Experts--Is this setup ok?

Hello, I've enjoyed lurking around this forum, and I think I've learned a lot. My old TV just lost its color control, and I'm in the market for a real upgrade! :)

So here's my plan. Please let me know if you have suggestions or if I've done something silly. :o

My main use will be OTA HD and DVD viewing and occasional vcr taping. I'm not interested in either cable or satellite (for now). I have a surround sound receiver (6.1). my zip code is 53705, and antennaweb.org says that the farthest I have to go to get all the HD signals is only 4.1 miles. I'm also in an apartment, so no outdoor antennas allowed. Cost is a concern ;)

-Buy Phillips 30" HDTV CRT with built in ATSC tuner (#30PW9100D) ~$800
-Buy Terk indoor antenna #HDTVA ~$60
-Buy coax splitter ~$10
-Split antenna signal to vcr for recording and to TV for HD viewing
-connect vcr to TV via composite video and audio
-Buy component video cables ~$30
-connect DVD player (Sony #DVP-NC615) to TV via component video
-connect DVD audio to receiver (Sony #STR-DE598) via digital coax
-Buy Digital Coax cable ~$20
-Buy Digital Optical cable ~$15
-Buy coax to optical audio converter ~$40
-connect TV audio to receiver in this route: SP/DIF output on TV to digital coax cable to coax->optical converter to digital optical cable to SA-CD optical input on receiver :p

I need to do that last step b/c my receiver only has 1 digital coax input and 1 digital optical input, but the Phillips TV and my DVD player both only have digital coax outputs.

Ok, I think that is it. A new HDTV with surround sound for about ~$975.

Any opinions you have would be really appreciated. I'm pretty much a noob, so feel free to mention anything basic that I've missed.

Thanks in advance,
Adam

sounds like a good idea. i personally dont like phillips though. but it comes with a built in qam tuner so that is just what you need.

You've got an easy signal situation, but I think there are better solutions than the Terk... check the OTA forum for better recommendations.

sweet setup GOOD LUCK!! i am thinking of getting that same tv for the bedroom walmart has it for $668.00.

Thanks to all for the quick responses!

RSawdey-- I took a look at the OTA forum, and I'll give some of those suggestions a try. My take is that you can't realy know what will work until you've tried it. I'll start with the cheap antennas and make sure I can return them.

GISMO-- I'll check my local walmart, but I didn't see the phillips model on their web site. Could have just missed it? It would be nice to save the $130. The price I listed is from b*st b*y. Does anybody have an opinion on buying it from either store? Maybe b*st b*y would be more helpful if I have problems?

bboncorr- Why do you not like the Phillips models? But you are right, the main reason I am going for this model is b/c it has the HD tuner built-in. The only other comparable unit I saw with the tuner is the Samsung slimfits, and I have read a lot of complaints about distortion in those units.

Any other comments? :)

thanks
Adam

you are right walmart online does not sell that tv only in stores all the reveiws i read were pretty good on that tv.

I did some more research and looked at consumer reports ratings. This phillips model was rated dead last in picture quality in their medium size HD CRT category! :(

I'm starting to rethink whether this is a good buy. Why get a HDTV if the picture quality is not going to be that great? :confused:

So now I'm thinking about the Sony Wega series. They are a bit more expensive, but consumer reports rates them at the highest end for picture quality. The problem is that I can't find any local stores that sell them. The only place I can find them is online or at Sony's retail site, SonyStyle.com. I'm real hesitant to buy online. what do you do if a dead box gets delivered to you? Or it breaks in 2 months?

So, does anyone know if the Sony Wegas are sold in retail stores? I couldn't find them on Best Buy or Circuit City's web sites.

Thanks
Adam

Both Best Buy and Circuit City definitely sell the 30" for (I think) the exact same price as the Phillips. Best Buy carries the 34" version and CC carries the 32" version, but I don't know if that's true vice versa.

sorry mcr29, I should have been more specific. I am looking for a HDTV that has a built-in ATSC tuner. So I am looking for the Sony models, 30XS955 or maybe the 32XS945.

Online retailers usually have a return policy somewhere on their site that will outline exactly what to do in case of DOA or if your TV shuts down on you in the short term. Some retailers will replace the TV within 30 days, some will just say SOL from the moment you sign for them, so just read up carefully on the retailer. I have had excellent service from Crutchfield (twice replaced my defective Toshibas, then offered a full refund when I was not satisfied), but last I checked they only carry the 34" 955 model.

I agree that Philips is NOT the best brand out there. It is cheap, but I think there is a reason for that. You certainly don't want to save a few hundred bucks then see your TV stop working right after the warranty runs out.

Hello everybody,

I wanted to thank everyone for their advice. I saw the phillips model at best buy and it was obviously crap.

I also wanted to let you know about my sucess tonight. I went to American (a regional appliance chain in the midwest) tonight and found the Sony KD30XS955. After a little bit of work, I purchased the unit for just under $1050! (not counting tax and delivery) It really has everything I want- built in tuner; cable card; beautiful picture; all the input/outputs I need.

It's getting delivered on wednesday, so I'll post an update after I get it up and going. I still have to buy the cables and antenna. This unit has a digital optical out, so I don't have to do the nonsense that I mentioned in my first post. :yippee:

What a huge difference this will be. I've been existing on a 10 yr old 27" RCA that lost its color. Right now, all I've got is black and white! :eek:

thanks again,
Adam

I didnt realize that American had that set. I just checked their website and I can get it in my area (Wisconsin) for 799.97. I'm really tempted to get one.

Good to hear Adam. Good buy, and good luck with it.

ahof1011--

I was surprised to see your quote of $799.99 because I bought the set at american in Madison, WI. So I took a look at the website, and although the set is listed at $799, once you put in your cart, the price goes to $1199. This was also the list price on the floor in the store when I went yesterday. We got the price down to $1050 because their "friends and family" sale had just ended-- but they gave use the sale price anyway. Who knows if I was just being played! :rolleyes: $1050 is a good price even if I was. I don't think you'll find this unit at 799 anywhere. If you do-- buy it! Consumer reports list these as the highest picture quality. the phillips I mentioned at the beginning of this post is ranked lowest in picture quality by consumer reports, and it generally sells at 799.

Still excited-- should get here tomorrow :yippee:

btw: american sales guy mentioned a warehouse sale coming up.

please post how the tv is once you receive it.i am looking to buy a 30 inch crt hdtv as well i was thinking of the philips but maybe not now.THANK YOU

Well, I got the Sony KD30XS955 this morning and just got it up and running for the Olympics tonight. my wife and I couldn't be much happier with the picture. It's amazing. I don't have a lot to compare with since my last TV was total crap, though. :D

I believe consumer reports was right when they ranked this TV as the best picture quality in its class. It is so bright and all the colors are incredibly vibrant. I can't stop staring at it.... :o

Once I attached the antenna, the TV did its search for analog and digital channels and found 10 of each. I used a old antenna that I had sitting around (it's a Radio Shack Color Supreme 100)-- just an old cheapo vhf/uhf/fm antenna. I have minor trouble with one digital station going in and out, but not too much. (see my lucky signal situation in my first post)

A few minor complaints. It is MASSIVE. It weighs 150lbs and its dimensions are 36"/24"/23". This is not a TV that you want to move around. The neighbor had to help me get it in place.
The on screen guide is kind of stupid. to view info about channels you aren't watching, it actually tunes to those other channels. And this is complicated by what annoys me the most: the tuner is real slow. It takes about 1 second to go from one channel to another. It doesn't sound like much, but this is pretty slow. Can't flip through the channels quickly. Actually, i think my wife likes this part. :)

Anyway, these are real minor issues. The most important to me is the picture and it is astounding. I couldn't be very much happier with the purchase.

I still have to hook it up to my audio system, as well as my dvd player and vcr. I have an older non-progessive scan dvd player, so I'm curious to see how that looks. I'll post when I get that hooked up.

Well, I started by thinking about the phillips model, and I'm really glad I didn't go with it. consumer reports ranks it the lowest in picture quality in its class. I'm glad i spent the extra $250 for this beautiful set and all its features.

just for completeness. Got the dvd hooked up with component video and it looks great. not a surprise. :)

thanks for all the suggestions.

Adam

SWEET!! ENJOY YOUR TV.thank you for posting great info that info helps me alot.