Question Advice about a simple TV with Freeview, please.

Ignorance

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We're ready to upgrade our 12-year old Sony KDL-40W4000 40" Bravia LCD TV but the choice is mind-boggling and I'd appreciate some advice, please.
We only watch Freeview (ancient aerial on roof) and don't intend to play games or subscribe to anything but would love to have a good picture and sound.
We have adsl broadband (about to upgrade to basic fibre) and a Manahattan recorder - the picture is greatly improved now we watch through that.
We want a freestanding TV, ideally with central pedestal, and think we fancy a screen around 55ins.
We aren't tied to a budget but don't want to waste money on extra things that would be pointless for us or that we wouldn't appreciate.
Husband enjoys opera and concerts so it seems we might also want a soundbar, which I am even more ignorant about, and I've seen mentions
of sub-woofers (whatever they are) so would appreciate thoughts about that too, please.
So, I hope I've given you enough info and that someone can offer an opinion about Oled, Qled etc and ideally make some recommendations please.
Many thanks for your time and thoughts.
 
Many thanks, David - looks a good improvement and I like the suggestion I've read in some posts here, not to automatically go for the latest models........ but we don't necessarily want to be cheap.
You think these new concepts like 4k, Oled etc would be somewhat wasted on us?
 
Many thanks, David - looks a good improvement and I like the suggestion I've read in some posts here, not to automatically go for the latest models........ but we don't necessarily want to be cheap.
You think these new concepts like 4k, Oled etc would be somewhat wasted on us?
For Freeview, even the free to air HD channels, yes

If you want to go to 55, this would fit the bit and JL are doing a deal when bought with a sound bar one of which would be a worthwhile investment (no TVs have great sound)

 
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Many thanks Vick - we would prefer 55 and that looks a good deal.
I saved similar idea on Amazon (though out of stock) but wondered if we should choose a better TV. Panasonic TX-55HX580BZ 55 Inch 4K Ultra HD Multi HDR LED LCD Smart TV with Freeview Play (2020) + SC-HTB258EBK Bluetooth Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer.
Apologies I got it wrong - husband says we don't just watch freeview
as his operas/concerts are on utube and apparently we look at stuff on catch-up.
 
But presumably not 4K UHD material?
Catch up will be in standard definition or 1080p high def only (if not using Netflix/Prime/Sky Q)

Amazon only give a one year warranty, John Lewis or Richer Sounds give 5/6 years as standard

There’s a really good buyer guide here...you need to know whether you watch head on or from an angle, and in a light or darker environment


That Panasonic would fall under the non recommended umbrella

Do you have a hi fi separates system that you otherwise listen to music on...you can potentially hook that up to the TV if so
 
That is wonderfully helpful Vick and I thank you. We watch head-on. TV is in a dark alcove and the window is behind us. Husband says his hi-fi is too old to link.
I've been reading loads of reviews and expert opinions including the link you suggest but the writers assume everyone watches netflix and has alexa etc and although I've read about stuff, I still really have no idea what 4K UHD etc mean.
The John Lewis Samsung deal sounds great thanks - we will think about it a bit longer and probably go for that unless anybody has other thoughts.
I'm a bit sad that it's not worth it for us to go for these newest models, but very grateful to you for letting me know
 
What's your viewing distance?

You could either go the route of a separate soundbar or AV receiver, speakers and sub, or you could buy a TV with a soundbar built in. Typically the former is better value, but requires some set up, whilst the latter you will end up paying more for the TV, but the sound is part of the TV itself so there's no setup.

Its worth noting that with modern TVs Freeview isn't going to be their fortee, so whilst they should be a lot better than your old TV, they are more suited to watching UHD material than HD, so perhaps buying instead a 50" HD model would be a better idea depending on how close you view the TV.
 
That is wonderfully helpful Vick and I thank you. We watch head-on. TV is in a dark alcove and the window is behind us. Husband says his hi-fi is too old to link.
I've been reading loads of reviews and expert opinions including the link you suggest but the writers assume everyone watches netflix and has alexa etc and although I've read about stuff, I still really have no idea what 4K UHD etc mean.
The John Lewis Samsung deal sounds great thanks - we will think about it a bit longer and probably go for that unless anybody has other thoughts.
I'm a bit sad that it's not worth it for us to go for these newest models, but very grateful to you for letting me know
The Samsung is a new model, it’s just not the newer and much more expensive OLED technology :)
Richer Sounds also have the same Tv with Samsung sound bar deal, with a few more options of sound system to choose from
 
We sit 14 ft away from the screen.
I am grateful to have your help as well, Xander - I did look at your very informative links but had no idea if we'd want UHD etc, and will now check your recommendations with a little less ignorance.
I'll also look again and consider Richersounds, thanks Vick.
Many thanks.......I'll be back.
 
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https://www.appliancesdirect.co.uk/p/55un81006lb/lg-55un81006lb?wgu=272125_187205_16115291719804_f9cd2de859&wgexpiry=1619305171&utm_
source=Staircase%2051%20Ltd&utm_medium=webgains&refsource=webgains

LG 55UN81006LB
is £499 - It seems to be one of Dodgexanders recommendations and I'd appreciate any thoughts please - much cheaper than anywhere else as far as I can find but
shorter warranty presumably. If we buy it and husband is unhappy with the sound, I'll be back
for advice re soundbars. Grateful for your help and advice.
 
@Ignorance that TV is just a variation of their UN series. So picture quality is going to be similar to the usually cheaper UN7100 even.

Check the differences between each model here: http://hdtelevizija.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/LG_TV_LineUp_chart_2020_v1.0.pdf

Most people don't need the extra's the higher model numbers TVs bring, but perhaps you are willing to pay extra if you want an extra HDMI port?

Don't make the common misconception many people do (and manufacturers want you to do) and think that a higher number TV equates to a better picture.
 
Although the Sony 9505 is better than the 9005 :)
 
Although the Sony 9505 is better than the 9005 :)
Yup, but the XH9196 is not better than the XH8505 and the XH9296 is not better than the XH9005. They all do it, just different examples. Samsung and LG are the worse though.
 
When I was looking for a suitable Freeview TV for the guest bedroom some years ago I put my faith in "Screen Definition".

I finally decided on an "LG" with a Screen Def. of 1920 x 1080.

Certainly wasn't disappointed, best picture of all the other 4 TV's in the house.

Vin Blanc
 
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Am grateful for your thoughts and advice. Agree it sounds wise to have a long warranty.
Unless you think it is a bad decision, we fancy Philips 58PUS8555 (in Xander's list. 58" is ok)
at £649 from Richer Sounds and hope the sound will be ok but if not, can get a soundbar later.
We'd prefer this small footprint so it fits on our TV stand and we like that it swivels.
Otherwise we could get something cheaper, with feet, and replace the TV stand.
Generally has good reviews but some on the Philips website are very critical, which is a big concern
Many thanks
 

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