TV sets reviews

[dwil]

I used to get 'What video & high defintition TV mag' before purchasing a new TV/DVD player & found it excellent. Now stopped publishing. Any suggestions re what would be a good mag that reviews new TV sets (mainly).

[Sooper]

I would try What Hi-Fi Sound & Vision, its very good i think.
Im wary of Which magazine as it only reviews a few different models and completely leaves out some makes!

[wiltsman]

I use Which? Magazine. They regularly review TVs, and in fact I chose my new TV on their recommendation.

If you didn't want to suscribe, then perhaps you might find a copy in your local reference library.

[trt]

dvl,

Type into Google '' TV sets reviews or different makers names, you will get loads of reviews.

[Sooper]

I think Which does well with the few makes and models that it reviews but its not that comprehensive and often completley omits certain manufacturers who often have had the best product!

[dwil]

Thanks all. I've now heard of 'What satellite & digital TV' + 'Home Cinema Choice' so I'll keep an eye out in the newsagents and see if suitable.

[gingejbee]

Sooper: completely untrue regarding Which? It tests new models as they appear but has a huge database of previously tested makes and models.

[Sooper]

Gingejbee, completely true regarding Which im afraid. They never ever reviewed the Pioneer Kuro range despite it winning award after award and was regarded as one of the finest ranges of Television made and still is sought after today despite Pioneer now having stopped all production of Televisions. Ive just been on their website and cannot find any details about it? The website may have more reviews but the magazines dont and that is what the OP asked for.

[Buenchico]

I subscribe to the (annual) Radio Listener's Guide, which is packed full of reviews and useful information for those of us who are more interested in radio than in TV. However it's also got a sister publication, the Television Viewer's Guide, which I'm sure you would find really helpful. The 2011 edition costs £6.90, including postage:
http://www.radiolistenersguide.co.uk/

Chris

[gingejbee]

Sooper: ah, yes, Pioneer televisions - so good and so popular that they stopped making them because....they sold in tiny numbers. That's why Which? didn't test them - they test easily available and popular makes that the majority of people will be interested in buying. Apart from the usual brands (Panasonic, LG, Samsung, Sony, Philips etc) they have recently tested those cheaper own-brands available in supermarkets and Argos - and, in general, have warned against buying them.

[Sooper]

Erm, Gingejebee , i guess the world of decent AV equipment has escaped you when you make comments like that, it made me chuckle though!
Personally if i was wanting a review, i would want it to be fair and cover all makes from the dearest right down to the economy models. This would then give everyone on a variety of budgets something to consider.
Just because something doesnt sell in huge amounts doesnt mean that it isnt very good either. Pioneer was so much better than the rivals that it was embarrassing, perhaps if Which had of reviewed them they might just have sold more.
I have added some links you may want to look at
http://news.cnet.com/...8_105-20034816-1.html

[dwil]

I've ordered the TV viewers guide beunchico.
Can't go far wrong for <£7.

[gingejbee]

Sooper; glad I made you chuckle- obviously easily amused. I can vouch for the quality of Pioneer audio equipment- in the past, I have owned examples of many of their ranges, excluding speakers,of course. However, Pioneer was never synonymous with televisions.
And that's the problem as far as Which? testing is concerned - no mass-market appeal (so you won't see much evidence of B & O equipment, for example).
Unlike other review organisations and magazines which accept loan models, the Consumers' Association (publishers of Which?) buys all the stuff it tests. This means it has to make the pennies count so only buys and tests makes and models that will interest it's subscribing members. This means that unusual and esoteric items may be side-lined. You think this is a disadvantage of Which? - I, as a subscriber, don't.
We'll agree to differ!

[Sooper]

Gingejebee, I think there is a vast difference between B&O and Pioneer so i too wouldnt expect to see any of that high end designer equipment reviewed, it would be pointless. Pioneer however, is in the exact same bracket as Sony, Panasonic and the others so why not review it? I want and expect to see it reviewed, especially as they have been winning so many plaudits and awards over the last few years, dont i (and other consumers) have the right to know about it ? Its a bit like reviewing Smart phones and leaving out the Iphone, Yes they are considerably dearer but there is a valid reason for that!
You are right about Pioneer, although not at all new to the world of AV equipment, they had never dipped their toe into the world of Televisions and were newcomers up against the big boys of Sony, Panasonic, Phillips and so on. This is what is such a triumph on their part, they came in and blew everyone else out of the water with what appeared to be very little effort or time to do so. Yes, their sets were slightly more expensive but not that much dearer than the very best the competition had to offer, but they were the best!
Im not sure how Which knows exactly what its members wants when it comes to its reviews either? My Mum has been a subscriber for donkeys years and i cant recall that question ever coming up?
I note that when they review other products they go from the very cheap to very expensive, ive seen this recently with Washing Machines and Fridge Freezer reviews (thats what springs to mind!) and im talking thousands here, so price isnt an issue there then, funny that?!
Basically Which is a good consumer review magazine and i would trust it with regards to domestic household products such as Irons, Hoovers, Toasters etc where it comes up trumps. I dont however think it is that comprehensive in the AV department, its even worse when it comes to Hi-Fi, i didnt even go down that road but am happy to?
Yes your right again, i do see i

[Sooper]

Cont:-
Yes we will have to agree to disagree on this hot topic.
Its been a fun debate though!

[gingejbee]

Sooper: interestingly, we pretty much agree about this. For example, Which? has just tested laptops and camcorders but, if I were about to buy either, I'd also consult specialist websites/magazines. Perhaps it's because there are more specialised reviews available, that Which? doesn't delve too deeply. Even more so for decent audio equipment.
Concerning how they choose what to test - they do state sometimes that it's dependent on market-share, which will help to perpetuate the popular and ignore the less popular, of course. Members can also suggest ideas for future tests on the website.
All in all, an interesting exchange of views that didn't involve slagging each other off. Cheers!

[Sooper]

Gingejbee - My pleasure, always good to have a healthy debate about a topic. Everyone has different views and opinions etc, so its nice to be able to thrash them out in a civilised and adult manner.
Cheers!