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[Luigison]

I've been doing a lot of research on TVs, receivers, and surround sound, but can't find the "perfect" setup. What does GAF suggest?

3D Plasma TV:
Although I've enjoys LCD for PC gaming I think I've convinced myself to go Plasma for my next TV. The Samsung 8000 series look great, but the complaints about buzzing bothers me. Panasonic looks good too, but low black level comments concern me. I haven't seen a Sony 3D TV yet, but it be cool to go with Bravia Sync with my PS3 and reduce remote clutter if that's possible. I have a big living room and would prefer at least 60" if possible.

3D 7.1 Receivers:
I've heard some great Yamaha and Okami (sorry, bad habit) systems, but most are sold without speakers and I'd prefer an all-in-one approach for simplicity and budget constraints.

Surround Sound or Theater in a box systems:
Sony and Samsung has some decent setups that'd be nice, but why do they all (that I've seen) come with a Blu-ray player when I already have a PS3? While I'd prefer wireless and/or in-wall solutions I'm not totally opposed to running wires or mismatched receiver/speakers.

Maybe I should just wait and see what's offered Black Friday, but I'd like to see what GAF uses or would wish/dream to have now.

Also, as suggested above I'd like to stick to a single brand or have easy navigation for my wife of all systems if possible. BTW, I have a PS3 and Wii, but haven't yet went bought an Xbox. We also watch DirecTV and Bluray movies if that helps.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

Please lock/mock and redirect me if there's already a thread for this.

Sony STR-DH510 5.1-channel High-Definition AV Receiver:

Component video (YPbPr) / VGA To HDMI Converter With Auto Up-scale (So my wife and I can play Wii without changing inputs):

Energy 5.1 Take Classic System:

[Mounts deleted.] I think I can mount the speakers easily without these and get speaker wire cheaper locally.


I'm no way near deciding on a 3D TV yet, but am considering one of the following:
Samsung PN63C8000 63-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV, Black:

With:
Samsung 3D Starter Kit SSG-P2100T:

Edit (other options that ended up being beyond my wife's budget):
60" BRAVIA LX900 Series 3D HDTV

Panasonic TC-P65VT25 65-inch 3D Ready 1080p VIERA Plasma HDTV

Thanks again.

Edit 2: The Samsung C8000, Sony LX900, and Panasonic VT25 are all options for me, but my wife has ruled out the Sony and Panasonic on price.

 

[drugstore_cowboy]

don't go getting a plasma for gaming without spending some time playing on one first.

 

[Kinan]

I'm planning a similar upgrade this Christmas.

As for TV, I'll probably get Panasonic TX-P50VT20 (in Europe, in US its VT25, I think). Excellent blacks, good 3D. It doesn't have a 2D-3D conversion, like the newer models, but it goes down in price steadily and already available for less than 2000€ in Germany.

As for 7.1 Surround, I'll probably buy an Onkyo receiver (TX-SR608 or similar) and then shop for a decent set of boxes separately. Would like to have a wireless rear speakers, I hate wires.

As for remote - just buy some good universal remote, Logitech remotes can be programmed nicely for all kinds of devices.

 

[-COOLIO-]

quick question about plasmas. i know the burn in problem has been reduced but is it still enough of a problem that it would be foolhardy to get one as a desktop monitor?

 

[-COOLIO-]

I'm planning a similar upgrade this Christmas.

As for TV, I'll probably get Panasonic TX-P50VT20 (in Europe, in US its VT25, I think). Excellent blacks, good 3D. It doesn't have a 2D-3D conversion, like the newer models, but it goes down in price steadily and already available for less than 2000€ in Germany.

As for 7.1 Surround, I'll probably buy an Onkyo receiver (TX-SR608 or similar) and then shop for a decent set of boxes separately. Would like to have a wireless rear speakers, I hate wires.

As for remote - just buy some good universal remote, Logitech remotes can be programmed nicely for all kinds of devices.

can it be used as a windows media remote too?

 

[SapientWolf]

I really like this BIC center from Amazon. The only downside is that it puts my front and rear speakers to shame. :lol

 

[Solo]

quick question about plasmas. i know the burn in problem has been reduced but is it still enough of a problem that it would be foolhardy to get one as a desktop monitor?

Burn-in is something you'd actually have to go out of your way to attempt with modern plasmas. Buy a plasma, run color slides for the first 100 hours to break in the phosphors, and you'll be fine.

 

[Haint]

I would not buy a 3DTV or 3D AVR this year because they will hopefully standardize the glasses next year and possibly support 1080p 30 and 60fps in 3D. Right now they are all limited to 24fps in 1080p 3D. 3D AVR's are also limited by this bottleneck.

 

[Solo]

I wouldn't buy a 3D TV full stop until autostereoscopic sets hit the market, even if that is years away.

But thats just me.

 

[Kinan]

can it be used as a windows media remote too?

Yea, I did not try it though, but as long as you have IR receiver, it should work.

 

[Shin Johnpv]

3D 7.1 Receivers:
I've heard some great Yamaha and Okami (sorry, bad habit) systems, but most are sold without speakers and I'd prefer an all-in-one approach for simplicity and budget constraints.

You're not going to get the best with an all in one approach. There's really nothing difficult about getting some good speaker cable and running it yourself to speakers you bought separetly.

I personally have a preference for Yamaha. They usually have the best bang for your buck. As for it being 7.1 I hope you have a large room, where you're actually sitting in the middle of it. Personally for me I feel if you don't you're better off saving the money and doing a 5.1 setup. 7.1 is really awesome for people who have a theater room set up ie a room with a projector and a bunch of seats in the middle and then the space still continuing behind them. If this is going into a living room I think you'd be better off with a 5.1 set up. That's just my opinion though.

If you go the smart route and buy speakers on their own and not in some all in 1 set up, buy your speaker cable at monoprice.com. Do not get suckered into buying that shit at best buy or some place. monoprice if I remember should also have the plugs to put onto the end of the cables to plug into your speakers and receiver.

I personally really like Athena speakers, but try to find them on sale if you can. I managed to get a set of Athena MKII.5 speakers when they got discontinued. Got the full set for like 1/3 - 1/4th they're normal price.

 

[FoxSpirit]

All I wanna say is, Yammi rocks.
Even with my Dyns

 

[Glix]

Just a warning about those Home Theater in a box with Blu-ray. Usually their input situation is abhorrent.

And running everything into the TV and then using the digi audio out on the TV is a no-no as well, because it usually downconverts the signal from surround to stereo.

 

[TheExodu5]

quick question about plasmas. i know the burn in problem has been reduced but is it still enough of a problem that it would be foolhardy to get one as a desktop monitor?

There's too much dithering on a plasma when up close to use one as a PC monitor. While I definitely recommend getting a plasma for home theater and gaming usage, I think LCD is more suited to computer usage.

 

[Luigison]

Thanks to all that suggested against the all-in-one options. I see your points. Any receiver/speaker combination suggestions?

 

[TheExodu5]

First off, how much are you looking to spend? AVSForum would be your best bet for recommendations...though decent sound systems start in the range of roughly $300-$600 for receiver, and $200 per speaker.

The general rule of thumb: don't go with small speakers. Small speakers simply cannot produce low frequencies, and you'll be bothered with incredibly muddled subwoofer bass. Bose are probably the worst in this case, as part of the human voice comes out of the subwoofer. It sounds awful. Smallish bookshelf speakers are a good starting point (size of roughly 12" x 8" x 10").

 

[H_Prestige]

Panasonic VT25 or Samsung C8000 are the best TVs on the market, bar none. I would not look at a Sony LCD for 3D.

Panasonic will have less buzzing, but you can get the Samsung cheaper. Picture quality is about the same on both.

 

[TheExodu5]

Samsung has greater image retention problems. Panasonic has floating blacks and rising blacks.

 

[Man]

Panasonic VT25 or Samsung C8000 are the best TVs on the market, bar none. I would not look at a Sony LCD for 3D.

From what I hear they have the best in LCD:
http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/sony-kdl-40hx803-kdl-46hx803-20100925858.htm

 

[sharkmuncher]

Thanks to all that suggested against the all-in-one options. I see your points. Any receiver/speaker combination suggestions?

I have an Onkyo SR-608 w/ polk monitor 70s for fronts from newegg (slowly building up the rest.) and cheaper sonys for the center, surrounds and sub. Can't comment on 3d (although it is supposed to support it via HDMI 1.4 i guess), but it supports all the audio codecs my ps3 can throw at it, sounds great and the price is right. As far as speakers it really depends on budget and what you want. I know the energy take 5 system gets a lot of recommendations as a package deal, although it is only 5.1. I would personally recomend buying the speakers and subs separately as you will usually get a much better quality system, but it can take more time to research.

 

[TheExodu5]

From what I hear they have the best in LCD:
http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/sony-kdl-40hx803-kdl-46hx803-20100925858.htm

They may be, but plasma is definitely the far better tech for 3D. Cross-talk sucks.

 

[I NEED SCISSORS]

No point really getting a receiver. I have one of these (can add an extra two speakers to it to make 7.1). The reason I say there is no point is because the PS3 can convert TrueHD and DTS-MA signals to PCM. Even if they can't natively do TrueHD and DTS-MA, all surround systems support PCM anyway (and all the other inferior formats like DTS and standard Dolby Digital).

 

[xapnder]

Panasonic VT25 or Samsung C8000 are the best TVs on the market, bar none. I would not look at a Sony LCD for 3D.

Panasonic will have less buzzing, but you can get the Samsung cheaper. Picture quality is about the same on both.

What?? For 3D, Sony hx800 and hx900 > samsung c8000

They may be, but plasma is definitely the far better tech for 3D. Cross-talk sucks.

Panasonic yes. Samsung nop. They have crosstalk

 

[dr3upmushroom]

Thanks to all that suggested against the all-in-one options. I see your points. Any receiver/speaker combination suggestions?

The best thing in the long run would be to get a nice receiver and a pair of front speakers and then add a center, sub, and surrounds as you are able. Or, depending on your budget, get it all now but get separate components from a company that actually specializes in speakers and audio equipment rather than a box of crap from Samsung or whatever. Depending on your budget it might kind of suck to not have surround sound right away, but a pair of nice speakers is going to sound a lot, lot better than surround coming from 4" drivers in plastic casing.

Onkyo 608 is a good receiver, anything of similar price from Denon, Pioneer, or Yamaha is going to be good, and there are a lot of speakers manufacturers that sell directly that sound awesome for the price. Aperion Audio is good, SVS is good, if you want to buy from a store you could see if a home audio place near you sells Paradigm, their lower end speakers are great deals.

A lot of people buy boxed setups for the convenience or price, but in the long run I think most people would be much, much happier if they did this.

 

[weeneo]

panasonic vt20 (vt25 in us i think) is by far the best 3d tv.
the quality is just awesome.
i had a samsung c6700 before, its just crap in comparison to the pana plasma.. (2D picture, inputlag, blacklevel etv)

 

[noire]

deleted

 

[XiaNaphryz]

The best thing in the long run would be to get a nice receiver and a pair of front speakers and then add a center, sub, and surrounds as you are able. Or, depending on your budget, get it all now but get separate components from a company that actually specializes in speakers and audio equipment rather than a box of crap from Samsung or whatever. Depending on your budget it might kind of suck to not have surround sound right away, but a pair of nice speakers is going to sound a lot, lot better than surround coming from 4" drivers in plastic casing.

Onkyo 608 is a good receiver, anything of similar price from Denon, Pioneer, or Yamaha is going to be good, and there are a lot of speakers manufacturers that sell directly that sound awesome for the price. Aperion Audio is good, SVS is good, if you want to buy from a store you could see if a home audio place near you sells Paradigm, their lower end speakers are great deals.

A lot of people buy boxed setups for the convenience or price, but in the long run I think most people would be much, much happier if they did this.

Indeed, good speakers pretty much last forever, and by going separates you can add/upgrade/replace individual ones as needed. Much better in the long run.

 

[Gahiggidy]

Sorry for being off-topic...

But what's the likelihood someone will be able to hack a 3DS as a 3D-display for console games (Wii/ps3/360)?

 

[see5harp]

No point really getting a receiver. I have one of these (can add an extra two speakers to it to make 7.1). The reason I say there is no point is because the PS3 can convert TrueHD and DTS-MA signals to PCM. Even if they can't natively do TrueHD and DTS-MA, all surround systems support PCM anyway (and all the other inferior formats like DTS and standard Dolby Digital).

I disagree with that statement. There's a reason why the only PS3's on the market now allow bitstreaming. As for a receiver, I think Denon's are worth the $100 or so markup on the Onkyo. Their designs are much cleaner and they seem to run a bit cooler, at least on the models I looked at about a year ago.

 

[Vigilant Walrus]

What about the LG 50PK950? A 50'' Plasma, that seems like good bang for the buck: http://www.flatpanelshd.com/review.php?subaction=showfull&id=1269254363

I saw the 60'' version in a store, and it looked better than anything else. Perhaps equal only to the crazy beautiful Sony XBR9(???)... It has this B&O design. Sexy!

edit: ohh its not 3D. Ehhh.. I am looking at this TV at least since I am on a budget. I love 3D but I will skip the technology until we get it without glasses. The sparse selection and gaming in 3D. Not for me yet. But I can't wait until we can remove the glasses. Should be excellent Will take years though. Then I would rather have a nice 2D HDTV now.



Someone mentioned that using a plasma as a PC is bad due to.. eh.. dithers? What's that? Is it like image stuttering or something?

 

[I NEED SCISSORS]

I disagree with that statement. There's a reason why the only PS3's on the market now allow bitstreaming. As for a receiver, I think Denon's are worth the $100 or so markup on the Onkyo. Their designs are much cleaner and they seem to run a bit cooler, at least on the models I looked at about a year ago.

Which is.. ?

I have this setup now and am enjoying lossless audio as much as anyone with a receiver is. Hell, all PC graphics cards can now do the same thing (lossless codec -> PCM decoding).

 

[FoxSpirit]

Thanks to all that suggested against the all-in-one options. I see your points. Any receiver/speaker combination suggestions?

First off, which country do you life in?

In Europe, stuff from Teufel or Nubert ( abit more pricey) is always a great choice. Both completely cut out marketing and the middle man and have a great reputation.

For the receiver, simply go Yammi. Nothing wrong there and widely available.

 

[Luigison]

OP updated. Thanks guys!

I've downgraded to 5.1 since sound isn't as important to me as video and I don't think 7.1 would be worth it for me and my family (my wife never even turns the receiver on) anyway. I've added a converter for our Wii for the same reason. I'd also prefer to spend more of the budget on a quality TV anyway.

Has anyone here used Sony Bravia Sync? Is it worth it?

Can anyone suggest a thread that compares the Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, etc. 3D TV?

 

[see5harp]

Which is.. ?

I have this setup now and am enjoying lossless audio as much as anyone with a receiver is. Hell, all PC graphics cards can now do the same thing (lossless codec -> PCM decoding).

Lack of bitstreaming is why my 60 gig will never be my primary blu-ray player. Receivers allow allow much more flexibility down the line. I doubt he'll want to stay with the Energy Take 5.1 system forever. He can easily replace fronts/center, then move the two fronts for 7.1 in less than a year. I don't see an HTIB as a good solution unless you just want to get the job done.

 

[I NEED SCISSORS]

Lack of bitstreaming is why my 60 gig will never be my primary blu-ray player. Receivers allow allow much more flexibility down the line. I doubt he'll want to stay with the Energy Take 5.1 system forever. He can easily replace fronts/center, then move the two fronts for 7.1 in less than a year. I don't see an HTIB as a good solution unless you just want to get the job done.

I see. It's certainly a viable option if he has a slim PS3 (which is what I have), but I can recognise why not everyone can do it this way.

 

[GaussTek]

Sorry for being off-topic...

But what's the likelihood someone will be able to hack a 3DS as a 3D-display for console games (Wii/ps3/360)?

Zero =(

 

[Luigison]

I see. It's certainly a viable option if he has a slim PS3 (which is what I have), but I can recognise why not everyone can do it this way.

I have an 80Gig fat PS3 with BC, but have considered either getting a slim or upgrading the HD.

 

[Jtrizzy]

First of all don't even look at lcd. If you can afford it id get the panasonic vt25. They also just released the gt25 series in 42 and 50. The samsung c8000 is second best to the vt25 but it has the 2d 3d conversion unlike the vt25. The new gt25 series are a step down from the vt, but they do have the conversion feature, and the reviews have been positive...they don't come with glasses though.

I've been researching this extensively, and the above tv's are the only ones you should consider...as others noted lcds have bad crosstalk.

Sound wise, pick up a denon reciever that supports 3d audio. All in one solutions are generally not good.

 

[Cosmozone]

All I can say is that you shouldn't try to get as many features as possible because you have to cheap out on quality in this case which is not the way to do it. Glad you already said you want only 5.1 now which is totally enough for a home theater. I'd even skip 3D for now until technology gets better or more foreseeable.

As for the TV, it should be big , high quality and render SD signals well (well I don't know about the US or elsewhere but in my country (free) HD stuff is still scarce, and the Wii is SD of course). For gaming you should look for low input lag (google for it in case you're not familiar).

Can't give too much tips on which TVs are better than others, but I finally got a HDTV a few days ago, a Philips 52 PFL 9704 and I can only reassure that a big TV is totally worth it. Super Mario Galaxy gave an overwhelming experience. I was seriously tempted to play it all over again. Earlier I considered a Sony model, too (but mainly because the Philips was too expensive back then) but some models are reported to have input lag problems so I held back.

 

[Luigison]

OP updated again.

My wife thinks $5000 is too much for our budget so that eliminates the Panasonic and Sony 3D TVs in the OP. I could downgrade those (suggestions?). Or should I go with my first choice of the Samsung c8000?

From what I've read my 80G PS3 fat w/ BC will play 3D fine. Other than bigger HD and quieter fan, are there any good reasons to upgrade to a slim w/out BC?

BTW, I already have an HD (1080i) TV, but its front panel stopped working and has developed a hole in the center of the screen behind the plastic/glass front. Thus, the reason for the upgrade.

3d is not a necessity, but I figure, why not. I'm an early adapter anyway. Still, I'd love to be on the winning side like I was with blu-ray. Any thoughts on which 3D glasses/TV will become standard?

Any other suggestions/comments on TVs or receiver/speakers?

 

[Struct09]

can it be used as a windows media remote too?

I use my Logitech Harmony One with Windows Media Center. My tuner card came with an IR receiver.

 

[Jtrizzy]

I basically came to the same conclusion. The price difference between the vt series and the c8000 is around 600 dollars. I would also consider the gt series from panasonic. It has the conversion, and the pricing is much better. From my research it seems that the samsungs often have a buzzing sound, and has slightly more ghosting/crosstalk, so im leaning towards the gt series plasma...2K for 50" and 1700 for the 42".

 

[Brimstone]

One of the best 3D TV's is the Mitsubishi Laservue L75-A91. The former Microsoft Executive Amir Majidimehr thought it displayed the best 3d image quality at CES.

The slower response time of LCDs is definitely an impediment to good 3-D. The best I saw at CES was Mitsubishi rear projection lastervue (DLP) set. It was the only 3-D that I thought was worth watching. I thought Plasma demos at Panasonic were also dismal despite the Arts article. The field of view is just too small with a flat panel to make the experience convincing. Plus there are way too many other artifacts.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1215849



75 inches
http://cdn.pickgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Mitsubishi-LaserVue-TV.jpg

 

[H_Prestige]

I basically came to the same conclusion. The price difference between the vt series and the c8000 is around 600 dollars. I would also consider the gt series from panasonic. It has the conversion, and the pricing is much better. From my research it seems that the samsungs often have a buzzing sound, and has slightly more ghosting/crosstalk, so im leaning towards the gt series plasma...2K for 50" and 1700 for the 42".

You can get a 50" VT20 for that price (Best Buy model). I hear there are some pretty nice package deals for that model.

There is also the Samsung C7000 series plasma which is 3D.

 

[TheExodu5]

No point really getting a receiver. I have one of these (can add an extra two speakers to it to make 7.1). The reason I say there is no point is because the PS3 can convert TrueHD and DTS-MA signals to PCM. Even if they can't natively do TrueHD and DTS-MA, all surround systems support PCM anyway (and all the other inferior formats like DTS and standard Dolby Digital).

Do not listen to the man with the shitty Sony HTIAB.

Someone mentioned that using a plasma as a PC is bad due to.. eh.. dithers? What's that? Is it like image stuttering or something?

It's "snow" in the image. It's not visible from far away, but it is if you're using it at a close distance like you would most PCs. If you've got a 42inch, you'll want to be 4feet away from it as not to see the dithering. Panasonic is the worst when it comes to this. At regular home theater distances though, the dithering is not visible. This dithering is actually what allows Pannys to get such dark blacks.

 

[Jtrizzy]

Best buy website says 2500 for that set.

 

[I NEED SCISSORS]

Do not listen to the man with the shitty Sony HTIAB.

It doesn't matter what surround setup you have, i'm still right - if you have a PS3 slim, you don't need a receiver.

 

[H_Prestige]

Do not listen to the man with the shitty Sony HTIAB.




It's "snow" in the image. It's not visible from far away, but it is if you're using it at a close distance like you would most PCs. If you've got a 42inch, you'll want to be 4feet away from it as not to see the dithering. Panasonic is the worst when it comes to this. At regular home theater distances though, the dithering is not visible. This dithering is actually what allows Pannys to get such dark blacks.

Pioneer is actually known for the most dithering. Panasonic and Samsung plasmas are more clear at closer distances. I still would never use a plasma as a computer monitor though.

 

[Jtrizzy]

Plasma is ok for pc gaming though right? Just not for normal computer use. I'm going to build a pc at some point in the near future.

 

[Rich!]

I was debating endlessly whether to get a 5.1 system or not for my room - I decided against it, and got a 2.1 system (don't need surround when i've got 5.1 downstairs really)

I brought this:

http://www.sony.co.uk/product/hcs-cinema-surround-kit/ht-fs3

Not for that price - I got it for £180 from my mates at the Sony Center. And holy fucking shit, it's incredible. The bass is stupidly good, and the sound is crystal clear. And it's fucking loud. Anyway, just wanted to mention that, as irrelevant to this thread as it may be. :lol