best plasma/lcd for €1500

Creamy Goodness

hey guys i've got a ps3 and playing it on my 28" crt sony tv is a complete chore, text is just too small in some areas and i just can't read it.

i'm looking to get a new tv that has multiple hdmi connections (at least two) as well as multiple scarts(two at most) oh and capable of outputting 1080p.

what would be the best to go for? :pac:

Creamy Goodness

anyone?

shovel

throw an extra 199 euro to your budget and buy a 42" panasonic plasma.

model no is th42py80 full hd (new 2008 model)

just bought the th42pv80 hd ready. suits my needs. no ps3 etc

also 5 year guarantee on all new panasonic models

good value in my opinion

regards
shovel

also has hdmi x 3. scart x2

Creamy Goodness

where'd be the best place to buy that th42py80 i was looking at some panasonic's about a month back but i lost the site that had a good price.

shovel

In a bricks and mortar shop the th42py80ey retails for 1699 euro.

I think i read that the 5 year guarantee does not apply on online purchases only bricks and mortar shops after a "demonstration" instore.


regards

shovel

fishfoodie

You could take a trip up to Belfast & RicherSounds, if they follow the UK pricing the 42PZ80 will be less than €1400 + €60 delivery!

Creamy Goodness

they don't have it on their site, would hate to make a trip up to belfast and they not have it.

fishfoodie

Best to shoot them an email for when they'll have them in stock if your interested, the new Pannys seem to be flying off the shelves to judge by the stock levels on komplett at least :-)

I'm upgrading from a 37PE50( Class Panel !) so I can live with a delay of a week or two if it means saving practically the price of a PS3

Creamy Goodness

who around dublin/wicklow would have the th42py80 on display, just wanna see how good it looks in the flesh.

bab

Best place to look at a PY80 is probably Alliance Electric on Georges St in Dublin, they seem to know what they're talking about and are quite helpful. If you just want to see the picture and have some staff tell you what the card on the side of the screen says then try Peats on Parnell St. They have loads of screens and you can often compare similar models side by side.
If you want to buy one try Komplett.ie http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=348426
It'll save you about €100 (after shipping) so it's worth thinking about. You get a shorter warranty online but most guarantees cover parts only so unless you think the display itself is going to break then don't worry about it and save the €€€. I believe Richer Sounds have them in Belfast if you like a nice drive

If you absolutely need to have a salesman take your money in person then try the PV80 at just under €1400, unless you need all the little bits on the py then it's pretty good value. As cheap as online too.

If your budget will stretch to 2k then try the pioneer 428xd, nice colours, very sexy but pricey unless you're the sort of awful geek who complains about the colour on other peoples Tellys (like me).

IMHO if you're going to use the shops to test drive the different models then you probably should buy from them. Hardly fair otherwise.

internelligent

Cremo wrote: »

where'd be the best place to buy that th42py80 i was looking at some panasonic's about a month back but i lost the site that had a good price.

Just to let you know, I'm just bought that TV in Watters Electrical, Cullaville, (JUST over the border of Monaghan into Armagh). Well, it was the UK version of it, i.e TH42PZ80. Everything's priced in Euro since it's only a mile into N.Ire. If you're getting cable through a scart connection there's absolutely no difference. You'll also get a 5 year guarantee with it to put your mind at ease.
Anyway, I checked the price in Harvey Normans the same day and it was €1699. In Watters, it cost me €1325. Not bad for driving an extra 60 miles. Well worth the trip.:)

Creamy Goodness

ahh i didn't know that panasonic had different codes for different countries, seems odd that ireland has different code than the UK.

thanks i'll keep watters electrical in mind, i'm going to email richer sounds and see if they will have it because i may get it there so i can sneek in a trip to IKEA as well.

shovel

Just be aware that the irish model has vhf tuner that the english model does not. This allows you to watch the four irish terrestial channels through a rooftop aerial if your setup includes this.

If you watch rte etc through a sky or chorus box, you dont need the vhf tuner in your tv.

That is why the model codes are different.

Officer Giggles

shovel wrote: »

Just be aware that the irish model has vhf tuner that the english model does not. This allows you to watch the four irish terrestial channels through a rooftop aerial if your setup includes this.

If you watch rte etc through a sky or chorus box, you dont need the vhf tuner in your tv.

That is why the model codes are different.

i have ur standard run of the mill ntl pipe in my house, if i get a tv from the north will it just mean i will lose the four irish channels??

ongarite

It depends. Do you have NTL analogue cable or NTL Digital with box?
If you only have the analogue cable, you may not pick up all the NTL basic analogue stations.

NTL are actively encouraging customers to switch to NTL Digital though and analogue service will be phased out over the next year or two in Dublin.

ongarite

I've had a quick look on google and it looks like NTL broadcasts all analogue stations on VHF which Panasonic TV bought in UK won't have.

Best to ask in the Cable,MMDS forum to be sure.

Creamy Goodness

aye i have both ntl pipe and a skybox where the tv will be going.

actually considering getting rid of both since the ps3 has the ability to wirelessly steam media from my pc.

the only thing i use ntl pipe for is setanta sports but even if i lost that i could just go downstairs to the 40" irish bought samsung.

Officer Giggles

i have ntl analogue basic package thats all

internelligent

As long as the signal goes through a NTL box and connects to the telly via CART lead, it's all good. You'll have no hassles.

Officer Giggles

internelligent wrote: »

As long as the signal goes through a NTL box and connects to the telly via CART lead, it's all good. You'll have no hassles.

yea there is some sort of box belonging to ntl up in my attic and then a pipe from that goes straight into my tv.

so after noting what iv said above, if i get a tv up north what stations will i loose

big_moe

Officer Giggles wrote: »

yea there is some sort of box belonging to ntl up in my attic and then a pipe from that goes straight into my tv.

so after noting what iv said above, if i get a tv up north what stations will i loose

that box in your attic is most probably a splitter, to feed a few different tvs.

the ntl box everybody is talking about is a small silver box that gets you digital tv. you'll also have an NTL remote with that. if this is what you have then there's no bother with a UK set as that box connects with a scart cable to your tv.

if you dont have the above and only have the regular 16 or 17 channels, then you need a tv with a uhf/vhf tuner. some manufacturers supply all their sets with this. others, like panasonic, dont.

panasonic is by far one of the best brands out today. i have 3 at home and watch them all day in work beside other brands. if you want the panasonic though and dont have ntl digital, sky etc.. then you'll have to buy the set down south

adam

Officer Giggles

cheers man,

yea i only have the basic 16/17 channels so il have to get a tv with the vhf tuner,

thanks for all the help

fishfoodie

I've a Panny bought from the North & Analog NTL so I just hook the cable to my VCR & then SCART to the Plasma & use the vcr tuner.

Officer Giggles

fishfoodie wrote: »

I've a Panny bought from the North & Analog NTL so I just hook the cable to my VCR & then SCART to the Plasma & use the vcr tuner.

excellent

big_moe

i find that way major hassle, to be honest. if you wanna record then you cant change the channel... and you have to use the 2 remotes, turn on the tv with that remote, then change channel on the vcr remote.. but yes, it will work if thats what you'd prefer.

Officer Giggles

big_moe wrote: »

i find that way major hassle, to be honest. if you wanna record then you cant change the channel... and you have to use the 2 remotes, turn on the tv with that remote, then change channel on the vcr remote.. but yes, it will work if thats what you'd prefer.

i might just bite the bullet so and buy local so, thanks for all the help guys (and girls)

fishfoodie

No probs, whatever you buy its a lot of cash. Its always smart to get as much info as possible

Creamy Goodness

yeh i think i might buy local as well, although i don't use ntl that often there may come a time i move out and i won't be paying for sky.

a trip to alliance electrical is on the cards on saturday, won't be buying though as have to wait until pay day

Emmo-m-

Sony W4000...by far the best tv on the market at this price..specs match other tv's way beyond its own price tag http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=348388

top of the range tv for a very very good price!!!

Creamy Goodness

i've never had good experiences with sony tv's, also the panny 5 years vs sony 1 year warranty kind of swings things a little.

Richersounds.ie: John

Hi Declared interest here - Its John from richer Sounds Belfats here - and yes we do have the PANASONIC TH42PX80 in stock at £799 and that includes a 5 year Panasonic Warranty - its a cracking deal and we ship to every county in Ireland by specialist courier for just £40...

Creamy Goodness

well i got this tv. the py80.

i'm actually stuck for words on how good it is.

1080p using ps3 and casino royale, the parkour chase scene is so cripsy and liquidy.

playing GTA IV on the ps3 i can actually now read the small text as it ain't small no more.

absolutely stunning, anyone looking for a tv at this type of budget should go in a look at the py80.

TinCool

I just got a Pioneer Kuro 4280 yesterday and too am blown away by how amasing the picture is. I've got my PS3 hooked up to it too and GTA IV looks amasing. So much more detail and can actually see what I am doing (was previously playing it on a 20" LCD hooked up via a SCART lead).

Blu-Ray's are god smackingly good too. I watched Sunshine last night ... wow !!

TC

RichieFitz

Hi all, I'm new to boards.ie but have been following these discussions for some time. I wanted to upgrade my old home cinema kit from component to HDMI etc and did a lot of research on prices.

I was going to buy the Panasonic TH42PZ80 (FullHD) plasma TV, Onkyo TX606 Amp, KEF3005SE speakers and the Panasonic BD30 Blu-Ray player here in Dublin from a well known AV company but when I compared their prices to those available slightly North of the border I was pleasantly surprised to learn I could save *hundreds* of Euros on the exact same kit.

I'm not connected to this company BTW - I just came across this site last week www.theflicks.co.uk and gave them a call (they're based just outside Belfast). Within an hour Mitchell had emailed me a full quote with advice on the models I was after. I reckon I've saved about €500+ on the above items - not bad for a 2 hour drive. Mitchell even threw in several QED HDMI and speaker cables!

The Panasonic also came with a 5 year warranty, and they say if you send them the model number they can generally have the kit within 24 hours. With some advice from Mitchell and reading online reviews I decided to go with the B+W MT30 kit instead of the KEF...

Just thought I should pass that info on to anyone considering buying new AV kit.

I'm collecting the gear tomorrow so will let you know how everything worked together.

Cheers
Rich

eddiem74

RichieFitz wrote: »

Hi all, I'm new to boards.ie but have been following these discussions for some time. I wanted to upgrade my old home cinema kit from component to HDMI etc and did a lot of research on prices.

I was going to buy the Panasonic TH42PZ80 (FullHD) plasma TV, Onkyo TX606 Amp, KEF3005SE speakers and the Panasonic BD30 Blu-Ray player here in Dublin from a well known AV company but when I compared their prices to those available slightly North of the border I was pleasantly surprised to learn I could save *hundreds* of Euros on the exact same kit.

I'm not connected to this company BTW - I just came across this site last week www.theflicks.co.uk and gave them a call (they're based just outside Belfast). Within an hour Mitchell had emailed me a full quote with advice on the models I was after. I reckon I've saved about €500+ on the above items - not bad for a 2 hour drive. Mitchell even threw in several QED HDMI and speaker cables!

The Panasonic also came with a 5 year warranty, and they say if you send them the model number they can generally have the kit within 24 hours. With some advice from Mitchell and reading online reviews I decided to go with the B+W MT30 kit instead of the KEF...

Just thought I should pass that info on to anyone considering buying new AV kit.

I'm collecting the gear tomorrow so will let you know how everything worked together.

Cheers
Rich

Would be interested in a breakdown of the cost per item. I am pretty sure I had contacted them last year when getting my first AV Kit together but done better getting stuff from the UK specifically on the speaker front.

kuro_man

If you are cagey about ording large items from England, I bought a Pioneer PDP4280XD from Tuned In, Southamption (www.shopbyprice.co.uk) for £1194 inc. delivery (around €1515 at the time). Delivered in 3 days. It was faulty (sometimes would not turn on) but was repaird by AV Importers on the Naas road, who collected and returned it. Saved a few hundreds euros ordering it from UK. Even after two months I am still amazed at the picture quality, especially when watching DVDs. An no motion blur watching Euro 2008 either.

RichieFitz

Sorry for delay. Here you go:

All prices in GBP £

• Onkyo TX-SR606 Receiver - 339.57
• B&W Single M1 Speakers x 6 - 638.30
• B&W M1 speaker stands x 2 - 255.32
• Panasonic 42PZ80 Full HD 100hz Plasma TV - 875.74
• 5 Year Warranty on TV
• Plasma Mounting Bracket - 85.11
• QED HDMI cables (1 x5M,+ 2 x 1M) - FREE
• 15 feet of QED speaker cable - FREE

Total = £2194.04 + 383.96 VAT = £2,578 or €3,250 Euros

I spoke with a very helpful guy called Mitchell who really knew his stuff. I may have saved a few bob by ordering online but I prefer to collect and inspect myself, plus it was only up to Newry. The Flicks website is www.flicks.ie

And no I don't work for them!

Just a very happy punter who saved a fair bit of money and got (rare) excellent customer service and advice...

Richersounds.ie: John

Declared interest here - John McDonald MD of Richer Sounds Belfast - and yes you can save £100's by shopping in the north!

RS Belfast can do the following system delivered free of charge anywhere in Ireland:

Onkyo TXSR606 with 2 year warranty
Monitor Audio Radius 90 AV Pack - Award winning 5.1 speaker pack with 5 * Radius 90 satellites,
1 * Radius 180 centre speaker,
1 * Reference W10 Active subwoofer (all available in Piano Lacquer Black, white or timber finishes),
2 * Monitor Audio Radius stands,
Panasonic TH42PZ80 * 1 with 5 Year warranty,
1 * Wall bracket,
3 * Philips SWV6434 top quality 5 meter HDMI cables,
6 metres of Monitor Audio or Audio Innovations Speaker cable

All for £1769 ex vat or £2078.96 including vat - we accept lovely lovely Euro -if anyone is interested they can call the store on 04890.321.332 or at sales@richersounds.ie

As I said declared interest - but I hope it's of some use to you guys out there!