Surely everyone would like to save on the purchase of household appliances. And the myths still roam among the people that “the cheaper the worse”, “we are not rich enough to buy cheap things”, etc. Let's try to figure out if these rules are true when we choose the cheapest TVs for which you need to pay attention to the nuances first of all in order to get a really inexpensive and high-quality device.
The ideal image from such devices and for such little money is not worth waiting for. The first thing that the cheapest TVs sin is the lack of LED backlighting. Without it, the distribution of brightness and color depth is uneven, which can be seen with the naked eye (especially in a juicy picture). Plasma models are too expensive for this article, so we will focus mainly on devices with liquid crystals.
What to look for before buying
Since many people use older TVs with conventional antennas, special attention should be paid to the presence and reproduction of an analog signal when choosing. In addition, in the review below, preference will be given to models with additional functionality such as access to the Internet orbuilt-in media player.
So, let's see if there are worthwhile models in the budget segment (the cheapest TVs) that demonstrate, if not excellent, then at least a good level in all key indicators.
LG 32LW4500
If you are not a fan of surfing the net, rarely check Twitter, Facebook even less often, watch videos on YouTube once a month, and use Skype on a personal computer, then this model is quite suitable for you. The device does not have Internet access, but all other characteristics of the model are at a high level.
Inexpensive TVs are not equipped with DLNA support and HbbTV technology, and this gadget is no exception. Everything in it is “sharpened” for watching a video (and the model succeeded in this). Even though the TV is equipped with Edge LED backlighting, the 2D picture is of excellent quality, and the LCD panel glare is almost invisible. Color reproduction is close to perfect when Expert 1 mode is on and medium color temperature is enabled.
Model specifications
Separately, it is worth noting the presence of an IPS-matrix, which many outdated models are deprived of, so the device is perfect for a large family or a company that likes to gather around the screen.
Blurring or some artifacts during scaling SD-materials are almost invisible, and this resolution (1920x1080) is a significant plus. The device holds the analog signal quite well, so the model is perfect for watching TV shows and other broadcasts.
The only thing people sayin their reviews as a significant minus - the fact that this is too small a TV, and even with shallow blacks. Therefore, ardent fans of "dark" genres (horror, thrillers, noir) should look for a more suitable model. Otherwise, you will end up with gray tones on a seemingly black background.
The quality of the three-dimensional picture of this device deserves all praise, especially since similar inexpensive TVs cannot boast of this. The level of parasitic artifacts is extremely low, and although some people's eyes may ache from the unaccustomed, the passive system used in this model is much he althier than special shutter glasses.
One of the advantages of the model is the extended package: now there is no need to buy anything to watch 3D video. Unfortunately, in this mode, the resolution is out of bounds (960x1080), but for a 32-inch diagonal, this is simply not essential.
Worth buying
Judging by marketing research, only 25% of users (territory of the Russian Federation) connect their TV to the Internet. All other categories of buyers are either not familiar with Smart TV at all or do not use it, preferring a personal computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone for this purpose.
Looking at the statistics, it would be reasonable to note that this model is quite a logical choice, especially since it was released back in 2011 and costs mere pennies today. The price of the device is quite justified, and its balance with quality is more than sustained.
Pros:
- price;
- good sound;
- presence of a media player;
- includes four pairs of 3D glasses;
- having a good “passive” HT.
Cons:
- design;
- small diagonal;
- black color (gray with dynamic backlight);
- no network connection;
- one USB output;
- no headphone jack;
- too large remote.
Panasonic TX-P46U20
TV models of this brand have something to respect. For many generations, the company has been famous for its quality assembly and high picture quality. Many exhibitions recognized Panasonic devices as the best in their category. Even B&W TVs of this brand could sometimes compete with competing color models.
The TX series showed a fairly high level of picture and pleased its consumer with a low price. The secret that adds up to the sum is quite simple - this is the last generation of models, which was released in 2010, and for modern electronics, even three years is already a rather long time, not to mention six years.
Just as no one is interested in a five-year-old smartphone, this device has been unfairly forgotten. Even on venerable Internet sites, this model can be found with great difficulty, and even then for a long order.
TX series specifications
The choice of TV diagonal is not the last point for many users, and this model hits the mark, thanks to its dimensions. Similar devices have standardized dimensions for this type of matrix (42 inches), while the TX model offers a 46-inch diagonal, and ten centimeters for the human eye is quite a noticeable difference. Here you can also add a full-fledged "Full AichDi" resolution with a 1920x1080 scan.
Numerous reviews on this model are mostly positive, but the only thing that users note as a significant minus is the design, it gives out too far 2010 with its frame, large stand and case thickness. And although this gadget belongs to the “cheapest TVs” category, its undeniable advantages, which are noted by almost all owners in their reviews, are structural strength (ideal if there are small children) and durability.
Pros:
- price;
- diagonal;
- plasma screen;
- good sound;
- handy remote control;
- excellent 2D performance.
Cons:
- power consumption (up to 300 Wh);
- lack of USB communications and media player;
- no 3D mode.
Toshiba 42VL963
Toshiba VL series can be called the golden mean of this review. The concepts of "simple" and "small TV" models are not at all like. The device turned out, albeit concise, but with a very pleasing design for the eye. The bezel around the perimeter is very thin, so it is almost invisible, and compact controls are conveniently located at the bottom.
But the main advantage of "Toshiba" is not so much the appearance as the functionality of the device. Here you can find all kinds of DVB tuners with full adaptation (T, C, S2), there is an excellent media player that can handle almost any format. Additionally, it is possible to record everything that happens on the screen to a USB flash drive or an external hard drive.
Device specifications
The Smart TV option is also available here, but judging by user reviews, the company is far behind its competitors in this regard: even the YouTube channel is not really integrated into the model's options. The only thing that saves in this case is the Toshiba Places proprietary channel, where you can find quite a few smart applications.
Although the backlight is made using Edge LED technology, it performs its functions very well: the brightness across the entire screen is distributed very competently and it is almost impossible to see any sharp jumps with the naked eye. The picture looks detailed and clean, and the motion processing is commendable.
There is a passive 3D, and high quality, which makes it possible to spend much more time behind the screen than competing analogues. Separately, it is worth noting the presence of several pairs of brand-name 3D glasses, so there is no need to buy something to view 3D.
Buy or not
In terms of picture quality, the model is in no way inferior to the above-mentioned device from LG, even the stereoscopic system is built on the same principle and differs little from Toshiba. Butas a consumer argument, one can note the presence of Internet capabilities, which LG does not have.
One of the weaknesses of the VL series is the interface. One gets the impression that it was designed, developed and put into practice by completely different people, and speaking different languages. As a result, we get somewhere overly simplified, and in some places too pretentious and complex menu. At the same time, many important items that, according to logic, should be nearby, are scattered all over the screen for some reason. In the internal settings, there is the same confusion of windows and strokes, which you definitely won’t be able to understand the first time.
Pros:
- modern (for old model) and cute design;
- Glare-free LCD panel;
- good quality 2D images;
- excellent reception of on-air channels;
- availability of adapted tuners;
- quality of "passive" 3D;
- includes four pairs of branded 3D glasses;
- good media player;
Cons:
- confusing menu, but for those who are used to "Philips" and "Samsungs", it's generally a dark forest;
- Ergonomic remote control and key position leaves much to be desired;
- no built-in Wi-Fi;
- black colors look grey.
