So after a long hiatus for looking at an value for money large TV ( yeah I’m an Indian and slowly the breed on the verge of extension). Browsing through the market offering, was quite disappointed as all models >55 inch are either too expensive or if well priced the build quality is pretty cheap ( edge bleeding, picture quality, viewing angle , support etc.).
I’ve been browsing for a good TV in the market for a long time so was aware of price trends.
Finally got a good deal from paytm for a Panasonic Viera LED TV TH-55CX400DX for 95K with cashback of 15K so effectively a 80K for a 55inch UHD TV which is a pretty good deal. Year end is the best time to buy TV’s s you would come across stock clearance deals since new models would be coming in.Another trick is, add the items in your basket and wait . A2Z, Flipkart etc. have notifictaions which go out to vendors which suggest them to decrease the price to close the deal. I had added the item and the item was out of the delivery zone for the vendor so it could not be shipped. Eventually he changed his limitations and the price! I bought it immediately!
55CX400DX does not have smart features but can play media. I’m least bothered as i just wanted a stock large TV since I’m going to build out a Raspberyy PI3 based media centre. This way I control and upgrade the smartness of my TV without being at the mercy of the vendor and if the system ‘kaputs’ the board replacement for the TV is cheap too!
My media centre build out was as follows ( I procured from Amazon.in, but element14.com also provides it but hell i got a better deal from A2Z):
- Raspberry Pi 3 Model B.
- Raspberry pi official case (Model 3, Black-Grey).
- Samsung Evo 16GB Class 10 micro SDHC Card (MB-MP16D/IN).
- BlueRigger High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet(Supports 3D, 4K and Audio Return )(6.6 Feet / 2 Meters).
- ePro Labs Power Adapter For Raspberry Pi 3 with USB Cable 5V 2.5A Power Supply.
I already have wireless Keyboard & Mouse.
Looking forward to install following OS
- Kodi
- Install Kodi on Raspberry Pi
- Remote for Kodi on Android Phone
- Ubuntu
- Ubuntu on Raspberry Pi 3
- Ubuntu MATE for the Raspberry Pi 3
- Remote ??
Total cost came to INR 4,220 , similar feature set in TV was adding another INR 70K to the TV cost which essentially I assume i have saved!
Waiting for the shipment now!
Will keep this post updated for results and my handiwork!