TV Dilemma - Help Needed

[BrynJ]

I'm looking at buying a new tv soon, but I'm torn on what I should get. It's replacing an old 25" Tatung and will be used for general tv viewing and dvds - although mostly just tv viewing if I'm honest as I tend to favour the computer for viewing dvds at the moment (though naturally that might change if I had a lurvely new telly :)).

The main decision is whether to go for a larger, better 4:3 set with a 16:9 mode or fully blown widescreen set - it would have to be a 32" as my lounge is quite big. Don't want to spend more than, say, £400 to £600 but might go a little higher.

Had a look at www.unbeatable.co.uk and, as far as 4:3 sets, fancied the look of the Sony KV29LS30 - does anyone own one of these or could point me in the direction of any reviews? Rather attractive price at £406.99 (excluding stand) and it includes a 16:9 mode. As far as widescreen sets, is the Philips 32PW6006 meant to be any good at £474.96? Anybody have any reviews on this one?

Other things maybe worth mentioning - don't really rate 100Hz sets and don't need built-in surround sound, although wouldn't expect either of those at the budget end of the market.

Any help appreciated :)

[ob1rob]

Not specific help BUT..

I recently changed a 29" Sony 4:3 with a 16:9 mode for a 32" WS.
The difference is size of a letterbox film is crazy! I'm really glad I changed because before it seemed just too small for a fairly large room. (26'*12') Normally sit about 9-11ft from set, but still looks nice from other end of room too now.

If you want it purely for letterbox/WS films then a 32 WS will be better than 29 4:3, and the phillips will fit in the budet nicely.
However its all down to personal preference and, as many members will say, there is a major advantage in having 4:3 with the 16:9 mode. But IMHO to really make that work the 4:3 set needs to be a monster (i.e 40" plus to get a decent sized 16:9). trouble is those moster sets start costing monster prices.

[BrynJ]

Thanks for the reply ob1rob, I think I'm leaning more towards getting a widescreen set now - but I do like to change my mind every five minutes :D What make and model did you plump for and are you happy with it in general? How do you view 4:3 broadcasts on your widescreen set - do you use a stretch mode or do you choose to have borders either side of the picture?

All help is appreciated - and I'm still looking for some opinions on the sets I mentioned if anybody knows... :)

[nigel_williams]

I upgraded to 32" Wega widescreen over 2 years ago. It's definately worth getting a true widescreen.

As for 4:3 broadcasts, I use the "smart" mode which stretches the picture to fit 16:9. It's pretty good as there seems to be a logarithmic stretching so things don't look too fat!

End credits which scroll horizontally can look a bit strange though!

Have a look on homecinemachoice.com for reviews. Not all TVs are listed but it can be helpful. empiredirect.co.uk also have good prices.

[John Jennings]

I've got the 28" version of the Philips you're on about (28PW6006 rather than 32PW6006). Very nice TV at the price. Nice picture (good colours, crisp etc) NTSC compatible, 6 widescreen modes. All-in-all it's a bargain... IMHO :)

I tend to watch 4:3 in pure 4:3, with black borders at the side, and it doesn't bug me at all. Guess it's a personal thing. It's got one of those stretchy 4:3 widescreen modes if you want it, but I'm not a fan. I still think it makes people look like hobbits :D

[ob1rob]

originally posted by BrynJ

Thanks for the reply ob1rob, I think I'm leaning more towards getting a widescreen set now - but I do like to change my mind every five minutes What make and model did you plump for and are you happy with it in general? How do you view 4:3 broadcasts on your widescreen set - do you use a stretch mode or do you choose to have borders either side of the picture?

Occasionally I have a quick forum fix at home, then can forget that thread the next day at work. So in answer to your questions..

I went for a Sony KV32FQ75. It's a bit pricey but I've been delighted with it. I like 100hz but it can display 50Hz to which is a bonus sometimes.
Viewing 4:3 broadcasts is the downside with WS sets. I usually go for the 'smart' mode which zooms the picture and slightly streches it, thankfully its not too distorted though.
Good thing is the beeb are broadcasting a lot of 14:9 material and this streches very nicely without distortion. Apparently more broadcasts will move to WS over the next year. (but then i think they said that last year:D ).

One funny thing is a lot of people (J6P) rave on about watching Footy on a WS set. But most terrastial matches are brocast 4:3 so you end up seing less on a WS anyway..

If you do go for WS I can pretty much guarantee you'll be changing the way you watch DVDs, I'd expect the PC would get lonely fairly quickly:)

[BrynJ]

Thanks for the further replies guys. It seems the Philips is a good buy @ £475 then. Although that Sony KV32FQ75 sounds rather nice too - how much will one of those set you back ob1rob? Methinks I'll be using one of these " :eek: " in my reply :D

Is there anybody out there who has the Sony KV29LS30 set? I'd like to hear some opinions on that too, before making up my mind.

Cheers :)