LCD TVs – 2013 Ratings

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* Overall satisfaction is an individual rating and not a combined total of all ratings

Panasonic are flat-out winners in this year’s TV customer satisfaction awards

There are three or more televisions in the homes of a third of the respondents to our recent survey. With numbers like that, ‘smart’ TV buyers should consider picking an award-winning brand for one, or all, of these models.

This survey revealed Panasonic as the winner of our 2013 Most Satisfied Customer Award for LCD Televisions, following similar wins for the brand in last year’s plasma and LCD television ratings. Notably, Panasonic achieved five stars for overall satisfaction, value for money, performance, ease of use and other functions.

Looking closer at our other rated brands:

LG received five stars for value for money, ease of use and warranty and service.
Sony was a five star recipient for picture and sound performance, and
Samsung received five stars for value for money.

New Zealanders can be real ‘couch potatoes’ at dinnertime

The tradition of eating meals at the dining room table may be in danger, as nearly one in two respondents to our recent survey of television owners admitted eating all their meals in front of the TV (44%). Viewers may be staying put after their meal, as nearly three quarters watch more than two hours of TV every day.

The manner in which New Zealanders watch their TV also seems to be changing. The likelihood of people watching more content online or on-demand than on television has increased from 17% to 25% in comparison to our results last year. Furthermore, half of our respondents record shows in advance so they can avoid watching ads.

This isn’t to say New Zealanders are embracing all new technology in the living room; seventy percent of New Zealanders are of the opinion that 3D TV is a fad.

Finally, it appears New Zealanders are quite attached to Sky TV, with more than half of surveyed respondents having an open account. However, 21% told us they are less likely to continue their subscription now that Sky TV lost the rights to broadcast the English Premier League.

Canstar Blue commissions Research Now to survey 2,500 New Zealand consumers to measure and track customer satisfaction on a range of different consumer goods and services. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who have purchased a flat screen LCD television in the last two years – in this case, 491 people. Brands must receive at least 30 responses to be included.

Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands that received three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10.

Overall customer satisfaction

Panasonic had a strong display of five star ratings in this survey. They achieved five stars for overall customer satisfaction, and were followed by four star recipients LG, Sony and Samsung.

Value for money

A TV is a substantial investment, so make sure you track down a value for money model. Three brands – Panasonic, LG and Samsung – received five stars in this area, and Sony followed with four.

Performance (i.e. picture and sound quality)

Your favorite movies, shows, and games look (and sound) the best on a TV that boasts good picture and sound quality. Customers of both Sony and Panasonic were most satisfied with this element of their TV’s overall performance. Samsung and LG each received four star ratings in this area.

Ease of use (e.g. easy to understand remote and tuning)

These days, TVs can stream content from computers, display in 3D, and even surf the web…but none of that is useful if you can’t operate it! Panasonic and LG each received five stars for the ease of use of its televisions. Sony and Samsung followed with four star ratings for ease of use.

Warranty and service

Make sure you’re not left without a TV if something goes wrong; secure a brand with a good warranty and servicing reputation. LG customers were most satisfied with their manufacturer in this regard. This brand received five stars, Panasonic and Samsung each received four, and Sony achieved three.

Other functions (e.g. internet access, voice and gesture control, Bluetooth connectivity)

Why settle for a TV with less, when you can have a model with all the bells and whistles? Panasonic achieved five stars for customer satisfaction with its model’s other functions. Sony and Samsung followed with four stars each, and LG finished with three.