Abazoo UK: Consumer Advice
LCD & Plasma Televisions:
Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba
ABOUT LCD & PLASMA TELEVISIONS
Until recently the only large flat screen televisions (over about 30-inch) were plasma, with LCD being available only for smaller screens. However, LCD is now available in large sizes, up to 46-inch, and is rapidly taking over from plasma. Some suppliers, such as Sony, have stopped making plasma TV altogether. In terms of picture quality, it is a subjective matter as to whether LCD or plasma is preferable. Most seem to prefer LCD as giving a sharper picture.
Other advantages of LCD are that the screens are lighter, and thus easier to fix to wall or stand, and they use less energy. A further drawback of plasma screens is that if a static image (such as a station ident) is left on for a long time, it may 'burn into' the screen, leaving a permanent mark.
All the leading manufacturers are now concentrating on High Definition (HD) televisions, which give much better picture quality when the source is HD. Some manufacturers supply LCD and plasma televisions with built-in DVD player. This minimises the number of boxes and wires, and enables all functions to be managed with a single remote control.
CONSUMER ADVICE ON LCD & PLASMA TELEVISIONS
John Lewis publishes a good guide to buying flat screen TVs, explaining High Definition, the relative benefits of LCD and plasma, and the factors that create a better picture and better sound.
Richer Sounds publishes an excellent set of more than twenty Tip Sheets giving buying advice, including tip sheets on home cinema and plasma televisions.
Which? publishes product test reports on LCD TVs, plasma TVs, and TV projectors. The reports include a free features guide, and the following subscriber-only content: best buys; frequently asked questions about televisions; and product comparisons. Which? offers a 30-day online free trial.
The BBC publishes a useful guide to digital television, including an explanation of High Definition (HD) television, and details of the planned national switchover from analogue to digital television.
LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF LCD & PLASMA TELEVISIONS
Panasonic. Panasonic is a leading manufacturer of LCD and plasma TVs. Their range includes plasma televisions as large as 65-inch, and LCD televisions of all sizes. The website allows you to select up to four products and compare their features on a combined page.
Philips. The Philips UK website covers LCD and plasma televisions. All are ready for High Definition (HD) television. An unusual feature of Philips flat screen TVs is that they offer a feature called Ambilight. This projects a band of light onto the wall behind and around the TV screen. The light automatically changes colour to match the colour of the TV picture. This is claimed to give a more impressive viewing experience than a normal flat screen TV.
Samsung. The Samsung website has a section on LCD and plasma televisions. Samsung LCD televisions are available in sizes from 19-inch to 46-inch.
Sony is a well regarded manufacturer consumer electronics. Its UK website has a section dealing with LCD televisions. The Sony UK website has a useful guide on Flat Screens and HD Explained. This covers High Definition sources, interactive picture quality demonstration, choosing type of flat screen, and digital switchover and Freeview.
Toshiba. Toshiba manufactures a range of LCD televisions, in both widescreen and 4:3 format. All are HD ready, and most include Freeview. The Toshiba website includes an Ask Tosh animate section covering frequently asked questions.
LEADING ONLINE RETAILERS OF LCD & PLASMA TELEVISIONS
John Lewis is a reputable firm selling through its department stores and online. Its website has a section on LCD & plasma televisions. Most are ready for high definition (HD) television, and include integral Freeview receiver. Some incorporate a DVD player in the side of the screen; this avoid extra boxes and wires, and enables all functions to be controlled from a single remote control. John Lewis provides free standard delivery for orders over £100.
Currys is a leading UK electrical retailer. In addition to its stores, it sells more than 6,000 products online. Its website covers LCD and plasma televisions. The website also covers TV & DVD combos, standard TVs, widescreen CRT TVs, rear projection TVs, TV & video combos, handheld TVs, stands & brackets, portable TVs, and media projectors.
Empire Direct is a leading online supplier of electrical equipment, which offers goods at prices up to 30% less than those charged by high street stores. Its website has a section on LCD & plasma televisions. These aim to bring the full cinema sound experience to your living room. Orders for LCD and plasma TV systems are normally processed and delivered within three working days.
PRICE COMPARISONS AND USER REVIEWS FOR FLAT SCREEN TVS
The following websites supply UK price comparisons for LCD and plasma TVs: Dealtime UK; Kelkoo UK; Price Runner UK. Ciao UK provides price comparisons for LCD and plasma televisions together with user reviews. Reevoo provides user reviews of LCD and plasma televisions.
OTHER USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO FLAT SCREEN TVS
Wikipedia article on television.
Epinions. User reviews on home cinema systems from the US-based Epinions website.
How Stuff Works. Article at the How Stuff Works website on how various types of television set work.
Vogel Home Cinema Tips. Website giving advice on choosing the best layout for a home cinema system within your room.
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