Just done a search and can't find a direct answer to my query.
Regarding Tv's. We don't have (and don't want) a satelite dish as we only watch the main French tv programs - mainly France 2, France 3, Arte, and M6.
The TNT box we have (was initially selected for us) is a Techsat TNT 1009 (which looks fairly cheap/cheerful).
Over a year ago we had a period where image was either momentarily lost/gained then ok, either that or screen going completely blank (tv is a 6 year old plasma model). All connections checked etc, nothing unusual found. The TNT decoder box was changed for the same model and everything seemed ok for a while. Now same problems, so I want to change the Techsat TNT 1009 box for something better.
Can anyone suggest an excellent recommended make & model which I should go for - bearing in mind it's for French tv channels only.

Get yourself a new samsung Lcd some/most of them have the TNT box built in you will notice an improvement in the picture and save some shelf space.

Agree with KO Tweedpipe, though I've a hunch it is the Plasma that is the root problem. Our French channels from the aerial go directly into our four year old Sony LCD and quality is remarkable; around 18 channels as I recall when we tuned it.

I would say what is at fault but I recently got rid of a 5 year old plasma that was kicking about the house but when run side by side to the newer Samsung lcd we have that quality difference was remarkable. Plus plasmas are like one bar fires on energy consumption.

All new tv's for sale in France have to have the TNT box included - since 3 -4 years now.

Silly really as over half the country needs TNTSat or Francesat for a sensible picture.

Thanks for the feed-back. But you might regret it!

Behind the scenes I had been checking out many tests of the newest Lcd tv's from the specialist magazines, and earmarked a samsung model that was given top star rating.
Mme TweedP however said to hold-off, as the picture on the old large plasma was excellent - whenever it worked!

So today, unknown to 'her who should be obeyed', I've just negotiated a great deal on the samsung, and placed an order.

I'll say I had direct permission from Ka Ora who will have to take full responsibility - or at least share 50% with CJM who was also an accomplice.
Be warned, French wives can mortally wound with a blow of their tongues at several paces!

If my posts dry up for a while, it could be that I'm in intensive care. Hope they've got good tv's there.......

Buy her THIS to watch, Tell her all brits think that the French behave this way.

Nice one Tweedpipe as to 'Allo-'Allo, I took a French friend to see an am-dram performance not far from here; he loved it. Back in UK I played General Von Schmelling! !

Good Moaning

If you wanted to buy a new TV, I would purchase a HDTV from the UK so it is 100% compatible with the DVB-T2 Broadcasts when they arrive to France (which they will have to at some point). They will be of course compatible with the TNT HD broadcasts that are aired currently

If you just want to get a box, get a TNT HD box, from my experience they are all good... it is just the TNT SD boxes that are horrible picture quality.

Hi,
Are you saying that if I buy a tv in the UK and set it up here the freeview tuner will pick up French TNT programmes, or am I wrong? Or are you suggesting getting a tv in the UK and then plugging in a TNT box? (Sorry to sound so dumb )
Apart from the hassle of buying one in the UK (Amazon don't ship big screen ones abroad) and the issues that might arise in case it breaks down, I'm not convinced they are any cheaper over there.
PB
PS, though I hate to show my ignorance, what are DVB-T2 broadcasts?

Amazon won't ship anything with a UK plug on it here, As I recall that was in accordance with some relation thingy somewhere. But there are quite a few shipping handlers that will forward goods.

Actually they do, as I've bought various things with annoying, clunking great British plugs on, complete with a useless unconnected earthing pin, but they have delivery restrictions on various items, as far as I can gather, according to size and perhaps fragility. A small screen telly they will ship, but not a big'un. And I still don't think it's worth it for an expensive item like a 3D telly.

A UK HDTV with Freeview HD will pick up TNT HD signals and when the next phase of DVB (DVB-T2 is the new one that the UK uses, it is better compression and all sorts of other technical garbage :P France will have to transition at some point, I believe there is already talk of it) no need for an external box. Also most come with a CI+ Slot so you can get Canal+ via aerial.

I have looked at prices on both Amazon's and they are definitely cheaper (and more future proof) in the UK.

As for the plugs, most use the standard kettle socket for the TV side so you could pick one up for a couple of Euros (I think, not 100% on the price there).