It was year 2004 and my TV had broken. It was a 2nd hand one that had been given to me by a friend until the day I had enough money to buy a new one. I loved it and felt heart broken when I realised that the tube had bust! I'd had a very strong bond with my TV; it had helped my in times of need! What was I to do with no telly!
(Christ, I wonder what they did before the darn things were invented. I can't even ask my granddad as he passed on a while ago)!
Anyway back to topic…..
It was 2004, and I'd managed to save a few pennies in the bank for a supposed rainy day (So they call it). My mate (Yes the same one who gave me my beloved TV) decided that he wanted to take a trip to Tesco's Extra (A few miles out). I opted to go along with him so I could have a look about at all the electrical goods they sold.
So much as 10 minutes after arriving in-store, I had only gone and picked up a new TV hadn't I. I am not normally one to be so impulsive but with this bargain it was one not to miss, even if it meant clearing out most my savings. From the onset of the first glance I had a new bond with this amazing looking bit of equipment. So off I went to buy it!
So what was it I bought; not one of those TFT screens that are huge on the market at the moment, but a snazzy silver 28" Widescreen TV with text. Just a perfect size to watch all those soppy chick flicks on - you know, the ones that most men hate!
I am not one of these people who only buy goods if they are made and labelled by 'Sony' for instance, so was happy with the Bush brand that was sitting in front of me. Having used and bought 'Bush' products several times before I knew I was gaining good quality for a budget price.
So here I was handing over a mere £198.99 for a 28" Widescreen TV to the Tesco cashier. Reeling out my name and address for the TV licensing authority (All stores have to ask now) I looked towards the doorway of the store - my gawd, it was pouring down! "Okay" I thought, "this is meant to be". It really was a rainy day!
Eager to get it all set up, this was my new bundle of joy, it was my new best mate, who I knew would always be there for me when I felt like a laugh or cry or even feeling lonely or scared (Please don't ask!).
Before I begin I will explain that I actually have a complex set-up to my TV with a variety of extra devices running through it but will describe the initial installation of the TV itself.
Power On:
I connect the 3-pin mains plug to my power outlet and switched it on. Being female, I had managed this part of the set up without any help from a man! I then went on to placing the 2 x AAA batteries into the remote control. So we have both power on the TV unit along with the remote control! I also connected my TV aerial (A portable one) into the aerial socket on the back of the TV, next came the press of the power button! We had transmission! This was really very easy, designed just for the electrical novice.
On the front of the TV unit there is a power 'on/off'
button so you can switch it on/off using both this method or using the standby button on the remote controller.
Tuning:
I got out the user manual and realised I could tune the basic 5 channels with one of two methods:
1) Auto program, stating the obvious this is where the TV will tune your TV automatically - perfect for me, a technology amateur. All I had to do was select the 'auto program' feature from the set-up menu using the remote control. This was so simple….. It was then a 1 step process, selecting 'UK' from the country menu and I had all 5 standard UK channels.
2) Manual tune, again accessing the 'Set up' menu using the remote control. You simply select a programme number, rename it to the channel number you are tuning and simply press the volume up/volume down buttons to start the tuning search. Once you have found the channel you have been searching for i.e. BBC 1 you would then select 'store' on the set up menu to save the channel to your specified location.
After deciding to go down the easy route I opted for 'Auto program' option 1, it was so simple, 2 minutes of the TV screen flicking between channels and I had all standard 5 UK channels available to me via the remote control. It really was that easy.
Fine Tuning is also available for poor reception areas. Auto program will try to find the best reception area available but in case it doesn't, you can access this feature again via the 'Set Up' menu. The instruction manual will take you through this process step by step.
Available Channels:
There are 100 available channels that you can tune channels too. There are also 3 AV screens so that you can connect external equipment.
AV Channels:
Equipment connected to AV Scart 1 will display on channel AV1 Equipment connected to AV Scart 2 will display on channel AV2 Equipment connected via RCA/RGB input will display on channel AV3
You can flick between these channels by pressing the 'AV' button on the remote control.
Programme Organising:
You can edit any of the programme numbers should you need to - this would primarily need to be done if you have selected option 2 - 'Manual Tune' to tune the TV channels. You can also move and delete any incorrectly tuned channels.
Television Set Up:
The 'Television Set Up' is accessed through a menu system. You can access this menu using the remote control. Again refer to the user manual for a step by step guide. The available menu's are as follows and include the following features.
'Sound' Settings Menu - This allows you to set the default values for the following features:
Volume - Sets default volume Balance - Sets the sound balance of the TV when it is in stereo mode. Sound type - Such as stereo or mono Sound mode - Normal or Spatial Equaliser - 4 available presets of - Music, Sports, Cinema & Speech, I find these particularly useful when watching different types of programmes. AVL - (Automatic Volume Limiting), Different TV's have different sound volumes so this will maintain the same sound level between channels. Headphone: To set up the volume, balance, bass and treble and mode (stereo or mono) for headphone use.
'Picture' Menu - This allows you to set up the following using the remote control:
Brightness Contrast Colour Sharpness Smart Control - this menu gives you a choice of picture type: Soft, natural, richer and user.
'User' - this allows you to set up your own picture type; again this is all done by using your remote control so is very easy to do.
Feature Menu:
Picture Format - This allows you to select the picture size on the screen:
16:9 - this is the screen format of this particular TV set. It will automatically switch to this format if it detects 16:9 formats from either one of the 2 available 'Scart' sockets.
4:3 - this is the conventional TV picture format.
Zoom - retaining the same aspect ratio of the 4:3 format this allows you to enlarge the picture.
Letterbox - I find this very useful when watching some film formats. I believe it is also good for watching VHS and some Pal-Plus formats.
Sleep Timer - allows you to preset the period of time before the TV Set will automatically switch off. I find this handy as I often fall asleep with the TV on.
Child Lock - A black screen will display if this feature has been enabled. This can be done on one particular programme or channel to prevent children from seeing uncensored material! Having not used this feature, I cannot tell you much more about this. You would again need to refer to the user guide for a more in-depth guide.
Language - There are 8 different languages available for the on screen display (OSD) - fully accessible via the remote control.
Teletext:
For those of you who don't know what Teletext is; it is an information system that displays text on your TV screen. Using the Teletext control buttons you can view pages of information that are listed in the Teletext index. Each channel will transmit different information types.
Teletext can be accessed by pressing the 'TV/TXT' button on the remote control and you will normally be taken to a main index page, this is where you can input a number (As listed in the index) to view a page of your choice.
Teletext can be viewed in several modes:
TV/Text Mix - you would simply press the 'Mix' button on your remote to view both a TV programme and text at the same time. The text will be superimposed over the TV image. I find this very handy if I need to view something at the same time as checking the lottery results for instance.
Page Search whilst watching TV - in text mode you would press the 'Update' button. The TV will return to TV mode. You should then enter the page number using the numeric buttons on the remote. The top line of the text page will appear whilst text searches for your page. When the page is found the number will remain in the top left hand corner of the screen. You would then press the 'Update' button again to view the selected page of text.
Double Height Text - This is a great feature for anyone that has trouble reading normal sized text. You can simply press the 'Double Height' button to display text in double height mode. You can press it up to 3 times to change the text page display. The features are as follows:
1 x press - the top half of the page will display in double height 2 x presses - the bottom half of the page will display in double height 3 x presses - the page will return to the full page with normal text height.
Page Hold - If the page of text you are viewing contains sub pages or you need to copy information down from it, you can simply press the 'Hold' button on the remote controller. Doing this will pause the selected page from changing, so that you can do whatever it is you need to do! Thank gawd for this button - I use it all the time, very handy indeed.
Reveal Information - To reveal concealed information or quiz answers on Teletext, you press this button on your remote. To conceal it again you would simply press this button a 2nd time.
**Ease of Use**
This TV set is very simple to set up as you can see from my instructions given above. I am a total novice when it comes to these things. I managed to set up this TV in about 15 minutes. It has definitely been designed for simple use.
The remote controller is slim and very light to handle. Silver/grey coloured with clearly named function buttons on it. It
Pictures of Bush 28" Widescreen TV
Bush 28" Widescreen TV
even has 5 colour coded buttons which are short cut menu keys to enhance ease of use.
With the controller short cut keys you can access all the picture formats, smart controls and Teletext features at the touch of a single button, this makes it so user friendly.
To connect the aerial, regardless of whether it a portable or roof top aerial it's simple to install. Simply plug the aerial's aluminium plug into the aerial socket and it's all done!
The whole installation/set-up process is very easy indeed. I am really happy with my little bargain buy!
The user manual that is included offers a very easy, step-by-step process for even the most technical minded person.
**Sound Quality**
With the 4 equaliser presets of - Music, Sports, Cinema & Speech along with the customisable 'User' feature you can gain great sound quality/clarity through the Nicam Stereo/Mono output available. This enhances the enjoyment of all programme types - in particular music programmes/concerts; this really does give a good effect when in 'Music' mode.
Personally, I have got my TV set hooked up to some stereo speakers and the clarity of the sound is crystal clear when up full volume. The customisable audio features are greatly noticed on speakers of a higher output.
It may be worth investing in some of these to enhance what is superb audio anyway to just add to the enjoyment of your bundle of joy!
**Picture Quality**
With the TV set being widescreen it means that you can capture the FULL picture when viewing films and TV programmes. You never miss those additional shots that were filmed and were not viewable using a normal 4:3 conventional formatted screen.
The wide range of picture formats available on this TV set is definitely a selling point for 'Bush'. Each format offers great flexibility and choice when wanting to view a programme or film. With each individual format being highly customisable, it again offers flexibility and choice to create more of that 'cinema' like feeling!
The picture clarity itself is very clear. All colours and outlines are well distinguished. All this just adds to the enjoyment of watching your favourite movie.
Being set to both NTSC and PAL formats it ensures compatibility with a variety of DVD's, console games and additional devices so you needn't worry about compatibility issues arising: For those of you who don't know what I mean, there are two different methods for picture decoding standards: Europe uses the PAL system; North America uses the NTSC system.
**External Equipment**
You can add a variety of additional pieces of equipment to this TV, again doing so just enhances your home entertainment experience.
The aerial socket can also be used to connect external equipment, so with all these connections available there is more than enough room for expansion in this highly technology led world we live in.
Headphones: There is a headphone socket on the front right hand side of the TV to plug a headphones jack into should you need too.
**Technical Specifications**
Okay for those of you who know the meanings of the following - here are the technical specifications.
Available Inputs:
2 x Scart Sockets - 21 pin Scart connector Video In Audio In (R) Audio In (L)
Power Supply:
AC: 230-240V 50Hz Fuse Rating: 3 A Power Consumption: 155 Watts Standby Power Consumption: 3 Watts Batteries: 2x AAA Ever Ready Energizer
TV Broad Casting: PAL BG/PAL I Receiving Channels: VHF Band I (Channels 2 - 4) VHF Band III (Channels 5 - 12) UHF (Channels 21 - 69) Cable TV (S1 - 69) Number of preset programmes: 100 RF Aerial input: 75ohm (unbalanced)
Audio Output: Nicam stereo/Mono Audio Output Power: 2 x 8 Watts into 8 ohms
Picture Tube: 28 inch 16:9
**Product Support**
You can contact Bush via any of the following ways:
Address:
Bush Radio PLC Customer Care Department 12 Thames Road Barking Essex IG11 0HZ
Online internet support is not available at this time although they will be adding this feature soon.
**Where to Buy**
This TV set can be purchased on the high street as well as the internet. A simple 'Ciao' or 'google' search will return good competitive results. As I mentioned earlier I purchased this TV from Tesco Extra for £198.99 so you can use this as a guide price.
It is also available online from www.buystyle.co.uk as a package including DVD player and stand for £296.00.
**Guarantee**
This TV set also comes with a 12 month guarantee that needs to be applied for from the date of purchase. There is a guarantee slip card included with the instruction user manual so you simply need to send this off for the guarantee to come into effect. There are terms and conditions as laid out in the back of the instructions booklet to which you must adhere too to ensure the guarantee of your unit. Make sure you keep your receipt handy as you will need this to prove your purchase.
**Care and Maintenance**
The Screen: Simply wipe with a slightly damp cloth and do not use any abrasive solvents or cleaners as they may damage the TV screen coating layer.
Outer body: Use a lint free cloth to wipe the outer body of the TV. This will remove any dust particles.
**Recommendation**
I have been using this TV everyday for the last 14 months and without fail it has given me hours of pleasure. The outstanding video features, audio features and the expandability has added to the pleasure of watching all my favourite TV programmes and films.
I have had no problems with the manufacturing side of things either. It is still going strong and is extremely reliable. Made of good materials it isn't easily marked or scratched - I have accidentally dropped a metal picture frame on the top surface and it hasn't marked it at all.
With the initial outlay in regards to price it is certainly worth every penny I spent. I would recommend this TV set to anyone who wants a reliable, modern, high spec, highly functional set that offers good quality sound and picture.
Lovely looking, in chrome it will just add to that expensive look that you would want to uphold in your home!
I really have no disappointments with this TV set. It is tremendous value for money in every respect and to be able to enhance its every feature with additional equipment just adds to its versatility and style!
This is one of the most informative well written reviews I have seen. I joined CIAO just to comment1 Many Thanks
This tv is now on slae at Tesco Extra for £158.83
jesi 19.07.2005 17:51
I had to Laugh about your "saved for a rainy day" RAINY day - when you bought this! Well described - I must admit, as A TV-free person, I read, use my computer, do work and housework and read, and read, knit, and have occasionally done the odd bit of cross-stitch when the fingers aren't too stiff!... - ♥ - jes ≈≈≈≈{; -)-{{::::: |||||< ♥♥
May 21st, 2005
exceptional by (28%):
very helpful by (65%):
helpful by (7%):
