Recommend a 40" TV

[Zoom7000]

I would like to purchase a 40" television. My budget is around £250 but the maximum I am able to stretch to is £300. I'm not interested in any Smart TV features as my TV will be permanently connected to my PC which has DVI & HDMI output on a GeForce GTX 560Ti graphics card. The main use will be for Freeview HD, but I like to use it as a PC in the evenings for browsing (yes, I have used a 40" TV at 1080p resolution with Windows and I am happy with it!) and PC games like FIFA 15 & GTA 5 (Once it is finally released for the PC!) Ideally I would like to get a TV with 4 HDMI inputs as I would like to keep the following devices connected at all times:

 

PC

Mac Mini

PS3

Occasionally a MacBook Pro

 

Something very important to me is the need for a responsive Freeview HD EPG system, as we use this quite extensively. Also, I would like to buy a model that will allow me to easily update the firmware (either via USB or better still, WiFi) so that I can always experience the best performance with the TV. I've always been inclined towards Samsung TV's in the past, but happy to look to other manufacturers is the model is good!

 

So, any suggestions?

[caffrey]

If you like samsungs, you probably want something like this Samsung UE40H5000AKXXU just over your budget http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-UE40H5000AKXXU-40-inch-Widescreen-Freeview/dp/B00JNM4V1K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428492476&sr=8-1

 

I have a Samsung h6400 48" and its brilliant, ipdates over the air etc.

[Zoom7000]

I've had a look at that model, but it only has 2 x HDMI inputs

[sonofsanta]

LG are always excellent, both in quality & value, with a great EPG. They don't do 40", but you can get a 39" for £319 or 42" for an extra tenner - the only problem is, LG seem to top out at 3 HDMI inputs.

 

Freeview HD is what's pushing you over budget, because you only seem to get that on the smart models; you can save cash if you can live with SD Freeview.

[caffrey]

Shame, HDMI switch ? Seems like most in that price range only come with 2 ?

[BassTech]

I recently bought a 47" LG SMART TV, but had to send it back as it was faulty (dead pixel). I got a 48" SMART Samsung to replace it, and I have to say in my experience the Samsung is superior in every way - Features, picture and build quality all surpass the LG.

 

You will do well to get a non-smart TV at that size with more than 2 hdmi ports. If you can up your budget slightly I'd look at this: Buy UE40H5500 Smart 40" LED TV | Free Delivery | Currys - but that only has 3 hdmi ports.

[XiJ]

I too have the Samsung H6400 48" and it's lovely.

 

Recently got my mum a 42" H6210 or some such. I think it is 3 Hdmi sockets - updates over air and is responsive (although the firmware it shipped with was laggy)

 

The smart features are excellent although you've said you don't want them. You could always in a Plex server on the PC/mini and use the plex app on the Samsung.

 

Look at Crampton & Moore - it was £299. Even better in you live in South Yorkshire as you can collect from store or warehouse.

[sonofsanta]

The only 39"-42" TVs with 4 x HDMI ports I can find are these two:

Sony BRAVIA KDL42W706B Silver | 42 inch LED Smart TV 1080p HD Freeview HD | Richer Sounds (£380)

Samsung UE40H6400 | 40 inch 3D LED Smart TV 1080p HD Freeview HD | Richer Sounds (£430)

 

You may have to live with 3 x HDMI given your budget, especially if the 4th is only an occasional connection for your MacBook.

[pete]

If you like samsungs, you probably want something like this Samsung UE40H5000AKXXU just over your budget Samsung UE40H5000AKXXU 40-inch Widescreen Full HD 1080p Slim LED TV with Freeview HD: Amazon.co.uk: TV

 

I bought that the other day and a £10 HDMI switch with remote control (Duronic 3 Port HDMI Auto Switch Box plus Remote - 3x1: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics).

 

It's currently got a Chromecast (direct), Freesat box and Raspberry Pi (via the hdmi switch) plugged into it. Early days but no complaints so far.

Edited April 8, 2015 by pete

[cpjitservices]

Anything Panasonic is usually pretty good. something like the Vierra range.

 

LG also seem like a good candidate these days.