looking for what to budget...

[LER]

Assuming my job interviews go well, and I get back to Dallas, I'm **THINKING** about HDTV for the house. I'm a HDTV novice (if even that), and am looking for ideas on what a decent setup will cost, but don't want to break me.

Suggestions on what to buy, and what I should expect to pay.

Suggestions welcome, and thanks in advance.

LER

 

[korsjs]

what price range are you trying to stay within? what size are you looking for?

 

[LER]

price, I have no idea, which is why I'm asking. Size, I want something that will *wow*, but won't overpower the current small place I'm in. (I hope to remedy that situation too, but who the hell knows).

I don't have any credit cards, and crappy credit scores, so need to pay cash.

I'm not even sure which of the HDTV Technologies to go look at. I do know that I'm always impressed in the stores when I browse.

 

[Neutron]

If you're looking to keep under a budget a nice tube CRT widescreen may work out for you.

I got our 30" Sony Widescreen for $900 last August. You can get one even cheaper than that if you go another name brand. The Sony is EXCELLENT as far as PQ can go on a CRT. Also, it has an HDMI connection along with 2 component connections. It is perfect for a small place.

You can check out a pic of it under my member's theatre area.

 

[LER]

Nice. Other ideas? Also, what is **CURRENTLY** available, and what is expected for this coming holiday season? I'd suspect (but correct me if I'm wrong) that there's gonna be a LOT of HDTV sold and available for this holiday zoo season.

LER

 

[Neutron]

LER, the TV I have is still the current model. Really a lot to do with your selection of type and size will depend on your budget. Did you have a budget in mind? Lemme rephrase that. What is the most you would look to spend?

 

[LER]

What is the most you would look to spend?

I'm hoping I can get it around $1500 or less, and then I need to upgrade the E* receiver for that room, whichever it is. I don't know if the "other half" will let me do it though, before we get a real house .

 

[korsjs]

a must - make sure it comes with at least one hdmi input.

 

[LER]

a must - make sure it comes with at least one hdmi input.

Ok, train the noobie here. What the hell is a HDMI input, and WHY do I want/need one?

 

[Ilya]

This may sound off-topic, but it's not!
Do you have a Dolby Digital receiver? If not, this would be another thing to consider: upgrading your audio to 5.1 DD. HD programming often comes with DD sound!

 

[charper1]

This question has numerous possibilities. Are you looking for just the HDTV or the whole home theater? Here are a few HDTV still listed as available, but I have no idea what you may or may not have local. Now if you can/want to spend more than $1500 your world to HDTV will open vastly and then you need to decide on projection type and overall size first. I push 106" of pure HD for less than $2100 TOTAL and about 3 square feet used space. My gear is in my signature.

HDTV Over 55" and Under $1500 market $ may vary
Toshiba 65H84 65 in. Rear Projection 16:9 HDTV $1350
Toshiba 65H83 65 in. Rear Projection 16:9 HDTV $1380
JVC AV-65WP55 65 in. Rear Projection 16:9 HDTV $1475
Toshiba 65HDX82 65 in. Rear Projection 16:9 HDTV $1500

HDTV Over 46" and Under $1200
Toshiba 46H84 46 in. Rear Projection 16:9 HDTV $900
Toshiba 51H84 51 in. Rear Projection 16:9 HDTV $1000
Samsung HC-P4741W 47 in. Rear Projection 16:9 HDTV $1000
Samsung HC-P4752W 47 in. Rear Projection 16:9 HDTV $1020
Sony KP-51WS520 51 in. Rear Projection 16:9 HDTV $1100
Hitachi 51F510 51 in. Rear Projection HDTV 16:9 $1200

 

[LER]

This may sound off-topic, but it's not!
Do you have a Dolby Digital receiver? If not, this would be another thing to concider: upgrading your audio to 5.1 DD. HD programming often comes with DD sound!

Currently it's all SD Tv's, and E* receivers. No home theatre stuff at all.

Now, that said, do I need (for the beginnings) a DD receiver?

 

[korsjs]

Ok, train the noobie here. What the hell is a HDMI input, and WHY do I want/need one?

in the future, you will need this input to receive the the 1080i or 720p picture. the entertainment industry is trying stop piracy.

someone should be able to explain it better, but trust me, don't get a set without one.

here is a 30 incher from bestbuy. if you click on the additional pictures, back view, you will see where it says hdmi.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7045397&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat31800050030&id=1099396990967

 

[korsjs]

you don't have to have a dolby digital reciever to enjoy the hd picture. only need one if you want to decode the 5.1 sound.

 

[Ilya]

Now, that said, do I need (for the beginnings) a DD receiver?

Not necessarily for the beginnigs (you can do it down the road), but it will greatly improve your overall experience!

 

[LER]

This question has numerous possibilities. Are you looking for just the HDTV or the whole home theater? Here are a few HDTV still listed as available, but I have no idea what you may or may not have local. Now if you can/want to spend more than $1500 your world to HDTV will open vastly and then you need to decide on projection type and overall size first. I push 106" of pure HD for less than $2100 TOTAL and about 3 square feet used space. My gear is in my signature.

Hrm. I'm looking to get a decent set up, and when we get a real house (864 sq ft doesn't count as real ), get the full thing.

I guess I could probably save up the $2100.

What projection type(s) do y'all recommend?

 

[charper1]

Once again a HUGE difference in item by price and this will also incur that you by speakers too and they are usually the weakest link.

Denon AVR-1905 $385
Onkyo TX-SR602 $475
Yamaha RX-V657 $500
Yamaha RX-V757 $600
Denon AVR-2105 $600
Onkyo TX-SR702 $720
Yamaha RX-V1500 $800

 

[charper1]

I guess I could probably save up the $2100. What projection type(s) do y'all recommend?

Well at 900sq' I don't think a FPTV will be any good for you although it has the best PQ per $ spent by far and the flat panel are the least value (because of the WOW factor) but have an equal picture. A quality 55" - 65" CRT based RPTV will give great bang for the buck, sweet PQ and allow the saved $$ to be spent on the A/V head unit and speakers; you will need a minimum of 5 and a sub.

 

[Ilya]

I would strongly recommend looking at LCD or DLP-based RPTVs. They are smaller than CRTs and you don't have to stretch/squeeze the picture, as there are no burn-in concerns.

 

[StevenD]

When you get back to Dallas, check out http://www.hometheaterdirect.com/ for speakers. For the price, they simply cant be beat! You can pick them up in Plano to save on shipping.