Sony Bravia TV...huge difference in price,why?

[barb1314]

I've been thinking about a new TV and particularly the 32" Sony Bravia. I've seen one model for £350 to £400 and another one for £650. Can anyone explain why the huge difference in price? All I can see is that the more expensive one is 100hz?? Is that something which makes the picture clearer? Both are widescreen,HD ready etc etc. What would the extra £300 give me? I've read and read but can't see any clear explanation.If you can explain simply that would be great! Many thanks.

[seadogg]

Oddly Barb I'm looking for one for us. Google LCD LED and you get some helpful info. hz is a measure of frequency but the significance has me fooled at pres. I only know about cathode tubes to be honest. Hopefully we'll both learn something!

[micmak]

Which ever you choose, buy before Jan 4th as VAT goes up then.

[gingejbee]

100 Hz processing basically doubles the number of frames on screen each second. This can make motion seem smoother, but can look artificial. I wouldn't spend that much more for it - you probably won't notice the difference!

[barb1314]

Thanks seadogg,I'll check that. All I know is my Dad bought a Panasonic Viera last year at John Lewis and they advised only looking at 100hz and showed him the difference in picture quality. He said it was pretty marked so advised us the same but surely for £300 you'd get more than that! Also not sure if Panasonic are as good as Sony. There seems to be a one or the other camp! Quite keen on buying from JL because they do a free 5 year warranty and I have some Christmas vouchers too.

[gingejbee]

.....the VAT increase will add £7.35 to the £350 price - not worth rushing into making a mistake.

[barb1314]

Thanks micmak but will miss that deadline. Ginjebee,thanks for that too. I just found one on John Lewis for £449 which is the 100hz model.Curiouser and curiouser...think I may have to go in a real life shop for a demo.Hate hate shops with a passion but think I'll have to count to 10.

[gingejbee]

Panasonic every bit as good as Sony - Which? recommended manufacturer and John Lewis excellent to buy from.

[craft1948]

I love John Lewis...........excellent customer service.

[seadogg]

Would you believe it Barb, I have the same one at JL earmarked. Ditto 5 year guarantee. Get my laptops from them. Enjoy when you finally decide.

[DTCwordfan]

agree with craft.

Panasonic is good - prefer the Sony colour personally.......and yes the 100hz does make movement almost artificial and there can be a bit of a weird @we are in your room" effect on the picture.

[barb1314]

Thanks so much for all your help on this question,much appreciated.
@seadogg..great minds and all that. Think a trip to JL may be happening soon. Hope you enjoy yours when you get it. We have a 21" at the moment and everyone laughs at how small it is!

[barb1314]

I forgot to say my Dad is obsessed with Sport and I'm sure that has something to do with why he chose the model he has!!

[buildersmate]

There are many models within the Sony Bravia range for each screen size. They are denoted by the alpha character - for example W, L, R S etc.
Different models have better / worse quality electronics associated - it isn't just a simple case of whether the thing has 100Hz refresh rate or not.

[Hopkirk]

Oh no, Buildersmate. How is anyone supposed to be able to choose then?

[buildersmate]

Read the reviews / look at the difference in the screen pictures at your local John Lewis or equivalent. No point paying more money if you can't detect the difference.
I choose a W model in the end - middle of the road as I recall.
Seem to remember the L models are the bottom of the range.

[echokilo]

Am sure I saw this model in Tesco today for £299: http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.209-8004.aspx

[craft1948]

I got a Sony Bravia from the daughter, wonderful present and now I've got used to the size (40") I think the picture is brilliant, it's great for watching sport as I can now actually see the tennis ball.

[barb1314]

That's interesting buildersmate.So if the model I'm looking at is the KDL32EX503U is it the U model? I wasn't sure if the last 3 numbers showed the difference in models because I saw a 403 and it was cheaper than the 503. Seriously I always do my homework for things like this and I'm definitely not unintelligent but it's far too complicated for most people.

[craft1948]

Just checked and mine's a W.

[buildersmate]

OK, Ok. It seems Sony have changed their numbering methods since I bought mine 2 years ago. Typical trick played by a Nippon manufacture. I'm still of the view you get what you pay for - do comparative tests on equivalent models of the same screen size and try to see if the difference is perceptible. You also get more output / inputs options on the higher cost models - which you may / may not need.