Advice on TV with Antenna feed and streaming.

[Matt 0987654321]

My brother always comes to me for AV advice. This time he is looking to change his Panny 50’’ plasma.
He currently watches Netflix through the PS3 but tells me this no longer works. He has a large sitting room but I think 65’’ would be too big. Anyway he had seen a review of a Panny 65 OLED and was thinking of buying.
I suggested an LG 55 CX as he will get and extra 5 inches with minimal outer frame dimension increase to what he presently has.
The only issue and what is making me reticent to recommend is that he only has an internet link provided by vodaphone and a terrestrial antenna.
His link to the WiFi hub isn’t great. He does not want Sky (who does!) or Virgin. So boosters may be on order.
Are there better ‘connectivity wise’ TV’s then LG, can LG do all the on demand catch up services? Even though I have LG I watch catch up thro the V box. Is Sony an option, they seemed to be mentioned alongside the LG’s.
If 65’’ is the preference is the Panny HZ 65 2000B the way to go, it gets good reviews but it seems expensive. He could save £1800 and get additional gear.
Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Dodgexander]

LGs 2020 models are missing TV catchup apps in the UK apart from iPlayer, they may or may not add the others in the future.

Regarding the WiFi signal, you'll just have to try it and see. 25mbps is needed to reach the TV as a minimum if he wants to stream on Netflix and alike in UHD quality. Otherwise it will be limited to HD.

The Panasonic 65HZ2000 is a specialist product for those who want the very best money can buy, its not really comparable to getting the LG CX, and if its not going to be used for things like UHD Blu-Rays I'd consider it a big overkill. There are better priced OLEDs at the moment than Panasonic models anyway.

My suggestion if he wants all the catchup services is to go with Philips or Sony instead. The Philips 8 series OLEDs are great TVs but without good audio.

If he wants to pay for better audio, consider their 9 series ones, or the Sony A8 OLED.

My best value TVs, 2020-2021 Edition

My best value TVs, 2020-2021 Edition Please read this post before posting and asking for advice. Include all the information we need to recommend you the right TV! Before choosing an LCD TV you must understand which panel type you want from a TV, all have their pros and cons here. If you...

www.avforums.com

2021-2022 OLED Comparison

A comparison of OLEDs Here's a brief summary of what the small differences are. Don't get so hung up about them though, as each TV is very similar.

www.avforums.com

 

[Boostrail]

Just some general advice. If using wifi boosters do not place them where the problem is. Find a location where the booster has a clear path to the router and to the problem area. The booster can only repeat the signal it gets. To test use a smart phone with the OOKLA speedtest app downloaded in the relevant locations.

Also many do not realise that as you move away from wifi router whilst the signal level decreases the download/upload decreases also. Most ISP's only guarantee their speeds in respect measurements on a device (PC or Mac) connected directly to the router by a cat6 or cat7 Ethernet connection.

 

[Matt 0987654321]

LGs 2020 models are missing TV catchup apps in the UK apart from iPlayer, they may or may not add the others in the future.

Regarding the WiFi signal, you'll just have to try it and see. 25mbps is needed to reach the TV as a minimum if he wants to stream on Netflix and alike in UHD quality. Otherwise it will be limited to HD.

The Panasonic 65HZ2000 is a specialist product for those who want the very best money can buy, its not really comparable to getting the LG CX, and if its not going to be used for things like UHD Blu-Rays I'd consider it a big overkill. There are better priced OLEDs at the moment than Panasonic models anyway.

My suggestion if he wants all the catchup services is to go with Philips or Sony instead. The Philips 8 series OLEDs are great TVs but without good audio.

If he wants to pay for better audio, consider their 9 series ones, or the Sony A8 OLED.

My best value TVs, 2020-2021 Edition

My best value TVs, 2020-2021 Edition Please read this post before posting and asking for advice. Include all the information we need to recommend you the right TV! Before choosing an LCD TV you must understand which panel type you want from a TV, all have their pros and cons here. If you...

www.avforums.com

2021-2022 OLED Comparison

A comparison of OLEDs Here's a brief summary of what the small differences are. Don't get so hung up about them though, as each TV is very similar.

www.avforums.com

I think he would like something with moderately good audio and I have an adversion to Philips (It’s a long story) So Sony might be the way to go.

He does seem uncertain on 55’’ or 65’’ though for me it’s too big, but for widescreen films probably better.
He likes the idea of having the best so I assume that’s why he is sold on the Panny and the 55 version appeals to him as it’s a grand less!

I’ll do some further reading on the Sony options and find out if he needs the catch up services the LG doesn’t provide. I am just so pleased with my LG and if he had problems I have mine to compare with (that makes my life easier).
Thank you for taking the time to reply.

 

[Matt 0987654321]

Just some general advice. If using wifi boosters do not place them where the problem is. Find a location where the booster has a clear path to the router and to the problem area. The booster can only repeat the signal it gets. To test use a smart phone with the OOKLA speedtest app downloaded in the relevant locations.

Also many do not realise that as you move away from wifi router whilst the signal level decreases the download/upload decreases also. Most ISP's only guarantee their speeds in respect measurements on a device (PC or Mac) connected directly to the router by a cat6 or cat7 Ethernet connection.

Thanks for the info, I’m not really keyed up on data transmission but that makes sense. I do have a grasp on EM propagation though and the advice given is sound. Thanks for taking time to reply.

 

[Dodgexander]

Just finished this guide:

Best sounding TV's 2020-21

Best Sounding TV's Sound is very subjective, most people will be happy with the built in sound of any TV, especially if they've been using built in TV sound in the past. Typically it is better value to pair your TV with a dedicated soundbar or speakers than it is to consider a TV with better...

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The TVs are in order, so you can see at the bottom which are the best models for built in sound.

He may just be better off getting a separate soundbar though, since even the best sounding TVs are beaten by a dedicated midrange one. Sonos ARC + LG BX or LG CX would be a popular choice.

 

[Matt 0987654321]

Just finished this guide:

Best sounding TV's 2020-21

Best Sounding TV's Sound is very subjective, most people will be happy with the built in sound of any TV, especially if they've been using built in TV sound in the past. Typically it is better value to pair your TV with a dedicated soundbar or speakers than it is to consider a TV with better...

www.avforums.com

The TVs are in order, so you can see at the bottom which are the best models for built in sound.

He may just be better off getting a separate soundbar though, since even the best sounding TVs are beaten by a dedicated midrange one. Sonos ARC + LG BX or LG CX would be a popular choice.

Thanks again. I think he wants minimal ‘stuff’ on the tv cabinet, that why the Panny appealed to him. It seems to have an attempt at a sound bar at the bottom edge.
I will be intrigued to read the list. The Sony’s with there vibrating front screens seem a less than perfect solution to me. Something to rattle the screen?

 

[Dodgexander]

It works pretty well, especially on the AG9 with extra bass. I'd say the sound on the AG9 is probably the best from any TV. The A8 isn't quite as good as the HZ2000 sound-wise.