tv's form china

[pard87]

im going to hong kong soon and was wondering if the plasma/lcd tv's there would work over in th u.k.? and if so will it work with sky and are the voltages the same ect. if so does any 1 have any idea how much flat screens cost there and if theres a webpage i can view?

thnx in advance to any replies

[Buenchico]

(2-part post):

Very few countries use the 'PAL I' broadcasting system (which is used in the UK) but, fortunately, one of them is Hong Kong.
Source:
http://kropla.com/tv.htm

The electrical supply in the UK is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The supply in Hong Kong is 220V, 50Hz. Most electrical equipment is usually labelled as '220V/230V' so it's likely that TV's should be compatible. (Just make sure you check the label on the set).
Source:
http://kropla.com/electric2.htm

So, apart from having to change the plug, it's likely that any TV set purchased in Hong Kong would work in the UK.

Another factor, however, which needs to be checked, as far as terrestrial reception is concerned, is whether the same group of frequencies are used in each country (otherwise the tuner wouldn't be able to pick up the signals). Once again, it seems that there are no problems because Hong Kong and the UK share the same frequency allocation.
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_channe l_frequencies

Sky boxes work by using their own tuner and feeding an AV signal, via a Scart lead, into the TV. In effect, the TV is simply being used as a monitor. So, because the tuner doesn't form part of the TV, there's no reason why a set purchased in Hong Kong shouldn't be able to work with a Sky box.

[Buenchico]

You can get an idea of prices in Hong Kong by searching Google's Hong Kong site:
http://www.google.com.hk/
(If that link comes up full of strange characters, just click on 'English' to make it readable. Remember, of course, to put a check mark alongside 'Search pages from Hong Kong').
At current tourist rates, you should divide prices in Hong Kong dollars by 12.88 to change them to sterling.

To summarise, as long as the voltage is marked as '220V/230v' (or any other marking that includes 230V), there seems to be no problem using a TV, purchased in Hong Kong, within the UK (for either terrestrial or satellite reception).

The only problem you might face is the excess baggage charge for bring the TV back. I've just taken a look at the British Airways website. Although they don't quote figures for Hong Kong, you should be aware that excess baggage on long-haul flights can be very expensive. (e.g. the figure for the London-Singapore route is quoted as �33.06 for every kilogramme of excess baggage). Large plasma TVs weigh over 30kg, so you could end up paying over �1000 in excess baggage if you're not careful! A 20" LCD set, on the other hand, only weighs about 8kg and you might be able to include this with your normal baggage allowance.

Chris

[pard87]

thnx uve been very helpfull