I seriously have no idea if there's a better way to buy one in Croatia.

Once you can show us a couple prices I'm sure we can offer you plenty of help though.

With regards to 37" and 32", I don't think either size is big enough to fill the roll as the centerpiece TV. Because of this I would prefer to buy a 32" and then when prices come down in Croatia (I could find you a 50" plasma here for under $1000) buy a 50" or so and you'll have a 32" which sometimes fits better in small rooms or can even be used as a monitor.

I thought Panasonics did the best plasmas.

Toshibas are very well regarded for 37" LCD's.

Samsung have some very good value 40"+ ones (as do LG) with a nice modern look.

Most Sonys are decent but slightly more expensive.

Sharp did have the Aquos series optimised for PAL non-HD sources a couple of years back, but I haven't heard much about their latest HD models.

Philips are one of the best for DVB reception.

To be honest any known brand should be fine - just check the models out in a shop and on the Net before deciding which to buy.

It's very hard to advise without knowing what models/prices you have available and exactly how you are likely to use it. Best to get one that is 'full HD' (1080) or better.

Full HD's are VERY expensive here... almost double what I would pay for the one I need and the technology didn't come yet.. they say it will be implemented by 2010.. by that time I'll buy a newer full HD one I hope..

also, I can't really go for bigger then 37" since the living room is "L" shaped and has like 10 feet from the telly to the couch.. everything over 37" would be way too big I think....

I was actually thinking Philips, Sharp or LG since those 3 are the leaders in LCD technology as far as I know...

Late Xmas present from NV, courtesy of Which magazine:

Best Buys

Selected to provide you with stunning sound and pictures. Otherwise you may find your new flat screen TV gives a worse picture than your old set.
Navigate this report

* Overview
* Best Buys
* Features explained
* Compare products
* Reliability
* Owners' views
* FAQs
* How we test
* LCD versus Plasma
* How to buy



Despite falling prices and a lot of hype around technological developments, we've had some serious reservations about the picture quality of flat-panel TVs over the past couple of years. Many LCD and plasma TVs have great potential for viewing HD programmes but the picture quality hasn't been so great for normal TV broadcasts or DVD viewing.

Our Best Buys are the exception and impress not only our eagle-eyed viewing panel but our listening and ergonomic experts too. We test more TVs than any other magazine and add new reviews every month so keep an eye out for brand new Best Buys. If you fancy something a little more compact, check our reviews of smaller screened LCD TVs.
Best Buys
Panasonic Viera TX-26LXD70

* Price: £699
* Score: 79%
* Type of TV: LCD

Compare prices: Panasonic Viera TX-26LXD70
Panasonic TX-26LXD70

This superb 26-inch LCD model from Panasonic tops our Best Buy list – and shares many positive attributes with its larger siblings, making it an excellent choice if space is it a premium.

It’s HD ready and has a very good high definition picture, with notable depth. The integrated Freeview tuner provides natural pictures with good depth and skin tone, and handles dark sequences well with good black quality. The only noticeable problems are occasional edgy effects.

Panasonic Viera TX-26LXD7

* Price: £550
* Score: 78%
* Type of TV: LCD

Compare prices: Panasonic Viera TX-26LXD7
Panasonic TX-26LXD7

A great example of Panasonic’s LCD expertise, this entry level 26-inch model deservedly wins a Best Buy for shining in many areas, and offers superb value for anyone who wants a great picture but isn’t too bothered about a few extra sockets.

It’s HD ready with stunning high definition picture quality, showing good depth and detail. The integrated Freeview tuner provides natural pictures with good depth and skin tone, and handles dark sequences well with good black quality.

Panasonic Viera TX-32LXD70

* Price: £800
* Score: 78%
* Type of TV: LCD

Compare prices: Panasonic Viera TX-32LXD70
Panasonic TX-32LXD70

Beneath the simple, yet stylish design beats the heart of another winner from Panasonic. The TX-32LXD70 is an HD-ready, 32-inch widescreen LCD TV with integrated digital (Freeview) and analogue tuners. It almost goes without saying that it's both boasts fantastic picture quality and is simple to operate.

Standard definition pictures boast vibrant colours with good skin tone and depth. Blacks are detailed, while high definition pictures hide banding well and have an almost 3D effect. Our expert viewing panel reckon this Panasonic is one of the best we've watched.

Panasonic Viera TX-32LXD700

* Price: £800
* Score: 78%
* Type of TV: LCD

Compare prices: Panasonic Viera TX-32LXD700
Panasonic TX32LXD700

Panasonic’s top of the range 32-inch HD-ready LCD has an integrated Freeview tuner, with a great picture, decent sound, all the connections anyone is likely to need, and extras such as a media card slot and light sensor.

Overall the picture is up to Panasonic’s usual high standards. Depth and clarity are exceptional, blacks look realistic and the image processing successfully masks any inherent glitches from the digital signal.

Panasonic Viera TX-32LMD70

* Price: £650
* Score: 77%
* Type of TV: LCD

Compare prices: Panasonic Viera TX-32LMD70
Panasonic Viera TX-32LMD70

Standards are rising in the flat panel TV market and Panasonic are clearly leading the way, with yet another Best Buy from their 2007 range of LCD TVs.

This HD ready, 32-inch IDTV, boasts super pictures, decent sound and the usual impressive array of features, such as an energy saving light sensor and audio description. Compared to the pricier models in the Panasonic range, it's missing a couple of sockets and some digital processing software (which makes only a marginal difference to overall picture quality).

Panasonic Viera TX-32LXD7

* Price: £650
* Score: 77%
* Type of TV: LCD

Compare prices: Panasonic Viera TX-32LXD7
Panasonic Viera TX-32LXD7

The 2007 range of Panasonic TVs are all great models, but this relatively cheap entry level model could actually be your best bet. It's an HD ready, 32-inch LCD TV with integrated Freeview tuner, boasts a great picture, super sound and some nifty features like a light sensor and audio description. And to top it all, it's simple to use.

The pricier TX-32LXD700 has additional sockets for HD equipment, a surround-sound system, PC and memory card slot and software that improves moving images - but the difference is slight if you can live without the extra sockets and fancy features opt for this cheap model.

Panasonic Viera TH-42PX600B

* Price: £1,400
* Score: 72%
* Type of TV: Plasma

Compare prices: Panasonic Viera TH-42PX600B
Panasonic Viera TH-42PX600B

This may be a throwback to Panasonic's 2006 range but nevertheless this outstanding 42-inch plasma is definitely worth tracking down. It's an HD-ready IDTV that is awash with great features and stunning pictures.

The natural-looking high-definition pictures are still amongst the best we've but picture detail, depth and colour are all very good when watching standard TV broadcasts too.

Panasonic Viera TH-42PX700

* Price: £998
* Score: 70%
* Type of TV: Plasma

Compare prices: Panasonic Viera TH-42PX700
Panasonic Viera TH-42PX700

The TH-42PX700 is the replacement model for last year's PX600 Best Buy. Not surprisingly Panasonic carry on their outstanding run of success with yet another great example of an excellent flat-panel IDTV. The technology just happens to be plasma rather than LCD.

It's an HD-ready, 42-inch plasma screen, festooned with features including a memory card slot and light sensor.On the downside, power use when watching TV is alarmingly high.

Sony Bravia KDL-32D3000

* Price: £900
* Score: 69%
* Type of TV: LCD

Compare prices: Sony Bravia KDL-32D3000
Sony 32D3000

This excellent Sony 32-inch LCD IDTV breaks the Panasonic stranglehold on our Best Buy list with some panache. It goes one better than HD ready and is suitable not only for HD broadcasts but for use with high definition DVDs too.

Both standard and high definition picture quality is great but maybe not quite at the standard of the Panasonic range of LCD TVs. Still, the vibrant picture is awash with colour and good detail, Freeview looks great and high definition is especially impressive on motion sequences.

Toshiba Regza 37C3030D

* Price: £700
* Score: 67%
* Type of TV: LCD

Compare prices: Toshiba Regza 37C3030D
Toshiba Regza 37C3030D

This Toshiba c-series IDTV is an HD ready, 37-inch LCD. While the slightly soft picture quality isn't up to the standard of the Panasonic LCD range, it's well above average. Picture wise the pricier x-series Toshiba is better for watching high definition broadcasts.

However, sound quality is well up to scratch and it boasts a nice array of sockets. As Panasonic LCD TVs are currently only available up to 32-inches in size (although word is, this is about to change) Toshiba are worth a look if you're looking for a larger screen.

Toshiba Regza 37X3030D

* Price: £900
* Score: 67%
* Type of TV: LCD

Compare prices: Toshiba Regza 37X3030D
Toshiba Regza 37X3030D

This super-high resolution top of the range HD ready, 37-inch LCD TV features an integrated Freeview tuner.It is also one of the first TVs on the market that works properly with high definition DVDs - although it's not quite as good as some of the sony and Panasonic models we've tested.

Both sound and pictures are pretty good making it a worthy Best Buy, despite some usability niggles. If you're interested in high definition go for this model ahead of the Toshiba c-series.

JVC LT-26DX7BJ

* Price: £670
* Score: 66%
* Type of TV: LCD

Compare prices: JVC LT-26DX7BJ
JVC LT-26DX7BJ

This Best Buy HD ready, 26" widescreen TV has both analogue and digital tuners. It's a simple design, with a matt black and silver surround and a coordinating rotating pedestal stand - though it can be wall mounted if a suitable bracket is bought.

Picture quality is great in standard definition and good in HD too - there's a slight greenish tinge to skin tones but excellent detail which gives a superb 'depth' to pictures. The sound received mixed reviews - some of the panel really liked it whereas others found it unnatural, thin with a tendency to be boomy and tinny.

Toshiba Regza 42X3030D

* Price: £1,000
* Score: 66%
* Type of TV: LCD

Compare prices: Toshiba Regza 42X3030D
Toshiba 42X3030DB

This easy to use and well-featured high-resolution HD ready, 42-inch LCD IDTV just does enough to make Best Buy status without troubling the best that Sony and Panasonic have to offer.

Standard definition pictures appear somewhat washed-out (probably not helped by a very poor viewing angle). Skin tones are ok but we noticed some image smearing and banding, while Freeview pictures are a little grainy and soft. High-definition colours are weak.

Pioneer PDP-4270XD

* Price: £998
* Score: 65%
* Type of TV: Plasma

Compare prices: Pioneer PDP-4270XD
Pioneer PDP-4270XD

Pioneer keep the plasma TV flag flying with this decent 42-inch PDP-4270XD. It's from their older range of TVs and has been superceded by the new Kuro models but it's still worth tracking down. It's a cinch to use, with nice clear menu systems, logical remote and a well integrated Freeview digital tuner.

The sound quality is good (but the cabinet buzzes a bit if it gets too loud) and there are plenty of reasonable features (three Scart sockets for example). Despite a fairly mediocre picture the plus points just about make it worth the Best Buy tag.

Sony Bravia KDL-40D3000

* Price: £1,000
* Score: 65%
* Type of TV: LCD

Compare prices: Sony Bravia KDL-40D3000
Sony KDL-40D3000

This super 40-inch LCD IDTV Best Buy from Sony boasts a sparkling picture and a top-notch array of features. As well as one of the most energy efficient light sensors we’ve ever tested, it is also great for using with high-definition DVD players.

Normal DVDs look a bit soft but the depth and detail more than make up for any minor quibbles. Freeview pictures boast natural colours but it’s high-definition images where this D3000 set really excels. Colours, depth, detail and black levels all come in for praise from our exacting panel.

Sony Bravia KDL-40X2000

* Price: £1,750
* Score: 65%
* Type of TV: LCD

Compare prices: Sony Bravia KDL-40X2000
Sony Bravia KDL-40X2000

Sony comes up trumps once more with another winner from the hugely successful Bravia range. The 40X2000 is a superb all rounder and highly spec'd 40-inch LCD with built-in Freeview digital tuner.

The great high resolution picture is complemented by super internal speakers and there are more inputs and outputs than you can shake a remote control at, including a power-saving light-sensor. There are a few niggles with the oft illogical menu system – but if you've got the cash to spare don't let this put you off.

Panasonic Viera TH-37PX70

* Price: £800
* Score: 64%
* Type of TV: Plasma

Compare prices: Panasonic Viera TH-37PX70
Panasonic Viera TH-37PX70

This HD ready, 37-inch plasma TV features an integrated Freeview tuner and boasts some nice picture quality. It's the smallest Panasonic plasma TV available.

As is the norm for Panasonic TVs it's easy to use and the sound isn't bad either. On the downside it is fairly power hungry and doesn't feature a light-sensor.

Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ700

* Price: £1,400
* Score: 63%
* Type of TV: Plasma

Compare prices: Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ700
Panasonic TH-42PZ700

The Best Buy high resolution TH-42PZ700 is the flagship model (i.e. priciest) from Panasonic's 2007 plasma range. For the price you get everything you'd expect - great picture, usability, zillions of sockets and a host of features, such as a light sensor and audio description.

However, it's ridiculously power hungry - more so than any other Panasonic plasma we've tested, sound quality is fairly mediocre and despite the high resolution screen it still doesn't work properly with high definition DVD players.

Sony Bravia KDL-32U2000

* Price: £600
* Score: 63%
* Type of TV: LCD

Compare prices: Sony Bravia KDL-32U2000
Sony Bravia KDL-32U2000

The smart looking Bravia KDL-32U2000 is a 32-inch Best Buy LCD from Sony. It features a decent built-in Freeview digital tuner (ideal for weak reception areas) and fairly enjoyable picture and sound quality.

We've seen better HD pictures and our viewing test revealed some issues with over-saturated colours and a soft picture prone to slight green and yellow tinting. But if you're watching Freeview the picture softness helps disguise some of the graininess.

Panasonic Viera TH-42PX7

* Price: £799
* Score: 62%
* Type of TV: Plasma

Compare prices: Panasonic Viera TH-42PX7
Panasonic TH-42PX7

This 42-inch Best Buy plasma from Panasonic has a lot going for it – it's easy to use and it boasts a host of features like audio description. But it's power hungry and while picture quality is well above average, it is short of the standards set by Panasonic's own LCD range of TVs.

But if you're determined to go for plasma bar a few sockets and fancy sounding features, this entry level model is almost as good as some of the pricier top of the range models.

Sony Bravia KDL-26S2010

* Price: £474
* Score: 61%
* Type of TV: LCD

Compare prices: Sony Bravia KDL-26S2010
Sony KDL-26S2010

This HD ready LCD IDTV is a great energy efficient 26-inch model from Sony. It's been around for a while but is still worth tracking down online.

It sports some super high definition picture quality for this screen-size. The standard picture is very good too; our expert panel were impressed by the realistic colours and good detail. Sound quality is OK - slightly 'nasal' but clear.

Don't Buys


Of all of the TVs currently on test, 7 of them have been awarded the dreaded status of a Which? Don't Buy.

Sagem AXIUM HD-L32 T/2

Its standard definition picture lets it down and it's poor for stills too. Sound quality is below par as well - 'poor, rough and a chore to listen to', reckoned our listeners.

LG 42PC1DA-EC

Our expert panel felt this was one of the worst big-screen displays to pass through our laboratory in recent times. Very poor detail in dark sequences and poor colour reproduction doesn't get much better when watching in HD.

Atec AV371DS

This woeful 37-inch HD-ready LCD from ATEC is difficult to use. Picture and sound quality are below average and if that wasn't enough, it's horribly power hungry too.

Marks & Spencer MS 3210DVB001

Stick to the M&S food hall and don’t buy this awful TV.

Acoustic Solutions LCD32805HD

This appalling 32-inch LCD is one of the worst TVs we’ve ever tested, scoring a meager 1 star in the standard viewing tests and a terrible overall score of only 26.

Hannspree JT01-32E2-000G

This ‘Don’t Buy’ basic 32-inch LCD from Hannspree has such poor picture quality, we recommend you avoid it. It’s lacking in features too.

Daewoo DLT-32C3

There’s not much chance of this 32-inch LCD IDTV from Daewoo setting the TV world alight – we’d advise you not to buy it.

I have a 60" Sony 1080 rear projection in my living room. I got it about 1 1/2 years ago and I still think it has the best picture of any TV on the market. I compared it side by side to alot of others severral times and was blown away each time by the difference.

I just recently bought a Sanyo 32" LCD for a back bedroom which we use as a workout room / play room (playstation). We dont use that TV nearly as much as our main TV in the living room so although I nomally only buy the best (Sony) when it comes to TVs and other electronics...I didnt mind scrimping for this one. However, it was set up right beside a Sony, Panasonic, Visio and Sanmsung at the store and I couldnt see any difference in the picture. I think the picture on the smaller (32") sets are so damn sharp that your eyes cant tell the difference if there really is any difference. Im not sold on Sanyo quality, but most TVs are gonna last for many years and by then most people upgrade anyway. I paid $625 and am very happy.

If you can find an Aquos without the "Banding" issue, then they win - they're SO AWESOME. But, you really have to make sure you don't get one that has the banding, cuz it REALLY sucks...especially if you watch HD hockey.

what's the "banding" issue?