Remodel

[D0NNA]

Hi everyone! Some great info here - a bit overwhelming so I am going to ask my questions, after hours of searching on this forum.

I have remodeled my bedroom, therefore the bedroom equipment will be upgraded.

I am thinking of the 42", 1080p, 600Hz, TC-P42U1 for $899.00, plus the Blue Ray for $199.00 and wireless surround for $399.00, all from Panasonic. I will get the wall mount installation, and after so many hours, I will have an ISF in to do their thing.

I have never had a flat screen, let alone a plasma. I have never seen a movie on Blue Ray, and I do not have any type of video games. I just plan to use it for movies and digital cable.

My room is dark, or it will be, with black out shades, and dark curtains.

My question is: Should I upgrade for an additional $200.00 for the TC-P42SI? What will be my benefits?

Thanks a bunch!

Donna

[Johnny Vinyl]

Hi Donna and welcome to Blu-ray.com!

You're going to get all kinds of recommendations and opinions, ranging from which TV to get, to the type(brand) of Blu-ray player to get, to improving your surround audio setup, etc.

Here is my basic take on the matter. You have a budget of about $1,500, which is a nice chunk of change and you should definately be able to get something worthwhile.

It sounds to me like you just want to watch some movies and a bit a TV, so keep the $200 and stick with the Panasonic TC-P42U1 for $899. My Panasonic plasma is almost 2 years old and doesn't have the specs the new ones do, but it's a great TV and I have no intention of changing it anytime soon. The one you chose will be a terrific addition for your bedroom.

The Panasonic Blu-ray player sounds like a good choice as well. No need to look for a better one.

The wireless Panasonic HTiB (Home Theatre in a Box) is where I have some concern. The wireless technology is not something I have a lot of faith in. I am tempted at this point to advise you to take the $200 (difference between the 2 HDTV Plasmas) and put it toward a better sound package. You'll soon come to realize that Blu-ray is not just about video. The audio, because of its ability to deliver HD sound, is in many cases at least 50% of the Blu-ray experience. If you shortchange yourself here, you will most likely regret it down the road.

As such, I would look into a seperate AVR (Audio Video Receiver) and 2 Front speakers. Then build from there. I am not familiar enough with U.S pricing, but I'm sure that for $600 someone here can get you a deal on a better alternative to the wireless system you are considering.

Hope that has helped and congratulations on getting into the world of Blu-ray.

John

PS~ $200 will also get you going on a nice Blu-ray collection. If you buy from Amazon, use the links here as it helps the site.

[D0NNA]

Thanks John! That sounds like some great advice, and makes alot of sense.

Donna

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by D0NNA

Thanks John! That sounds like some great advice, and makes alot of sense.

Donna

You're most welcome, D0NNA!

John

[D0NNA]

How about this for starters?

Denon AVR-1709 Home Theater Receiver & Klipsch HDT300 Speaker System (Bundle) $549.00

Donna

[Johnny Vinyl]

It's a decent price for sure, but this receiver will NOT decode the HD codecs. Regarding the Klipsch package, I think you can do better. Because I'm Canada I'm not all that familiar with pricing, so I would suggest the following.

Start another thread, something like this: $600 budget: Need AVR & Speakers

You're then going to get a lot of responses with recommendations and suggestions that will give you the biggest bang for your dollar. A lot of our members search for deals on an almost daily basis and I know they'll find something to suit your needs perfectly.

John