New to forum, but not blu...

[DMB_BLU41]

Hello, I've been lurking this forum for about a month or so, and in that short time, I have learned A LOT more about HD TV's and Blu-Ray.

I've always been into movies and having the "theater" experience at home. Also, having the newest gadgets and all that stuff. I started my interest in this when I was in 7th grade (about 12-13 years ago). I first had a Sharp surround sound system, that was really, really basic. It didn't have a sub, but did have the 5 speakers. It was supposed to be a 5.1 Dolby Digital, but not looking back at it, it was a pretty cheap set-up. There was no bass to the system, and when in Dobly Digital mode, you couldn't hear the speaking parts of the movie very well. But, hey, I was young. I had a 4-head, hi-fi, vcr connected to this and thought it was so awesome!

My parents and brother have a 61" Toshiba DLP flatscreen tv connected to a PS3. This is where I watch the majority of my Blu-Rays. It does look good, but I don't know how this would compare to a plasma or LCD.

I'm in the market for a HD-TV. From what I've read, I'm leaning towards a Panasonic Plasma. Everyone is talking highly of the 85u. I have that age old question - LCD or Plasma? Well, it seems people talk about LCD's having motion blur? I guess, when it comes down to it, I can't lose with both options. Any suggestions would be very helpful! Also, should I wait for black friday to pick one up?

I'm also looking for my own Blu-Ray player. I was leaning towards a PS3, but to be honest, I don't play games as much. I don't know (to me), if it would be worth the purchase. On the black friday ads for Sears, they have the Sony 350 (?) on sale for $180. So...I guess that's 50/50.

Since I'm on the subject, I have a Yamaha receiver that's a few years old, but has no HDMI imputs. It's a good receiver and I'm happy with it, sub, and the surround speakers, but no HDMI is killing it. For the room it's in, the sub shakes my posters and sounds really good considering it's thru RCAs. I was looking at a newer Yamaha receiver with the HDMI imputs/outputs. Would you guys recommend Yamaha?

Sorry for being so long, but thanks for all the help!

[aygie]

Welcome to the forums mate.

My advice (you didn't say how money you had to spend) get a 50" and up Pioneer Kuro. Yes their expensive but they are the best TV's out there for HD IMO (i currently have a Sharp LCD and i love it bit the Kuro's are awesome).

The PS3 is a Media hub. I have Movie files + music all on the one machine which is hooked up to my receiver, i feel that you just get so much extra from the PS3 than from a standalone.

Ok receivers, yes you need one with HDMI it simplifies everything so much. Make sure you get one with at least 3 HDMI in and 1 out. I have an Onkyo 805 and love it. The Yamaha's get a lot of good talk around here as do Denon's. I'd say pick one between these three brands (they all basically do the same thing ie decode HD audio which is the main goal).

Hope this helps.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Aygie

The PS3 is a Media hub. I have Movie files + music all on the one machine which is hooked up to my receiver, i feel that you just get so much extra from the PS3 than from a standalone.

+1

I don't play games either and I still bought a PS3 because of its functionality and also the fact that my 60GB version handles SACD and DVD-Audio.

[DMB_BLU41]

Originally Posted by Aygie

Welcome to the forums mate.

My advice (you didn't say how money you had to spend) get a 50" and up Pioneer Kuro. Yes their expensive but they are the best TV's out there for HD IMO (i currently have a Sharp LCD and i love it bit the Kuro's are awesome).

The PS3 is a Media hub. I have Movie files + music all on the one machine which is hooked up to my receiver, i feel that you just get so much extra from the PS3 than from a standalone.

Ok receivers, yes you need one with HDMI it simplifies everything so much. Make sure you get one with at least 3 HDMI in and 1 out. I have an Onkyo 805 and love it. The Yamaha's get a lot of good talk around here as do Denon's. I'd say pick one between these three brands (they all basically do the same thing ie decode HD audio which is the main goal).

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the advice! Although, I have heard that the Pioneer Kuro is the best, it's a little out of my price range. Sorry - I should've specified a budget. I would say, it would be something around $1500 maximum...maybe $1700, if there's something out there worth the extra $200.

So, the standalone players can't hold music or anything else? I guess looking at the whole picture, the PS3 does make sense. I was just reading about it not playing a certain audio like a standalone player will.

That Onkyo 805, how would it compare to a Yamaha? Is it just a better brand all-together? I have never really dug any information on that brand, but it looks like a lot of people on this forum really like that brand/model. I will have to check that out. Where would I be able to purchase one? I don't think any b & m around here carry any.

Thanks again!

[aygie]

Originally Posted by DMB_BLU41

Thanks for the advice! Although, I have heard that the Pioneer Kuro is the best, it's a little out of my price range. Sorry - I should've specified a budget. I would say, it would be something around $1500 maximum...maybe $1700, if there's something out there worth the extra $200.

So, the standalone players can't hold music or anything else? I guess looking at the whole picture, the PS3 does make sense. I was just reading about it not playing a certain audio like a standalone player will.

That Onkyo 805, how would it compare to a Yamaha? Is it just a better brand all-together? I have never really dug any information on that brand, but it looks like a lot of people on this forum really like that brand/model. I will have to check that out. Where would I be able to purchase one? I don't think any b & m around here carry any.

Thanks again!

No worries mate! Yeah the Kuros are really expensive. I personally love my Sharp LCD and the new ones out are quite nice too, i think another member would be able to give some better advice....

Yeah other players can't store music this is where the PS3 has the advantage IMO along with Video files. I swapped the hard drive out of my PS3 for a 300GB one and now hold all my stuff on there.

The Onkyo is very popular because it was one of (and still is i think) the cheapest decent receivers to be able to play HD audio. The 806 is out now so you could get that or an 805 for cheap. Im not sure where as i'm in the UK!

US members chirp in!

[DMB_BLU41]

Originally Posted by Aygie

No worries mate! Yeah the Kuros are really expensive. I personally love my Sharp LCD and the new ones out are quite nice too, i think another member would be able to give some better advice....

Yeah other players can't store music this is where the PS3 has the advantage IMO along with Video files. I swapped the hard drive out of my PS3 for a 300GB one and now hold all my stuff on there.

The Onkyo is very popular because it was one of (and still is i think) the cheapest decent receivers to be able to play HD audio. The 806 is out now so you could get that or an 805 for cheap. Im not sure where as i'm in the UK!

US members chirp in!

So I guess the PS3 it is for me!

Thanks again for you help!

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by John72953

I don't play games either and I still bought a PS3 because of its functionality and also the fact that my 60GB version handles SACD and DVD-Audio.

The PS3 can only play the DVD-Video portion of DVD-Audio discs. Also, only the older PS3s can play SACDs; the last model was the MGS4 80GB US Bundle (not the gun metal edition).


fuad

[aygie]

Originally Posted by DMB_BLU41

So I guess the PS3 it is for me!

Thanks again for you help!

No problem, let us know how you get on once you've got it.

[DMB_BLU41]

Originally Posted by Aygie

No problem, let us know how you get on once you've got it.

I'm sorry...I don't mean to bug, but I have some other questions that just popped into mind earlier today.

1. The PS3 only has one HDMI imput/output, right? How would I connect it the tv for picture, but also have the audio go to the receiver?

2. I've been looking at tv's and blu-ray players so much, that I haven't even thought about what I'm going to have them on! Where is the best place to pick up a stand, that where I can have the PS3, tv, and the receiver on?

Thanks again! Really...this is appreciated!

[GreenScar]

Welcome to the forum.

You would run an HDMI from the PS3 to your receiver and then another from your receiver to your HDTV. The PS3 is the way to go if you want a home media center, but this Christmas I would keep an eye on the stand alones. They will be dropping in price.

As far as TV's in that price range I would recommend the Panasonic 85 series. Spend some time on the HDTV forums and ask some questions there before you buy. Members on this site are very helpful (as you've probably seen)

[aygie]

Originally Posted by DMB_BLU41

I'm sorry...I don't mean to bug, but I have some other questions that just popped into mind earlier today.

1. The PS3 only has one HDMI imput/output, right? How would I connect it the tv for picture, but also have the audio go to the receiver?

2. I've been looking at tv's and blu-ray players so much, that I haven't even thought about what I'm going to have them on! Where is the best place to pick up a stand, that where I can have the PS3, tv, and the receiver on?

Thanks again! Really...this is appreciated!

No problem, Jasonbirds post is spot on, everything into the receiver and then receiver to the TV.

[DMB_BLU41]

Originally Posted by jasonbird

Welcome to the forum.

You would run an HDMI from the PS3 to your receiver and then another from your receiver to your HDTV. The PS3 is the way to go if you want a home media center, but this Christmas I would keep an eye on the stand alones. They will be dropping in price.

As far as TV's in that price range I would recommend the Panasonic 85 series. Spend some time on the HDTV forums and ask some questions there before you buy. Members on this site are very helpful (as you've probably seen)

Thanks for the welcome!

So, this would be the same if I wanted to add an DirectTV HD receiver also? DirectTV->receiver->HDTV? In total, I would need 4 HDMI cables, right?

I've been hearing good things about the PS3. My brother has had one since they've been out, so I'm familiar with it. But, I didn't know whether it would stand up up against a stand-alone player. I would rarely play games on it, but it would be nice once in a while. What to do...what to do...! lol

Yes, I had my eye set on the 85 series. My debate now, is whether to wait for black friday, or to buy one now. I don't know whether or not they'll drop in price, and I don't know how fast they'll go.

Thanks for your help!

[DMB_BLU41]

Originally Posted by Aygie

No problem, Jasonbirds post is spot on, everything into the receiver and then receiver to the TV.

Thanks again!

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by DMB_BLU41

So, this would be the same if I wanted to add an DirectTV HD receiver also? DirectTV->receiver->HDTV? In total, I would need 4 HDMI cables, right?

IF the DirectTV box has an HDMI out. If not, use the component (Red, Green, Blue RCA connectors) output to your TV directly and coax/optical to your receiver.

I've been hearing good things about the PS3. My brother has had one since they've been out, so I'm familiar with it. But, I didn't know whether it would stand up up against a stand-alone player. I would rarely play games on it, but it would be nice once in a while. What to do...what to do...! lol

There are minor differences in PQ but you must factor in the HDTV you choose. PS3 may not be the best (it's hardware has not changed much but new firmwares augment its PQ) but it's still above average.

If you're waiting for a price drop, then don't buy a player first. Buy BD titles if they're on sale first. Then once Black Friday has come and gone, then you can see if your wait was worth it.


fuad

[DMB_BLU41]

Originally Posted by WriteSimply

IF the DirectTV box has an HDMI out. If not, use the component (Red, Green, Blue RCA connectors) output to your TV directly and coax/optical to your receiver.

There are minor differences in PQ but you must factor in the HDTV you choose. PS3 may not be the best (it's hardware has not changed much but new firmwares augment its PQ) but it's still above average.

If you're waiting for a price drop, then don't buy a player first. Buy BD titles if they're on sale first. Then once Black Friday has come and gone, then you can see if your wait was worth it.


fuad

Good to know! I have been buying blu-rays for a while now, although, I wish prices would drop a little! Some titles are $29.99!

Thanks for the help!

[robertroy7]

hi, new to the forum, but not to blu. nice site you have here. going to do some reading now.