Surround sound / HDTV questions.........

[Turf1600]

So, I'm having a house built for me and it will be finished in a couple of months. Right now I have a 32 inch sharp LCD - but that won't cut it in a house. I want a 50'' HDTV. So far, Phillips has had the best prices. Anyone have any experience with them? In addition, I got surround sound installed in my ceiling in the living room. Apparently I need some sort of amp/sub combo to make this work right. What should I be on the lookout for? I'm way new to the AV thing - so bear with me.

[KenC]

At this point in the game, 1080p or bust.

[Turf1600]

At this point in the game, 1080p or bust.

What is the difference between i and p?

[Jscotty]

I means "interlaced" and P means "progressive."

Standard TV sets use several thin lines to make up the picture- 525 to be exact. Half of the lines come across from one side of the screen (lines 1,3,5,7 and so-forth) while the other half of the lines (numbers 2,4,6, etc) come across from the right side of the screen. The lines weave or "interlace" together to produce the picture which gives it that smooth "live" effect that videotape produces when you are watching the news or a gameshow.

Movies and television shows that are produced on film are in a progressive format where you are seeing it by looking at full frames. (which gives film that semi-strobed effect)

[Turf1600]

All I gathered from that is that I probably don't care whether I get 1080 i or p.

Any advice on an amp or a sub?

[Jscotty]

All I gathered from that is that I probably don't care whether I get 1080 i or p.

You really shouldn't either. 1080p is the highest quality you can get, however, you will not feel slighted if you get a 1080i. Most stuff runs in 720p/i anyway.

As far as subs go, get anything that is a powered sub. Stay within the $300 price range and you will be happy with the result. Don't be too bent on getting a particular brand because they are all about the same- that is unless you want to shake the whole house. But if you just want some decent bass to rattle the room a little bit when a plane flies over the screen, it does not take that much firepower to do it. If you are running everything through a reciever, get one that has HDMI inputs and outputs and has the capability of upconverting all of the other input signals.

[Turf1600]

Will I feel slighted if I get a 720i? They are alot cheaper.

[parkerbink]

I have a 42" Phillips running 1080P I love it. Not so much the Cox DVR that is a model T to Tivo gen1 let alone current Tivo.

My Brother has a 60" Pioneer that is way better for about 1k more (2600.00) I'd look at both before you buy. I choose the 42 because eventually I'll be escaping the oven called Phoenix and I wanted to keep the size of the items I move as small as possible.

[StereoInstaller1]

Make sure whatever reciever yo buy has "component" video switching at least, if not HDMI.

Run cables before drywall goes in!

Luke

[Jscotty]

Will I feel slighted if I get a 720i? They are alot cheaper.

Not really. I mean I love 1080i and I can see the difference but there are only 2 channels on DirecTv that actually give me something in that resolution. Besides, this isn't the last TV you are going to buy.

[Turf1600]

I'll probably pocket a few hundo and just get a 50'' 720i

[TwoJ's]

I'll probably pocket a few hundo and just get a 50'' 720i

I wouldn't recommend that at all. If you plan on keeping it for a few years, then yo'll regret it. If you can afford it, go with 1080p. If not, I wouldn't buy a TV that wasn't at least 1080i.

And as far as an amp and sub, that is really up to what you want to spend as well. If you just want to run dolby surround with decent sound, then you can get a reciever and sub on the cheap. Just don't buy one of those surround sets they sell at best buy for like $300.

[parkerbink]

I'll probably pocket a few hundo and just get a 50'' 720i

Very bad idea. I'd suggest getting the best set you can. I'd wait on the surround system and use that money toward the TV.

[Turf1600]

you guys need to remember this is pretty much for my girlfriend to watch friends on.

[parkerbink]

Then all you need is a 19" set remote optional. However I suspect you will watch more. Get what you want but remember you heard it here get the best you can.

National Geographic HD, Discovery HD hell Baseball in HD is amazing. Go to a large retailer, look at the sets, make an informed decision. Buy what you want.