The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.
Big TVs
lowlylowlycook
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
My brother is finishing his basement and wants to set up a home theater. He's looking to put in a pretty big TV, say about 50" or so. Anyone have experience with this sort of thing? I took a look at avsforums but that place seems pretty stratified.
(Please do not gift. My game bank is already full.)
lowlylowlycook on
0
Posts
Also, yea, AVS, definitly
There are a lot of opinions over which TV/Projector/Whatever is the best but a lot of the time disputes are arising from the value their dollars are getting. Honestly when it comes to the higher end I guess around 3,000+ there is a lot of difference between the models at the same time there isn't THAT much of a difference. It only seems that way because a lot of the guys there have very strong opinions on what they like and the minor differences between similar sets are really the major points of contention.
I'm guessing the fact that your seeking advice on what TV is the best bet means your probably not a MAJOR videophile and depending on your price range you're not gonna notice much a difference between sets in that range.
So uh in conclusion, ask yourself:
Do I need 1080p? Over HDMI? Component?
How much am I willing to spend?
Does the TV has some supporters? (If it's universally reviled on AVS it's probably for a reason.)
Which one that meets the above criteria matches my decor?
The answer to your last question will probably land you with a pretty decent set.
Theres a thread on AVS Forums about how HDMI 1.3+ effectively doesn't matter.
Anyway the thing to remember when going to the AVS forum is that the majority of the members really aren't price conscious. They want the best, not necessarily the best value. For finding a TV I would recommend picking a price point then going to the store and looking at TVs that have a MSRP thats a little more than your price point and see what you think is good and contains the features you want. Write down the models and then go to AVS and read the threads on those TVs. Then go back to the store with that information and look some more, fiddle with the settings, ask to setup your own inputs etc. Finally I recommend not buying from a big box store either online or at some specialty store you can generally get several hundred or more off the MSRP.
edit: One thing to decide as well is if you want a DLP, Plasma, LCD, or projector and all of then have their own pros and cons.
The only problem I see with this (and normally I would fully agree with you) is that if something goes wrong, or the TV arrives and it's DOA, you can very quickly lose that several-hundred-dollar advantage with shipping costs and delays. And I know that if I'm paying a few grand for a television, it's going to be damn-well-perfect before I fully accept it.
So just know that it is a gamble if you're going to order your TV online. Sometimes you'll get it right the first time, and save a cool few hundred dollars. Other times, it's going to come back and bite you in the ass.
You don't necessarily have to buy online. This might be a WA/OR store only, but Video Only for example has TVs that are almost always under MSRP. I know the Sony TV I bought from them was $600 below the price at BB or CC.
(Please do not gift. My game bank is already full.)
In particular, he has this 58" Panasonic in mind. As it turns out it would be cheaper to get this version instead. As far as I can see the main difference is that the more expensive model just adds an extra HDMI connector to the front. Since he doesn't have a 360 or PS3 I don't really see the point.
If anyone knows about these two models or can tell me how many HMDI ports are enough that would be great.
(Please do not gift. My game bank is already full.)
Both of those TV look decent enough, but a few things to be aware of. Plasmas kick out alot of heat. Since this is in a basement, probably large, shouldn't be an issue. To wall mount SAFELY you either need to mount the bracket to two studs, or to put a cross beam between two studs and mount to that. Since most studs are 16 inches apart, this is usually a bit too big for a mounting plate to hit both of them.
Also, for a nice clean look, run the wires in the wall. However, it is illegal to run a power cord through the wall if it is not through conduit. Depending on the cash they are willing to spend for the final look, it may be better to have a new electrical box installed behind the tv.
Also, this. A good AV receiver adds a lot to the overall impression to the system (movies, TV and games are a lot less fun with crap sound). If it's an upconverting receiver, i.e. one that will take all inputs and upconvert them to 1080p on the HDMI output, that will also make the system a lot easier to use, and mean less fiddling with multiple remotes.