New to HDTV - looking for a little guidance...

dpescado · 10-21-2006, 06:31 PM

I'm brand new to the whole HD thing... I've been reading a lot of this forum for the last month while trying to decide on a TV...

I just ordered a Samsung HL-S6187W... and the Samsung DVD HD 960 (I'm now understanding i may not have needed the DVD Player but oh well, I can always return it)... I'll be getting both in about 2 weeks...

What else will I need to "get my feet wet" so to speak on the HD experience? I'm not looking for the most hi tech set up... just something that will suffice until I can afford surround sound and DVR's and all that...

I have basic Comcast cable which I will obviously need to upgrade... Any recommendations? Stick with Comcast and just upgrade? Or should I switch to Direct TV or Dish? I'm just trying to figure out how to get up and running without dropping any more dough right now... any advice would be much appreciated...

Nevada_MO_Guy · 10-21-2006, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpescado

I'm brand new to the whole HD thing... I've been reading a lot of this forum for the last month while trying to decide on a TV...

I just ordered a Samsung HL-S6187W...

What else will I need to "get my feet wet" so to speak on the HD experience? I'm not looking for the most hi tech set up... just something that will suffice until I can afford surround sound and DVR's and all that...

I have basic Comcast cable which I will obviously need to upgrade... Any recommendations?

Welcome to HDF

That TV is a nice one.

The Samsung has a built in HDTV (ATSC) tuner, so you might be able to suck in some over-the-air HD from your location....just put up an antenna.

I think you'll find that once you get a DVR, you will wonder how you ever got along without it.

The way a system sounds is a major part of the overall experience, you could invest in a nice "home theater in a box" like:
7.1
6.1
5.1

DelsFan · 10-21-2006, 09:14 PM

I disagree a little on the home theatre in a box thing - they reproduce something but it is not music, and it is not accurate. If you want a little more explanation, see my thoughts in another thread (fourth post down). The main premise is, you will be really much more happy if you
Buy a good speaker, slightly used, rather than a cheap, crappy speaker.
A list of manufacturers with whose lower (or lowest) end speakers you would find it hard to go wrong can be found in aforementioned thread.

Not to discount people's struggles with finances, but an accurate HDTV ($2500 to $4500, and up) deserves a little* more than a $269 HTIB system.

* (OK, approximately 4 times more spent on good used equipment can produce results better than the system of almost anyone else you know.)

dpescado · 10-21-2006, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nevada_MO_Guy

Welcome to HDF

That TV is a nice one.

The Samsung has a built in HDTV (ATSC) tuner, so you might be able to suck in some over-the-air HD from your location....just put up an antenna.

I think you'll find that once you get a DVR, you will wonder how you ever got along without it.

The way a system sounds is a major part of the overall experience, you could invest in a nice "home theater in a box" like:
7.1
6.1
5.1

Thanks for the info... I'll probably hold out on the stereo side of things until I can afford a nice system... I could have gotten a smaller, cheaper HDTV and a "sound system in a box"... or get the TV I want and then wait six or 8 months and get a good surround system... I'm kind of on that track...

In the meantime... The DVR sounds interesting... is it something you can get for a monthly fee thru comcast with an HD Reciever or do you have to shell out the dough for one even if you don't really know what to buy?

Thanks...

dpescado · 10-21-2006, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DelsFan

I disagree a little on the home theatre in a box thing - they reproduce something but it is not music, and it is not accurate. If you want a little more explanation, see my thoughts in another thread (fourth post down). The main premise is, you will be really much more happy if you
Buy a good speaker, slightly used, rather than a cheap, crappy speaker.
A list of manufacturers with whose lower (or lowest) end speakers you would find it hard to go wrong can be found in aforementioned thread.

Not to discount people's struggles with finances, but an accurate HDTV ($2500 to $4500, and up) deserves a little* more than a $269 HTIB system.

* (OK, approximately 4 times more spent on good used equipment can produce results better than the system of almost anyone else you know.)

Thanks for all the info... I read the other post that you directed me to... sounds like you know your stereo equipment...

Where would you find good used equipment? ebay?

Not really in the market after my HDTV purchase but I'd like to start my research so I know what I want in a few months when I can afford more toys...

Thanks...

dabig25 · 10-21-2006, 11:39 PM

I did get that 7.1 Onkyo system. At Frys' for about $400 on sale.

Am VERY happy w/ it. Last year Consumer Reports rated it, the best Home Theater System in a Box.

I did replace the rear satellite speakers though.

Nevada_MO_Guy · 10-22-2006, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dabig25

I did get that 7.1 Onkyo system.

I replaced my old Bose Lifestyle system with the 7.1 Onkyo system and, I think, the Onkyo was better than the bose.

I'm in the process of upgrading my Onkyo speakers, but the "Home-in-the-box" was a good stepping stone, for me.

DelsFan · 10-22-2006, 04:06 PM

Where would you find good used equipment? ebay?

SHORT ANSWER:
The best place(s) I have found is audiogon.com. For front and rear speakers (smallish) look under "monitor speakers" as opposed to "planer" or "full range". For subwoofers, of course look under "subwoofers". For surround processors, you can find a few under "integrated, multi" but you will find a much better selection at videogon.com. You will also find a good selection of front, rear, and center channel speakers there (as well as quality, but used, subwoofers and DVD players...).

IF you live in anything resembling a major city, you can check with your high-end audio or video dealer as he will get a trade-in on occassion. Like the two web sites I mentioned, you won't get an absolute bargain but you will get a well cared for piece of equipment that works.

OH! One more thing! (Short answer? I lied.) You can get sticker shock at the two sites I recommended, but don't worry. There is a lot of good and expensive stuff for sale - but there is also on offer some good and inexpensive equipment for sale - usually by those people who just bought the expensive stuff! Learn what is good and be patient and you won't be disappointed by these two sites.

Extra info:
A couple of advantages you will find with audiogon/videogon over ebay - the equipment is generally better cared for as the items for sale are almost always being sold by a careful owner, not a careless one - or a pawn shop or broker. The packing is usually better too (I bought a Denon surround processor/receiver off ebay - by some miracle it still works 16 mos later - it arrived in a large cardboard box, half the peanuts leaked out, 30 lbs of receiver just bouncing around). Most audiogon people have the original box or state that they don't but will double box... A third advantage is the audiogon sellers frequently will include fairly expensive speaker wire, interconnects, or component cables, HDMI cables, or power cords with whatever they are selling. (For some people it's hard to believe, but there is no comparison between "real" cables and monster or factory cables. If you buy good equipment, good interconnects will make more difference than upgrading to the next level of whatever you are connecting.) Here is one example of a good item accurately described with some bonus "stuff".

Yes, you pay a little more on audiogon - I think generally though you get (very) good equipment for your few extra bucks. With ebay, you can get a bargain, you can find the careful seller; in my opinion you just have to be more selective. You can tell who is particular and who isn't - the ebay seller who says a speaker was hooked up and makes sound but it is sold as-is is not offering what I am looking for: a quality piece of equipment being sold by a caring enthusiast who actually wants you to enjoy whatever he happens to be selling.

And also, with audiogon and videogon you are not bidding low and hoping to get a bargain but looking at pretty much fixed price (or nearly) items. However, my experience the last two weeks looking on ebay (for a subwoofer and rear surrounds for a friend) was that the quality merchandise started out cheap but ultimately almost always went for about the same as I could have gotten it for on audiogon. My experience is there is just too much traffic on ebay for quality equipment to be sold cheap.

A quick note about subwoofers: if you are particular or listen to a lot of music DVD's, you want a musical subwoofer that is also quick (well, maybe that is redundant, as if it isn't quick it won't be musical). For anything other than just action movies, you don't want just the big thumper. My former high-end audio guy who now installs phenomenal home theater systems recommends Velodyne and M&K almost exclusively. I'm sure there are other good manufacturers out there, but you won't go wrong with these two. Specifically, I just bought a used M&K V-125 (magnetically shielded so it will go right next to the television) for a friend's system and it is both musical and quick. A wonderful addition to his system for $400...

Hope this helps, sorry it's so long! If you want some opinions on the suitability of speakers offered by specific manufacturers, this is a pretty good thread .

DelsFan · 10-22-2006, 04:36 PM

"Last year Consumer Reports rated it, the best Home Theater System in a Box."

I think CR has its place, but when reading about anything that I am quite knowledgable or passionate about I've never been given the idea that they have a clue. I've never read anything from them that told which speaker or receiver or amp sounded better than another. It seems they are all about features and none about sound. They have it backwards (at least in the opinion of a person whose turntable has one button: the on/off switch - one speed, pick the tonearm up yourself when the stylus reaches the end of the side). Now, I didn't read this particular article and it is possible they did actually give good advice when reviewing cheap speaker systems.

If you want something even mediocre, I've found it hard to get a good recommendation from them.
In fairness, the Uniden cordless phones they recommend have worked very well for me - but in this case they did rate them on reception and voice clarity...

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

but the "Home-in-the-box" was a good stepping stone, for me.

Can't argue there; how do you compare the Mirage OmniSats with your old speakers? I've not heard that speaker but have read good things about it. Do you feel they reinforce my opinion about the significant difference between low-end good speakers and HTIB speakers?

DelsFan · 10-22-2006, 04:46 PM

Double post? ! ! ?

DelsFan · 10-22-2006, 04:47 PM

Another one? Sorry!

.

.

.

.

Nevada_MO_Guy · 10-22-2006, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DelsFan

[i]
but the "Home-in-the-box" was a good stepping stone, for me.

Can't argue there; how do you compare the Mirage OmniSats with your old speakers? I've not heard that speaker but have read good things about it. Do you feel they reinforce my opinion about the significant difference between low-end good speakers and HTIB speakers?

I actually haven't hooked them up yet.

They came Friday and both tower boxes had a boot sized hole in them and the speaker were dented.

I called Crutchfield and they had two more towers out to me that day

, so I should get them the day after I get my tv....so many toys

Should definantly have everything hooked up and balanced out in a week.

mogdor · 10-23-2006, 01:17 PM

You can get a decent sony surround system for around $200 if you need to watch your $$$, unless you're a picky audiophile type a surround system in that price range will do just fine (though I'd stay away from the ones with the dvd player built in)

DelsFan · 10-23-2006, 05:34 PM

"unless you're a picky audiophile type"

IF you have a good HDTV, and if you have any kind of a decent room, I still think $1000 to $1500 judiciously spent on a surround system (complete, including good cables and interconnects and surround processor) makes all the difference.

I'd be willing to suggest the $1500 system would be half as good as a $20,000 system, but 100 times better than a $200 system. There is just so much detail that one doesn't get with the cheap system; you can get at least 90% there with the $1500 system...

Just my $2.00 worth.

mogdor · 10-25-2006, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DelsFan

"unless you're a picky audiophile type"

IF you have a good HDTV, and if you have any kind of a decent room, I still think $1000 to $1500 judiciously spent on a surround system (complete, including good cables and interconnects and surround processor) makes all the difference.

I'd be willing to suggest the $1500 system would be half as good as a $20,000 system, but 100 times better than a $200 system. There is just so much detail that one doesn't get with the cheap system; you can get at least 90% there with the $1500 system...

Just my $2.00 worth.

LOL, didn't mean any offense to the "picky audiophile types" - I'm actually one myself

you're totally right; a $1500 sytem does sound way better than a $200 system, but I'm guessing the threadstarter, being money conscious would rather spend on the TV and save on the surround sound. You know what they say, ignorance is bliss - I'm betting that someone only used to listening to their TV speakers would be blown away by a 800 watt sony system for $200...............though personally I wish I had $1500 to blow on a surround system

Maybe someday

10-21-2006, 06:31 PM	#1
dpescado New to HD Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 6	New to HDTV - looking for a little guidance... I'm brand new to the whole HD thing... I've been reading a lot of this forum for the last month while trying to decide on a TV... I just ordered a Samsung HL-S6187W... and the Samsung DVD HD 960 (I'm now understanding i may not have needed the DVD Player but oh well, I can always return it)... I'll be getting both in about 2 weeks... What else will I need to "get my feet wet" so to speak on the HD experience? I'm not looking for the most hi tech set up... just something that will suffice until I can afford surround sound and DVR's and all that... I have basic Comcast cable which I will obviously need to upgrade... Any recommendations? Stick with Comcast and just upgrade? Or should I switch to Direct TV or Dish? I'm just trying to figure out how to get up and running without dropping any more dough right now... any advice would be much appreciated...

10-21-2006, 09:14 PM	#3
DelsFan "God Bless the Go-Go's" Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sometimes AL, sometimes Germany Posts: 92	I disagree a little on the home theatre in a box thing - they reproduce something but it is not music, and it is not accurate. If you want a little more explanation, see my thoughts in another thread (fourth post down). The main premise is, you will be really much more happy if you Buy a good speaker, slightly used, rather than a cheap, crappy speaker. A list of manufacturers with whose lower (or lowest) end speakers you would find it hard to go wrong can be found in aforementioned thread. Not to discount people's struggles with finances, but an accurate HDTV ($2500 to $4500, and up) deserves a little* more than a $269 HTIB system. * (OK, approximately 4 times more spent on good used equipment can produce results better than the system of almost anyone else you know.) __________________ Sony 60" XBR2, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD-DVD player, Phillips 3400 DVD Recorder, Linn Genki CD player, Spectral DMC-5 pre-amp, Quad 405II amplifier, Thiel CS2 speakers, Transparent Audio interconnects, Kimber 8TC speaker wire, Vibrapod isolators (they work wonders!)

10-22-2006, 04:06 PM	#8
DelsFan "God Bless the Go-Go's" Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sometimes AL, sometimes Germany Posts: 92	Where would you find good used equipment? ebay? SHORT ANSWER: The best place(s) I have found is audiogon.com. For front and rear speakers (smallish) look under "monitor speakers" as opposed to "planer" or "full range". For subwoofers, of course look under "subwoofers". For surround processors, you can find a few under "integrated, multi" but you will find a much better selection at videogon.com. You will also find a good selection of front, rear, and center channel speakers there (as well as quality, but used, subwoofers and DVD players...). IF you live in anything resembling a major city, you can check with your high-end audio or video dealer as he will get a trade-in on occassion. Like the two web sites I mentioned, you won't get an absolute bargain but you will get a well cared for piece of equipment that works. OH! One more thing! (Short answer? I lied.) You can get sticker shock at the two sites I recommended, but don't worry. There is a lot of good and expensive stuff for sale - but there is also on offer some good and inexpensive equipment for sale - usually by those people who just bought the expensive stuff! Learn what is good and be patient and you won't be disappointed by these two sites. Extra info: A couple of advantages you will find with audiogon/videogon over ebay - the equipment is generally better cared for as the items for sale are almost always being sold by a careful owner, not a careless one - or a pawn shop or broker. The packing is usually better too (I bought a Denon surround processor/receiver off ebay - by some miracle it still works 16 mos later - it arrived in a large cardboard box, half the peanuts leaked out, 30 lbs of receiver just bouncing around). Most audiogon people have the original box or state that they don't but will double box... A third advantage is the audiogon sellers frequently will include fairly expensive speaker wire, interconnects, or component cables, HDMI cables, or power cords with whatever they are selling. (For some people it's hard to believe, but there is no comparison between "real" cables and monster or factory cables. If you buy good equipment, good interconnects will make more difference than upgrading to the next level of whatever you are connecting.) Here is one example of a good item accurately described with some bonus "stuff". Yes, you pay a little more on audiogon - I think generally though you get (very) good equipment for your few extra bucks. With ebay, you can get a bargain, you can find the careful seller; in my opinion you just have to be more selective. You can tell who is particular and who isn't - the ebay seller who says a speaker was hooked up and makes sound but it is sold as-is is not offering what I am looking for: a quality piece of equipment being sold by a caring enthusiast who actually wants you to enjoy whatever he happens to be selling. And also, with audiogon and videogon you are not bidding low and hoping to get a bargain but looking at pretty much fixed price (or nearly) items. However, my experience the last two weeks looking on ebay (for a subwoofer and rear surrounds for a friend) was that the quality merchandise started out cheap but ultimately almost always went for about the same as I could have gotten it for on audiogon. My experience is there is just too much traffic on ebay for quality equipment to be sold cheap. A quick note about subwoofers: if you are particular or listen to a lot of music DVD's, you want a musical subwoofer that is also quick (well, maybe that is redundant, as if it isn't quick it won't be musical). For anything other than just action movies, you don't want just the big thumper. My former high-end audio guy who now installs phenomenal home theater systems recommends Velodyne and M&K almost exclusively. I'm sure there are other good manufacturers out there, but you won't go wrong with these two. Specifically, I just bought a used M&K V-125 (magnetically shielded so it will go right next to the television) for a friend's system and it is both musical and quick. A wonderful addition to his system for $400... Hope this helps, sorry it's so long! If you want some opinions on the suitability of speakers offered by specific manufacturers, this is a pretty good thread . __________________ Sony 60" XBR2, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD-DVD player, Phillips 3400 DVD Recorder, Linn Genki CD player, Spectral DMC-5 pre-amp, Quad 405II amplifier, Thiel CS2 speakers, Transparent Audio interconnects, Kimber 8TC speaker wire, Vibrapod isolators (they work wonders!) Last edited by DelsFan; 10-22-2006 at 04:27 PM.

10-22-2006, 04:36 PM	#9
DelsFan "God Bless the Go-Go's" Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sometimes AL, sometimes Germany Posts: 92	"Last year Consumer Reports rated it, the best Home Theater System in a Box." I think CR has its place, but when reading about anything that I am quite knowledgable or passionate about I've never been given the idea that they have a clue. I've never read anything from them that told which speaker or receiver or amp sounded better than another. It seems they are all about features and none about sound. They have it backwards (at least in the opinion of a person whose turntable has one button: the on/off switch - one speed, pick the tonearm up yourself when the stylus reaches the end of the side). Now, I didn't read this particular article and it is possible they did actually give good advice when reviewing cheap speaker systems. If you want something even mediocre, I've found it hard to get a good recommendation from them. In fairness, the Uniden cordless phones they recommend have worked very well for me - but in this case they did rate them on reception and voice clarity... _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ but the "Home-in-the-box" was a good stepping stone, for me. Can't argue there; how do you compare the Mirage OmniSats with your old speakers? I've not heard that speaker but have read good things about it. Do you feel they reinforce my opinion about the significant difference between low-end good speakers and HTIB speakers? __________________ Sony 60" XBR2, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD-DVD player, Phillips 3400 DVD Recorder, Linn Genki CD player, Spectral DMC-5 pre-amp, Quad 405II amplifier, Thiel CS2 speakers, Transparent Audio interconnects, Kimber 8TC speaker wire, Vibrapod isolators (they work wonders!) Last edited by DelsFan; 10-22-2006 at 04:47 PM.

10-22-2006, 04:46 PM	#10
DelsFan "God Bless the Go-Go's" Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sometimes AL, sometimes Germany Posts: 92	Double post? ! ! ? __________________ Sony 60" XBR2, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD-DVD player, Phillips 3400 DVD Recorder, Linn Genki CD player, Spectral DMC-5 pre-amp, Quad 405II amplifier, Thiel CS2 speakers, Transparent Audio interconnects, Kimber 8TC speaker wire, Vibrapod isolators (they work wonders!) Last edited by DelsFan; 10-22-2006 at 04:53 PM.

10-21-2006, 11:39 PM	#6
dabig25 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 466	I did get that 7.1 Onkyo system. At Frys' for about $400 on sale. Am VERY happy w/ it. Last year Consumer Reports rated it, the best Home Theater System in a Box. I did replace the rear satellite speakers though.

10-22-2006, 04:47 PM	#11
DelsFan "God Bless the Go-Go's" Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sometimes AL, sometimes Germany Posts: 92	Another one? Sorry! . . . . __________________ Sony 60" XBR2, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD-DVD player, Phillips 3400 DVD Recorder, Linn Genki CD player, Spectral DMC-5 pre-amp, Quad 405II amplifier, Thiel CS2 speakers, Transparent Audio interconnects, Kimber 8TC speaker wire, Vibrapod isolators (they work wonders!) Last edited by DelsFan; 10-22-2006 at 04:51 PM.

10-23-2006, 01:17 PM	#13
mogdor High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 135	You can get a decent sony surround system for around $200 if you need to watch your $$$, unless you're a picky audiophile type a surround system in that price range will do just fine (though I'd stay away from the ones with the dvd player built in)

10-23-2006, 05:34 PM	#14
DelsFan "God Bless the Go-Go's" Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sometimes AL, sometimes Germany Posts: 92	"unless you're a picky audiophile type" IF you have a good HDTV, and if you have any kind of a decent room, I still think $1000 to $1500 judiciously spent on a surround system (complete, including good cables and interconnects and surround processor) makes all the difference. I'd be willing to suggest the $1500 system would be half as good as a $20,000 system, but 100 times better than a $200 system. There is just so much detail that one doesn't get with the cheap system; you can get at least 90% there with the $1500 system... Just my $2.00 worth. __________________ Sony 60" XBR2, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD-DVD player, Phillips 3400 DVD Recorder, Linn Genki CD player, Spectral DMC-5 pre-amp, Quad 405II amplifier, Thiel CS2 speakers, Transparent Audio interconnects, Kimber 8TC speaker wire, Vibrapod isolators (they work wonders!)