We bought our last TV on Boxing Day 2000. The 56" Panasonic widescreen rear projection TV (not shown) supported 720p and 1080i. That was the largest size that would go down the stairs into our family room. The “blowout” price was $4,500 plus $250 for an extended warranty (4 years total) plus tax. We waited days for delivery. Once connected to our powerful Yamaha / Paradigm 6.1 sound system, we had a great home theatre. The remotes were a hassle. There were separate ones for the TV, amplifier, DVD player and VCR. A pricey Harmony unified remote helped but glitches were common.
The Signals
We were never big TV watchers and cancelled our basic cable in 2001. We preferred movies on DVDs we- borrowed: the library had a surprisingly large selection
- rented: Blockbuster had free helium balloons for kids and a speciality store had free popcorn while browsing
- bought: especially new releases, classics and box sets
The Next Screen
We switched to using a business-grade projector connected to a computer. The wall made a huge screen, though we eventually got a real screen. We still have that setup but don't use it often. Instead, we've been watching Netflix on computer, tablet and smartphone screens. That's convenient but not the same. Maybe it’s time for a new TV?TVs Today
The world is different today. Gone are the bulky, heavy CRTs. The battle between plasma and LCD is over with LED the winner. There are many options ranging from 2D/3D, 1080p/4K, flat/curved, regular/smart. There are numerous screen sizes from 32" up. How do you decide?Since TVs keep improving and 4K is on the way to the mainstream, getting a pricey model didn't look prudent. There are excellent choices at much lower prices than we paid in 2000.
I wanted a TV small enough to move from room to room. A 32" smart TV with 1080p resolution looked like a good choice and is apparently the most popular size in the UK. While the screen may seem small, you can compensate by moving it closer to you.
Google Chromecast turns any TV with two free HDMI slots into a Smart TV. Unfortunately, many modern TVs take shortcuts by having only two HDMI slots. Having the smart capabilities built-in seemed better, depending on the extra cost.
The Purchase
You’ve got flexibility if you’re not stuck on a particular brand. Costco makes buying comfortable and risk-free. You get fair prices, sound choices, a 2-year warranty (extendable to 5 years) and 90-day returns.Samsung UN32EH5300 32” Smart TV (2012)
I got a 32" 1080p Samsung Smart TV plus the $30 extended warranty. It was light enough to carry and small enough to fit in the trunk. That wasn't the case with our 27" Sony XBR Triniton in 1987.
Did we really need a TV after many years without on? I left the TV in my vehicle for a couple of days and floated the idea with my family (see #7 of the 12 timeless shopping tips). They had mixed feelings. I used the "puppy dog close" — let's try it and see if we like it. They say they weren't fooled.
The TV has excellent quality. It's a 2012 design (though manufactured two months ago) and looks a little dated. The setup was quick. The main pain was connecting to our WiFi network and Netflix because inputting passwords is a hassle without a keyboard. The picture quality is excellent and the sound is good. There are three HDMI ports. The main drawback is the long startup speed. It's as if you're booting up a computer, which in a sense you are.
We soon found the 32” screen too small. How quickly requirements change.
Sony Bravia KDL-48W600B 48” Smart TV (2014)
The new Sony 48” smart TV looks like a good choice when coupled with a $60 five year warranty. We've had numerous Samsung products over the years and they tend to look cheap.
We got the Sony, which is noticeable better. Even the carton shows more thought. Taking a large item out of a box isn't much fun. We normally put the box on its side and slide the item out. Sony has a U-shaped cardboard sleeve that goes around the TV. That's perfect for lifting the TV out. There are better warnings about the dangers to children and a smoother setup. The smart TV is easier to use (perhaps because we have a 2014 design).
There are several drawbacks:
- Sony uses an ugly brick with a too-short cord for power (Samsung only requires a cord)
- The HDMI and USB are on the back to the left, which makes them tougher to reach with a larger screen (Samsung puts them on the right hand side)
- Netflix programs stop, as if the WiFi signal is weak. Further testing shows the cause is likely the Netflix app, which will likely be updated soon.
- The remote control isn’t illuminated
The are advantages too:
- anti-glare coating reduces reflections
- nice design (thin bezel, metal stand)
- works well as a computer monitor (text visible from feet away)
The Next 10 Years
Having a smart TV does make a difference. There's lots of content to watch and a larger screen is wonderful for showing detail. We aren't returning to broadcast TV or pay TV. We're only paying for Netflix.How long will the new TV last? The warranty assures us of five years. We hope to keep the TV longer but even if we can't the overall cost is reasonable since we didn't get a pricey set.
There's more you can do with a TV today, such as viewing photos on a large screen. Thanks to WiFi, we're no longer limited by the location of the cable outlets. Hurray for progress. Plus, if the TV breaks down we know we’ll manage.
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