Buying second-hand TVs and audio visual equipment can offer excellent value, but it’s important to inspect carefully and test thoroughly before purchasing.
Please note: This guide is for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice, and we do not accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this guide.
Televisions
Do Your Research
Before meeting the seller:
Understand the difference between Plasma, LCD, LED and older tube (CRT) televisions.
Ask how old the television is.
Each display type has different advantages in terms of brightness, colour accuracy, lifespan and energy use.
Ask About Repair History
Has the TV ever been repaired?
What work was carried out?
Was it purchased new or refurbished?
If refurbished, was it done by the manufacturer or a third party?
Is there any remaining warranty or extended guarantee?
Documentation can provide reassurance about its condition.
Turn It On
Always ask the seller to power on the television and connect it to:
Cable or satellite
Saorview or Freeview
A DVD or Blu-ray player
You should see it fully working before purchase. If the seller refuses, reconsider the deal.
Let the television run for several minutes. Some issues only appear once the unit has warmed up.
Inspection Checklist
Listen for unusual humming or buzzing noises.
Be alert to any burning smell.
Check picture quality from normal viewing distance.
View the screen with lights on and off to assess clarity.
Exterior Condition
Check for cracks, dents or damage to casing.
Inspect both front and back panels.
Excessive dust may indicate poor maintenance and can affect cooling.
Connections and Ports
Ensure it has the inputs you need (HDMI, USB, satellite, etc.).
Check cable connectors fit securely.
Use a flashlight to inspect ports for debris or damage.
Accessories
Ensure the remote control is included and working.
Confirm any necessary cables are supplied.
HD and Smart TVs
Screen Size
Make sure the television fits the intended room and viewing distance.
Display Types
Plasma: Better colour accuracy but higher energy use.
LCD: Bright image quality.
LED: Energy efficient and balanced performance.
Older plasma models may have shorter lifespans and higher energy consumption.
Saorview and Freeview
Not all televisions can receive Saorview without additional equipment.
Check if the TV is a Saorview-approved iDTV model.
Confirm it supports MPEG4.
For digital teletext, Mheg5 middleware is required.
Many UK Freeview boxes do not receive Saorview automatically.
DVD and Blu-ray Players
Confirm whether the device records.
Blu-ray players can play DVDs and CDs and often stream online content.
Non Blu-ray players cannot play Blu-ray discs.
A HDTV is required to fully benefit from Blu-ray quality.
Portable DVD Players
Check battery life.
Test anti-skip features.
Confirm the AC adaptor is included.
Video Recorders (VCRs)
Basic models have two heads; more advanced models have four.
Test by playing a tape.
Check for head damage, especially if low-quality tapes were previously used.
Projectors
Assess portability and weight.
Test image brightness and contrast.
Confirm it has the required inputs.
Check whether additional cables are needed, particularly for Mac devices.
DVDs and CDs
Check the disc region (Region 2 for Europe).
Inspect discs for scratches.
Test playback before purchase.
Examine the condition of the original packaging.
Accessories and Extras
If you need additional cables, stands or accessories:
Search existing listings.
Use the “Wanted” section.
Set up saved searches with alerts.
Final Advice
Always test equipment thoroughly before buying.
Take your time inspecting.
Walk away if the seller refuses reasonable checks.
Careful inspection and testing can help ensure your purchase delivers the performance you expect.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or would like to chat, please reach out to our Customer Support team.