrives with the courier back and keep the stand - I would. Do not settle for a tv that has been out of the box and used. Remember, you are the customer - it doesn't make one bit of difference to them which one you send back. I would not pack the one you have received to send back if you are happy with it. I would just send the wrong stand back - makes no difference to the courier!

I think I shall have to think twice about empire direct - don't like the sound of that.

Out of curiosity, why didn't you go for the JVC AV32E50S as it cost the same and is IDTV - I know you have a freeview box and sky, but you could have got rid of one box and gained a scart.

What they're bringing is another, brand new TV in a sealed box. It's them that will have the secondhand one - as I was happy with the one I've got, you would think they would be happy to keep the new one. But no, apparantly not... I will talk to them again on Monday when they ring, see if I can talk to someone with some sense.

I did look at the AV-32E50, but my freeview box is a recorder so I would still want to use that - it's all daisy chained together on one scart anyway.

You can't beat the connectivity on the HV-32P37, 5 AV inputs - three scarts for AV1, AV2 and AV3, two of which are RGB capable, Progressive Scan Component input on AV4, and a composite/s-video on AV5.

[aekostas]

Originally Posted by sparky_paul

I have tried the TV, and was very impressed with it - it was much better on analogue/RGB signals than I expected after reading some of the comments on here and the review on HCC, but it did require much experimentation tweaking with the DIST settings to get the picture right.

Thanks for this. Have you watched any live football? Or snooker? I think that's where the problems arose in the review, (and with other tvs like the Philips 9309 of yesteryear); live broadcasts and large areas of the same colour. Do you have Freeview? That's my usual source.

JVCs also suffer from softness; I have seen this with the AV-28T5 (no JVC 32s to be seen around here ) any comments?

Let me know if you don't mind

[sparky_paul]

Originally Posted by aekostas

Have you watched any live football? Or snooker? I think that's where the problems arose in the review, (and with other tvs like the Philips 9309 of yesteryear); live broadcasts and large areas of the same colour.

JVCs also suffer from softness; I have seen this with the AV-28T5 (no JVC 32s to be seen around here ) any comments?

I'm not a big football fan, in fact I haven't watched a lot of TV this weekend, but I have seen some snooker. I was watching this on freeview, and I did have to play with the settings when I saw this - there was obvious fixed pixellation on the green baize, setting VNR (noise reduction) to MAX cured this - I think this may be necessary on many of the broadcast channels. I couldn't see any obvious problems with movement, etc.

The problem with this TV is that the picture is very clear, and this does show up the quality of digital transmissions. Some of the Sky channels are still good, but most are now pretty poor quality and I think you need the VNR at max. for most of them. Also, the digital processing on the TV can make a bad picture look terrible if the settings are wrong - and they are wrong out of the box.

I did notice something else - when there was a full view of the table on screen, i.e. lots of green, the (small) red balls have a 'halo' which I couldn't completely get rid of - however, looking at my old basic 50Hz 32" TV, it's even worse - I concluded that it must be the poor quality of the broadcast.

As for softness, certainly with the "Super Digipure" set to OFF, the picture is very soft indeed - but with it at MIN. setting, the picture looks very sharp, especially with a good source.

Hope this helps.

[CYMRAES]

The problem with this TV is that the picture is very clear, and this does show up the quality of digital transmissions. Some of the Sky channels are still good, but most are now pretty poor quality and I think you need the VNR at max. for most of them. Also, the digital processing on the TV can make a bad picture look terrible if the settings are wrong - and they are wrong out of the box.

You don't seem to be very pleased with this tv - when you say

I think you need the VNR at max. for most of them.

does this mean that you would have to change/adjust settings depending on what you are watching?

What about the look of the set - as there aren't any JVC tv's to be seen in this area, all I have been able to do is to view on the websites. This set (no offence) looks cheap - I know pictures on websites don't do them justice, but just wondered what you think.

Overall, is this a good buy, or are you wondering whether you should have gone for another tv?

[aekostas]

Originally Posted by CYMRAES

Overall, is this a good buy, or are you wondering whether you should have gone for another tv?

Mate,

I had another night in last night checking kelkoo, HCC and this forum. There is no perfect set, I don't think. I am off for what I intend to be my last outing, then I am placing an order. What? I will post back, but please note this:

Your Mileage May Vary.

[sparky_paul]

Originally Posted by CYMRAES

You don't seem to be very pleased with this tv - when you say ... does this mean that you would have to change/adjust settings depending on what you are watching?

After some time playing with the settings, I was happy with the set up for normal viewing - if you wanted to squeeze the last ounce of PQ from a good DVD, however, you could tweak the settings. It's a shame you can't set these settings for each input.

Originally Posted by CYMRAES

What about the look of the set - as there aren't any JVC tv's to be seen in this area, all I have been able to do is to view on the websites. This set (no offence) looks cheap - I know pictures on websites don't do them justice, but just wondered what you think.

I initially liked the AV-32T5S, but couldn't get one for the right price - we looked at the 32R57, but didn't like the look of it - that looks plasticy too, mainly the bit below the screen.

I was a bit nervous about the looks, and I know what you mean about it looking cheap - but I have to say I does look better in the flesh. What you can't see from the web pictures is that the area around the screen and speakers is a lighter silver to the rest of the case, and the shape from the top is like a narrow orange segment, with the obligatory lump sticking out of the back. As the recessed part under the screen is a slightly darker silver than the rest of the front, and the same colour as the stand, it looks like part of the stand and will make it look quite sleek. It is a wide telly though...

Overall, it's quite pleasing, much better than the cheap Vestel-produced TVs, but perhaps not as nice as some of the posh picture-frame Toshibas, etc..

Originally Posted by CYMRAES

Overall, is this a good buy, or are you wondering whether you should have gone for another tv?

It's a mixed bag really, the picture can look nothing special on poor quality channels, but it can look absolutely superb with a good source, including good quality broadcast channels, the picture can be really amazing. I can't wait to get it set up properly and try the PS component inputs with the DVD. With poorer sources, once you have the settings right, I would say the picture is comparable to anything similarly priced. Despite what it said in the review, I was actually very impressed with the pictures from the internal analogue tuner.

Bearing in mind I haven't had a lot of time to watch it so far, for the money I think it's a good buy - you have to bear in mind that the TV was reviewed in HCC at an excessive £1100. I should be able to get it set up properly and give it more stick next week if you want a better appraisal.

Phew!

[sparky_paul]

Originally Posted by aekostas

Mate,

I had another night in last night checking kelkoo, HCC and this forum. There is no perfect set, I don't think. I am off for what I intend to be my last outing, then I am placing an order.

I think you're right, I was just the same - I couldn't find a set without ANY negative comments. In the end I gave in and bought this one.

[aekostas]

Originally Posted by sparky_paul

Overall, it's quite pleasing, much better than the cheap Vestel-produced TVs, but perhaps not as nice as some of the posh picture-frame Toshibas, etc...

This is an interesting comment. How can one know which are Vestel-made? Where is yours made in?

Just back from a visit. I was mightily impressed by an old, PixelPlus Philips (32PW9308C), which blew the Panasonic TX-32DTM1 away in general landscape viewing, but I could not get any football to see what people mean about related artifacts. Not paying 730 for such an old tv either.

I also got to watch the JVC 32H5 and the JVC 32E88 (which I cannot locate n HCC) and was unimpressed; the Toshiba 32YT56 was far more detailed, and had whiter whites.

But, I have to say, I am quite pleased for you.

As for me, decision pending.

[sparky_paul]

Originally Posted by aekostas

This is an interesting comment. How can one know which are Vestel-made? Where is yours made in?

Just back from a visit. I was mightily impressed by an old, PixelPlus Philips (32PW9308C), which blew the Panasonic TX-32DTM1 away in general landscape viewing, but I could not get any football to see what people mean about related artifacts. Not paying 730 for such an old tv either.

I also got to watch the JVC 32H5 and the JVC 32E88 (which I cannot locate n HCC) and was unimpressed; the Toshiba 32YT56 was far more detailed, and had whiter whites.

But, I have to say, I am quite pleased for you.

As for me, decision pending.

The Vestel produced sets usually have 'Made in Europe' on the back, but the poor quality plastics give them away a bit (look at Bush, Alba, Hitachi, cheap Toshiba, cheap JVC sets). The HV-32P37 is definitely made in JVCs East Kilbride, Glasgow factory - it says proudly 'Made in United Kingdom' on the back.

The 32H5 is a 100Hz set, I suspect a Vestel chassis, if not Vestel manufactured, and I've never seen the E88...

I really like the Philips TVs, the pictures are really colourful and rich - and there are some bargains to be had for 'graded' sets on eBay - the PixelPlus sets do have a mixed response though. The Toshiba 32YT56 is a really excellent TV and can't see anyone being disappointed with it - it's just the comments on here that put me off a little.

Buying a CRT is a bit of a minefield - even the cheap Vestel sets are pretty good now, but a lot of it is down to personal choice. I certainly wouldn't sneer at someone who had bought the cheapest CRT they could find...

[CYMRAES]

I should be able to get it set up properly and give it more stick next week if you want a better appraisal.

Well hopefully you have had some joy with the delivery of the correct stand! I would appreciate it if you could find time to give an appraisal of how good the tv is. This set does have external speakers doesn't it? With the sony I had, I did like the fact that there were 2 external speakers which I placed behind on the wall - great when you had an action film!

I agree the toshiba 32YT56 looks good, however, only two scarts and rf socket at the back. There are a couple of inputs at the side, but you wouldn't be able to put external speakers into those, or would you?

I have been following the LCD forum also - that is a mixed bag also, many having problems with sync issues and ghosting and PQ in general while watching tv! It is really difficult, as soon as I decide I am going for a CRT, I am then swaying toward LCD! It is only a tv after all - ah but it isn't is it! I am more or less housebound, so the tv is my company!

[sparky_paul]

Originally Posted by CYMRAES

Well hopefully you have had some joy with the delivery of the correct stand! I would appreciate it if you could find time to give an appraisal of how good the tv is. This set does have external speakers doesn't it? With the sony I had, I did like the fact that there were 2 external speakers which I placed behind on the wall - great when you had an action film!

They're delivering a brand new TV and stand tomorrow... bananas...

I did notice this morning that it's gone down £15 - I can confirm that this always happens when I buy something...

The 32P37 does not have the surround sound system or any external speakers, I didn't need it as I already have a SS setup. If the SS is important to you, the 32R57 is probably a good bet. One tip - If you do get one with surround sound, make sure it's got Dolby Pro-Logic (like the 32R57) to back up the Dolby Digital 5.1 - Dolby %.1 is great for DVDs, but there is nothing broadcast in Dolby 5.1 in the UK apart from a few films and some sports on Sky - and you need Sky+ to get the 5.1 connections anyway.

Originally Posted by CYMRAES

I agree the toshiba 32YT56 looks good, however, only two scarts and rf socket at the back. There are a couple of inputs at the side, but you wouldn't be able to put external speakers into those, or would you?

You wouldn't get surround sound unless the TV has the system built in to it, then they usually come with the external speakers. If you buy a TV without SS, you would have to add a separate system - although these 'home cinema' systems with DVD player can be had for less than £50 and you can always upgrade later to a better system if you want.

Originally Posted by CYMRAES

I have been following the LCD forum also - that is a mixed bag also, many having problems with sync issues and ghosting and PQ in general while watching tv! It is really difficult, as soon as I decide I am going for a CRT, I am then swaying toward LCD! It is only a tv after all - ah but it isn't is it! I am more or less housebound, so the tv is my company!

I'm not convinced by LCDs at all currently, though they are much better than the models available, say, 12 months ago.

It's said that you get used to the picture, but to me the artifacting and blurring just make it look inferior to an average CRT for freeview/Sky. There's no denying, however, that they are very stylish, and 10Kg or so for a 32" LCD is a lot easier to move than 55Kg of CRT!

[sparky_paul]

Well, the lads came with the new TV this morning, and the correct stand!

...they didn't even consider dragging the new telly up the drive, just swapped the stand. Will report back in a few days when I have set it up and used it a bit, unless anyone has any pressing questions.

[aekostas]

Originally Posted by sparky_paul

The Vestel produced sets usually have 'Made in Europe' on the back, but the poor quality plastics give them away a bit (look at Bush, Alba, Hitachi, cheap Toshiba, cheap JVC sets). The HV-32P37 is definitely made in JVCs East Kilbride, Glasgow factory - it says proudly 'Made in United Kingdom' on the back.

Thanks for this. Your last comment could have swayed me.

Originally Posted by sparky_paul

I really like the Philips TVs, the pictures are really colourful and rich - and there are some bargains to be had for 'graded' sets on eBay - the PixelPlus sets do have a mixed response though.

Bingo! That's what I went for: the 32PW9509. Wish me luck

Originally Posted by sparky_paul

The Toshiba 32YT56 is a really excellent TV and can't see anyone being disappointed with it - it's just the comments on here that put me off a little.

Well, I saw the one at the shop jumping up and down while displaying snooker. The salesperson was perplexed too. Still, that's the one I would have bought had I not gone for the gamble of the century (by my standards )

Originally Posted by sparky_paul

I certainly wouldn't sneer at someone who had bought the cheapest CRT they could find...

Agreed. I think you have made a tremendous buy, though, getting an older, quality set. I took a leaf, as you may have noticed, though not the exact one.

Can't wait!

[aekostas]

Originally Posted by CYMRAES

I agree the toshiba 32YT56 looks good, however, only two scarts and rf socket at the back.

Ah, it's actually three: 2 + the one you don't need to have occupied by the Freeview box. And it's RGB as well!

[aekostas]

Originally Posted by sparky_paul

If you buy a TV without SS, you would have to add a separate system - although these 'home cinema' systems with DVD player can be had for less than £50 and you can always upgrade later to a better system if you want.

I guess you need to look for the appropriate sound connection. If you are buying an IDTV you need this; in my case the freeview box has it, and that's the one I connect to my audio receiver. There are two types, optical and coaxial, and most appliances have one or the other.

Originally Posted by sparky_paul

I'm not convinced by LCDs at all currently, though they are much better than the models available, say, 12 months ago.

It's said that you get used to the picture, but to me the artifacting and blurring just make it look inferior to an average CRT for freeview/Sky. There's no denying, however, that they are very stylish, and 10Kg or so for a 32" LCD is a lot easier to move than 55Kg of CRT!

"Which?" only has one best buy flat-screen TV. Wifey and I really disliked all but a Philips. 1800? Any given morning. All agreed about the weight.

I think we have been ripped off en masse with the widescreen business. A 28" widescreen is only 1" or so taller than 21" 4:3. Instead of a generally bigger picture we get a few bits on the side in exchange for a right packet. CRTs have difficulty with stability at this estate and it snowballs. Add (subjective) style and (objective) weight and you easily end up with a substandard device for ginormous money.

Which is why I decided to buy now what I consider to be a quality screen, rather than wait for my old Grundig to go pop at the most inopportune time. Did I say I can't wait for it to be delivered?

CYMRAES, good luck mate. Sorry to read yoou are housebound.

As for me,