I wouldn't really go on individual recommendations (except perhaps for reliability & customer service) as opinions on such things as design & picture quality are very subjective especially from those who have paid out hard earned cash for a product and may not want to admit a buying error.

Better IMO to read reviews by the technical sites/magazines. Although they too are subjective, I believe they can be more objective than personal owners may be.

Of course there are dealers/professionals on this forum whose advice is worthy of note.

Finally, just to add to your Samsung, the newly announced 2012 Panasonic range (LCD & Plasma models) seem very impressive.

As I'm in the market for a new set to replace my Beovision 3 (what a beautiful TV) and now I find myself priced out of the Beovision range, I'd be interested in the comments of others. 

I think Loewe ist a good choice? The Individual Series is impressive and i think compatible to B&O Speakers? But of course more than you want to pay. If you are interested in German Technology you can also take a look at the new Metz Primus 55 3D. http://www.metz.de/en/television/tv-product-ranges/metz-primus.html. 

But of course no Samsung, Loewe or Metz looks like a B&O Television. 

According to kokomo, i think the better solution in you price range would be a Panasonic.  http://www.panasonic.de/html/de_DE/Produkte/Flachbildfernseher/NeoPlasma+-+Plasma+Technologie/VIERA+HIGHLINE/7188800/index.html#anker_7188800

If you want real black, choose a Plasma! 

smccwein wrote:

I think Loewe ist a good choice?

I have been looking at their ads here in Australia - looks interesting, especially the built in PVR - and right now they are offering free iPad 2 with their 32" or 40"

smccwein wrote:

http://www.metz.de/en/television/tv-product-ranges/metz-primus.html

Interesting picture association with each of their TV models ... I am not sure I would differentiate between models based on whether I was a pianist, wore an engagement ring, enjoyed red wine, or assembled model cars !!!!

Thank you both for your answers.

Loewe is something I like very much and is comparable to B&O, but sadly it is out of price range.

What I really don't like anymore are those thick frames around the panel, which is the same with the Pana and the Metz televisions smccwein recommended.

My current Samsung has this thick frame around the panel too, the one my parents got, has a thin frame, which looks much better and more filigrane to me.

Do all Plasma screens have these thick frames or are there sets around with a thin frame ?

I think I will have a look at some shops at the weekend to find out what suits our needs best.

Regards

Martin

I think I will have a look at some shops at the weekend to find out what suits our needs best.

Not sure a look around the shops will help except of course with appearance & design. You'd be seeing all the models in a very artificial environment with shop lighting etc, making it very difficult to decide which you like. They'd all probably be showing some fantastic HD DVD which looks great on most if not all TVs which is OK if that's all you watch. Also, the way each has been set up with their individual menu picture settings, might mean that the one with the 'best' potential picture quality has been poorly setup making any viewing decision hopeless and irrelevant.

Finally what if the shops you choose don't have the latest models in stock or a good selection of others? The one that is just right for your needs may not even be there!

Advice. Do your research on what you want. Screen size, number of inputs, sound, appearance, web connectivity (if that's what you want) and Manufacturers along with other requirements YOU want from a set.

Draw up a short list, find the shops that have these and view JUST THEM. Don't be diverted to other ones which just happen to look good in the shop. That's  how many buyers of cars have gone in to a showroom wanting a 4 seater saloon with auto transmission and come out having bought a flashy 2- seater manual sports coupe ! 

Of course we already have some favourite televisons sorted out, so we will not go out to the shops without an idea of what we would like to have.

Visiting the shops is mainly for seeing it in the flesh and talking about prices.

Given that the mainstream manufacturers have been steadily reducing quality,and quality control,to meet the general public's demand for ever lower prices one would be advised to buy a new TV with great care,and to buy from a retailer with a known track record for good after sales service.

Have a look at the relevent LCD/LED,and Plasma,sections under the Home Cinema/Video Electronics headings at

Great! Be sure you let us know your decision.

Good luck.

If you sell enough there will always be a good number of people with complaints - the difference is you don't see the 10's of thousands of satisfied customers posting on those sites to add a level of perspective.

I prefer plasma to LCD (at least I did at the time I bought my Panny 2 years ago, I haven't compared current models). I notice Samsung do metal surround plasmas as well as the LCD sets, my mindset of 2 years ago says the Panasonic plasmas were better but that could have changed, and in any case the differences are probably so small that your preference for a metal surround might sway the decision from Panasonic to Samsung anyway.

Compare the TV's and make your own choice, after all it's you that lives with it everyday. Don't be swayed by folk telling you it's either too big or not big enough or that it's not B&O.