I am in the process of doing my homework for purchasing a new home theatre system. Thus far, all I've learned is that I have a lot to learn. I am looking for a relatively simple system and won't kill my budget...or my sanity. I'm hoping that some of you knowledgeable people can help me.



TV: I am looking for a 37' 1080p LCD 120 hz TV but have been unable to find one for purchase. Is there some reason I can only find them with 60hz? How many HDMI inputs would be recommended? Brand names are of no concern to me.

HD Directv DVR: I have Directv satellite. However, Is Tivo a better option?

Playstation 3 vs XBox: I am leaning towards the Playstation 3 simply because of it's blue-ray capabilities and, based upon my research, better graphics. Also saves me from buying a DVD player. Would appreciate any input on these two gameing systems.

Connections/Surge Protection: I've read and have been told Monster Cable and surge protection is essentially a rip-off. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you all in advance for your help with my new project.

You're going to get much better answers breaking each question out and posting in the appropriate forum for each. Your setup, as much fun as it will be for your family is not a good fit for the "dedicated home theater" forum.

As for your specific questions, I'm not sure how hard or effectively you looked, but 15 seconds of google searching for "37" LCD 120 hz" turned up LG, JVC and Hitachi sets matching those specs. I'm slightly partial to the LGs as we've had good results from them at work (NOC wall monitors, totally different application, not critical viewing, etc).

In my mind, if you want a BD player, buy one. If you happen to already have a PS3, use it, but I'd pick my gaming platform based on gaming needs/wants and then, if necessary, buy a BD player as well. To my not-a-gamer mind, it seems that Xbox and Wii are killing Sony right now.

Monster Cable anything is a rip off. If you start with that premise, you'll never be too far from the truth. I use www.monoprice.com for nearly everything that I buy pre-fabbed now, and I've fabricated my own cables for the very long runs between my racks and projector.

Our personal experience is that Bigger is really Better with regard to visual impact and enjoyment so if there is any way you can opt for a larger display I believe over time you will be happier (no one ever wishes their display was smaller!!)

Anything under 40 inches I don't think it will make a lot of difference what cables you use - I have always thought Monster products very over priced rip-offs.

Surge protection is ALWAYS a good idea for electronic components. We keep our TV and Projector and all audio components powered with a couple of large capacity UPS boxes. A good UPS will usually protect electronics unless your home suffers a direct hit from lightning - in that case NOTHING will protect components unless they are completely unplugged and disconnected from video sources. Most manufacturer warranties don't cover lightning strikes so we recommend you protect your component investments.

Be sure the PS-3 also able to Up Convert standard dvd movies. On the small screen you reference Up Converted standard dvd movies will look very near HD and you won't have to spend all the extra cash buying those BluRay over priced movies.

A simple definition of Home Theater is creation of the commercial Theater viewing experience in one's home or house - IMO - this simply cannot be done with a television - this is based on our personal experience - even with a very large tv a television can't begin to compare with front projection to a screen with an image in the diagonal range of over 100 inches so consider one day achieving Home Theater for your home - you won't believe the gaming experience you can achieve with Home Theater projection so toward the future thing about an evolution to real Home Theater WOW!!
goodluck with your new system.