Maxine recently got in touch with Reevoo to tell us about her new TV. We thought she might have some interesting advice to share with people in a similar position, so we subjected her to a few questions!
Maxine is a PA from Birmingham.
Thanks for taking the time to help AV Review readers Maxine! What TV have you bought?
Maxine: I’ve researched and researched on the net and in stores and looked at TV upon TV for approximately 8 months, but kept coming back to the Samsung LE37A656A – the LG Scarlet did not compare looks wise – looked tacky and ineffective.
Wow, that’s a long time to be looking for a new TV! Did you know anything about TVs before you started?
Max: I had no idea whatsoever about TVs. Back in the day I never had unlimited access to the World Wide Web or even a car to go from one store to another. When you’re on public transport you want to get on and off as quickly as possible so rarely ventured too far from home. With your own four wheels however, you can go as far as the petrol in the tank can take you and the WWW’s access is unlimited.
I learned about TVs by speaking to people, visiting a lot of stores looking at loads and loads of TVs, but it wasn’t until I really got the internet research bug that I began to really understand what was important for me, what ticked the boxes that made me decide - yeah - this is it the Samsung Rose/Black Series 6 LEA37A656.
What were your reasons for getting a new TV? Did your requirements change as you learnt more about televisions?
Max: I decided on a new TV for 2 reasons. One, I’ve done a massive make-over on my whole house, the lounge in particular had not had a facelift in ages. Two, once I had a colour scheme (black, silver/grey, white with splashes of red) I also found that the TV I had for a while not only did not fit in with the rest of my décor but also needed updating. It was very bulky and took up unnecessary floor space. Besides, the colour tube was on its last legs frittering between green and blue screens whenever it felt like it to the point I got used to it.
My initial requirement was just a flat screen - what do I know? I had an idea on size but wasn’t sure - I had the space but didn’t want overbearing so researched that element too. And I definitely had no clue whether I wanted LCD or Plasma - in fact I’m not ashamed to say I didn’t know the difference. It definitely changed by the time I made that final decision to buy. The specifications were compared against similar models, price was at the forefront as there had to be value for money and the look - very very important. These all became the top key factors on my wish list.
It sounds like you’re very happy with your final choice - do you have any tips for other people who are thinking about getting a new TV?
Max: It’s imperative that we take time out and research research research. Make a list of what is important to you to convince you to buy that item and tick as many boxes on your wish list as is possible - not all will be ticked because we can’t get everything we want, but we can indeed get close to it.
We all have a preferred make or a make we have been using with satisfaction over the years ie. Samsung, Panasonic, LG whatever. Mine’s Samsung. Select your preferred 1st and 2nd choices and produce a ‘wish list’, listing what YOU think (no one else, just you - you’re the one paying for it and have to live with it - furthermore too many people putting in their ten pennies worth can be confusing and you’d end up getting something not fit for your purpose nor suits your personality) are the important factors that you want to ensure are met before you decide to make that purchase - again not all need to be ticked but if you put them in order of importance they’ll be little or no doubts about the purchase.
If, however, both your 1st and 2nd choices meet all or most of your requirements but you still can’t decide on a make and model, get on to one of the comparison websites and compare each against another popular or top make - Samsung Rose/Black 6 Series compared with the LG Scarlet for example. You should be able to make a firm decision from there. Before you press that button though pop back into a store and have a final look at the exact make and model TV you’ve decided on - seeing it in the flesh so to speak and having it demonstrated in front of your eyes is advisable and more convincing. This should then remove or confirm any doubts that may have crept into your mind. Once satisfied don’t ponder any further - click that button and go for it - you’ve done your homework so now follow through to the exciting stage of waiting for it to be delivered and enjoying your purchase.
Thanks, that’s very helpful. Any final thoughts?
Max: Trust me it can get very boring and tedious at times trawling websites, popping in and out of one store after the other, but your hard work will pay off in the end. Making purchases via a website is also easy just make sure the site is secure and reputable. Phone them up if not sure and read the reviews left by other customers both positives and negatives - take the good with the bad but weigh them all up to fit your needs and you’ll find the balance. Happy researching and enjoy your new purchase.
Thanks Maxine, hope you enjoy the new TV!
If you would like to be interviewed for AV Review, drop me a line at tv@reevoo.com, or leave a message in the comments.
There’s a wintery theme to this week’s Gadget Watch. As it’s been getting freezing of late, I’ve found something that might make the commute into work on those cold and frosty mornings a little easier - battery powered heated gloves. Just turn them on a few minutes before you leave the house so that they’re all nice and toasty when you put them on.
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