Product Round-up Looking for a top deal on a 42-47-inch Freeview HD TV? Then you’re in luck, there’s a wide choice in screens out there for less than £1K and a tight budget doesn’t necessarily mean cutting back on all the nice toys, if you shop smart. So which one will be your next TV?
The Finlux brand has been around the block. Over the years its been owned by Finnish Nokia and Chinese Semi-Tech; deeds currently reside with Turkish OEM giant Vestel, maker of low-end tellies for Toshiba and various high street store brands. Sold direct on-line, it’s not particularly cheap for a 46-incher, but corners have clearly been cut when it comes to specification.
This Fin can’t access an on-line content portal (so no catch-up option) and there’s no 3D either – don’t cheer, the kids might want it. The 100Hz screen also lacks the advanced picture processing found on rivals. On the plus side, it can timeshift to a USB hard drive. Given how strong the branded competition is, this TV will have its work cut out finding an appreciative audience.
Reg Rating 65%
Price £800
More info Finlux
This net-connected Smart Freeview HD TV may turn a blind eye to stereoscopy, but it features a souped-up version of LG’s Trumotion picture processor, for enhanced motion resolution. The edge-lit LED panel itself is generic-looking but smart, with a fashionably thin glossy bezel.
It also offers unfettered access to LG’s Smart portal, with all the catch-up and streaming options that implies, plus solid file playback from USB. It’ll even play nice if you have a Plex client on a networked PC. Image quality is fine for Wimbledon, although a slightly compromised black level will rob The Dark Knight of some of its trademark darkness. Generally, a good all-purpose television though.
Reg Rating 80%
Price £799
More info LG
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