Question For TV, HD, Surround Sound Gurus

[RhymesayersDU]

I know this probably shouldn't be in this forum, but I wanted everybody to be able to see this and give their opinions.

Long story short, my mom wants to get my dad a new TV, and wants to know what to get. My dad is against plasma screens, afraid that they go out like he's heard they do.

So the question I pose to all you home theatre gurus, what TV should we go with for my dad? Needs to be HD capable, but that is really the only requirement.

With that, we're going to get him surround sound, so give any advice on that area as well.

And to make this football related, we're getting it for him for x-mas so he can watch the Broncos in HD in the playoffs! ;)

[bendog]

My heavens. Can I trade my wife and kid for your Dad's family?

[bronco militia]

My heavens. Can I trade my wife and kid for your Dad's family?

no, I'm adopting RhymesayersDU.....

:giggle:

[manchambo]

I can recommend a great website to figure it out: www.cnet.com. They have info and reviews re: lots of TVs.

I bought a Samsung DLP based partially on cnet's advice, and I have liked it a lot.

One other note: you can save hundreds of dollars if you order through one of the websites linked to cnet. I ordered mine from Abe's of Maine, one of the stores linked to cnet, and had no complaints.

[RhymesayersDU]

I can recommend a great website to figure it out: www.cnet.com. They have info and reviews re: lots of TVs.

I bought a Samsung DLP based partially on cnet's advice, and I have liked it a lot.

One other note: you can save hundreds of dollars if you order through one of the websites linked to cnet. I ordered mine from Abe's of Maine, one of the stores linked to cnet, and had no complaints.
Thanks manchambo, I will give them a gander.

And thanks to other people wanting to trade for or adopt me... I think. :)

[PatsWin2002]

Cost is a HUGE factor on this one. Any idea what the limit is?

[Rascal]

one million dollars!!!

[Borks147]

If you can get to a costco they have always have tvs that are good and always cheap (well, we're taking about hdtv so comparatively cheap).

[bronco militia]

one million dollars!!!

never mind, I'm adopting Rascal instead.

!Booya!

[bendog]

I'd definitely check out Sam's Club, assuming you know someone with a membership. I think I saw a 32inch LCD widescreen Sony for under 1700 yesteday. They had another brand for 1300. Though, circuit city's after thanksgiving was one for 999 as I recall, but don't know the brand.

[Rigs11]

CRT tv's still produce the best picture, yes even over Plasmas and LCD's.Only donside is they are heavy.What size was he looking on getting? What is the lighting like where he is going to be watching?

[enjolras]

If he's anti-plasma you have three real options:

1) LCD (the other flat screen). These are slightly cheaper than the Plasmas and the newer ones are quite good. The older models had some ghosting problems due to the rather slow refresh rates. They don't show the depth of color of the Plasmas, but unless you see them side by side I can't tell the difference. You can generally get a decent 720p high def model for ~$1500 at about 32 inches... 42 inches will get over $2000. I have a Sharp Aquos 32" LCD that we use in our kitchen and I really like it.

2) Front projection TV's (like in the movie theaters). These are almost surely out.. they suck in high ambient light (you more or less have to have a room dedicated to it). The bigger problem is the $500 light source these things use only lasts about 2000-3000 hours.. which means if your using it as a primary TV it'll be out in just a couple of years and you'll be spending a lot of money to get a new one. However, the HUGE (10 foot) display you can get out of these is AWESOME:)

3) Rear projection TV.. the typical big screen we all think of. These have become MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH smaller in the last 2 years or so. Still give the best overall picture and are by far the cheapest. Look for a 42" model (I have a Toshiba) for most rooms... Look to pay anywhere between $1000-$1500 for this model.

General notes: HDTV is VERY confusing...as there are lots and lots of different 'levels' of HD and different ways different TVs comply with those. Look for a TV that can do 480i, 720p, and 1080i high def formats for the more optimal experience..

[El Minion]

Sony KDS-R60XBR1 3800-4999

http://www.hometheatermag.com/rearprojectiontvs/1105sony/

Infinity TSS-4000 1900-2900

http://www.hometheatersound.com/equipment/infinity_tss_4000.htm

I use these sites to price compare and purchase:

http://shopping.yahoo.com/
http://froogle.google.com/
http://www.ebay.com/

And the best forum foe AV discussions:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/index.php?

[REB]

CRT tv's still produce the best picture, yes even over Plasmas and LCD's.Only donside is they are heavy.What size was he looking on getting? What is the lighting like where he is going to be watching?

This is true. If you don't mind the bulk they produce the best pic.

A couple of years ago I bought a 46" Sony rear projection HDTV for 1500.00 It now sells for under 1000.00. I'd say it's similar to this...


http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3861448

[REB]

I now hear all this stuff about DLP and people saying not to bother buying a new TV without it.

[PatsWin2002]

I own a 34" Sony CRT HDTV (almost 2 years) and couldn't be happier with it. It's heavy but still beats the LCDs, DLPs, and plasmas IMO.

It's very bright and has true blacks with no loss as you move to the sides of the room.

Two things....
1) If you go this route, be sure to get a stand that swivels so you can get behind it to hook up your stuff.

2) Don't get into the "arms race" of having to buy the biggest possible TV for your money - quality is important.....and a 34" TV may look small at Circuit city next to those other monstrosities, but will be plenty big at home (depending how big your room is, of course).

[PatsWin2002]

I now hear all this stuff about DLP and people saying not to bother buying a new TV without it.

The DLPs are nice. You get larger sizes that are slimmer and weigh less, but are priced more reasonably than LCD or plasmas in the same size.

The downside is that the light source fades over time and has to be replaced every x# of hours (probably a few years) and it costs like $250ish from what I hear.

I would seriously consider a DLP is I was buying right now.

On another note....I would never consider an EDTV .....go the whole way and get an HDTV. The EDTV prices are tempting, but why bother?

[Rigs11]

This is true. If you don't mind the bulk they produce the best pic.

A couple of years ago I bought a 46" Sony rear projection HDTV for 1500.00 It now sells for under 1000.00. I'd say it's similar to this...


http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3861448

CRt's and rear projection tv's like the one you posted produce the best picture. The only problem with the rear projection ones is if the room has alot of light from windows, you'll get a nasty glare.

[DrFate]

I own a 34" Sony CRT HDTV (almost 2 years) and couldn't be happier with it. It's heavy but still beats the LCDs, DLPs, and plasmas IMO.


Me too. It is better to get a TV that fits the room rather than subscribe to the 'bigger is better' approach. My brother has a 42 inch widescreen that dominates his living room, he has to sit at the far end to watch it. Find an HDTV that fits the room. People rail on CRTs - they have the best picture and is the best established technology (they last). I don't plan on moving mine, so it doesn't matter how much it weighs. And my 34 inch fits the corner of the room much better than something bigger would.

Definitely consider the input sources too - if you only have basic cable HDTV doesn't do you much good. I have Sunday Ticket/Super Fan and the HD games are great.

[RhymesayersDU]

Thanks for all the input guys.

I'm not sure how much my mom wants to spend, to be honest. I do think that we're going to go the flatscreen route though.

[bendog]

I own a 34" Sony CRT HDTV (almost 2 years) and couldn't be happier with it. It's heavy but still beats the LCDs, DLPs, and plasmas IMO.

It's very bright and has true blacks with no loss as you move to the sides of the room.

Two things....
1) If you go this route, be sure to get a stand that swivels so you can get behind it to hook up your stuff.

2) Don't get into the "arms race" of having to buy the biggest possible TV for your money - quality is important.....and a 34" TV may look small at Circuit city next to those other monstrosities, but will be plenty big at home (depending how big your room is, of course).

Not dissing you, but really you get a better picture definition with CRT than LCD? I generally go for "older" technology as being a better buy.

[REB]

Yeah, I wish now I had just went with my 1st choice and got the 36" HDTV CRT I was looking at. Much brighter and clearer pic, but my brother in law talked me into the 46" wide screen which is nice but, like has been said, the crt is just a much brighter, clearer pic. He's of the view that bigger is always better no matter what. My sister tells me that's definately not true... :)

[Broncoman13]

The DLPs are nice. You get larger sizes that are slimmer and weigh less, but are priced more reasonably than LCD or plasmas in the same size.

The downside is that the light source fades over time and has to be replaced every x# of hours (probably a few years) and it costs like $250ish from what I hear.

I would seriously consider a DLP is I was buying right now.

On another note....I would never consider an EDTV .....go the whole way and get an HDTV. The EDTV prices are tempting, but why bother?



I bought a big screen DLP about 5 months ago and couldn't be happier. The HD picture is phenomenal! I did A LOT of research in determining what I wanted, but ultimately it came down to not wanting any screen door type effect...which is what you get with an LCD. I considered buying the 60" Sony LCD TV, but after looking at for about 5 minutes I was still able to see the "screen door". I went over to the LG DLP and couldn't see it even a little bit. The LG uses a new light engine and normal use (6-8 hours per day) should give it up to 5 years between bulb changes. At any rate, buy the warranty as it protects you against this. Keep this in mind though. A DLP television may have a bulb that burns out in 30,000-50,000 hours, but you can replace that bulb for around $250.00. Once you replace that bulb the TV is as good as new! LCD, Plasma, and CRT if I'm not mistaken don't have that advantage. Also, you don't have to worry about screen burn.

Last thing about the LG DLP. They say that LCD's are brighter and are better for ball games and that sort of thing. Where as the DLP TV's are head and shoulders better for movies and shows b/c they show darks so much better. I sat and watched the LG DLP and Sony LCD for nearly an hour trying to make up my mind. What I found was that the LG was just as bright as that Sony. I also didn't have that screen door effect (LG's pixels are shown in a "diamond" shape rather than the "square" shape that gives you the screen door effect) I've heard recently that some of the newer Samsung DLP's (regarded as the best for DLP by most but I'd put my LG right along side it!) have octagon shaped pixels. Sounds kind of stupid, but you eyes are so accustomed to looking at things from left to right and up and down that you don't notice the pixel effect b/c they aren't vertical and horizontal anymore!

My LG was initially listed at $2700. I turned around and found an add on the web and took it to Best Buy after I had already bartered the TV down to about $2400. They didn't want to price match w/an internet add so I told them to come and take back their TV b/c I was going to buy it from that add. Long story short, they refunded me the $500 difference. So I ended up getting the TV for about $1900!!! Best Buy will work with you! You just have to sack up and make them work.

For example. You said your buying a surround sound system as well. If you go into Best Buy and the TV is $2500 and the Surround Sound System is $1500 you tell them you have $4000 right now but you want the entire thing under warranty. That's about $700 in savings from the warranty. Then they come back and get the price to $4000 but add in taxes. Your left with about $4,350. You tell them you have $4000 and that's it. They'll come down!!! I did it just recently on a remote, Sub, and Center speaker. The dude took off 15% and didn't get to my #. I left him a business card and told him to call me when he got it down to my #. He said I wouldn't buy it even if he did come down, I said to try me... He then proceeded to take 25% off everything and came in $13 under my # w/tax. I saved $110 on the Sub, 70$ on the Center Channel Speaker and another $70 on the remote. $250 I saved by being stubborn and letting them know that I would wait or go elsewhere to buy my merchandise!

Buy DLP. Look at the LG. Buy at Best Buy. Get the warranties...but make them eat the cost! Hope this helps and good luck!

[i4jelway7]

definately go with DLP... me personally I'd stay away from the LG brand, IMO all of their products are shiat... I wish I would have waited 6 months and not bought my 53in rear projection Panasonic, I could have gotten a DLP which I really wanted and intended to buy but the guy at Bestbuy pissed my off, I had the 3500 tv rang up and everything and they didn't have the tv or the stand in stock and had to order it and the clerk gave me some smart a$$ remark and told em to forget it and walked out.. went over to Sears and bought the Panasonic 53in rear projection for 1500...

[bendog]

sooo, how much you think a crt hdtv 32-36inch should cost?

[Broncoman13]

definately go with DLP... me personally I'd stay away from the LG brand, IMO all of their products are shiat... I wish I would have waited 6 months and not bought my 53in rear projection Panasonic, I could have gotten a DLP which I really wanted and intended to buy but the guy at Bestbuy pissed my off, I had the 3500 tv rang up and everything and they didn't have the tv or the stand in stock and had to order it and the clerk gave me some smart a$$ remark and told em to forget it and walked out.. went over to Sears and bought the Panasonic 53in rear projection for 1500...


LG's products that they are putting their names on now (TV's anyhow) are widely considered high end Mitsubishi or Toshiba. I can't really vouch for them as this is the first product I've bought from them... but I can say that the TV has been great and I really don't have any complaints...and if I did, I could return it or have it replaced via the warranty!

[Broncoman13]

On to the Surround sound questions. I recently bought a new Receiver and would highly recommend it. It's the Onkyo 573 (I think, may be 572?). Anyhow, it's Silver in color and rocks the house. If I could recommend two units to anybody it would be that receiver and the Klipsch 10" sub. I thought about getting the 12" sub and I'm glad I didn't. It would have been WAY TOO MUCH! Those two pieces make the whole system really fun! I use Klipsch mainly b/c it came highly recommened. I think it's great. Put it to you this way. My wife used to be against surround sound and all the speakers and garb. She thought it looked tacky and didn't make that big of a difference. So we move to a new house and I'm taking my time to hook up the system...guess what she's doing! Telling me to hurry up and connect the surround sound b/c IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE! I started with a small (cheap) system. Kenwood 5 Channel surround sound. Non-powered sub and small speakers. I think I gave $250 for all 6 speakers and the receiver at the BX about 5 years ago. It worked though and for a long time. You don't have to go super expensive. In fact, I would highly recommend buying a packaged deal that cost you about $400. Receiver, and 6 speakers. Then if your pops feels like he wants something bigger and badder he can buy it piece by piece over time. That's what I did. Take out a couple speakers here and there and then add new ones as you go. In fact two of my rear speakers are the old original Kenwoods. Don't spend big money on your rear surround sound...it's a waste!

Look on Ebay for some good deals on the surround sound stuff! Also, do your mom and dad like to watch movies? If so, make sure you invest the extra $75 or so and buy an up conversion DVD player. I bought a Samsung for $150. PLUS it comes with and HDMI cable which is big! You'll find that Best Buy or Circuit City will want $150 just to buy that HDMI cable! $150 gets you a HD DVD Player and the cable!

One last thing, the LG has two HDMI Inputs. That's also pretty big. You can plug your DVD player and PRV into the TV via HDMI giving you the best available HD connection! It's also rumored that the PS3 will have HDMI capability. If your mom and dad watch movies together on any sort of regular basis you really need to get the DLP!

[Rock Chalk]

Well, im getting a 42 inch plasma TV for my bedroom from Dell.

I am well aware of all the drawbacks but none of them apply in my bedroom.

[Goobzilla]

I like my Onkyo home theatre in a box setup. I've had my 57" Hitachi RPTV for a couple years. I've got a friend with a DLP and another with a LCD. All 3 are nice. Go and eyeball a few and buy what you like, they're all good.

[PatsWin2002]

Well, im getting a 42 inch plasma TV for my bedroom from Dell.

I am well aware of all the drawbacks but none of them apply in my bedroom.


There's a joke or two in that post somewhere.....I think. Knowitall

[Broncoman13]

Well, im getting a 42 inch plasma TV for my bedroom from Dell.

I am well aware of all the drawbacks but none of them apply in my bedroom.


Not necessarily Alec. Once you reach the half-life of the Xeon in that TV you're screwed. I think I read that the Dell Plasma was listed at 20,000 hour half life. The half life is when the gas stops reacting to electrical stimulation, that is you're shiat stops working when the gases stop glowing!

5 hours a day. 300 days a year (assuming that you won't watch it every single day) Could last you well over 10 years if you don't fall asleep and leave it on for 10-12 hours a day and go on vacation for 2 months a year!

Plasma's picture is awesome, but I'm turned off by a TV that doesn't have a way to be fixed. Figure out a way to replenish those gases and I'll buy Plasma's for the whole house!

[PatsWin2002]

I like my Onkyo home theatre in a box setup. I've had my 57" Hitachi RPTV for a couple years. I've got a friend with a DLP and another with a LCD. All 3 are nice. Go and eyeball a few and buy what you like, they're all good.


I bought an Onkyo 6.1 home theater in a box last spring and I like it a lot. The salesman sold me on it over the Bose system because the sub was better. The speakers are bigger, but that's just fine for this bachelor. :)

**ALSO**
I spent about $550 last spring and it's a black, 1000W system. Not sure of the model and can't check cuz I'm stil at work.

[PatsWin2002]

sooo, how much you think a crt hdtv 32-36inch should cost?

BTW, I think all 32 and 36 inch CRT HDTV sets are in 4:3 format (the old, square type).

The 16:9 format (rectangle) are 30" and 34". The 34" is probably still the biggest rectangular CRT because of the weight.

They're in the 1,000 to 2,000 range with plenty of options to choose from.

[Broncoman13]

http://cgi.ebay.com/HOME-THEATER-TR-607-SURROUND-SOUND-SPEAKER-SYSTEM-5-1_W0QQitemZ5834968671QQcategoryZ32861QQrdZ1QQcmdZV iewItem

Then a Onkyo or Yamaha receiver... I think you'd be in biz!

[DomCasual]

I know this probably shouldn't be in this forum, but I wanted everybody to be able to see this and give their opinions.

Long story short, my mom wants to get my dad a new TV, and wants to know what to get. My dad is against plasma screens, afraid that they go out like he's heard they do.

So the question I pose to all you home theatre gurus, what TV should we go with for my dad? Needs to be HD capable, but that is really the only requirement.

With that, we're going to get him surround sound, so give any advice on that area as well.

And to make this football related, we're getting it for him for x-mas so he can watch the Broncos in HD in the playoffs! ;)
Sort of depends on what she wants to spend. I've got a sweet little 13" beauty that is color AND has a built-in VCR. Suh-weet, to say the least! :~ohyah!:

Seriously, though - I have been working on my basement for the last three or four months, and I think I am going to do an LCD projector down there when I am finished. I want something big, and I have no windows in the theater room, so I can keep it dark.

Tell her i'm about ready to trade up on the TV-VCR combo I mentioned. Maybe I could put a shine on it and give her a deal. Did I mention it was color? It's got a remote control, too - but my dog chewed through the cord. She'd have to get that replaced, but I would throw it in - gratis.

[Broncoman13]

I bought an Onkyo 6.1 home theater in a box last spring and I like it a lot. The salesman sold me on it over the Bose system because the sub was better. The speakers are bigger, but that's just fine for this bachelor. :)

**ALSO**
I spent about $550 last spring and it's a black, 1000W system. Not sure of the model and can't check cuz I'm stil at work.

That would be perfect for what he's looking for! $550 for the receiver and speakers... then 3,4,5 years down the road his pops can start buying piece by piece if he decides he wants something bigger and badder!

[orangenblue2]

I know this probably shouldn't be in this forum, but I wanted everybody to be able to see this and give their opinions.

Long story short, my mom wants to get my dad a new TV, and wants to know what to get. My dad is against plasma screens, afraid that they go out like he's heard they do.

So the question I pose to all you home theatre gurus, what TV should we go with for my dad? Needs to be HD capable, but that is really the only requirement.

With that, we're going to get him surround sound, so give any advice on that area as well.

And to make this football related, we're getting it for him for x-mas so he can watch the Broncos in HD in the playoffs! ;)


So many choices out there. Do your homework before ya buy. The best prices I've found can be had at Pricegrabber.com. That place has everything...

[jonny1]

The size of the room definitely should be a major factor in the size of the TV.

I went looking for a 27" regular TV last year (I'd been watching a 19", hey I'm a bachelor), and I found a 27" floor model Panasonic HD for around $500.

Now as far as surround, I would think that most any good quality surround system would be adequate, unless your Dad is a audio nut like me. I put together a Bose surround system over the years, and it is killer, but it is more than a lot of people would want or need.

[MrPeepers]

I Sell The Stuff For A Living You Need To Talk To A Professional, Give Him/her Seating Arrangment, Does It Require Custom Work Etc. Go To A Local High End Home Theatre Store, They Will Beat The Prices Of Any Sams Club Or Circuit Type Place. But Relying On Cnet Is A Poor Choice Imo. Get Some Information That Works For Your Needs And Not The Needs Of Any Tom Dick Or Harry On The Internet.

Or Just Message Me Privately And I Can Walk You Through Some Options. I Strongly Advise Not Getting Your Tv From Sams/costco Etc. If You Have To Ask About This Stuff You'll Want The Service Of Hooking It Up Appropriately. If You Go To One Of These Higher End Stores I Can Let You Know If Your In Line Or Being Had.

Good Luck

[minibronco]

The best quality by far is still from a tube. Nonetheless, LCD looks much cooler and is cheaper.

For surround sound, I can't really help you with that.

[MrPeepers]

http://cgi.ebay.com/HOME-THEATER-TR-...cmdZV iewItem

thats a turd....theatre research is the same company guys sell outta the back of trucks. definately avoid this brand if you care about sound quaility.

[enjolras]

I Sell The Stuff For A Living You Need To Talk To A Professional, Give Him/her Seating Arrangment, Does It Require Custom Work Etc. Go To A Local High End Home Theatre Store, They Will Beat The Prices Of Any Sams Club Or Circuit Type Place. But Relying On Cnet Is A Poor Choice Imo. Get Some Information That Works For Your Needs And Not The Needs Of Any Tom Dick Or Harry On The Internet.

Or Just Message Me Privately And I Can Walk You Through Some Options. I Strongly Advise Not Getting Your Tv From Sams/costco Etc. If You Have To Ask About This Stuff You'll Want The Service Of Hooking It Up Appropriately. If You Go To One Of These Higher End Stores I Can Let You Know If Your In Line Or Being Had.

Good Luck

Dude.. you capitalized every word.

That's just impressive really..

[GreatBronco16]

My folks bought a 62 inch DLP by either Toshiba or Phillips, and the image quality just flat out sucks. Even in HD. They have had Dish technicians to come out and rerun all cables and whatnot, and the picture is just not good. Even the HD has a lot of static in it, or screen door effect as somone called it. My 37 inch Sharp(non HD) gives a better picture. I've been telling them to take the damn thing back because something just has to be wrong with it, but my father is just too damn stubborn.

[MrPeepers]

WITH CAPS LOCK ON THEY ALL SHRINK DOWN without it its just normal, cool huh :)

nevermind guess it didnt. :(

[MrPeepers]

If you doing DLP, Mitsubishi for picture, maybe Hitachi, the Samsung is made cheaper and won't run you as much, but it's made cheaper and the menu system is a pain in the ass.

[Broncoman13]

http://cgi.ebay.com/HOME-THEATER-TR-...cmdZV iewItem

thats a turd....theatre research is the same company guys sell outta the back of trucks. definately avoid this brand if you care about sound quaility.

All I really know when it comes to speakers is Kenwood, Klipsch, and Bose. Oh, and I have some JBL's on my desk here that sound okay when they're on!

Just turned them on now... listening to a little 3rd Eye Blind... They sound decent.

[Broncoman13]

http://www.bestbuyplasma.com/Plasma/Product.asp_X_Sku_Y_52SX4D

[RhymesayersDU]

I Sell The Stuff For A Living You Need To Talk To A Professional, Give Him/her Seating Arrangment, Does It Require Custom Work Etc. Go To A Local High End Home Theatre Store, They Will Beat The Prices Of Any Sams Club Or Circuit Type Place. But Relying On Cnet Is A Poor Choice Imo. Get Some Information That Works For Your Needs And Not The Needs Of Any Tom Dick Or Harry On The Internet.

Or Just Message Me Privately And I Can Walk You Through Some Options. I Strongly Advise Not Getting Your Tv From Sams/costco Etc. If You Have To Ask About This Stuff You'll Want The Service Of Hooking It Up Appropriately. If You Go To One Of These Higher End Stores I Can Let You Know If Your In Line Or Being Had.

Good Luck
Peepers, I messged you but I figure this is worth repeating to the whole forum.

Here is our set up right now. We've got 3 couches, 2 2-seaters and 1 3-seater. The 3 -seater is facing the fireplace, with 1 2-seater on each side, around a table. Kind of boxed in, if you will. We want to mount a flat screen above the fireplace.

[Broncoman13]

Peepers, I messged you but I figure this is worth repeating to the whole forum.

Here is our set up right now. We've got 3 couches, 2 2-seaters and 1 3-seater. The 3 -seater is facing the fireplace, with 1 2-seater on each side, around a table. Kind of boxed in, if you will. We want to mount a flat screen above the fireplace.


I'd say that is a bad idea, but that's just me. First off, if you're gonna "mount" the TV you've drastically reduced your options. You can forget about DLP's, CRT's, and most LCD's. You better look plasma or LCD flat!

I know your pain though. I have a very similar set up and the Fire Place Wall is the ideal place for a TV. The house/living room was built for that fire place to be the center of attention. So we have our TV in a corner oppo the fire place with two of our recliners splitting the Fire Place so that it still gets some attention and use.

Also, before youthink about mounting a TV to your fireplace you may want to find out if you can. I doubt you'd get a whole lot of heat from the FP, but you may want to consider that in your risk analysis!

[MrPeepers]

most plasmas are fine over a fireplace, gas is no issue at all, elevation is important in particular regarding the tv. i personally don't see an issue with over the fireplace i do it all the time, if you had some massive king arthur fireplace burning wood yeah maybe i'd hold off then.

[Broncoman13]

most plasmas are fine over a fireplace, gas is no issue at all, elevation is important in particular regarding the tv. i personally don't see an issue with over the fireplace i do it all the time, if you had some massive king arthur fireplace burning wood yeah maybe i'd hold off then.


Yeah, but he started of by saying that he didn't want a Plasma.

[MrPeepers]

do plasma or lcd if you want it hanging on a wall at some point, now or later.

do dlp/lcd projection/crt tubes if your not concerned with it being on the wall.

don't do crt rear projections those tv's are officially dying.

do dlp if you care about picture quality, do lcd projection if you care about size and price.

do crt tubes if it's not hi-def required or you flat out don't have the space or money to go bigger.

[RhymesayersDU]

Well, on the plasma tip... I guess my dad has a friend who spent a boatload of money on some massive plasma TV, and then like 2 years later it went out, and since they couldn't be fixed he was out all that money. Hence, he's weary of going that route.

Is this a myth? Can anybody knowledgeable give me the info on a plasma?

As for the fireplace, it's a small little fake electric deal that we can flip on or off, nothing massive.

[RhymesayersDU]

And Peepers, I got your PM, I will bust out the measuring tape and whatnot and get back to you.

[Ratboy]

My uncle is a freak when it comes to Televisions.

He just bought a CRT a week ago, Which are hardly being made anymore. He says he will eventually go with DLP, but it's not what it should be, atm.

[hades]

Well, on the plasma tip... I guess my dad has a friend who spent a boatload of money on some massive plasma TV, and then like 2 years later it went out, and since they couldn't be fixed he was out all that money. Hence, he's weary of going that route.

Is this a myth? Can anybody knowledgeable give me the info on a plasma?

As for the fireplace, it's a small little fake electric deal that we can flip on or off, nothing massive.

I have several friends with plasma TV's and no complaints or problems. They both do have a battery backup/power filter on it though, don't want a jolt to blow it up!

I currently have a Mitsubishi 55" projection and a Samsung 61" DLP. The Samsung kicks major tail! The room it is in gets a lot of light during the day, and the Mitsubishi had a lot of glare, but the Samsung is great.

I also heard DLP is better for action/sports compared to LCD. LCD can show some stuttering sometimes, in fast moving action.

I'd also recommend Onkyo or Yamaha recievers, had both and both are really good. I use Bose speakers since they are so small, and the sound is great. Used to have some Cerwin -Vega's also, they rocked, but were a lot larger.

[Broncoman13]

Peepers can probably explain a lot better than me but here goes... Plasma TV's have three different types of gases in them. Xeon being the main reactive gas. These gases, like anything else evenutally stop reacting to a stimulant. In this case that stimulant is electricity. The Electricity causes the gas to glow and that's how you get your picture. Plasma TV's have what is called a half life. The half life is when the gases start their decline in reaction. In other words, the half life is when the gas starts to stop working. I've seen some different sites quote those half lives from 15,000 hours all the way up to 30,000 hours. 30,000 hours seems like quite a bit. But, if you watch that TV for 5 or 6 hours a day every day that could go up even faster. My wife and two of my kids are at home every day. Our TV stays on for up to 10 hours a day..... on weekends even more... probably closer to 15 hours a day with all the football I watch! I wouldn't say that's unthinkable TV time for a lot of people that have 3 or more people that watch the same set. So anyhow... figure 70 hours a week (low ball). 52 weeks in a year. 3600 hours a year (give or take) That's about 8 years of use IF it's truly 30,000 hours. If it's closer to 20,000 hours I'd be looking at 5 or 6 years, and on down to 4 years if it's less than 20,000. So I didn't want to take the chance. I bought the DLP b/c you can replace the bulb and the TV is JUST LIKE NEW!!! But, it's worth considering that your father probably doesn't watch more than 3 or 4 hours a day. At that rate you could probably count on the TV lasting 10 years!

[Broncoman13]

Mr Peepers... what is this? 3:2 Pull-down Cinema Correction

[hades]

Peepers can probably explain a lot better than me but here goes... Plasma TV's have three different types of gases in them. Xeon being the main reactive gas. These gases, like anything else evenutally stop reacting to a stimulant. In this case that stimulant is electricity. The Electricity causes the gas to glow and that's how you get your picture. Plasma TV's have what is called a half life. The half life is when the gases start their decline in reaction. In other words, the half life is when the gas starts to stop working. I've seen some different sites quote those half lives from 15,000 hours all the way up to 30,000 hours. 30,000 hours seems like quite a bit. But, if you watch that TV for 5 or 6 hours a day every day that could go up even faster. My wife and two of my kids are at home every day. Our TV stays on for up to 10 hours a day..... on weekends even more... probably closer to 15 hours a day with all the football I watch! I wouldn't say that's unthinkable TV time for a lot of people that have 3 or more people that watch the same set. So anyhow... figure 70 hours a week (low ball). 52 weeks in a year. 3600 hours a year (give or take) That's about 8 years of use IF it's truly 30,000 hours. If it's closer to 20,000 hours I'd be looking at 5 or 6 years, and on down to 4 years if it's less than 20,000. So I didn't want to take the chance. I bought the DLP b/c you can replace the bulb and the TV is JUST LIKE NEW!!! But, it's worth considering that your father probably doesn't watch more than 3 or 4 hours a day. At that rate you could probably count on the TV lasting 10 years!

I've heard the 20,000/30,000 hour thing too, but my thinking is this. I doubt I'll keep the same TV for my main viewing for longer than 3 or 4 years tops. Technology changes so fast, there will be bigger and better ones out.

From a straight ahead view, I actually liked the DLP/LCD better than some of the plasma's they had on display at Best Buy and Conn's. That and the price!

[Broncoman13]

I've heard the 20,000/30,000 hour thing too, but my thinking is this. I doubt I'll keep the same TV for my main viewing for longer than 3 or 4 years tops. Technology changes so fast, there will be bigger and better ones out.

From a straight ahead view, I actually liked the DLP/LCD better than some of the plasma's they had on display at Best Buy and Conn's. That and the price!



That's the other thing about Plasma's. You get about 170 degrees by 170 degrees of view. With my TV I'm good for about 150 degrees and maybe 100 degrees. I used to love laying down in front of the tube playing some football on the playstation... but I don't see the TV all that well if I lay down in front of it now. So I bought some wireless controls and now sit on the recliner... it worked out well! ;D :thumbs:

[MrPeepers]

3:2 pulldown is a movie conversion ratio. When your watching films it wasn't made for television, so you need to be able to convert that to video. It's kinda complicated. It matters for progressive scan dvd players and high def tv's it's a good thing to have, it allows better picture quality from a progressive signal.

Plasmas work fine, I think with the price tag on them alot of people have bought junk to avoid paying thousands. In return, theres alot of old wives tales. I certainly wouldn't buy some dog of a plasma though. Most of them are fine, a good plasma should last you about 10 years, and realistically 10 years from now, you'll be buying some clear sheet of plastic that you hang on the wall instead of these machines.

[jbiel]

I just purchased this sony projection lcd tonight:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7253447&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03006&id=1115366829183

the guy said they were selling like crazy so i hope that means its a good tv. they were currently out of stock. i have been studying on this sony and a samsung dlp at the same price. These were basically the only 2 that i could currently fit in my entertainment center ( a few modifications will be needed but we wont tell the wife about that)

i also got sold on the 4yr service plan for $400. does anyone believe this is a good idea or a waste. it covers 1 or 2 cleanings a year, bulbs, and a few other things. just curious if anyone has purchased these plans and got use of them.

[jbiel]

oops, that link was the samsung.

here is the sony i purchased

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7298998&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03006&id=1118841724863

[MrPeepers]

i'm sure it'll be fine, I sell the warranties, if something should happen sure your covered. The odds of something happening are low. Best Buy pushes these guys to sell warranties. They make like 35% of the warranty in their pocket, so they push the hell out of em. Companes equate warranties as pure profit. If something happens it's usually within the 1st year and the manufacture covers it, their gambling that nothing will happen from year 2-4.

[MrPeepers]

The sony has a very good hd tuner. it is built much better than the samsung as well. I sell alot of that TV because it is easy to fit in to premade constructions. That TV is solid, I rarely see issues with them.

[jbiel]

thank mr. peepers.

so you think it would be ok to cancel this service agreement. i kind of thought that if something was going to go wrong it probably would in the first year, but figured i would have an easier time returning the warranty rather than telling them i wasnt interested.

would you suggest that this tv really needs to be serviced every year. about 4 years ago i bought a sony trinitron and sears tryed getting me on this and i said no, but this tv is about $1500 more so i'm a little more nervous. of course my trinitron has not had any problems so i guess i made the right choice there.

any input is appreciated..

[MrPeepers]

That TV is solid, pay attention to the bulb, if it dies within the year get another it's really easy and thats all I've seen go bad on that model. The light engines are sometimes bad on those sets, but if it works out of the box you should be cool. Save that 400 for christmas presents or something. I don't think you need to clean it every year. I don't smoke, I take care of my stuff but you should be fine. Seems to me you could pay them 50 bucks to do it if it really aggrevated you. These new TV's are more like computers than machines. I think they require less than previous TV's did. the bulbs the only glitchy thing. If it fails, have your receipt on hand, call sony parts they'll ship another out within 3 days and you send the old one back. All bulbs have 1 year warranties. Just a nature of those sets.

[Dagmar]

I'm coming over to all of your homes game by game next year to watch the games!

...ah go on!

I'll bring beer and scotch! :alky:

[RhymesayersDU]

I'm coming over to all of your homes game by game next year to watch the games!

...ah go on!

I'll bring beer and scotch! :alky:
oh...my...god.

your avatar owns all other avatars

IT'S PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME!!

I could seriously watch that clip over and over again and not get tired of it.

[Needa Pass Rush]

I know this probably shouldn't be in this forum, but I wanted everybody to be able to see this and give their opinions.

Long story short, my mom wants to get my dad a new TV, and wants to know what to get. My dad is against plasma screens, afraid that they go out like he's heard they do.

So the question I pose to all you home theatre gurus, what TV should we go with for my dad? Needs to be HD capable, but that is really the only requirement.

With that, we're going to get him surround sound, so give any advice on that area as well.

And to make this football related, we're getting it for him for x-mas so he can watch the Broncos in HD in the playoffs! ;)

My contribution to your information overload. Good luck!

http://magnoliaht.com/

[RhymesayersDU]

My contribution to your information overload. Good luck!

http://magnoliaht.com/
Information overload is right!

But seriously guys, I really appreciate the responses, and I'm trying to take it all in, jot some things down, etc.

The 'Mane comes through again.

[Broncoman13]

I just purchased this sony projection lcd tonight:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7253447&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03006&id=1115366829183

the guy said they were selling like crazy so i hope that means its a good tv. they were currently out of stock. i have been studying on this sony and a samsung dlp at the same price. These were basically the only 2 that i could currently fit in my entertainment center ( a few modifications will be needed but we wont tell the wife about that)

i also got sold on the 4yr service plan for $400. does anyone believe this is a good idea or a waste. it covers 1 or 2 cleanings a year, bulbs, and a few other things. just curious if anyone has purchased these plans and got use of them.

Dude if you paid for it you got hosed!!! I bought a similar set about 5 months ago. No way in hell was I paying full price or for the warranty... but I'm not about to have a pricey TV w/out a warranty, so I made Best Buy eat that cost!!! You got hosed if you paid the asking price for the TV or for the warranty...especially at Best Buy b/c they will work with you big time!

[Broncoman13]

thank mr. peepers.

so you think it would be ok to cancel this service agreement. i kind of thought that if something was going to go wrong it probably would in the first year, but figured i would have an easier time returning the warranty rather than telling them i wasnt interested.

would you suggest that this tv really needs to be serviced every year. about 4 years ago i bought a sony trinitron and sears tryed getting me on this and i said no, but this tv is about $1500 more so i'm a little more nervous. of course my trinitron has not had any problems so i guess i made the right choice there.

any input is appreciated..

Dude, go back to Best Buy and tell them that you want to return the TV and anything else you bought. When they ask why you tell them that you found a better set w/warranty for $400 less. They'll refund your money rather than take a return!!! If they ask you for proof or something like that...tell them you don't have any proof with you and that you aren't going to go and get a receipt or something... I'm serious. They don't want to take back a TV that you have the right to return! I got close to 700$ off my TV and still got the warranty! Just don't be a puss. Mr. Peepers thinks that you have to go to some high end store to get a good deal...not the case at all! With the money I saved on the TV my wife was able to put curtains or drapes or whatever you call them in the Living Room. Who knew they could be so expensive... but she was able to work a deal herself so who can argue?

[fishingeek]

First of all stay away from Bose for speakers. They are not bad speakers, just way over priced. If you are willing to put in the research go to http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/index.php? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/index.php)? . You can get lots of good info there. For the record I have a DLP projector. It is true that you need to have light control in the room, but nothing like watching our boys kick butt on a 90" screen!.

[Goobzilla]

Remember the dudes in the white vans that used to sell speakers? Apparently that old scam is still going strong 20+ years later:

http://www.scamshield.com/Feature.asp?id=1

Man those were good times...

[maven]

So basically you're buying a lcd flat panel. If you're not going plasma, get the lcd & call it a day.

[bendog]

do plasma or lcd if you want it hanging on a wall at some point, now or later.

do dlp/lcd projection/crt tubes if your not concerned with it being on the wall.

don't do crt rear projections those tv's are officially dying.

do dlp if you care about picture quality, do lcd projection if you care about size and price.

do crt tubes if it's not hi-def required or you flat out don't have the space or money to go bigger.
Why should I care if CRT is 'dying.'? I mean I want the most bang for my buck. If I can get as good a pic as LCD in a 36inch widescreen, and if I don't care the thing is huge (because it would sit on an already huge floor to ceiling built in bookshelf that goes the length of a 27 foot wall), and if the thing will work ok for 5-10 years, it's my best deal. Isn't it?

[Nuggets4]

I love the set-up I got recently. 36" Sony HDTV, Onkyo receiver, Infinity speakers. Once you go HDTV, you just can't go back.

[Rascal]

What about CableCard?

And I need some wall mounts (and one ceiling mount) for my speakers. They weight about 7-8 pounds each and I've only seen mounts capable of carring 5 pounds.

[MrPeepers]

i didn't want to leave the impression that only the high end stores offer good deals. I did want to leave the impression the high end stores will get you the same price as a big box, and you'll actually get service and knowledge. I'm just not sold on a best buy or circuit for expertise. The service is the bigger part of the deal. Small stores work harder imo.

Cable Card, every TV that's high def has to be cable card ready. I thought it was this year. In my town, we don't have that to offer so it's a moot point. In a bigger city you should have that. Cable card benefits you in a couple ways. 1) you don't have a box to clutter up the area, and you you don't have to worry about a box being used and worn out. 2) for high def the boxes universally scale to any TV, basically they scale down to a default setting. Your DLP may support 720p, but if the box only works for 1080i you never get that picture. Cable card scales to your TV's settings.

CRT Rear Projection is still your best bang for the buck screen size wise. But it's a dying technology. I have one in my house that's bout 3 years old. It's an awesome set, but theres just no way in hell i'd buy another now that lcd projections and dlp's are out. I lose half the size of the TV, I have no issues with viewing angle, It's not CRT based so longer life span, higher contrast levels, etc. That's up to you, you can get a good deal on these, but I just think it's a waste. Theres no new technology going into these types of sets. they won't be on the market at all within two years.

[Rascal]

If you were spending 1800 on a set what you pick Peepers? Size is not the main consideration for me as I won't be getting anything larger then 50" since it will be in a corner.

[RhymesayersDU]

I love the set-up I got recently. 36" Sony HDTV, Onkyo receiver, Infinity speakers. Once you go HDTV, you just can't go back.
Ain't that the truth. I've had to suffer this whole season with no HD because my roomate is in Austrailia. He should be back in time for Week 17 and the playoffs though, thank God.

And the Nuggets, well, I can see them play like crap just as well in regular TV as I can in HD.

[MrPeepers]

If you were spending 1800 on a set what you pick Peepers? Size is not the main consideration for me as I won't be getting anything larger then 50" since it will be in a corner.

Probably this http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=kMiCWFMs23yDFBCjuf6IUxw8TMC-GXWiZkM=?ProductSKU=KDFE42A10&Dept=tvvideo&CategoryName=tv_ProjectionTVs_RearProjection_42to5 1TVs

It's 2k retail you can get these for 2-300 less.

If you ever need a price quote to hand to some other store, just msg me. Any store will match another store. they all want your business even if it means selling it for little margin. Theres not a whole lot of money in TV's to work with, but speakers theres a ton.

[bendog]

Soooo, can I get as good a pic on CRT as on LCD?

[Rascal]

Would I be able to get that TV, TV Stand, HD-DVD, CableCard, Remote, and Warranty for 2K?

[MrPeepers]

Would I be able to get that TV, TV Stand, HD-DVD, CableCard, Remote, and Warranty for 2K?

no way in hell. :) maybe in 3 years but not now.

that tv is 2k / stand 500 / hd-dvd sanyo prototypes are about 1k / cable card is built into the tv / remote comes with tv / warranty probably 400-500 from retailers.

[MrPeepers]

Soooo, can I get as good a pic on CRT as on LCD?

close, i still think crt tubes are the top dog (albiet the mitsubishi LCD's are the best looking lcd's I have ever seen and they definately rival or surpass some crt's) for picture but there just really big and heavy. i think plasma comes in second and then the lcd's, but it would be a top of the line lcd.

[Rigs11]

Soooo, can I get as good a pic on CRT as on LCD?

better and you don't have to worry about dead pixels or ghosting.

[bendog]

thanks, man. seriously. I bought my kid an ipod and saddle and couldn't afford either, and my wife is cheaping my ass, but thanks. I can still dream, and get porn.

Look at the last one on this page. Whoever designed it should be sent to Siberia.
LOL

http://www.shopzilla.com/7S--Television_TV__-_cat_id--11520000__keyword--crt%20tv%20widescreen__search_box--1__start--60

[jbiel]

how much does a tube plus installation cost if it were to happen when the tv was not under warranty?

[Broncoman13]

no way in hell. :) maybe in 3 years but not now.

that tv is 2k / stand 500 / hd-dvd sanyo prototypes are about 1k / cable card is built into the tv / remote comes with tv / warranty probably 400-500 from retailers.


What the hell are you selling??? HD-DVD Sanyo's for 1k? That's crazy!! I bought my HD-DVD player for $150 brand new from Best Buy and guess what, it came with an HDMI Cable!!! Awesome picture displayed in 1080i or 720p...my choice!

That TV is listed at 2k. He can probably get them down to $1700-1750. HD-DVD is $150. My TV stand was $306 minus a hundred b/c I asked for a deal! Most places won't give you the warranty for free, but they'll take some off the TV, DVD, and Stand. Honestly Jack, I'd go to the store of your choice. Tell them you want that Sony TV, the Samsung HD-DVD Player, the Stand, and Warranty. Tell them you have $2500.00. Take it or leave it. IF they make it around that amount w/taxes....BUY IT! You've just saved yourself about 25%!!! TV 2,000. DVD 150. Stand 300. Warranty 400. Taxes 200. That's $3,150. If They'll give you that whole deal for $2500 you just saved yourself $650!!! Just add it up in your head while you're looking. Add your 400 for Warranty and about 10% for taxes...just to give you some Lei-Way. Then take off about 25% in your head. Tell them that's what you have... if they can do it they will. If they say no they can't then walk away.....SOMEBODY ELSE WILL!

Oh, and last but not least do not pay $300 for a power conditioner. These salesmen will try to rip you off with that crap! Same with $150 for ONE HDMI Cable. Like I said earlier, one cable comes with the Samsung HD-DVD Player. I bought the other online for $12.99 (12'). Screw that Monster Brand shiit they try to push on you... you don't need it~!

[Broncoman13]

BTW, I have my neighbors behind me this same advice about 2 months ago. They bought the 60" Sony Grand Wega SXRD, the same Samsung DVD Player, and the warranty. They got the whole thing for just under $5k!!! That's the only TV I've see so far that is brighter and more vivid than mine...but it's also double the price and too big to fit anyhow!

That TV lists for $5k by itself. Another 8.25% in taxes. $500 for the warranty and $150 for the DVD player. They got the whole thing for under $5k w/taxes!

Now, if I can only figure out how to do this same thing w/Cars. I have no luck buying cars. I've tried before and I tell them I'll go somewhere else and find one... Bastages are like "alright, later dude....good luck", and I end up not getting a good deal! I have a friend that went and bought a 1 year old Z-71 w/14,000 miles for just under $15k. Don't know how he did it... I need to learn that trick! He turned around and bought his daughter a similar truck for a similar deal... so it wasn't a one time thing. He told me about going around and getting different quotes and then getting each dealership to go a little lower than the last until you get it down to where you want it... but does that work?

[Broncoman13]

Here's the DVD player buy the way... down to $135 now!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7384396&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03013&id=1122654250942

[Rascal]

BTW, I have my neighbors behind me this same advice about 2 months ago. They bought the 60" Sony Grand Wega SXRD, the same Samsung DVD Player, and the warranty. They got the whole thing for just under $5k!!! That's the only TV I've see so far that is brighter and more vivid than mine...but it's also double the price and too big to fit anyhow!

That TV lists for $5k by itself. Another 8.25% in taxes. $500 for the warranty and $150 for the DVD player. They got the whole thing for under $5k w/taxes!

Now, if I can only figure out how to do this same thing w/Cars. I have no luck buying cars. I've tried before and I tell them I'll go somewhere else and find one... Bastages are like "alright, later dude....good luck", and I end up not getting a good deal! I have a friend that went and bought a 1 year old Z-71 w/14,000 miles for just under $15k. Don't know how he did it... I need to learn that trick! He turned around and bought his daughter a similar truck for a similar deal... so it wasn't a one time thing. He told me about going around and getting different quotes and then getting each dealership to go a little lower than the last until you get it down to where you want it... but does that work?

You need to befriend somebody who has their own used car business. They all buy their cars from auctions and then sell you a marked up price.

My parents and my wife all got their vehicles that way and paid 20% less then bluebook easily if not more. But you don't get a warranty that way unless the OEM still has one it obviously.

[Broncoman13]

You need to befriend somebody who has their own used car business. They all buy their cars from auctions and then sell you a marked up price.

My parents and my wife all got their vehicles that way and paid 20% less then bluebook easily if not more. But you don't get a warranty that way unless the OEM still has one it obviously.


Got ya!

[Nuggets4]

Screw that Monster Brand shiit they try to push on you... you don't need it~!

I'll agree with most of your post, but I LOVE Monster cables. Absolutely the best out there IMO.

[Rascal]

Can you honestly tell the difference?

[Broncoman13]

I'll agree with most of your post, but I LOVE Monster cables. Absolutely the best out there IMO.


You can pay your $150 for a single HDMI cable and then $300 for a surge protector. I'll stick with my 12.99 cable and $25 surge protector... that work just fine! You're paying for the name. I'll used monster wire for my stereo equipment, but there's a big difference in stereo wire and Monster cables. Ever try running the rubberized shiat from Monster Cable through your walls? It's a pain in the ass! Here's the real kicker, in 2-3 years that rubberized crap starts to deteriorate...especially if you live in the South where it's humid. Never again!

[Nuggets4]

Can you honestly tell the difference?

I personally can. I know some people that can't. When I worked at Sears (this was 3 years ago, so take that into account), we hooked up an entertainment center using generic cables. Then we hooked it up using Monster cables. I personally didn't notice much of a picture difference (some noticed lots, some noticed none), but sound wise there was a HUGE difference. Tons better with Monster, not to mention to get the volume to the desired level it was a lot easier with the Monster's (less outside noise).

[Broncoman13]

Can you honestly tell the difference?

I've several different kinds of cables. There is a slight difference... but your main difference is in types of cables rather than brands. I.e. If you hook up Component Video and I hook up an HDMI Cable you'll see a subtle difference, w/the HDMI being a little better. Not $150 better though!

[Nuggets4]

You can pay your $150 for a single HDMI cable and then $300 for a surge protector. I'll stick with my 12.99 cable and $25 surge protector... that work just fine! You're paying for the name. I'll used monster wire for my stereo equipment, but there's a big difference in stereo wire and Monster cables. Ever try running the rubberized shiat from Monster Cable through your walls? It's a pain in the ass! Here's the real kicker, in 2-3 years that rubberized crap starts to deteriorate...especially if you live in the South where it's humid. Never again!

****, I didn't get an expensive surge protector. That I'll agree with you. Not sure about the HDMI cable (mine came free with my TV) either. I'm talking about RCA and component cables.

[Broncoman13]

I personally can. I know some people that can't. When I worked at Sears (this was 3 years ago, so take that into account), we hooked up an entertainment center using generic cables. Then we hooked it up using Monster cables. I personally didn't notice much of a picture difference (some noticed lots, some noticed none), but sound wise there was a HUGE difference. Tons better with Monster, not to mention to get the volume to the desired level it was a lot easier with the Monster's (less outside noise).


That I can agree with... but, you can buy a $20 Fiber Cable from JBL or someshiat. Then buy the Monster Wire to hook up your speakers. The Monster Wire is worth the buy...no arguements there. I think their rubber coated Monster Cable Optical Cable for $79 is a rip off! Their $99 component cables...RIP OFF! Their $150 HDMI Cable..... Highway Robbery! Up to $500 for a Surge Protect...errr...Power Conditioner....CRIMINAL!!!!!!!!

[Rascal]

Well I'm going to have to go through walls for my stereo speakers (two mount on the wall and one on the ceiling) and I didn't want to spend a huge amount of cash for it and it would be a pain in the ass with those thick monster cables.

Any suggestions?

[Broncoman13]

****, I didn't get an expensive surge protector. That I'll agree with you. Not sure about the HDMI cable (mine came free with my TV) either. I'm talking about RCA and component cables.


Too expensive for my taste. I'll stick with the Monster Wire to hook up my speakers and that's it. Component cables, opitcal cables, HDMI/DVI cables... generic or JBL or whatever you can find. The difference is so minimal you won't notice. There's no way you can improve the signal from the optical cable... it's light! There's no way you can improve the signal from an HDMI Cable either. Gold Plated...whoopie! Go find yourself a professional installer and I bet they tell you that Monster cable is a pain in the ass to install and that all they're selling is that fancy rubber coating that really doesn't do shiat for the signal.

[Broncoman13]

Well I'm going to have to go through walls for my stereo speakers (two mount on the wall and one on the ceiling) and I didn't want to spend a huge amount of cash for it and it would be a pain in the ass with those thick monster cables.

Any suggestions?

Buy about a 14 guage wire (Monster). It's easy to put through the walls. Most of the time you're going to drill a 1/4" hole or larger to begin with. 14 gauge wire will carry your load (rear surround I'm guessing) just fine. I had a biatch of a time doing mine... vaulted ceilings on adjacent rooms made for about 1.5 ft of pathway in the attic. My fat ass didn't fit too well! ;D

Easiest way to do it is to drill your hole and put a coat hanger through. If you're going toward the top of the wall/ceiling area with your hole it's even easier!

[MrPeepers]

[QUOTE=OSKIE]What the hell are you selling??? HD-DVD Sanyo's for 1k? That's crazy!! I bought my HD-DVD player for $150 brand new from Best Buy and guess what, it came with an HDMI Cable!!! Awesome picture displayed in 1080i or 720p...my choice!

This is not a HD DVD, sorry. It is an upconverting DVD player, it has a line doubler in it. True HDDVD does not exist in the USA unless your Bill Gates. The Blu-ray DVD's will be out summertime next year and will likely start in the 600-1000$ range. HDMI cables, use em if you liek they do look slightly better. I use a higher end monster componant cable.

this is my dvd

http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/228.asp

it's not hd, but it has hdmi and dvi. It also has a line doubler. the one thing I can't stress enough with DVD's is that you get what you pay for. We're so used to seeing 60$ DVD players we assume they all must run about this. In reality think of it like a computer. A 400$ dell will not play Half-life 2, to play it you need more memory a better video card, better motherboard, processor etc. DVD players have processors and circuitry in them. Cheap ones use crap DAC's Digital to Analog convertors, better ones pay licensing fees for better processors (ex. Farouidja processors, Sharkhead etc) So, not all DVD's are alike. For people to say theres no difference. Most people don't care enough about picture quality imo. You don't buy a Ferrari and stick cheap tires on it. If you buy a badass DLP get a badass DVD, cables etc.

The monster cables and line conditioners absoultely help. In fact I would argue this piece did more that my cables did as a whole. This piece cleaned up the top end on my speakers and also cleaned up piture quality the big difference was sound quality though, an excellent piece.

http://www.monstercable.com/power/productPagePower.asp?pin=1021&LastPage=Reference%20Power

ok, still at work will continue later

[MrPeepers]

p.s. if you have questions regarding a prewire or postwire of your house i can walk you thru this as well. You'll need a contractor grade wire which you can get online, or in store. I would not recommend traditional wire.

[Broncoman13]

[QUOTE=OSKIE]What the hell are you selling??? HD-DVD Sanyo's for 1k? That's crazy!! I bought my HD-DVD player for $150 brand new from Best Buy and guess what, it came with an HDMI Cable!!! Awesome picture displayed in 1080i or 720p...my choice!

This is not a HD DVD, sorry. It is an upconverting DVD player, it has a line doubler in it. True HDDVD does not exist in the USA unless your Bill Gates. The Blu-ray DVD's will be out summertime next year and will likely start in the 600-1000$ range. HDMI cables, use em if you liek they do look slightly better. I use a higher end monster componant cable.

this is my dvd

http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/228.asp

it's not hd, but it has hdmi and dvi. It also has a line doubler. the one thing I can't stress enough with DVD's is that you get what you pay for. We're so used to seeing 60$ DVD players we assume they all must run about this. In reality think of it like a computer. A 400$ dell will not play Half-life 2, to play it you need more memory a better video card, better motherboard, processor etc. DVD players have processors and circuitry in them. Cheap ones use crap DAC's Digital to Analog convertors, better ones pay licensing fees for better processors (ex. Farouidja processors, Sharkhead etc) So, not all DVD's are alike. For people to say theres no difference. Most people don't care enough about picture quality imo. You don't buy a Ferrari and stick cheap tires on it. If you buy a badass DLP get a badass DVD, cables etc.

The monster cables and line conditioners absoultely help. In fact I would argue this piece did more that my cables did as a whole. This piece cleaned up the top end on my speakers and also cleaned up piture quality the big difference was sound quality though, an excellent piece.

http://www.monstercable.com/power/productPagePower.asp?pin=1021&LastPage=Reference%20Power

ok, still at work will continue later

So at what price did you get the "line conditioner"? The link you posted has it at $399.99. That's an awful lot for a "souped up surge protector"!!!

[MrPeepers]

I think I got mine around 350. I'm not saying this is for everyone. If you bought a surround system around the 3000$ mark you should probably put in 10% of that to a good surge/power center. What this piece does is filter electrical noise from componants. It checks voltages and grounds for your pieces. It has switched and unswitched outlets. Obviously it's a big surge. That part I could care less about. It's a componant piece, with thicker wiring. These pieces are not just made to rape people of their money or they wouldn't sell. High end audio does make a difference, but most people don't know the difference they don't do the research.

Sit down in front of a pair of high end B&W's / Energy's / Paradigm Studio's / Kef's with a big seperate amp and preamp and you'll hear the difference. It didn't get their with 5$ RCA cables and a powerstrip. the entire process requires a pretty steep commitment.

For what you have, that piece is overkill. But I would suggest this one.

http://www.monstercable.com/power/productPagePower.asp?pin=1900&LastPage=Home%20Theater%20Power

[Broncoman13]

Is this the same thing?

http://cgi.ebay.com/WOW-monster-power-MP-HTS3500MKII-not-MONSTER-CABLE-3500_W0QQitemZ5837065211QQcategoryZ67780QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem

What do you think?

[MrPeepers]

Is this the same thing?

http://cgi.ebay.com/WOW-monster-power-MP-HTS3500MKII-not-MONSTER-CABLE-3500_W0QQitemZ5837065211QQcategoryZ67780QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem

What do you think?


that's it, the mk2 is this years the 3500 was last years. But that's it.

[Broncoman13]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5835327086

I just bid on this...is it good or bad? lol

[Broncoman13]

that's it, the mk2 is this years the 3500 was last years. But that's it.


Kewl... I found another one for a little bit less. Take a look and tell me what you think please... the link right above... or this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5835327086

[MrPeepers]

power stage 3 is the difference between those 2 pieces, the powerbar I linked was a stage 2 piece which is still a very good piece. I think for your setup oskie the 3500 is definately helpful, but more than you really need.

the piece you bid on is solid.

[hades]

All this talk of HD DVD players, has anyone watched a DVD in SuperBit format? Huge difference in picture and sound quality IMO. The first one I got was The Fifth Element, had it in regular and Superbit. Went back and forth between the two comparing scenes and sounds, definte difference. A little more $, but worth it IMO.

[MrPeepers]

I have Spider Man 2 / Blackhawk Down / Closer / and Adaptation in Superbit. Definately the way to go. Some stores have them mispriced too.

[hades]

Luckily for me my wife likes the higher quality too, so she buys the Superbit when she sees them come out. We have about 350 movies in the collection, and probably 9 or 10 Superbit ones. I wish The Matrix series would come out in Superbit!

[Broncoman13]

Peeps, how long to those things usually last. Am I looking at a component that will "wear out" after about 5 years use or is it like a regular surge protector that will last 10-15 years?

[MrPeepers]

that powercenter should last you till it gets zapped by a lightning bolt which at that point it will promptly incinerate itself and save the lives of your electronic equipment.

[Broncoman13]

that powercenter should last you till it gets zapped by a lightning bolt which at that point it will promptly incinerate itself and save the lives of your electronic equipment.

Sounds kewl! Is the powercenter itself warrantied by Monster in that event?

[maven]

Here's the DVD player buy the way... down to $135 now!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7384396&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03013&id=1122654250942

That's not a hd-dvd player.

[MrPeepers]

Sounds kewl! Is the powercenter itself warrantied by Monster in that event?


I think it is but only for a few years. The point of the unit is if it gets hit it suicides itself for the sake of everything else, otherwise youcan file a claim and they will pay the deductible.

[jbiel]

Does anyone have the sony kdfe42a10? I just recently purchased it and would be interested in some pointers in video settings.

hell, if you have the tv, just let me know exactly what your settings are.

right now i do not have hd, i have directv and am using component cables with my tv.

thanks