Smart Consumer: television

Sony BRAVIA KDL-40V4000 40 Inch Full-HD LCD

Brand: Sony
Type: Sony BRAVIA KDL-40V4000 40 Inch Full-HD LCD
Full-HD: 1920 x 1080p resolution
50 Hz
Dynamic contrast: 33000:1
Audio modes: Dynamic/Standard/BBE ViVa/Virtual Dolby
Viewing angle: 178 degrees
Digital Comb filter
BRAVIA Engine 2
Connections: Digital audio-output (optical) / 3 x HDMI / HDMI-signal capability for the PC / PC input (15-pins D-Sub) and audio in / 1 x component / Composite video input/ USB 2.0 Input / Mini jack connection: 3.5 mm / PCMCIA-card slot / RCA audio out / RF connection / Scart 2 x RGB / BRAVIA Sync
Colour & design: “Draw the line’ piano black finish
Image format: 40 inches
Signal: 576i / 480p / 576p / 1080i / 720p / 1080p
24 P-input
Advanced Contrast Enhancer
AFD (Auto Format Detect)
Automatic noise reduction
Picture in Picture
Image ratio 16:9
S-Force Pro Front Surround
Analogue Terrestrial Tuner
Digital Terrestrial Tuner
Digital TV-cable tuner
Auto Labelling and Auto Start-Up/Tuning
EPG
Included accessories: Table stand / Remote control RM-ED013 / User’s guide
Dimesions: Including table stand (B x H x D): 98.6 x 68.4 x 27.9 cm / Excluding stand (B x H x D): 98.6 x 64.6 x 11.0 cm
Warranty: 2 years

Price: € 699,95

Blurb

"The Sony KDL-40V4000 40 inch Full HD television is the latest in the BRAVIA series and is equipped with the new BRAVIA 2 engine for a better contrast. With its “draw the line” design and the glossy black piano finish, the BRAVIA KDL-40V 4000 is a real vision to look at. The exclusive BRAVIA 2 engine creates unprecedented viewing quality with enhanced depth, improved clarity and high definition. You have a 40 inch viewing area at your disposal with an amazing resolution of 1920 x 1080p. Combined with an extremely high dynamic contrast of 33000:1 and with 3 HDMI ports, this gem of a TV ensures that you are all set for the future. Experience the effect of digital Surround sound from just two loud speakers with Virtual Dolby sound and BBE ViVA sound technology. This full HD TV is equipped with the Bravia Theatre Sync with which you can operate your sound system, TV and DVD player with just a single remote control. With the 3 HDMI ports, it is now easier than ever to connect high definition sources to your TV. At last, you get to watch movies the way the director meant it to be, with the Sony BRAVIA KDL-40V4000 40 inch full HD television!"

Awesome deal. Buy it if you can. Do not expect it delivered until mid-January though. €12.50 shipping to Ireland.

Just like to point out that both of these are going to expire TOMORROW, 16th December.

XPS ONE for €495 delivered

Dell all-in-one premium iMac knockoff is going for half the going rate. Presumably that means it's on the way out, but it's an ok deal for people with a need for an average but very portable/storable machine. The keyboard and mouse are a cut above the norm too. The built-in tuner means you can use it as a TV with PVR features. 20" is nothing to write home about, but it gets the job done. Throw in an accessory worth about €35 to qualify for 10% off, bringing the final price down to €495.

23" Full HD Monitor for €186 delivered

A nice, sizeable monitor with a 1920 x 1080 screen. At a nice, not too sizeable price.

NETGEAR ProSafe Switch 8P gigabit

€ 39.00

-34%

My €0.02
It's cheap, but who needs an 8 port gigabit switch? If the answer is you, this is cheaper than any equivalent products at misco or pixmania. That said, for a little more you could get a much better product...

Logitech MX Air Rechargeable Cordless

€ 95.00

-13%

My €0.02
I have one of these. They rock. Cost 15 euro this time last year.

Samsung 22" LCD Syncmaster T220HD

€ 273.99

-9%

My €0.02
There must be something seriously wrong because elara want 440 for this. Pixmania are selling it for 269.

Gigabyte GA-E7AUM-DS2H, GeForce 9400

€ 139.49

-7%

My €0.02
Not a bad price but only buy if you want the GeForce 9400. Which I find unlikely.

Brand: Samsung
Model: LE40A615
40 Inch Full HD
1080 24p Real Movie
Resolutiion:1920 x 1080p
Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 30.000:1
Entertainment Mode
Picture in Picture
Picture Ratio: 16:9
100 Hz Technology
DVB-T
Clear Panel
Movie Plus
Wide Colour Enhancer 2
DNIe Pro
A2/NiCAM
Downfiring speaker
SRS TrueSurround XT
Electronic Program Guide
Loud Speaker Output: 20 Watt (2 x 10W)
Power Consumption: 240W
Connections:
3 x HDMI / Component (Y/Pb/Pr) / 2 x Scart / Video Monitor Out (L/R) Only Audio / PC Connection (D-Sub) / Optical Audio Out / USB 2.0 / S-Video / Composite / Headphone
Dimensions: 99.8 x 63.8 x 8.4 cm (WxHxD) / 99.8 x 69.9 x 30 cm (WxHxD) including Foot
Weight: 17kg / 20.2 kg including Foot
Warranty: 2 years

Price: € 777,00

Go iBOOD. That is one serious telly. I would buy it in a heartbeat if I wasn't up to my eyes in tv's, projectors and monitors at the moment. €12.50 shipping seals the deal.

Epson Projector EMP-X5, 1024x768, 2200 ANSI, 400:1

€ 469.00

-6%

My €0.02
This projector must be nearing the end of it's life cycle by now. I would go for a newer model, which would deliver more bang per buck. Or a Infocus IN1 for less than €200.

Creative Zen 4GB, SD/SDHC slot, MP3/AAC,2,5" LCD screen, DivX/XviD/WMV

€ 65.00

-12%

My €0.02
Why? All I want is an iPod Touch with an SD cart slot. And who watches video on a 2.5" screen?

Canon IXUS 80 Silver 8.0MP 3x opt.zoom

€ 148.00
-0%

My €0.02
Beats pixmanias €159. Any good? Dunno.

Samsung 19" LCD-TV Syncmaster 932MW, Widescreen, TV-tuner, DVI, 5ms

€ 189.00

-5%

My €0.02
19" LCD TV again? It's still pointless.

D-Link DSL-2740B Wireless N ADSL2/2+modem and router

€ 109.00

My €0.02
Great router, bad offer. Actually, isn't this the regular price?

Samsung 19" LCD-TV Syncmaster 932MW,Widescreen, TV-tuner, DVI, 5ms

€ 189.00

-5%

My €0.02
19 inch tv? Really?

Samsung 26" LCD-TV LE26A330-

€ 379.00

-13%

My €0.02
Wouldn't it make more sense to get one of these?

Western Digital Passport Elite 320GBTitan, USB 2.0

€ 99.00

-29%

My €0.02
Still a bad deal, just like last time...

In celebration of reaching 100 posts (wowzers!) I'm going to do an extra large Midweek Madness. Like most of you are probably facing up to, Christmas is rapidly advancing so that means you needs gifts and ideas tout de suite! And as I am on a hundred post high, I will oblige.

37" LCD TV from BigPockets

This looks identical to my 37" Hannspree, which cost €500 delivered last year. Well worth the money in my eyes. Approx €420 including shipping

http://www.bigpockets.co.uk/product.php?product=ELONEX004

Yankee Candles - the stink of good cheer

Want to fill your house with Americanised Christmas smells? Sure you do, it'll mask the smell of gin! All Yankee brand candles are half price at Home Store + More.

http://homestoreandmore.ie/

Cheap printers at Tesco

Tesco have been quietly doing good deals on printers over the last couple of weeks. You'll find a variety of Wifi enabled or multi-function Lexmark printers for under €40.

http://www.tesco.ie/

Branch 309 Shoe Sale

Buying shoes online is always daunting. Branch 309 are nice to deal with, so you could do worse than dipping a toe (hur hur) here. The sale makes their good prices even better!

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Branded-Footwear-at-Branch309

Portable Mega Drive

It contains 20 Mega Drive games and costs €22.49. I mean, come on. It also has Tv-out.

http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=30001&catalogId=1500001151&langId=-1&searchTerms=Mega+Drive+Portable

4GB Micro SD card

4GB Genuine Kingmax TF Micro-SD Memory Card for ~€7.50. Can't knock that.

http://www.focalprice.com/4GB_Genuine_Kingmax_TF_Micro_SD_Memory_Card_4G_MF075B_5440.html

Know thy exchange rate

This year the dollar is up and the pound is down, so grab those british bargains

http://www.xe.com/ucc

~~~100~~~

Sony Bravia 40" LCD-TV KDL-40W4000 Full HD, DVB-T, DVB-C

€ 1,157.00

-15%

My €0.02
An extremely good TV at an extremely average price, assuming you use the new collections facility. You could find it cheaper through private sales.

Western Digital My Book Home Edition 320

€ 80.01

-8%

My €0.02
Meh. Old stock?

EVGA GeForce GTX 260 896MB GDDR3, PCI-E 2.0, 2xDVI/HDCP, 448bit

€ 255.00

-6%

My €0.02
Ok price for Europe. The yanks get it far cheaper, of course.

Corsair Dominator TWIN 2X8500C5D 4096MB, DDR2,2x2GB(KIT), DHX, E.P.P, CL5-5-5-15-2T

€ 99.00

-9%

My €0.02
15 yoyos cheaper than dabs.

Monday morning again, eh? Let's do this.

Samsung BD-P1400 Blu-Ray Player

€ 244.00

-9%

My €0.02
Personally, I would avoid Blu-Ray players. Pixmania do this one for €209 if you are keen.

Western Digital My Book StudioEdition 500GB, USB 2.0, eSata, Firewire

€ 112.00

-14%

My €0.02
500GB... YAWN!

Fujitsu Siemens ESPRIMO M9400 14.1" T7300 2.0Hz 2048MB 120GB Vista Bus

€ 759.00

-5%

My €0.02
I couldn't find this exact model. But a lower spec'ed model was selling for ~€900 on elara.

Samsung 32" LCD-TV LE32A552 --Full HD--

€ 757.00
-0%

My €0.02
Err, dunno. Seems to be popular in Belgium. Some nice features I guess but really quite expensive for a 32" TV.

Expansys are doing a deal for MoDaCo users until the end of September, get €10 off when you spend over €25 or better still get £10 off when you spend £20! Great if you're thinking of grabbing a cheap slingbox. More information at the MoDaCo forums.

Thanks to eagle-eyed boardsie Random.

The original slingbox is going for a song. Well, €100 anyway. Which is not bad when you think about it. The slingbox is essentially a PVR without a drive: it takes an input from your cable/camera/satellite box and converts it into compressed video. The only difference is that instead of writing it to a disk, it writes it to your local network or the internet where you can pick up and record the channel on any modern PC. My only concern is that the remote control software supplied won't allow you to remotely (really remotely, like Kuala Lumpur) change channels on many newer devices but if you are using analogue inputs that shouldn't be a problem. And even when it all goes digital in 2012, you can still use a sky digital box with it.

Kudos to expansys for flogging their old but good stuff on the cheap.

POLAROID TFU-43743B LCD Television

The good:

5,000:1 contrast ratio
VGA Input
HDMI Input
1080p resolution
€599
DVB-T

The bad:

No DVI input
No MPEG-4 decoder

Polaroid make TV's now? I'd take it as a sign that 1080p TV's are approaching a more reasonable cost level but I wouldn't be rushing out to buy it.

Ah, it was salmonella. Haven't heard of that for a while, what with kids today and their e-coli's and superbug whatnots.

Samsung HT-TX250 Home Cinema HDMI 600W

€ 299.00

-14%

My €0.02
It's ok I guess. Ibood couldn't do any better.

Sony Bravia 32" LCD-TV KDL-32P3000--DVB-T--

€ 537.00

-9%

My €0.02
A few people have complained of buzzing from this model. Also, I'm pretty certain it won't work with Irish DTT because it has no MPEG-4 decoder. Cheap enough though, if only the shipping wasn't so rough...

BenQ 24" G2400W, Black, 1920x1200,5ms, 1000:1, VGA/DVI/HDMI

€ 319.00

-9%

My €0.02
Apart from some people moaning about TN panels, this looks like a decent buy. Dabs have it for 338 and Misco want 336 so if you want it, go for it!

HIS Radeon HD 4850 512MB GDDR3,PCI-Express 2.0, 2xDVI/HDMI/HDCP

€ 140.00

-10%

My €0.02
Now even cheaper than two weeks ago. Ok, that was a Sapphire card and this is a HIS, but hey it's a 4850 at the end of the day.

Things have been hotting up in the world of soulless, corner-shop crushing, profit-chasing and unfortunately necessary supermarkets. Tesco have announced their intentions to help beat back the recession by offering low-quality crap for less money than usual. Not too impressed with that. However, if any of you use clubcards there is a promotion giving 25% back in points on PCs, laptops, TVs, games consoles and electrical equipment this weekend. I don't believe in the loyalty card system myself so, as usual, use your own judgment. I assume Tesco are fine for returns.

M&S Dine for Two for €12.50 is back. It's cheap and very tasty.

Dunnes were selling the old Xbox 360 Pro (without HDMI) for €180 last week. Sorry, I was on holidays.

I couldn't help but smile at Lidl Treats. I'm a big fan of some of their stuff so it's nice to find an author who does good research as well as spinning a good yarn. Prices are in Euro too, unlike the now defunct the joy of lidl. Worth checking out.

I'm back! See, I haven't vanished off the face of the earth

It's Monday, show me what you've got Mr. Komplett!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Black, 8.1MP18x opt.zoom

€ 275.00

-14%

My €0.02
Nice camera, reasonable price. You can find it for slightly cheaper elsewhere but not by enough to warrent the extra effort in my opinion. There is also a silver version which is almost €70 more expensive for some reason.

Sony Bravia 40" LCD-TV KDL-40D3500--Full HD, DVB-T, DVB-C--

€ 957.00

-5%

My €0.02
Not a bad price but I suspect the shipping might be almost €200! Strange one actually... DVB-C is the digital cable standard. Does this show the digital channels if you have chorus/ntl/upc?

ASUS EEE 7" WVGA White CM353 900MHz 4GB512MB Webcam Linux Incl. Carry bag

€ 299.00

-14%

My €0.02
Really trying to move the Eee's, Mr Komplett? It's a shame that Dabs sell many colours for less than €262.

Seagate Maxtor OneTouch 4 500GB USB

€ 79.00
-9%

My €0.02
You can get a 1TB drive for €120 these days. Twice the storage for 1.5 times the price.

Nice camera, sort out the Eee pricing and no more 500GB drives please, unless they are under €60!

Hope you prefer the new style, the old one was getting on my nerves a bit. There's a new subscription link at the side so you can get the latest news directly into your RSS application or online reader if you're not doing so already. Now, onto business!

If you can manage a trip up North, and there are many reasons for doing so, you can grab a 40" Samsung TV for ~€700 in Currys. Beats the hell out of their recent Irish pricing.

Argos are doing a DVD recorder for ~€55, which is as cheap as I have seen.

Note: Currys.ie is down at the moment (Sun 16th Jul, 6pm).

Right. This is the LAST 500GB drive I will ever blog about. From here on out, it's a minimum of 750GB. But it's a good one, truly. The drive itself is nothing special but the multimedia case is superb. It supports a ton of different video types so you spend less time mucking around converting them, has component connectors for HD viewing, a handy remote that can be clipped underneath the drive when not in use, supports subtitles files, it's quiet, it's compact and it's €119.

Oh, and it's a standard SATA drive, so when 500GB just isn't enough just take it out and pop in a bigger drive. It even supports NTFS.

Ah, my favourite day of the week. Well, not really. But I do like looking through Komplett's deals!

Sony HDR-SR10E, 40 GB HDD recorder

€ 706.00
-4%

My €0.02
Don't know much about this except that it costs £500 on amazon and €584 on purelygadgets.co.uk which are both, by my calculations, less than €700.

Garmin Nuvi 255T Europe GPS

€ 199.00
-10%

My €0.02
€178 from pixmania so much of a muchness. Not an impulse buy by any means.

Nintendo DS Lite, Turquoise Edition

€ 154.00
-9%

My €0.02
Didn't I see a new range of colours released for about €135 recently? I think I did.

Philips Aurea 42" LCD-TV 42PFL9900D-- Now with free Acer notebook!! --

€ 3,511.01
-11%

My €0.02
...what?? Oh, it's an Ambilight model. Now that ludicrous price makes sense.

Damn you again, iBood! If you're on the lookout for a 32" tv, here is one for €499, a good name brand and €12.50 shipping. Can't say fairer than that really. Hell, buy two!

If you're already looking at Samsung's range and are mystified by the names take a look here. The LE32A450 is a Series 4 so it's a good performer, just not packed with the high-end features like 1080p or the new glossy screens.

HD-DVD gets a bad rap. It was unable to beat blu-ray, blu-ray's much maligned copy protection, the PS3, the Xbox didn't want it, Microsoft were closely associated with it... the list goes on. And now it's on the way out, a fate it richly deserves. But hold on, as evidenced by the budget price of the Xbox HD-DVD add-on, there are a few bargains to be had. It is still a HD format with all the fancy bells and whistles that go with it, and now the prices are on a par with regular DVD! So for a modest investment in a player you can pick up HD titles at rock bottom prices from the following:

Asda Entertainment from GBP £4.93 (free shipping)
Play.com from GBP £4.99 (free shipping)
Ezydvd from GBP £4.39
DVD Crave from GBP £4.39

XE.com Universal Currency Converter

Monday, December 15, 2008

Sony BRAVIA KDL-40V4000 40 Inch Full-HD LCD

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Monday, October 6, 2008

Monday, September 1, 2008

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Friday, July 25, 2008

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Monday, June 30, 2008

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Thursday, June 26, 2008