I need a new TV - ideas/help

[Roger]

My 13 year old Samsung 40" is showing signs of expiry - some minute ridging on the surface of the screen and some shadowing including a pale white patch close to a corner - it's trying to tell me something.

Moving up to 43" or 50" and a smart TV this time - how will that work with the VPN I use on my laptop atm?

So many new terms - UHD, Nanocell, 4K etc. What should I be looking for ?

Any help appreciated . . . . the simpler the better 

[Robert]

Hi Roger,

first you have to make a choice. Does 50 inch suits you better than 43 inch than go for 50. I have seveal sizes in the house.
For instance my computer screen is a Samsung 40 inch. The tv in the livingroom is a Samsung 50 inch and the one in the bedroom is a Samsung 55 inch.
When my computer tv breaks down I wil buy 43 inch but that is because Samsung does not make 40 inch anymore.

If I would have to make a choice in brand Samsung and LG are my favorite ones. Just this morning I saw a 43 Samsung tv at Big C for Thb 9.990. Older models are even cheaper. Do not know what kind of shops there are in your area but go have a look at different sizes and brands. The tv you buy will be one year older next year so there is not so much use buying the latest model..

Good luck in tv hunting.

Robert

[Roger]

Thanks Robert. I think we've decided to go 50" - as you say prices are low atm.

I've seen an Aconatic which seems to have more features than the Panasonic at twice the price. Picture looks great. Pondering. ATB

[caller]

My only issue with Samsung is the cost of repairs. After 6 years, my 50 inch curved screen - remember them - started juddering. So I went to the local Samsung repair centre, showed them the pics and video I took and they said a new screen was needed, fine said I, how much? 20k said they. I said you are having a giraffe and went and bought a new one instead.

Prices are much cheaper than even a few years ago, that they are now, effectivelly, throw away items. I got a 65" Samsung for 13k. But I am fortunate in that I bought from power mall, and in addition to the special offer it was already selling for, my other half got a further 15% discount as she works for The Mall Group, then she cashed in various points from various cards, so much so, I can't even tell you what the original price was. But it was the model I wanted - with a flat screen. 

[Roger]

One further question - I watch BBC, ITV etc atm via my laptop and a 'VPN' . . .

Will it be possible to do that with a smart TV - leaving the laptop aside ?

[Teessider]

Good question Roger. I know it is possible to install a VPN on a Smart TV not that I know how but I wonder if you can take it a stage further and install the VPN onto your router. Could the likes of 3BB do this?

[Roger]

Thanks Teess and Caller. I messaged the helpline in Hola and yes there is a procedure on board to install Hola on the Smart TV as well as the Laptop at no further cost.

I've been looking - I've often see 'Aconatic' around and the picture is very good. We choose 50" and it's B8,490 boasting "webOShub, Thin Q AI, Magic remote, 4KHDR, Voice control remote, WIFI connect, Dolby audio, Audio output Optical. USBx2, HDMIx3" and is made in Thailand - the Company connected to Sharp I believe.

The 50" Panasonic is B13,490 no Dolby but carries a 3 year instead of 1 year warranty.

I was surprised to see some 65" models only a few thousand more . . . .

I'll check Macro and one other before buying and I guess there are many similar deals around, but I thought this one worth a punt 

[Roger]

Thanks for the help Guys and we chose the 50" Aconatic, B7,490, (B500 knocked off unasked!).

The quality/picture seems great, (they are associated with Sharp and made in Thailand). I haven't managed to get Hola working on the TV itself so using the laptop atm.

Glad we didn't go for the 55" but even at 50" it's surprising how quickly you get used to the bigger screen. Thanks again.

[caller]

Glad we didn't go for the 55" but even at 50" it's surprising how quickly you get used to the bigger screen. Thanks again.

The bigger the screen, the better watching footy is! I was cynical, but on the local forum here, they were all saying how cheap 65" screens are nos and how better it was for viewing. The mantra seems to be, 65 is the new 50. Appreciate you are lagging somewhat Roger! 

[Roger]

Hi Caller - yes but I'm lagging LESS than I was    ATB