Post by: kings x on November 03, 2006, 08:08:26 AM
This is for the tech heads, I need help in my pre-Wii preperations... and you guys are my best source for information. Time for a upgrade to my extremely outdated entertainment center, with Wii being the centerpiece for me. I'm a long time lurker here (5 years), and sometimes posted, but now I ask for advice on gear because I sort of already know you guys here, and for a while I've held off upgrading for this next generation of Nintendo.
Television: There have been too many changes in technology to keep up with since I bought my last TV many many years ago. Even checking the weekly Best Buy ads are confusing with sizes/types/prices seemingly being very inconsistent and somewhat random with pricing and features. Here's what I'd like: I want flat panel (or at least flat screen), highest quality to be compatible with Wii (I realize Wii is not high def, but the what is the quality I need?). Costs VS. size is a main issue as well -and I do want as large as I can get -price permitting for the quality I am looking for (whatever that is). I'm looking for a balance between price, size, and quaility for my money. I am not tech savy but need to be more up to date before I get Wii, and want to meet at least requiements for the best setup, for example for using component cables for the Wii. I'm flexible on price range to a degree, but my budget has to be under $1000 for sure, hopefully $600 or less!
Surround sound system. Yea, sadly I am way behind on this as well. For 10 years I've been using a "gaming tv" by Samsung called GXTV that has fake surround sound (and it was only 13"). Any recomendations for a decent, affordable 'theather in a box' package? I don't even know where to begin with this.
Another issue is getting Wii online. I have an OLD PC (just as pathetic as my current TV setup), and I am on DIAL UP right now (and it sucks as much as you remember). I am going to need to switch to DSL for other reasons as well, but also because I want to get my DS, and Wii connected to the Nintendo Wifi system. What do I need to buy or upgrade on this current Windows 98 PC?
And finally, watching DVD's has never been a priority with me and I've never owned a real dvd player (had ps2 for a few months though). I want to add a cheap/decent dvd player, any tips? Are they all DVD players pretty much the same now that they are OLD like the rest of my gear?
Sorry I'm clueless about new(er) tech (or tech that was awesome a year ago -and is now cheap and "outdated" is fine too), and since you guys love to have input on these things, I'd appreciate your help in Wii prep.
Post by: hudsonhawk on November 03, 2006, 08:59:21 AM
Post by: The Omen on November 03, 2006, 09:13:34 AM
As for the surround sound, if you aren't a stickler, I would get a Panasonic 500 watt 5.1 set for around $300. If you really don't want anything better than basic/average, you could go below $200.
Dvd players are very cheap. I would recommend the Cyberhome 300 for a lot of reasons-1-it's DTS and Progressive Scan capable. 2-there's a well known code that allows it to play ANY region dvds. 3-it costs less than $40.
Post by: Kairon on November 03, 2006, 09:15:42 AM
Either way, you absolutely do not need to go HD for the Wii. Keep in mind it only goes up to 480p and component cables. Hmm... widescreen though...
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Pale on November 03, 2006, 09:21:26 AM
From there, I would pick up a good Dolby Digital / Pro Logic II surround sound receiver. I suggest something from Harman Kardon myself. The lower end models (which are still extremely nice) will be plenty for Wii. (http://harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?cat=REC&sType=C&prod=AVR+145, http://harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?cat=REC&sType=C&prod=AVR+245) Go higher if you want to go further for other reasons. Onkyo is another awesome brand on the receiver side of things.
For speakers, I suggest Athena brand. AWESOME bang for your buck. I have them and love them. Really what it comes down to is to go to a store like best buy and listen to what they have. Pick the ones you like the sound of the best (assuming you can afford them). If you have a good receiver (like the Haran Kardon stuff) you will be fine. Concentrate your money on the front speakers and a sub. Get cheaper stuff for your rears (unless you can afford more) as they don't make near as much of a difference.
Really, it all comes down to how much you want to spend. What I described above will easily run you from 3500 - 6000 dollars depending on how big of a TV you go with and other stuff.
If you want to do something as nice as possible as affordably as possible, then look into a good CRT HD TV (probably from Samsung) in like the 30 inch range, and look at some of the surround sound in a box options. I think Athena makes one in fact.
Post by: Renny on November 03, 2006, 09:39:18 AM
Get some JBLs and a sub from Parts Express and you have--well, my setup. All of it came under $500.
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on November 03, 2006, 10:22:12 AM
Post by: Pale on November 03, 2006, 10:26:39 AM
1. Buy a Receiver
2. Buy a pair of good speakers for your left and right front speakers.
3. Buy a good center channel speaker for your front center.
4. Buy some average small speakers for your rear left and right speakers.
5. Buy a bunch of speaker cable
6. Plug the speakers into the properly labeled spots on the back of the receiver
If you are doing a home theater in a box setup, replace the first 4 or 5 steps with "1. Buy a home theater in a box setup". Speakers are the easiest thing in the world to buy. Go to a store. Listen to them. Pick out the ones you like the sound of the best. Done.
Post by: The Omen on November 03, 2006, 12:04:37 PM
Quote
Huh? I thought projection TVs were anathema to gamers?
I love mine...it's perfection, honestly. They aren't what they used to be, what with all the 'burn in' and things of that nature.
Bang for the buck, kids. That's what it's all about.
Post by: hudsonhawk on November 03, 2006, 12:24:24 PM
PSB's Alpha intro stuff is better - get 2 pair of the Alpha Intro's and the matching center channel for the same price (around $600). It doesn't include a sub, but they should go low enough that it won't matter at first - you can add one later if you feel the need. Honestly you're much, much better off not having a sub than having a crappy one.
In either case you'll still need a receiver, I agree with Renny's suggestion of Onkyo, otherwise Yamaha, Marantz, and Denon all make very respectable stuff. I've seen some of the older top of the line Yamaha and Denon home theater receivers sell for $300-400 on the used market (receivers that are feature packed and went for $1500-2000 new).
If you can't spend that all at once, decide what you want to get (like the PSB Alpha Intros) and just buy pair and a receiver and game in stereo until you can afford the matching center and surrounds.
Trust me, you'll still be spending $800-900 but what you'll get will blow a cheapo HTIB out of the water.
For TV's make sure you look at the options out there for CRT HDTV's. They look great and you'll get more bang for your buck at that price. If you have to have a flat panel, check out the higher end LCD monitors and TVs. LG / Zenith makes good stuff for a reasonable price, JVC and Panasonic do as well for a bit more.
Post by: kings x on November 03, 2006, 12:27:17 PM
alright, I'm understanding this a little bit more, but can someone tell me why this Insignia™ 30" Flat-Tube HDTV is $508
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7600955&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat95100050015&id=1130981752759
While this Samsung - SlimFit 30" Widescreen Flat-Tube HDTV is $712?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7716769&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat95100050015&id=1138087675171
When they seem to have the same features? What am I missing? Neither are flat panel, but are flat tube HDTV 16:9 widescreen.
And this LG - SuperSlim 30" Stereo HDTV
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7685089&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat95100050015&id=1134703573897
is the same features as above, but is flat panel for $700 ($12 cheaper than the samsung listed above, which is a tube model... why?!)
I found this Hitachi 51" CRT Rear-Projection HDTV
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7846502&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat95100050015&id=1142299121359
for $949 and I gotta say that size is really tempting me. But some here are not loving the rear projection TV's, why? I could see speace for this monster being an slight issue because of it's depth ...but wow= 51" is awesome, and is under $1000.
I could not find the Phillips 51" rear projection HDTV that was recomended above.
-----------------------------------
Home Theater confusion:
Alright, Best Buy had a bunch of packages (which at this point I am considering because I'm unsure of what to get for each component when buying separately -at least a package is compatible and somewhat made to go together.
The ones I found are all similar price range, but very different specs, and I am not sure what is decent, and why exactly are packages bad? Is it price-related, or are these just sloppy bundled poor quality impulse buyer junk?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&id=pcat17071&type=page&st=phillips&sc=Global&cp=1&nrp=15&sp=&qp=&list=n&iht=y&usc=All+Categories
Thanks.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on November 03, 2006, 03:50:16 PM
The perceived audio output quality diminishes with distance, so only if you're trying to fill a LARGE room with quality audio would you be spending hundreds to thousands of dollars more on individual custom components.
Look at PC speakers. A $40 2.1 set from a respectable maker will sound significantly better than a $10 2.0 pair of generic speakers. That's $30 more for a clear and noticeable improvement.
But for full-size HT setups, you'd spend hundreds of dollars more to achieve a *lesser* degree of improvement. And the bigger the room is, the $hundreds more you'd spend to maintain a given level of quality (since you're sitting further away, you'll have to increase the volume accordingly).
Go "all-out" with the cash if the money is available. But holding back doesn't automatically mean you'll end up with crap. That is my view.
Post by: IceCold on November 04, 2006, 10:01:28 AM
QuoteBest bet here would be a 480p (progressive scan) compatible CRT TV. They are cheap and have great quality. It may be a bit bulky, though, and unfortunately, they're very hard to find.
I want flat panel (or at least flat screen), highest quality to be compatible with Wii (I realize Wii is not high def, but the what is the quality I need?)
Post by: The Omen on November 04, 2006, 11:08:29 AM
Quote
I could not find the Phillips 51" rear projection HDTV that was recomended above.
I can't find it in stores either...but I did find it on Craigslist and ebay for around $400. Perhaps it's discontinued? Either way, your best bet is waiting until the black friday sale...you won't be sorry.
Post by: kings x on November 04, 2006, 04:58:18 PM
For home theater sound, I am going to start out with a package as they seem to be my easiest option (choosing one thing instea of several). This is a bedroom setup for now at least so just getting something decent/affordable will get me started. I can always upgrade later.
Thanks for the advice!
Post by: nycube on November 04, 2006, 06:54:41 PM
as for audio, i second onkyo in bang for the buck, i have a stereo and 6.1 receiver by them and love them both..
curious to your budget, but these models should do you well.... (ht-s680) or (ht-s790) newer version of a consumer reports top pick
Post by: kings x on November 05, 2006, 04:41:59 AM
There were good reviws that didn't seem like fake reviews from the manufacturer. And Consumer Reports had it as a top pick (for the money).
How do you find the best price? Is there a site like cheapassgamer for electronic components?
Post by: hudsonhawk on November 05, 2006, 11:30:39 AM
Seriously, a rear projection is the worst of all the possible display options. Get an LCD, plasma, or CRT. If you want to spend $1000 and get a huge screen you should look at front projectors.
Post by: kings x on November 05, 2006, 12:16:19 PM
$950 on sale.
Still bad Hudsonhawk? I tried to buy it today but the store was sold out already.
Post by: The Omen on November 05, 2006, 12:17:52 PM
QuoteGood deal on the tv. Congrats.
Originally posted by: kings x
I saw the Hitachi 51" rear projection HDTV 16:9 widescreen today at best buy... it is on sale for $950 -and no tax. . The screen and picture quality were higher than I expected and I think I'm going to grab one. it is quite large and probably way too big for the room but man for my money I choose large, quality screen with all these features over a flat panel model half the size-for the same price (or more).
For home theater sound, I am going to start out with a package as they seem to be my easiest option (choosing one thing instea of several). This is a bedroom setup for now at least so just getting something decent/affordable will get me started. I can always upgrade later.
Thanks for the advice!
Quote
Originally posted by: hudsonhawk
Do not get a traditional rear-projection TV. They're very heavy, look terrible off-axis, and require periodic recalibration. DLP's are great but out of the price range you're looking at.
Seriously, a rear projection is the worst of all the possible display options. Get an LCD, plasma, or CRT. If you want to spend $1000 and get a huge screen you should look at front projectors.
If we're talking about budget, and we are, you're way off base. My rpt looks f'n fantastic and I haven't had to recalibrate anything. Obviously, if price weren't a factor, everyone and their mother would have a dlp. And LCDs are not exactly the ideal display for video games, especially the cheaper ones.
Post by: Ceric on November 05, 2006, 01:36:49 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: kings x
The hitachi is a 51" CRT Rear projectionHDTV 1280 X 1080 pixel resolution HDMI input, 16:9 aspect ratio.
$950 on sale.
Still bad Hudsonhawk? I tried to buy it today but the store was sold out already.
I don't think I get Hitachi after what Craig Harris had to go through with them.
Post by: kings x on November 05, 2006, 02:21:45 PM
Ceric, pretend I don't know what you are talking about.
(only leave out the pretend)
Post by: Ceric on November 05, 2006, 02:45:53 PM
Part 2
part 3
Post by: kings x on November 05, 2006, 04:00:59 PM
Thanks for the heads up.
EDIT: not only that but craig is using his position as a public mouth piece as leverage, which I guess I don't blame, but it's still annoying. He is really spouting of a bit there though.
"It was made clear to me during my hour long phone call that Hitachi has been following my situation closely -- the customer service representative mentioned that they have my blog on file. Fantastic, that's great to hear. What I'm amazed at is the fact that, knowing what I do for a living, the company's Public Relations department has yet to contact me. One would think that someone who plays videogames for a living -- and with the industry moving heavily into HD -- that the company might want to make right a poor situation before it got out of hand.
I'm all ears, Hitachi. My email is charris@ign.com, and you can contact me through IGN main number: 415-508-2000. I'd love to hear from you. "
BACK ON TOPIC: How about getting my Wii online? Is it just matter of upgrading to DSL and any hardware connections (such as from the PC to the DSL connection which is what? a broadband adapter?), and thengetting a wireless router which the Wii and DS can access through my PC?
..man I am really outdated (I hate buying stuff)
Post by: hudsonhawk on November 05, 2006, 06:14:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: The Omen
If we're talking about budget, and we are, you're way off base. My rpt looks f'n fantastic and I haven't had to recalibrate anything. Obviously, if price weren't a factor, everyone and their mother would have a dlp. And LCDs are not exactly the ideal display for video games, especially the cheaper ones.
LCD's are a reasonable gaming option; $1000 is a lot of money and can get a very nice one.
I just think that if you're taking budget into account, you also have to look at long-term costs such as lamp replacement and the installation and recalibration that accompany that. It's not going to be an issue for the first couple of years of the TV, but over its lifetime you'll end up spending hundreds of dollars more, money which could have just gone towards the TV up front.
I don't doubt that your TV looks great - rear projection TV's look great as long as your viewing angle is perpendicular to the screen. I just think that the other options are better - but it's sort of a quality vs. size debate. Besides, if you're willing to put up with pain points like bulb replacement you should just get a front projector and a glass bead screen.
Post by: nycube on November 05, 2006, 06:16:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: kings x
It looks like the Onkyo 680 6.1 package is my best bet for the money... $380 from Crutchfield... how can I find a better price? It is a little hgher than I'd like, but I guess there's only one way to get this stuff... and that's to pay.
There were good reviws that didn't seem like fake reviews from the manufacturer. And Consumer Reports had it as a top pick (for the money).
How do you find the best price? Is there a site like cheapassgamer for electronic components?
The best price ive found is 259.99 for a refurb unit.. before you balk at the thought of refurb units,,any damage is purely cosmetic.(onkyo rep told me this) which was true for me.
Both my units were refurb,, and have been going strong for over three years now..
Another good deal is club onkyo,, a no cost membership,to a point building club.. (1 pt=$1) you start with 10,,and each purchase earns points off future purchases as well.
Just some info, if you want to save a couple of bucks, any questions feel free to ask.
Post by: kings x on November 06, 2006, 04:09:33 AM
A $1000 flat panel tv would be much smaller than 51"...I don't care *as much* about it being slim (although slim is niiiiiiiiiiiice) as I like screen size.
_________
And about the refurbished home theater, Crutchfield sometimes sells 'open box' stuff, but are you (nycube) suggesting I buy refurb direct from Onkyo? I didn't even know they sold directly.
Post by: hudsonhawk on November 06, 2006, 04:48:51 AM
When I suggested a CRT I meant tube HDTVs - something like this. CRT projection TV's are great size for the money, but that comes at the expense of quality, and they're very very bulky and deep.
I'm a quality over quantity guy, so that's why I'd steer you elsewhere. But if size is your 100% main concern, you're right - you won't get more size per dollar than you do with a traditional rear projection TV. I certainly don't think you'd be wasting your money getting the Hitachi - it sounds like a reasonably nice TV, though I'd check out AVSForums to see what they had to say about it first.
Post by: nycube on November 06, 2006, 10:07:52 AM
Post by: kings x on November 06, 2006, 03:44:02 PM
my only real yank right now is that I want to get my stuff and set it up, which involves re-arranging the whole room... and the same of $50 off ends Friday or Saturday -I need to save $ wherever possible so I want the sale price.
Post by: hudsonhawk on November 07, 2006, 09:40:14 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: kings x
I tell the cynical "it's CRT HDTV 51" rear projection 16:9 widescreen - not like the old kind of rear projection tv"... and they tell me I am crazy, what gives?
To be fair, CRT is the old kind of rear projection (what I referred to earlier as a "traditional" rptv.)
Though, like I said, this one claims to be immune to the necessary periodic recalibrations so that takes care of my big complaint about them. I still don't like the viewing angle issues, nor the bulkiness, but only you know if those will be a problem for you.
I'm sure whatever you get will be great and serve you well.
Post by: Ages on November 07, 2006, 06:41:07 PM
Post by: kings x on November 08, 2006, 05:30:56 AM
I checked out a similar RCA 50" DLP rear projection and the Walmart I was at SUCKS! The Tv was 5 feet above my head, looked bad from below, but 20 feet back (while aproaching) it looked ok.. no employees to help me or get a ladder... I am NOT sold on these type of tv's... I don't know what to do. What is better CRT or DLP?
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4926756
So let me have it:
THE BEST (biggest, comparable quality/value) TV FOR ~$1000 IS...
(name it)
Thanks guys, you've all been very helpful, and I am sure many lurkers are also geting good info. from this too.
WOAH BIG EDIT: I meant to ay NOT sold on thoe type of TV's (sometimes I forget important words in my typing...DOH!
Post by: hudsonhawk on November 08, 2006, 05:38:36 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: kings x
What is better CRT or DLP?
DLP is better. You really have to be on-axis to judge the quality though.
At this point though you should wait to find out what the black friday deals will be. It's the best time of year to buy a TV; I don't doubt that you'll be able to find a nice DLP for that price on that day.
Post by: Ages on November 08, 2006, 09:00:30 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: kings x
Ages, what do you mean? how do you know this? And how do I know if my nearest store (2 hours away -which were sold out in 1 day of this tv) is worth going to. Black friday sales are morning deals right? Or do best buy start 24 hours schedule on Thanksgiving? This news wil help me since the sale ended early yesterday and is now $1000 again.
blackfriday.info is your friend kings. Black friday is typicaly a morning thing, as many people spend quite a few hours outside the store before its opening. Best Buy doesnt have a 24 hr schedule for Thanksgiving, however, from what I've heard, around 4AM, a store representative gives out tickets for specific items customers want. Afterwards, the customer would be able to come back after the store opens to purchase the item. Hope this helps.
Post by: kings x on November 08, 2006, 05:07:31 PM
Do DLP rear projection hdtv's require bulb replacement? And are there any other specs I am overlooking or just too inexperienced to notice?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7727374&ref=39&loc=01&st=toshiba+56"+DLP+projection+HDTV&lp=14&type=product&cp=9&id=1140391964310
My Wii sound should be good with the Onkyo 680 system (which can be upgraded later).
The thought of Zelda and multiplayer (and online) Wii stuff on 56 inches is hard to pull myslf away from!
Post by: hudsonhawk on November 09, 2006, 04:40:21 AM
Post by: Ceric on November 09, 2006, 05:09:58 AM
Post by: kings x on November 09, 2006, 06:26:01 AM
If I can grab that 56" beast on black friday I will be very pleased.
Thanks guys
Post by: hudsonhawk on November 09, 2006, 07:14:05 AM
Update: I see one on eBay right now for about $200.
Post by: hudsonhawk on November 09, 2006, 10:10:48 AM
Post by: kings x on November 09, 2006, 11:43:23 AM
Post by: kings x on November 11, 2006, 04:33:14 AM
Overstock has a ton of these tv's on sale right now.
Post by: segagamer12 on November 11, 2006, 06:16:09 AM
This is easy, all you need to do is goto a Best Buy or any electronics store and look for LCD monitors that accept VGA and Composite inputs. The Wii is supposed to be compatible with both. You can get a good one of these for 300-500 dollars depending on screen size.
>>Surround sound system. Yea, sadly I am way behind on this as well. For 10 years I've been using a "gaming tv" by Samsung called GXTV that has fake surround sound (and it was only 13"). Any recomendations for a decent, affordable 'theather in a box' package? I don't even know where to begin with this.<<
Others will disagree with my but there is nothing better as far as stereos go and that includes Home Theartre, than Sony. They actualyl are top of the line and you can get a good Dolby Prologic II system from them for under 200 easily. As a professional DJ and record Producer I will say as far as sound goes Sony really is top notch.
>>Another issue is getting Wii online. I have an OLD PC (just as pathetic as my current TV setup), and I am on DIAL UP right now (and it sucks as much as you remember). I am going to need to switch to DSL for other reasons as well, but also because I want to get my DS, and Wii connected to the Nintendo Wifi system. What do I need to buy or upgrade on this current Windows 98 PC? <<
Dude if you running a PC that came with Win 98 you do not need to upgrade you need to geta brand new computer. Cuz you would have to max out your systems RAM, get Win XP and in addition to DSL you will need a WiFI router. IF you go with an LCD that Has VGA and Coomposite hook ups yoru golden cuz then yo can use it for yoru Wii and your PC and as a TV allat the same time.
>>>And finally, watching DVD's has never been a priority with me and I've never owned a real dvd player (had ps2 for a few months though). I want to add a cheap/decent dvd player, any tips? Are they all DVD players pretty much the same now that they are OLD like the rest of my gear?<<<
If you are getting a Wii you could always watch DVDs on that. Otherwise you can get DVD players for likke 30 bucks at any store. Dont pay more than $80.00 cuz it aint worht it the supposed features of the higher dollar ones are a joke. Unless you are going all HD and want to geta n HDDVD player (or Blu Ray if thats yor thing) then spend some cash and get the high end device. But wait a year or two till more movies come out for both.
Again many will disgree but other than gaming I always go Sony all the way, they are a top notch electronics company. JVC and Sanyo are all good too but don't ever go with an off brand or company that doesnt have at leasta htirty year reputation cuz those newer companys come and go, Sony has been around forever.
Post by: Renny on November 11, 2006, 03:02:05 PM
...Sony has been around forever.
So has Castro.
Post by: kings x on November 11, 2006, 04:55:46 PM
That being said, I will consider almost any non-generic brand name, with the exclusion of sony.
Right now I am settling on the toshiba 56" DLP rear projection widescreen hdtv, if I can get one during the holiday rush. And for sound I need to hurry up and buy the Onkyo 680 package. The room size is maybe 12'X14' and is basically being transformed into a home theater-ish gaming/entertainment area, specifically for Wii, and a few dvd's, as well as some regular tv use.
Post by: segagamer12 on November 11, 2006, 08:11:54 PM
Seriously I dont get it Every electronic device I have ever had thatw a Sony has always been great. JVC was always good tome too, but I always find that SOny stuff, although not as long lasting in some respects, was always high quality. but I guess different peeps have differnt experiences.
Toshiba has never worked out for me either so maybe its not brand maybe its just different people have different luck maybe?
(not to mention that my record label has agreements with Sony as we license thier software and tunes for sampling but thats all besides the point
Post by: Kairon on November 11, 2006, 09:30:57 PM
But new technology is new technology, no matter how well you built your tvs 20 years ago. A lot can happen between then and now, and new tech ALWAYS breaks. After my Nintendo GC disc drive died, all bets are off and brand means next to nothing to me in terms of value/durability.
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: The Omen on November 12, 2006, 02:28:43 AM
Post by: Ceric on November 12, 2006, 03:50:17 AM
Post by: kings x on November 12, 2006, 04:57:01 AM
Thanks for the link Omen. I haven't decided exactly what I am getting, because of availability, costs, travel just to pick it up, but if I get a rear projection it will be DLP not CRT type and as large as I can reasonably afford (which ight now is that 56" IF I can grab it on sale for the holidays).
Post by: kings x on November 14, 2006, 06:24:54 PM
But the BIG last minute question is...
HOW BIG IS TOO BIG FOR GAMING?
Is it going to look jaggy from being on such a large screen? Is Widescreen a 'feature', or is everything resized for the screen? is there any stretching of images to match the size?
Post by: hudsonhawk on November 16, 2006, 11:11:49 AM
Given that rear projection TVs are at least 2' deep, even if you're sitting with your back to the wall you'll be awfully close to the screen.
I don't think there's such a thing as "too big for gaming" I just think you need to realize how much bigger that thing will actully be once you get it in that room.
Post by: BigJim on November 16, 2006, 11:03:46 AM
If you're just sitting 6 feet away from it, 57" is overkill. That's like sitting in the front row of a movie theater. I'm exaggerating a bit, but the point is you start to miss stuff that isn't in your natural field of view. 50" and over is best if you're sitting 10 feet away from it. If you're sitting closer than that, I would scale down on the size. If you're closer to 6 feet away, around 40" (plus or minus a few inches) is a typical sweet spot.
Post by: kings x on November 16, 2006, 01:32:33 PM
So there are no worries or issues about picture stretching, jaggies, or anything augmentation of the picture/graphics/video from gaming (or regular tv viewing)?
Thanks to everyone, it's all been very helpful.
Post by: BigJim on November 16, 2006, 01:53:50 PM
Post by: kings x on November 17, 2006, 03:35:28 PM
You guys helped save from from over $1000 worth of disappointment, so thanks.
Now I got to get me one of those new Wii's!!! ...when I can find one ;/
Post by: z64dan on November 17, 2006, 05:02:19 PM
infocus 4805 projector (480p) - $700 you can probably get it cheaper now (the newer version even - Infocus IN72)
RCA 500watt 5.1 reciever + 5 speakers/sub (HTIB) at wal-mart - $130
unofficial ceiling mount on ebay - $50 (vs $300 for "official" mount, lol - mine hasnt fallen yet!)
various cables - $70 (i did need a 16 foot component cable, costed 40 or so - but you can connect it to your wii with an rca cable splice)
total cost $950-$1000
i know all these audiophiles out there are saying "oh my god how can you possibly hear everything clearly" but a speaker is a speaker in my opinion. and all those videophiles are saying "theres not enough lumens in that to project the image onto the face of the moon" and yes they are correct. I pretty much have to play in the dark, like with many front projectors. i've heard "higher quality" speakers and yes, the sound does sound better and everything, but i just can't bring myself to spend much on an audio setup until maybe i get my own house or something.
if all you wanna do is watch movies and play games, a front projector might be for you (standard dvds are 480p so my projector resolution matches perfectly). i'm personally going to skip the whole 720p and go straight to 1080p in a couple years and get an HD-DVD player or Blu-Ray (if, god forbid, sony wins the hd dvd wars)
