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Help – Buying a TV

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22nd Mar 2017
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Despite spending only about 10% of the average person’s TV viewing time each week, your columnist has decided that it is time to think about moving into the 21st-century.

Although the current TV was purchased around the time of the millennium, it still performs manfully. The problem is that it has shrunk.

When it was acquired, a 32inch screen was deemed to be perfect for someone sitting 10 feet away. Now, the general consensus is that 55 inch is about right for the same viewing distance.

The next problem is too much choice and marketing hype. There are half a dozen brands that one might sensibly consider, offering different picture standards such as OLED, QLED, HDR, 4K and at least a dozen more.

The sound is also an issue, although the general consensus these days appears to be that one should purchase a sound bar in addition to a television, which strongly suggests that manufacturers are under-cooking their efforts to perfect TV sound while concentrating almost exclusively on picture quality.

As this column is written, the big players are releasing their 2017 models, which will undoubtedly be even better than ever before but cost considerably more. Does anyone really want to spend several thousand pounds on a TV?

Finding the right outlet to buy from is also far from easy. The cheapest internet sellers will almost certainly offer the best prices but, judging by experiences in the Amazon Marketplace in the last week or two (of which more soon), may never deliver on their promises.

On the high street, the question is whether the good old department stores such as Selfridge’s and John Lewis are safer than some of the Johnny Come Lately specialists, who seem to offer keener deals.

To add to the confusion, prices go up and down like yo-yos on a constant basis, ignoring special offers for free sound bars, cheap Blu-ray players and free short-term contracts with the likes of Sky.

Finally there is the question about whether it is best to wait to see all of the new models before purchasing or, even better, hold off until Black Friday when the serious offers might allow the acquisition of a far better TV than would otherwise fit the budget.

With all of these factors to take into consideration, it would be great if any readers could provide a helpful steer as to the best TV, sound system and outlet from which to purchase them.

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FT
By FirstTab
23rd Mar 2017 10:43

Philip, how about buying my TV? Number of times I sat down and switched on my TV since I bought it is under 10. You can call it nearly new.

Details here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Discontinued-Manufacturer-discontinued-...

You need patience (I have very little of) to learn all its features. You being bit of nerd, will not have any problems.

I bought it for £950, from reliable John Lewis. I think 2 years guarantee left. Yours for ONLY £600. How is that for a fantastic deal? When are you coming with a van?

Sorry no box and Cash on Collection.

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