HT on a Budget - Help!

[wash]

Hi, first-time poster here, looking for some advice. I'm looking to put together a small home theater system, but I'm tight on money. I've done some research, and I'm down to a few setups:

Optoma HD65 Projector
|_________________________________
|***************************|*****|
Panasonic DMP-BD60*************|****Sony BDP-S360
|______________ *************|****|____________
|**************|*************|****|************|
Sony HTCT100****Sony HT-SS360**|****Sony HTCT100**Sony HT-SS360
********************_________|___________
********************|********************|
********************Samsung HT-BD1250******Panasonic SC-BT200

I'd be using this setup primarily for watching blu-rays and DVDs (upconversion performance is important), so I'm not interested in bells and whistles. So which of these combinations would be the best? I'm definitely open to suggestions for other products with similar pricing, but the extended build-your-theater-one-bolt-at-a-time thing probably isn't going to happen.
A couple other questions, I've heard the quality of HDMI cable isn't important because it carries a digital signal. I know that this is basically true, but was wondering if I'd have trouble using cheap cable that was very long, around 25 ft? Also, does anybody know about key stoning on the HD65 and whether it can be positioned at angle (ie not flat)?

[callas01]

First off welcome to the site.

BUDGET??? What is it?

Ok, I like the projector idea. Either the Panasonic or Sony Blu-ray player will work great. I would get whichever is less expensive.

HTiB. Why, and I mean this in with all due respect. Why would you get a nice projector and a Blu-ray player and then add a HTiB setup for audio? Great big picture with tiny sound....

I would seriously consider doing this, Get the Projector, Buy the Panasonic DMP60 for $140 (amazon.com) and in the setup menu, you will output audio as PCM, Buy a Sony DH-700 AV Receiver ($219 amazon.com) then go to http://www.fluance.com/shop-speakers...speaker-system look at the top 2 systems, there you have a much better setup and larger sound stage. All you need is a Sub, like the Polk PSW10, here http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290034 .

There you have it a projector system with a BDP and complete AVR/HT system all for $1356-$1456 depending on what speaker setup you go with.

You're already going to spend almost... what about $1100 anyways... its only $200 more or so. Sorry if I am presumptuous, but I couldn't help it.

I hope you at least consider what it is that I am saying. I am sure that many would agree more with what I am conveying, then what your initial plan is. I know it is more $ but it will turn out to be a better Audio system and you will be happier with the Audio Quality of this setup over that you are looking into.

Good Luck.

[brettallica]

What the heck is going on with that "illustration" in your post? Good lord, that is quite an eyesore!

Anyway, I own and frequently use the Panasonic Blu-ray player in your post, and it does an excellent job of upconverting. I'm not a huge fan in general of the whole upconverting thing and am especially not a fan of choosing a player based on that, but there are some shows my wife and I watch together that aren't on Blu yet; Alias being one of them (and we're watching that now). The Panny plays the discs quite well on my bedroom 42" Panny TC-P42G10 plasma. I also own a Sony BDP-S550, which is similar to the one in your post and probably has similar upconversion abilities. It also does very well, although in my case, I have my Sony Blu-ray player going through my receiver. I believe all of the upconversion takes place at the player level since I am connected to the receiver via HDMI; however, I still wouldn't say it's exactly like comparing apples to apples. At any rate, I'm rambling. The Panny is good, and so is my Sony. You'll be happy with either, I'm sure.

I'll leave you in the good hands of the rest of the members on the forum when it comes to picking speakers and amp.

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by callas01

First off welcome to the site.

BUDGET??? What is it?

Ok, I like the projector idea. Either the Panasonic or Sony Blu-ray player will work great. I would get whichever is less expensive.

HTiB. Why, and I mean this in with all due respect. Why would you get a nice projector and a Blu-ray player and then add a HTiB setup for audio? Great big picture with tiny sound....

I would seriously consider doing this, Get the Projector, Buy the Panasonic DMP60 for $140 (amazon.com) and in the setup menu, you will output audio as PCM, Buy a Sony DH-700 AV Receiver ($219 amazon.com) then go to http://www.fluance.com/shop-speakers...speaker-system look at the top 2 systems, there you have a much better setup and larger sound stage. All you need is a Sub, like the Polk PSW10, here http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290034 .

There you have it a projector system with a BDP and complete AVR/HT system all for $1356-$1456 depending on what speaker setup you go with.

You're already going to spend almost... what about $1100 anyways... its only $200 more or so. Sorry if I am presumptuous, but I couldn't help it.

I hope you at least consider what it is that I am saying. I am sure that many would agree more with what I am conveying, then what your initial plan is. I know it is more $ but it will turn out to be a better Audio system and you will be happier with the Audio Quality of this setup over that you are looking into.

Good Luck.

not to mention newegg is selling the Polk monitor 60's for like 109/119 insane prices.

[callas01]

I looked at the Polks but they are too expensive for what I think the OP wants to spend. That is why I linked the Fluance speakers, they are $199-$299 for a 5.0 system, the Polks on Newegg cannot touch that price. Reviews of Fluance are that they are a good budget speakers.

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by wash

I'm definitely open to suggestions for other products with similar pricing, but the extended build-your-theater-one-bolt-at-a-time thing probably isn't going to happen.

A couple other questions, I've heard the quality of HDMI cable isn't important because it carries a digital signal. I know that this is basically true, but was wondering if I'd have trouble using cheap cable that was very long, around 25 ft? Also, does anybody know about key stoning on the HD65 and whether it can be positioned at angle (ie not flat)?

As for the slower, build-as-you-can-afford-it approach, I highly recommend that! If you can afford just $100 or $200 here and there, after a while you'll be left with a setup you can appreciate more, and be proud of as well. As opposed to settling for a smaller 5.1 or 7.1 setup right away, and later on, wishing you'd done the former. Just start off with the basics: your 2 front towers and a receiver, and move from there.

And yes, the price of the HDMI cable doesn't matter. Anyone on this forum will agree. An HDMI carries a digital signal, which is 0's and 1's, you can't improve that with a $100 cable, as opposed to an $8 cable

Now, build quality matters, so you don't want some cheaply made junk cable, but a nice cable doesn't have to cost much. Always buy from Monoprice.com for all of your speaker wire and cable needs.

[talstarone]

Well if you do want to go the Projector Route,choosing the Optoma HD65 is the Best Route you can follow for performance and price.

I have had quotes at a couple of different projector sites for $665.00.That is a Great Price for a New DLP 720p/1080i projector.
And it received good reviews on Projector Review.com.

Add a screen,cables,and a couple of accessories and you can have a system witha good image from 70 inches to 140 inches from $800 and up.