Advice on new TV sought - UK

HPMan

Hi all,

I been asked to research a new tv for the folks who live in England.

Their requirements are -

ability to record like Sky + but not to have Sky , they cannot get Virgin media / Cable TV

some "Smart TV" capability, direct web surfing from tv not required unless effectively a no cost option

Satellite tv reception as opposed to Freeview, though Freeview is already built in many tv now, though not necessarily satellite built into tv, separate sat box acceptable

Minimum size 40", max size 50"

non 3D

thin profile though not paper thin

budget to about £1100

a brand name as opposed to a Tesco own label

Cheers all

JamesyBelfast

I recently bought a 40" Sony KDL-40R453C for not much more than £200 - and so far I love it. Stunning picture.
Coupled it with an Amazon Fire Stick at £29.99 for Smart TV features.

The Sony TV PVR functionality is brilliant (what you refer to as Sky+ style recording - you will obviously need a separate dedicated HDD which you can leave plugged in at the back, for the TV to record programmes - around £35 for one of these at 500GB). Dead easy to schedule recordings via the Sony TV EPG (including Series Link) and to access them / browse the recordings later.
Nice user interface overall and re-ordering of channels, controlling picture aspect ratio, etc. etc. are all very easily done.

Doesn't have a satellite tuner though.

Many LG models have built in satellite tuners. Previously I had an LG Smart TV which I was extremely happy with except for the fact that it packed in after 2 years. The LG PVR functionality was good - although I found recordings from Freeview HD channels often did not play back smoothly (this was not the case for Freeview SD or Saorview HD/SD recordings - ended up convinced it was an LG design fault relating specifically to the recording of Freeview HD DVB-T2 signal).

If I could make one point here - it's that for 40" "good brand" TV fulfilling your needs - you don't need to go ANYWHERE NEAR £1100.

And - having used the Amazon Fire Stick now for over a month - I would choose that over a Smart TV any time.
As well as BBC iPlayer, Demand 5, Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime etc. - it also has ITV Hub, and 4oD (neither of those are available on Sony or LG Smart TVs). The Sony TV remote instantly works with the Fire stick too - no need for the Amazon remote.

Digifriendly

Regarding a satellite box, the Humax Freesat box is recommend by many users. Totally agree with JamesyBelfast regarding the cost. A good branded 40' inch Smart TV and a suitable Freesat box with installation of dish/box will definitely be well short of £1100.

mackersdublin

Digifriendly wrote: »

Regarding a satellite box, the Humax Freesat box is recommend by many users. Totally agree with JamesyBelfast regarding the cost. A good branded 40' inch Smart TV and a suitable Freesat box with installation of dish/box will definitely be well short of £1100.

Or a 40" Smart TV with Freesat built-in - LG or Samsung

Only one remote and cheaper. External hard drive for recording

daithi7

Hi,

I am in the market for a new flat screen TV.

Must Have Specification:
-39-46" LED or LCD
-Saorview (hd) tuner
-Freesat (hd) tuner
-USB tv recording
-Min 2 HDMI Ports
-EPG (EPHG) functionality i.e. 7 day programme guide on freesat & saorview

Niceties (i.e. can have)
-Multiple tuners
-miracast functionality
-smart tv
-Android
-Sound extending options
-extended warranty
other


It seems Samsung and Lg are the only 2 big brands now selling tvs with an integrated freesat tuner. Anyone recommend a nice Samsung TV with the above spec or better??

for some reason I'd be slightly more inclined to buy a samsung, all other things being equal

Thanks