Home Theater - Breaking Into the Scene - Inquiry Thread

[Trean]

I apologize for the long post, and thank you all who take the time to read it through.


Layout
Introduction
Background
Monitor/Television
Blu-Ray Player
Receiver
Speakers
Link Recap
Pricing
Conclusion


Introduction
I want to jump into the HD market; I have been a long supporter of blu-ray but haven’t ever purchased a player due to the lack of funds. Funds to buy the player and the television/monitor needed to portray the high quality videos. Throughout multiple threads on multiple forums I have gathered information on various pieces of a potential HD setup. I would like some input on the pieces and recommendations on the finishing pieces.


Background
First some background. I don’t have all the money in the world so I am trying to lay out the pieces so I can buy them as the money rolls in, because I don’t have it all to lie down all at once. That being said I still want to do this right so that it doesn’t have to get redone that soon. I currently own a HTiB that is 5.1, it’s a Magnavox and it’s about 5 years old; it really is not anything to write about.


Monitor/Television
I am purchasing a monitor with HDMI input and wish to use it to display my movies and television. I also will be playing pc games and using it as a general pc monitor as well. The monitor will be connected to receiver via a DVI to HDMI cable. I am looking at the Viewsonic VX2435wm at the moment. Does anyone have any other suggestions or reasoning why I should not get the Viewsonic?


Blu-Ray Player
Next will be the blu-ray player. I am looking at the PS3 heavily as it seems quite good and has the added benefit of being able to play games. However, it is not able to bitstream all audio types. I don’t know how exactly this would affect me. I have been wondering if there has been any news stating that Sony will do a firmware update eventually giving the PS3 the ability to bitstream HD audio types. I was wondering if there were other better alternatives or if the PS3 is the way to go?


Receiver
My next purchase is a receiver. The setup will be 5.1 but it seems most of the good receiver that are future proofed in being able to decode all audio codecs are 7.1. So that being said, the receiver has to sound good with a 5.1 setup even if it might be 7.1 capable. I would strongly like signal upgrading to HDMI, such that every video input goes out through HDMI. I would also like video signal upconversion to 1080p, but it certainly is not necessary. I am looking at the TX-SR605 or the TX-SR705. Considering the price of the 705 is $300 more than the 605, I am leaning heavily towards the 605. Anyone have suggestions towards either of these or a different one?


Speakers
Lastly, I have to get new speakers. I plan on purchasing the front left and right as well as the center first, then the subwoofer, then the rear two speakers. I haven’t done any research into speakers. I know I will be getting 14 AVG wire from monoprice, and probably some banana plugs. Any suggestions in this area would be more than appreciated. I also believe that the receiver will have some influence on my speaker purchase simply because of what the max output per speaker or something, again not much research into that.


Link Recap
Here’s a recap with all the links for Amazon.com, I don’t intend on buying all these things from there unless they seem to provide the best price.

Magnavox MRD 200 - http://www.epinions.com/Philips_Magn...ay_~full_specs

Viewsonic VX2435wm - http://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-VX24...9670888&sr=1-1

PS3 40GB - http://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-40...9670360&sr=8-2

Onkyo TX-SR605 - http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR605...9670289&sr=8-2

Onkyo TX-SR705 - http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR705...9670308&sr=8-1

Speaker Wire - http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

Banana Plugs - http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2


Pricing
VX2435wm – $550 (after mail-in-rebate)
PS3 – $400
TX-SR605 – $380
Wires, Cables, Etc – $70
==================
$1400

Speakers – Unknown price


Conclusion
That sure adds up quick. I might have to recalculate how much I have to spend on all this after adding all that up. Feel free to give me your advice; especially if it will maintain functionality and lower price. I don’t know how often these parts are on sale, or if any price drops are scheduled in the near future for anything so if you do please respond with some information. Thanks for all the help in advance.