[vickysp]

I am trying to buy a HD TV for Xmas for my son who is an avid X-box gamer and have been getting a little confused.

I have done some research and i am getting conflicting messages. I read that full HD 1080p is best and is what is needed and then i read elsewhere that most people wouldnt notice difference between 720p and 1080p. I also read that X-box is 720p anyway so does that mean it is pointless spending the extra on 1080p?

Also i cannot decide about size - i am thinking 26" will be large enough for a bedroom or do you gamers recommend going to 32".

My lad is only 17 and i dont want to spend a fortune but at same time i want the unit to be fit for purpose.

I would really appreciate any help and recommendations from X-box fans.

Warm wishes Vicky.

[mudstuff]

Hi Vicky, welcome to AVF. I'm sure quite a few people will chip in with their experience. Mine is limited to larger screens really, having gamed on 360 on a 40" LCD and now a 50" plasma. What I would say is go for the biggest size you can afford - what's your budget? Personally I think there's a big difference between 26" and 32". I would also go for 1080p if he planned on getting a ps3 or bluray player in the future - I can see the difference between 720p and 1080p easily but some can't.

Looking at richer sounds, they have 32" LCDs from around £280 - LCD TVs | Flat Screen Televisions | Richer Sounds - though I'd probably pay the extra £20/£30 for a Samsung as they are pretty good for gaming and I don't know much about the Toshiba displays or know many people with them.

Best of luck!

[ODP]

Originally Posted by mudstuff

Hi Vicky, welcome to AVF. I'm sure quite a few people will chip in with their experience. Mine is limited to larger screens really, having gamed on 360 on a 40" LCD and now a 50" plasma. What I would say is go for the biggest size you can afford - what's your budget? Personally I think there's a big difference between 26" and 32". I would also go for 1080p if he planned on getting a ps3 or bluray player in the future - I can see the difference between 720p and 1080p easily but some can't.

Looking at richer sounds, they have 32" LCDs from around £280 - LCD TVs | Flat Screen Televisions | Richer Sounds - though I'd probably pay the extra £20/£30 for a Samsung as they are pretty good for gaming and I don't know much about the Toshiba displays or know many people with them.

Best of luck!

i own a 32" Samsung (LE32A436T) that i bought areound 12 months ago that was in a similar price bracket, absolutely perfect for gaming , sound is quite poor on it, so just wait for his Birthday next year and he asks for surround sound

[vickysp]

Thanks very much to you both for the replies and for the link to Richer Sounds - their prices look very good. I was thinking of spending £300-£350 but knowing my shopping habits the budget will creep.

I will certainly take your advice for going for 32" then. From everything i have read Samsung does seem to be popular choice and now you have both confirmed that they are good for gaming. I was leaning towards the LGs simply because they were generally a bit cheaper but maybe i will have to revise that then.

It is quite funny because 2 weeks ago i had never heard of 720p, 1080p, response times or anything. The internet is a marvellous thing for learning but armed with a little knowledge is when i start to get dangerous.

Thanks again. The experiences of those that are actually using the sets for the purposes my son will be really help.

[ODP]

Originally Posted by vickysp

Thanks very much to you both for the replies and for the link to Richer Sounds - their prices look very good. I was thinking of spending £300-£350 but knowing my shopping habits the budget will creep.

I will certainly take your advice for going for 32" then. From everything i have read Samsung does seem to be popular choice and now you have both confirmed that they are good for gaming. I was leaning towards the LGs simply because they were generally a bit cheaper but maybe i will have to revise that then.

It is quite funny because 2 weeks ago i had never heard of 720p, 1080p, response times or anything. The internet is a marvellous thing for learning but armed with a little knowledge is when i start to get dangerous.

Thanks again. The experiences of those that are actually using the sets for the purposes my son will be really help.

That budget will get you a perfectly good 32" telly

Samsungs are absolute magnets for dust aswell.. the glossy black finish just gets covered in about 2 days

[vickysp]

Thanks Dan - i am glad you think so as really did ought to try and stick to the budget.

It started off at £200 when i saw these cheap Technika ones in Tescos but it has already risen a lot as i have learnt more and realised that cheap Tesco jobbie probably wont answer.

nb., i am wondering if safc stands for super air flow convertor?

[Sid skills]

Originally Posted by vickysp

nb., i am wondering if safc stands for super air flow convertor?

I think it does..he'll try to tell you different but dont believe him

[ODP]

Originally Posted by Ennis

I think it does..he'll try to tell you different but dont believe him

im a very misunderstood person, most just believe its to do with some football team or something

[brumhee]

Originally Posted by vickysp

Thanks Dan - i am glad you think so as really did ought to try and stick to the budget.

It started off at £200 when i saw these cheap Technika ones in Tescos but it has already risen a lot as i have learnt more and realised that cheap Tesco jobbie probably wont answer.

nb., i am wondering if safc stands for super air flow convertor?

I bought a Samsung 2333HD for my bedroom and office (I bought 2).

It's great and cost about £250. Has a couple of hdmi, HD component connector, VGA for pc connection and built in digital tuner.

The picture is excellent and works really well with the xbox.

I got mine from PC world but shop around for the best offer.

[sdb123]

Hi Vicky,

You may also wish to post the question in the following LCD sub-forum

Which LCD TV Should I Buy? - AVForums.com

There's loads of information in there so if you read of any particular models you can search in the forum to see if there are any relevant threads about the TV.

Hope this helps,

Steve

[whodunnett]

I have a samsung 32" 720p. I bought it mainly for my bedroom, unfortunately there wasn't enough room for a bigger one . It is perfect for gaming . It seems I am always dusting it though! Regarding 1080p and 720p, 1080p is better. However if you are getting a 32", then to be honest there isn't much point getting a TV with 1080p as you wouldn't really notice the difference. I found I could only notice the difference on TVs above 40".

Let us know what you buy .

[vickysp]

Thanks Brumhee, SDB123 and Whodunnett. All your comments are really helpful - and i keep seeing Samsung mentioned over and over which has to be a good pointer.

This is a really helpful and friendly forum - i was a little nervous coming on here with my numpty post and you have all been really kind. I will report back on final purchase.

Warm wishes
Vicky.

nb. lol, at safc_dan - i had to google it before i came up with Sunderland.

[ODP]

Originally Posted by vickysp

Thanks Brumhee, SDB123 and Whodunnett. All your comments are really helpful - and i keep seeing Samsung mentioned over and over which has to be a good pointer.

This is a really helpful and friendly forum - i was a little nervous coming on here with my numpty post and you have all been really kind. I will report back on final purchase.

Warm wishes
Vicky.

nb. lol, at safc_dan - i had to google it before i came up with Sunderland.

Women eh?

[brumhee]

Originally Posted by vickysp

Thanks Brumhee, SDB123 and Whodunnett. All your comments are really helpful - and i keep seeing Samsung mentioned over and over which has to be a good pointer.

This is a really helpful and friendly forum - i was a little nervous coming on here with my numpty post and you have all been really kind. I will report back on final purchase.

Warm wishes
Vicky.

nb. lol, at safc_dan - i had to google it before i came up with Sunderland.

No worries Vicky our friendliness and devilish good looks are what makes these forums the best

Best of luck shopping.

[mudstuff]

^ what he said

Good luck with your purchase, I'm sure you're son will enjoy it, whatever you get. If not, give him a slap from me - no-one buys me a TV!*


* The Mrs did actually put £500 towards the 50V10, that's my definition of love!

[Milamb]

One thing I would add is that it is very important that you get at least a 3 or preferably 5 year warranty on his tv. I had two Samsung LCD tv's ( 23 & 32" ) and both were broken within two years. Very important !!!!

[KirkSi]

Seconded on the warranty thing (although not because of faulty Samsungs, just in general). Costco offer a standard 3 year warranty and John Lewis a 5 year. John Lewis will price match any bricks and mortar store (and some internet retailers that also have physical shops) so it's well worth trying to get it from John Lewis with a price match. There's a massive thread in the LCD section that has people reporting what price matches they're getting and from where which saves you the hassle of searching round yourself.

[vickysp]

Mudstuff, i would not be so kind to my hubs.

Will take the warranty thing into account - good thinking. I have a Costo card so will pop by to see what they have (shame they dont seem to have their stock listed online). I have never asked anyone to price match so will have to get braver.

Thanks again everyone.

[Dinky Dragon]

Hat off to you Vicky, not many Mums would go this far!



Id also recommend Samsung, but stay away from Dixons and Currys. Way overpriced.

If you find the set you want, may be worth popping into a PC world, they are very easily tempted to give out managers discounts with a little haggling. More so with women!

Sometimes its good to play us guys for the fools we are!

[djstriker2009]

i have the technika 37 inch that i bought from tesco for the price its a great tv the graphics look realy good from the xbox and its full 1080p hd aswell

[vickysp]

Thanks for kind words Dao. Made me smile.

DJStriker - now that is interesting to hear. My local Tescos have these;
Technika Full HD 1080p in Full HD 1080p 27 - 39 inch screen Televisions Sound & Vision Direct - Tesco.Direct

[sdb123]

Vicky,

Straight-forward advice from me (though some may disagree).

1080p isn't a must-have in a set this size (it may be a nice-to-have). In my experience you really have to have a display 50" and greater to realise the full benefit of a 1080p resolution/signal. A 720p set is absolutely fine for your son's requirements.

Steve

[Dinky Dragon]

Naaaa I have a 37, and its all good. 1080p is future proofing. Chances are the lad will use 1080i over 720p anyway like alot of people do so why not go one better?

[vickysp]

lol, this is the dilemma Steve and Dao. For my budget i could pick up a Samsung 720p or a budget 1080p but not it seems a Samsung 1080p.

I did come across this 1080p LG on special at Debenhams;
LG TVs - LCD 32LF2510 - Debenhams Electricals

Everywhere i am looking Samsung is recommended though. So if getting a Samsung it would need to be a 720p.

I am getting more confused by the minute - and looking at TVS there are so many numbers.

[schrodingergeek]

Personally i'd get the best tv i could afford on my budget, rather than the largest. As someone else has mentioned, in the LCD forum there are individual threads for almost all TVs (especially Samsungs) when you've narrowed down your choices; might be worth a quick skim through to see any issues/advice.

Also, i don't know how savvy your son is technology wise, but it might be worth directing him there after he has finished jumping up and down with joy and hugging the TV. I got LOADS of help there when i got my new TV. These sets need a little bit of setting tweaking to get the best out of them, especially when used for gaming. AVOID using GAME MODE at all costs (just to clarify, don't avoid a set just because it has game mode though, just don't use that mode ).

Good luck with your purchase, i remember this part of buying a new TV, it was fun. Just don't do what i did and constantly think 'if i just spend £XX more i can get XX' etc etc

[Dinky Dragon]

Thats a good LG.

Righto, what is your exact budget limit? Also are you worried about all this warranty Mumbo? Chances are, before the standard 2 year runs out, your boy will have a job and will be wanting a bigger set (I know I was like that)

Lemme know and Ill find you a good Samsung set, I am after all the Samsung Master.

[OldSkoO1]

Last year i was looking for an LCD for the bedroom and it is now used for my xbox.

I got a Sony KDL-26T3000 and it has been absolutely superb. Perfect even. Its only 720P but i dont think games are 1080P yet, i think you can only get some 1080P content from Zune or something.

Anyway, unless you go oversize or sit very close the difference between 720P and 1080P isn't night and day when the source is 1080P.


I will say though, 26inch is a good size for freeview in a bedroom (which is what we initially bought the TV for). But with all the HD games content and viewing it on my big plasma downstairs you sometimes find that 26inch isn't as immersive as it could be unless you sit closer which is what i do. 32inch might be better.

But if it was me, personally i would go for a better, smaller 26inch panel for about £350 over a cheap 32inch panel. Having said that, do have a look in the TV forums here as there may be some very pleased people who have bought bigger cheaper panels where HD gaming is just as good as anything else more expensive, sacrificing PQ on freeview or dvd.

I would look at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-TX...8648637&sr=1-6
or
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-KDL26S5...8648637&sr=1-9
Or oddball
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.206-0829.aspx

[sdb123]

Originally Posted by Dao Fei Long

Naaaa I have a 37, and its all good. 1080p is future proofing.

1080p is only future-proofing if you get a decent enough set.

[mudstuff]

Originally Posted by vickysp

lol, this is the dilemma Steve and Dao. For my budget i could pick up a Samsung 720p or a budget 1080p but not it seems a Samsung 1080p.

I did come across this 1080p LG on special at Debenhams;
LG TVs - LCD 32LF2510 - Debenhams Electricals

Everywhere i am looking Samsung is recommended though. So if getting a Samsung it would need to be a 720p.

I am getting more confused by the minute - and looking at TVS there are so many numbers.

I'd probably stick with Samsung as they have a better reputation than LG - at least, I know more people with them and they are all happy that is. If budget does not permit 1080p, get a 720p set. I do a fair bit of design and photography and have been using high resolution displays for years at sizes ranging from 17" - 24" so I notice the difference at any size. I'd say 40" is the sweet spot for me as I can see a lot more flaws in the Sky HD picture on my new 50" plasma compared to my 40" LCD and would say 50" is as big as I will go until higher resolutions are available in a few years (4K).

That said, with a high quality source such as bluray or the xbox360, the picture on the 50" is fantastic and should be equally so on a 32" 720p set. Just thought I'd give you some background on where I'm coming from to reassure you 720p won't be bad by any means. As Dao Fei Long says, he'll likely upgrade it himself in due course.

@schrodingergeek - I think that's a bit of a sweeping statement regarding game mode. It can be used to cover a multitude of sins and some sets indeed suffer less lag and better picture quality outside of their game mode but it is unfair to tar all TV's with the same brush. The point of a game mode is normally to turn off additional processing for a cleaner signal, resulting in less lag (delay between hitting a button on the pad and that being converted to an action on screen - for Vicky's benefit). Some TV's get this wrong but not all.

Granted my V10 is a good model but I notice no difference in lag between the technically accurate THX mode or the game mode which is a little more vibrant which I prefer. I'm sure there are other TV's whose game mode works as advertised.

[schrodingergeek]

Originally Posted by mudstuff

@schrodingergeek - I think that's a bit of a sweeping statement regarding game mode. It can be used to cover a multitude of sins and some sets indeed suffer less lag and better picture quality outside of their game mode but it is unfair to tar all TV's with the same brush. The point of a game mode is normally to turn off additional processing for a cleaner signal, resulting in less lag (delay between hitting a button on the pad and that being converted to an action on screen - for Vicky's benefit). Some TV's get this wrong but not all.

Granted my V10 is a good model but I notice no difference in lag between the technically accurate THX mode or the game mode which is a little more vibrant which I prefer. I'm sure there are other TV's whose game mode works as advertised.

Good point, it was a bit of an unfair sweeping statement. I only mentioned it because sometimes people think they've purchased a bad TV when in reality it just needs some tweaking. This can be exacerbated in Game mode, which can sometimes () have a poor picture.

Everyone i've spoken to with a Samsung in this price bracket avoid game mode at all costs. Anecdotal i know, but something to consider; especially if equal input lag can be achieved without it (allowing you to tweak other settings that don't increase input lag which Game mode usually lock).