Simple question. I have a budget. $2200. I got a deal for $1698 on a 61" 1080p HDTV DLP, but if you add a 2 year warranty and I need a stand which can cost me 250 or more I don't have much left for a home theater system. So if I move down to a 56" I could prolly get a deal for like 1398 (Brandsmart rocks!) or something like that I could afford a HTIB. So my question like I said is simple...

61" 1080P HDTV to go with my PS3/blu-ray player and 360?

Or

56" 1080p HDTV along with Onkyo HTS790 HTIB to go along with my PS3/360?

It will be in my 12x12 bedroom.

You definitely need a HT system. It will add much more to your gaming experience than the extra 5" on the size of the TV. Enjoy!

/\ /\ /\ /\ What he said

I would go for the 56" w/ sound system, especially if your other option was just intending to use the tv speakers.

Is buying the big TV and getting your sound system at a later date an option or do you have to have it all right now? I'd get the bigger TV if your room supports a screen that size, then either get your HTiB later or piece together a sound system as the money is available. You'll be happier all around once it's done.

in a 12 x 12 bedroom you could, dare I say, go even a little smaller with the TV and have a lot more for the HT. I have a 37" which does all right in a similar-sized room.

are we to assume you'd be using the tv's speakers for sound on the 61? If so then definitely sacrifice 5 inches of screen for a surround setup. Even a modest htib will outperform the tv's sound. 56 will be fine in that size of a room, and possibly even a little too big depending on how everything is setup.

in a 12 x 12 bedroom you could, dare I say, go even a little smaller with the TV and have a lot more for the HT. I have a 37" which does all right in a similar-sized room.

Piffel!!!!!!

you NEED at least 50" to game properly....I talk god and he agreed....so that settles it.:D

You could always go with a projector. You can get a good 720p for <$1000. You can make the throw as large or small as you like and get a your ps3, 360, and receiver.

bigger is better imo, get the big un. I was dissapointed when I got mine because I could have gotten a 67 in at costco but the wife wasnt happy that they didnt offer an extended warranty :(

Piffel!!!!!!

you NEED at least 50" to game properly....I talk god and he agreed....so that settles it.:DLOL. :)

This is actually an excellent question and I'm glad to see it being asked here. I'd say that in a 12x12 room, the proposed 56" screen size would be quite adequate -- and that the surround sound is absolutely mandatory. The immersive audio is gonna add a lot more to the experience than the extra 5" diagonal.

Let us know what ya do, Joey.

add another vote for the 56 and getting better sound.

seems like a no brainer to me. the difference between 56 and 60 isn't that monumental. sure bigger is better, but it isn't like you are trying to decide between a 27 inch and a 60.

Take $350 to $400 and go to ShopOnkyo and get a refurbished HTIB in 5.1 to 7.1, that will be more than adequate for your 12x12 room and a high quality sound to boot.

Then take the rest and get your display.

Assuming you sit about 10 feet away a 56" display is plenty big.

When you shut off the lights your eyes wont be able to tell the difference between the 56" and the 65" screen anyhow....

I agree that a 5.1 surround sound system should not be overlooked when it comes to gaming. The excellent sound that 360 games provide really help immerse you in the gaming environment. Just take a look at a game like Bioshock which has some of the best sound-design I've ever seen in a game. I can't imagine playing that without a 5.1 sound system!

From my recent(last week) visit to BrandsMart I recall looking at the 56" and the 61" and saying "Im 17 years old and have been fortunate enough to have a father buy the 2 story home of my choosing...an alienware desktop(despite the overpriceness) The 2nd biggest bedroom (12x13 actually not including walk in closet)And now buying me a big screen 1080p tv to put IN THERE!...I need to be more grateful!" .

Its you people that make me so ungrateful!! nah im J/k! I will also be hooking my tv up to my alienware...61" might be alot different surfing the net compared to my NEC superbright Diamondtron 22" CRT.

I also recall when looking at the 56" compared to the 61" myself thinking "Ya know 56" really is just fine...I think" and I believe the only reason I am so unsure between bigger size and sound quality is because of AVSforum..Everyone here wants EVERYTHING it seems...SIZE and SOUND...3 grand tv...and a even more expensive home theater system.

Anyways I think I will go with the majority in this thread and go for a 56" with the Onkyo HTIB....I have never had surround sound...best I ever had was a 2.1 and 200 watt subwoofer that came with the alienware (which I blew out) so yeah...Thanks alot for all replies I really do appreciate it.

Any extra comments or thoughts please do tell.

NOTE: The reason why everything is being done in one pop is because my pops has this $2200 dollar budget and once he spends it hes done...and I can't get anymore out of him...so I am trying to respect his wishes and stay in that budget, but still be satisfied.

EDIT: dang he just bought me this new cell phone called a muziq! Oh wait...no he says im paying for it...oh well..why not.

Hell, I didn't see the room size listed. 12 x 12...really? I'd scale back even further on the size personally. 46 or 50" would be more than adequate giving you plenty of $$ for a more custom sound system than the basic HTiB.

Get the bigger tv. If its 1080p then you're set for the Blu-Ray/HD-DVD era. You can't really upgrade your set without replacing it whereas speakers and receivers offer a pretty easy upgrade path as your needs and means allow.

I previously owned a 60" HDTV which I replaced for 72". I watch it from 11-12 feet and I REALLY appreciate the extra 12" for games and movies, visual immersion is awesome! The TV sound is ok but the receiver is a lot better. So I would say go as big as you can, save some more money and buy that sound system as soon as you can.:)

56" and good stereo for me.

I'd go with the bigger TV and add the sound system later if that is an option.

You can put together a pretty good sound system for relatively cheap nowadays and you may regret not having purchased the bigger TV down the road (at least that's how I am - I ended up upgrading my 65" mitsu with a projector and will soon be replacing my 32" LCD with something that is >40").

Like others have said, speakers and receivers are much easier to upgrade than a TV, so keep that in mind

56 is plenty of TV for that room!! I have the 61 in my fam room and its 16x19, fits the room very well. Go 56 with the Onkyo!!!

Bigger isn't always better...it depends on how far you sit from the screen! If you sit closer the screen will look bigger. My 50" is way too big for my room because I sit too close to it.

Sound is fully 50% of the experience. Never undercut your sound.

56" or smaller for that room size, unless HD only.... if HD only then BIGGER!

OPTOMA HD70 $949 for an insane huge screen. Plenty of money left over for sound system.

I'll add a vote for the 56 plus the sound system. I bought a 46" for my office at the house (room is about 14X12) and have been very happy with it. I'm still using my 7 yr old AV reciever on occasion but I think that for some games especially (i.e. Bioshock) you really do get a more immersive experience when you add some nice sound

Wow you guys are really making this decision hard....

61" though only 5 more inches surprisingly did seem to make a big difference and was more immersive than the 56"(56' seemed so modest).....SEE I TOLD U ITS U AVS PEOPLE! haha.

You guys telling me how upgrading a tv is alot harder than upgrading a sound system is really getting to me!! making me wanna get the 61" and spend extra cash later! ON a home theater!!

DANGIT! This is going to be tough.

Some of the newer TVs have decent speakers. And you can always get a HTIB later on. But I would be worried about sitting too close to a 61" TV when playing games. Are you going to be sitting on the bed or across the room? A DLP is going to be at least 2 feet from the wall, leaving you only 10 feet for the rest of the room. I'm sitting 9" from my 61" DLP and think it is perfect, so if you are around that distance away you should be fine. Much closer and I would consider a smaller TV, IMHO.

I know some gamers who don't like playing on bigger sets. I play on a 46" at 9 feet and that is plenty for me. Some prefer even smaller.

If the set is exclusively for gaming, go with the smaller set and add a decent HTIB.

However, if this set may become something more, like your primary TV for watching sports/movies, etc., I would buy bigger now. You will regret it in a few years.

Daddy is plunking $2000 down on a TV for your bedroom? My God, where has this country gone......

:rolleyes:

Go with the smaller and get a proper surround system.

Do not go HTIB as you will be very limited by it later on. Do some research on avs or around the net and see what price you can build a decent setup for, you would probably be surprised. Also if you just buy a HTIB you will be replacing it much sooner, if you spend the money on decent speakers and a receiver, you will probably be good for a while. Worst case you may need to replace the receiver but the speakers should last you a while.

From my recent(last week) visit to BrandsMart I recall looking at the 56" and the 61" and saying "Im 17 years old and have been fortunate enough to have a father buy the 2 story home of my choosing...an alienware desktop(despite the overpriceness) The 2nd biggest bedroom (12x13 actually not including walk in closet)And now buying me a big screen 1080p tv to put IN THERE!...I need to be more grateful!" .

Its you people that make me so ungrateful!! nah im J/k! I will also be hooking my tv up to my alienware...61" might be alot different surfing the net compared to my NEC superbright Diamondtron 22" CRT.

I also recall when looking at the 56" compared to the 61" myself thinking "Ya know 56" really is just fine...I think" and I believe the only reason I am so unsure between bigger size and sound quality is because of AVSforum..Everyone here wants EVERYTHING it seems...SIZE and SOUND...3 grand tv...and a even more expensive home theater system.

Anyways I think I will go with the majority in this thread and go for a 56" with the Onkyo HTIB....I have never had surround sound...best I ever had was a 2.1 and 200 watt subwoofer that came with the alienware (which I blew out) so yeah...Thanks alot for all replies I really do appreciate it.

Any extra comments or thoughts please do tell.

NOTE: The reason why everything is being done in one pop is because my pops has this $2200 dollar budget and once he spends it hes done...and I can't get anymore out of him...so I am trying to respect his wishes and stay in that budget, but still be satisfied.

EDIT: dang he just bought me this new cell phone called a muziq! Oh wait...no he says im paying for it...oh well..why not.

So, is the divorce final yet?:D

Daddy is plunking $2000 down on a TV for your bedroom? My God, where has this country gone......

:rolleyes:
LOL! My kids get all the hand-me-downs. The oldest gets my stuff and the youngest gets his stuff. It's been working pretty good so far.
The oldest has a 25" Samsung 1080i CRT tube, Pio Elite DD/DTS receiver, Tosh A2 HD DVD and Athena 5.0 speaker system.
The youngest has a 20" Panny CRT, Pio Dolby Pro Logic receiver, Sony 5 disc DVD and Energy Take 5 speakers.
I have better equipment sitting around the house that I'm not currently using but I don't want them to get spoiled.:)

Listen. The 56 will seem huge in that room. I have a 46 inch sony grand wega about 8 feet from my couch, and it feels too close (Can't move my couch any farther away). I also have the onkyo SR-800S 7.1 system. It is only setup as 5.1, but it sounds great. Makes games way better, and movies are amazing. Sacrifice size and get the sound.....Keep in mind that you'll need speaker stands and new wiring (my sound setup finished out around $150 more than I had estimated).

Lastly, if you're buying anything at a store......never ever, ever, ever, ever pay the sticker price. Ask for 200-300 less, and a break on the warranty too. If they say no see what they counter with. If they don't hit as low as you'd like go elsewhere. Also, cruise forums and see what people have paid and from where. Print that out and bring it with you......they will match or beat the price.

I have to say for gaming, movies and sports events bigger is always better. But it really pays to have a nice sound system to accent what you're seeing. Bioshock on a 110" FP screen with a couple of thousand watts of sound pumped through a nice 7.1 speaker system is a revelation. My kids are more than happy to just sit in my HT and watch me play. They are just as scared as me!:)

Sound is 1/2 of the experience. A HTIB is the absolute minimum that you should be pairing with your display in order to even call it a home theater.

56" in a 12x12 room is plenty big. You will end up sitting 8-9 feet from the set.

An Onkyo HTIB is a pretty sufficient HTIB, it wont be a bare-bones alternative....they sound good, which is why they are pretty highly rated.

His problem is he's limited to a HTIB based on cost.....you can't have that kind of budget and expect to buy 36" Towers for mains, or a center channel with dual 8" drivers, dipole surrounds and so on......

Also, with the Onkyo receiver, he can upgrade his speaker package at some point in the future and still be left with a better receiver than he'd get buying a standalone Sony or Kenwood or some off-the-rack best Buy crap.

Another vote for 56" + surround.

56" is still a lot of real estate.

I thought I was in hog heaven when I was a kid (1988-ish) and bought my very own bedroom TV...a 19" Magnavox. It had a remote!!! Wireless!!!
Sucker still works too, it's in my exercise room.

Yeah, I remember piecing together my first HT system at 17....out of my own pocket. Somehow it meant more to me that way, but to each his own I guess.

Some of the newer TVs have decent speakers. And you can always get a HTIB later on. But I would be worried about sitting too close to a 61" TV when playing games. Are you going to be sitting on the bed or across the room? A DLP is going to be at least 2 feet from the wall, leaving you only 10 feet for the rest of the room. I'm sitting 9" from my 61" DLP and think it is perfect, so if you are around that distance away you should be fine. Much closer and I would consider a smaller TV, IMHO.

I will be sitting 8-9ft away from it. I have always wanted a THEATER experience in my home...a projector however is too big for my bedroom..and too big to surf the internet on in my case.

I know some gamers who don't like playing on bigger sets. I play on a 46" at 9 feet and that is plenty for me. Some prefer even smaller.

If the set is exclusively for gaming, go with the smaller set and add a decent HTIB.

However, if this set may become something more, like your primary TV for watching sports/movies, etc., I would buy bigger now. You will regret it in a few years.

I have a PS3 which will act as my Blu-ray player for watching movies which I definitely do a lot of. Planet Earth series on blu-ray will be my first blu-ray purchase! I watch the NBA playoffs and finals every year as well the NFL.

Go with the smaller and get a proper surround system.

Do not go HTIB as you will be very limited by it later on. Do some research on avs or around the net and see what price you can build a decent setup for, you would probably be surprised. Also if you just buy a HTIB you will be replacing it much sooner, if you spend the money on decent speakers and a receiver, you will probably be good for a while. Worst case you may need to replace the receiver but the speakers should last you a while.

I believe the onkyo HTS790 can be upgraded in certain areas.

Listen. The 56 will seem huge in that room. I have a 46 inch sony grand wega about 8 feet from my couch, and it feels too close (Can't move my couch any farther away). I also have the onkyo SR-800S 7.1 system. It is only setup as 5.1, but it sounds great. Makes games way better, and movies are amazing. Sacrifice size and get the sound.....Keep in mind that you'll need speaker stands and new wiring (my sound setup finished out around $150 more than I had estimated).

Lastly, if you're buying anything at a store......never ever, ever, ever, ever pay the sticker price. Ask for 200-300 less, and a break on the warranty too. If they say no see what they counter with. If they don't hit as low as you'd like go elsewhere. Also, cruise forums and see what people have paid and from where. Print that out and bring it with you......they will match or beat the price.

I mean its a 12x12 bedroom how long does it need to be...really all care about is decent quality and alot of bass(for my music and war movies like 300) and watnot.

And yeah don't worry I won't accept price tag.

I have to say for gaming, movies and sports events bigger is always better. But it really pays to have a nice sound system to accent what you're seeing. Bioshock on a 110" FP screen with a couple of thousand watts of sound pumped through a nice 7.1 speaker system is a revelation. My kids are more than happy to just sit in my HT and watch me play. They are just as scared as me!:)

I can imagine! GEEEZ.

Sound is 1/2 of the experience. A HTIB is the absolute minimum that you should be pairing with your display in order to even call it a home theater.

56" in a 12x12 room is plenty big. You will end up sitting 8-9 feet from the set.

Thats the more modest attitude! The attitude I wish I could display more often..but dang...Some say this some say that....and I feel this and I feel that...

An Onkyo HTIB is a pretty sufficient HTIB, it wont be a bare-bones alternative....they sound good, which is why they are pretty highly rated.

His problem is he's limited to a HTIB based on cost.....you can't have that kind of budget and expect to buy 36" Towers for mains, or a center channel with dual 8" drivers, dipole surrounds and so on......

Also, with the Onkyo receiver, he can upgrade his speaker package at some point in the future and still be left with a better receiver than he'd get buying a standalone Sony or Kenwood or some off-the-rack best Buy crap.

What he said.

Yeah, I remember piecing together my first HT system at 17....out of my own pocket. Somehow it meant more to me that way, but to each his own I guess.

Oh it does. I spent my own money on my 360 and my pS3 and all the extras...wireless adapters..extra controllers HDMi cables and so on...and I spent my mone on some other stuff too...I didnt know though that to see the best PQ on 360 or PS3 that you needed a hi-def TV. I had no money left at this point.

What I wanted to point out in my original post is THIS IMPORTANT FACT!

I have NEVER experienced a HDTV in my home...and I have NEVER Experienced a surround sound system PERIOD!

So all this about this sounds so much better and this sounds so much better is not really helping me so much because MY EARS WON'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE! HAHA!

So with that in mind...the problem here is that..

I don't know if 56" will satisfy me(wow that sounds so gay) or not because I havent had a tv that big in my room or any room in my house...I can only see it at stores...and I sat about 8 ft away from the 61" sammy dlp and it was GREAT!

I don't know if when and IF I turn on my onkyo HTs790 if I will be amazed or feel that you guys were right and that I need to build one of my own.

How about you go to a B&M store and ask for a demo in one of their HT rooms. Granted what they are going to demo is out of your price range but my thought is that you ask them to listen to something on a nice surround sound system and then ask them if they can play the same thing through the speakers of the TV (they may not be able to do this). This should give you a really good idea of what you would be missing without the sound system.

You've been at this for a while now huh?
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=834827

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=831157
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=807252
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=807970

~ $500 for a good HTIB (top to bottom...wires and all) is a great purchase. I'm not an audiophile, but i'm sooo happy I bought my surround sound system. Just use don't use the wires that HTIB's come with.....they are weak.

You've been at this for a while now huh?
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=834827

:D

Just use don't use the wires that HTIB's come with.....they are weak.

They'd probably be sufficient for a 17 yo's bedroom :)

Have you considered the effect this system will have on everyone else in the house? You'll be able to hear it outside your room you know? I wouldn't get too carried away at this point....an HTiB will probably get underused in your parents house once they've been kept awake for a few hours. Especially if you're on the 2nd floor....it'll sound like the house is falling from downstairs.

:D



I found 3 more.;)

Have you considered the effect this system will have on everyone else in the house? You'll be able to hear it outside your room you know? I wouldn't get too carried away at this point....an HTiB will probably get underused in your parents house once they've been kept awake for a few hours. Especially if you're on the 2nd floor....it'll sound like the house is falling from downstairs.
Maybe a killer set of surround sound headphones would be better served.

I'm also in the market for a relatively cheap HTIB and am leaning towards an Onkyo refurb 5.1 or 7.1. My question is: what is the process for getting 5.1 or 7.1 sound out of my 360? I'm talking start to finish here, as I have no real experience in this area.

I sit 7 feet away from my 56" set, and I feel it is too small.

If I was in your position and had the patience for heavy lifting, I'd get a CRT and spend the rest on a killer audio system.

I'm also in the market for a relatively cheap HTIB and am leaning towards an Onkyo refurb 5.1 or 7.1. My question is: what is the process for getting 5.1 or 7.1 sound out of my 360? I'm talking start to finish here, as I have no real experience in this area.
Make sure you get a HTIB where the receiver has at least one optical / toslink port. Then you just plug the two together and turn on Dolby Digital in the dashboard settings.

What ever happened to looking at the size of the room, viewing distance, and calculating what size a screen is best suited? That would decide that.

Either way, if I had to pick between a TV or a proper surround audio setup, it would be audio that would be my 1st priority.

What ever happened to looking at the size of the room, viewing distance, and calculating what size a screen is best suited?

You can do that, or you can just get the absolute biggest tv imaginable. I'd prefer to get a mammoth tv if I could, damn the charts!

To the OP: If it's a bedroom in your parents house then do them a favour. Buy the big ass 61" tv and get yourself a pair of really, really good headphones. Trust me, both you and your housemates will be very happy.

Make sure you get a HTIB where the receiver has at least one optical / toslink port. Then you just plug the two together and turn on Dolby Digital in the dashboard settings.

thanks for the info. currently I'm just hooked up to my tv via component. would I need a different sort of cable or would I just plug the audio left and right into the receiver? guess I'm still a little confused.

thanks for the info. currently I'm just hooked up to my tv via component. would I need a different sort of cable or would I just plug the audio left and right into the receiver? guess I'm still a little confused.
You can only get Dolby Digital via an optical or coaxial cable. In the case of the 360 you need a Toslink cable to get the Dolby Digital signal to your receiver. Your receiver has to be capable of decoding the signal however. You will need an HDTV cable for the 360 that outputs the optical signal along with the component video, which you may already have as you are outputting the component signal already. Look for a little black slot at the base of the cable for where the Toslink cable goes.

Toslink cables (http://www.monoprice.com/products/search.asp?spcDB=10229&spcWord=Audio+Cables+%2D+Optical+Toslink&keyword=Toslink)

XBox 360 HDTV cable (http://www.1sourcegaming.com/productdetails/1sgtsz-006.html)

You can only get Dolby Digital via an optical or coaxial cable. In the case of the 360 you need a Toslink cable to get the Dolby Digital signal to your receiver. Your receiver has to be capable of decoding the signal however. You will need an HDTV cable for the 360 that outputs the optical signal along with the component video, which you may already have as you are outputting the component signal already. Look for a little black slot at the base of the cable for where the Toslink cable goes.

Toslink cables (http://www.monoprice.com/products/search.asp?spcDB=10229&spcWord=Audio+Cables+%2D+Optical+Toslink&keyword=Toslink)

XBox 360 HDTV cable (http://www.1sourcegaming.com/productdetails/1sgtsz-006.html)

thanks. that answers my question. I guess I just need to purchase a toslink cable now. and purchase a home theater system

I will be sitting 8-9ft away from it. I have always wanted a THEATER experience in my home...a projector however is too big for my bedroom..and too big to surf the internet on in my case.

BULLCRAP!! :D

I sit 9ft away from my 92" screen (projector, of course) and it's AWESOME!

Check out this link: http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html

It will tell you how big your screen should be for your viewing distance. Bigger is almost always better. For EVERYTHING! I watch movies, surf the web, and play 360 games on my 92" screen and I love it! So does my wife! Our 32" TV sits in the basement, gathering dust, because we NEVER used it after getting the projector.

Sitting 9ft away, in a light controlled room? No brainer. Projector and 92" screen. You will never look back.

If you can't do a projector, get the biggest RPTV screen you can, use the TV speakers and save your pennies for a surround system. Humans are visual beings. The sound is vastly less important.

(That said, I have a $2500 Ascend 7.1 surround setup in my room)

BULLCRAP!! :D

I sit 9ft away from my 92" screen (projector, of course) and it's AWESOME!

Check out this link: http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html

It will tell you how big your screen should be for your viewing distance. Bigger is almost always better. For EVERYTHING! I watch movies, surf the web, and play 360 games on my 92" screen and I love it! So does my wife! Our 32" TV sits in the basement, gathering dust, because we NEVER used it after getting the projector.

Sitting 9ft away, in a light controlled room? No brainer. Projector and 92" screen. You will never look back.

If you can't do a projector, get the biggest RPTV screen you can, use the TV speakers and save your pennies for a surround system. Humans are visual beings. The sound is vastly less important.

(That said, I have a $2500 Ascend 7.1 surround setup in my room)

A big screen is great and I wish I had a bigger one as well. But, you should also factor in the decrease in picture quality that will happen the closer you sit to a very large screen. If everything you watch is 1080p then the problem is lessened. But the 360 is not rendered in 1080p. Neither are standard dvd's.

I think there is a happy medium that everyone should find for themselves. Personally, I would never sit too close to a screen if it meant a significant decrease in PQ. One should also consider that some people have difficulty gaming on a very large screen if they sit too close.

I'm sort of surprised nobody threw this out there...

How about the logitech-z5500's matched with the 61" dlp? They're not really on a par with the Onkyo HTIB's but at around 250 shipped, they'll be worlds better than the tv speakers. Of course, since you have a 360 and a ps3 you'd need to get an optical switch as they only have one optical input. Still, quite a bit cheaper than the onkyo htib.

However, I have to echo what others have said about the screen size. I bought a 32" hd crt tv (4x3), and thought "that will do for a while, i mean, it's 30 inches in widescreen mode, what more could i need?" Of course, a year later I get an itch for a new, larger screen, so I plop down 1500 for a 37" 1080p lcd. I regret the crt purchase, but not the lcd, even though the lcd won't be my main display much longer...

When I bought the lcd I had been shopping for 720p projectors, but decided against it because the resolution wouldn't be optimal as a main pc display. Right now I have everything running into my lcd, pc, cable, xbox360.

Recently, and I have no idea what spurred this, I got the upgrade itch again and purchased a projector. It will be here Tuesday. I advise you to consider going the projector route. You could set up a coffee table mount with the projector, and the xbox360 right next to it about 8' from the wall have a super bright, gorgeous 70" image.

The Acer that's getting rave reviews everywhere, can be found for 6 or 700 without looking too hard. You could order a fantastic screen for 4 or 500 more, and still have a thousand bucks to play with for audio. Better yet, build your own screen, for a fraction of that and have 1300 to play with for audio. The fluance system, a rocking subwoofer from svs or hsu, and a decent receiver could be had.

If you hang around these forums, trust me, you won't ever stop until you end up with a projector. It will also be a lot easier to move when you leave your parents house!

The Acer that's getting rave reviews everywhere, can be found for 6 or 700 without looking too hard. You could order a fantastic screen for 4 or 500 more, and still have a thousand bucks to play with for audio. Better yet, build your own screen, for a fraction of that and have 1300 to play with for audio. The fluance system, a rocking subwoofer from svs or hsu, and a decent receiver could be had.

If you hang around these forums, trust me, you won't ever stop until you end up with a projector. It will also be a lot easier to move when you leave your parents house!

which Acer is that?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=772016&page=7

Check out the images in the thread, about two thirds of the way down the page there are some images posted of Gears of War.

Now, it's probably impossible for Gears of War to look bad, and I'm sure the black levels aren't super. But for the cost of the projector, I'm sure it would be worth sacrificing!

Jay2 posted some screen shots projected on a brown wall from nine feet away. I think they look quite nice!

Well, I have been thinking(like I have been since forever) and I was wondering how good is the sound quality on these surround sound headphones you guys are talking about?

How do they compare to say a good home theater system?
How about for movies?

Because I am really gettin interested in the 360 Elite so I can have HDMI...because EVERYONE now is saying it makes such a big difference...and I like PQ better than sound quality.

Dang. everyone done talking? lol

Because I am really gettin interested in the 360 Elite so I can have HDMI...because EVERYONE now is saying it makes such a big difference...and I like PQ better than sound quality.

The truth of this statement depends on the display you wind up getting. If it's a 1080p display, you may notice a difference at the size you're talking about, but if it's a 720 display, don't spend the extra unless you need the larger hard drive. There's no magical difference between componenet/VGA and HDMI at 720p.

Well, I have been thinking(like I have been since forever) and I was wondering how good is the sound quality on these surround sound headphones you guys are talking about?
Headphones for gaming can be ok, but IMO it ruins the audio experience for movies. I use a full-blown audio system for all gaming and movies. Nothing else would ever satisfy me again.

Because I am really gettin interested in the 360 Elite so I can have HDMI...because EVERYONE now is saying it makes such a big difference...and I like PQ better than sound quality.

I use component output at 720p from the Xbox360 onto a 92" projector screen that I sit 9' from. My projector is an old Z2 720p lcd projector. This setup is quite awesome compared to most smaller rear-projector setups. Is HDMI $350 better? no. But if you can swap for nearly nothing....

Secondly, size adds immersiveness. Bigger is better for being "in the game". Anyone telling you that "sitting too close is bad" probably plays on a rear projection TV, or on a direct view. People that play on a front projector will tell you that sitting closer is better. You will want to sit as close as you can where the edge of the screen just starts to disappear. For me, this is a little farther from the screen than the diagonal (92" vs 108"). So I think a projector setup would be perfect in your 12' room.


Projectors are cheaper
That leaves more money for the audio system
Cheap 720p projectors look incredible, better than most <60" tele's
A projector takes up zero floor space. Put the projector on a shelf on the wall, the image is on the opposite wall.
Because the image is on the wall, you can sit 12 feet away in a 12 foot wide room. :rolleyes:
More money for the audio system means a much better movie watching and gaming experience
You can get quality 720p projectors for under $1000. You can get cheaper ones that are still very nice for even less.
With a $2200 budget, I would far prefer having a $800+ 720p projector with $1400 audio system using great ID speakers and receiver than having a $1500 1080p tv with a $700 HTIB audio setup.

Except that this guy is clearly in a bedroom, and cranking up the sound in a 12x12 room is easily handled by a HTIB so why buy what he wont be able to use?

And if you say "well someday when he moves out.."...yeah, then he can get the latest and greatest.

I also disagree with you that bigger is better for gaming...at some point craining your neck around becomes an annoying chore and seeing the pixel structure of a 720p display becames annoying.

The size of a room has nothing to do with it sounds good, it only affects how loudly you play. And I will even argue from experience that quality audio components in a small room sound better at the same too-loud volume than inferior components. HTIB sounds inferior in all configurations to $1400 of well selected components. In a 12' x 12' room, an untrained ear will hear a very large improvement. There is nothing wrong with HTIB setups. They can sound good for the price. But if you have $1400, I think it is much better spent on well selected components.

The only question then becomes which is better, 1080p 56" + HTIB or 720p projector + quality audio system?

Also as a side note, it matters not the size of the room to determine the appropriate size of the screen. The determining factor in optimal screen size if how far away from the screen you will sit. Sitting 9' away can support a screen much larger than 56". A 12' room can let you sit 11' or so away, depending on the thickness of your cushions.

TIB sounds inferior in all configurations to $1400 of well selected components. In a 12' x 12' room, an untrained ear will hear a very large improvement. There is nothing wrong with HTIB setups. They can sound good for the price. But if you have $1400, I think it is much better spent on well selected components.

Think you've missed my point: He's in a bedroom....he puts any speakers at 70db and his parents will be breaking down his door to throttle him :) Cheap or expensive.


The only question then becomes which is better, 1080p 56" + HTIB or 720p projector + quality audio system?


The problem is "better"...what is better for you is not better for someone else. Example..projector...does he have light control in the room? What about mounting options? At 12' how big of a screen can he go where he wont be in the light-path. How tall are his ceilings? Is he prepared to eat the cost of replacement bulbs at $300+ each......?? If he buys an LCD is he prepared for maintenance. is he prepared to run cables to the projector, etc.
Can he handle the fluctuations in brightness that can happen with a PJ as its bulb ages.....and so on and so on. 12' is not alot of space for a PJ. Does he know he can't turn a PJ on and off like a TV if you want to get bulb life out of it....hell I turn my CRT set on and off a dozen times or more in an afternoon.....etc.

And at 720p you need to take into account screendoor, even with a DLP, or are you assuming he can sit all the way back in his room...or does he shrink down the size until, well, he may as well have a big flat panel unit.


Also as a side note, it matters not the size of the room to determine the appropriate size of the screen. The determining factor in optimal screen size if how far away from the screen you will sit. Sitting 9' away can support a screen much larger than 56". A 12' room can let you sit 11' or so away, depending on the thickness of your cushions.

You again assume a 12' room allows him to sit on the back wall. You need to ask more questions before you go suggesting ideas that may not work out for him in the end.

He'll also likely need a screen...I mean why get a PJ, some decent audio equipment, and then project on a bare wall which will dull the PJ's output...

PJ's aren't for everyone....they may be an option for him, but they might also not be.

I'd suggest getting the smaller TV and a decent surround sound system. Most games on either the Xbox360 or PS3 don't use enough AA to hide the jaggies. And blown up on a 61 inch screen that you're sitting fairly close to is going to make them even more obvious. I have a 50 inch LCD and I sit about 12 feet back because I have 20/20 vision and sitting any closer ruins the experience for me since I'm seeing all sorts of low-resolution textures, shimmering, and jaggies on some games. Sitting a little further back makes everything look smooth and damn near perfect since I'm too far back to see all that stuff. Just something to consider. Although sometimes I do think about getting a bigger TV, which I eventually will.

I like a good debate on an interesting topic, thanks. :)

Think you've missed my point: He's in a bedroom....he puts any speakers at 70db and his parents will be breaking down his door to throttle him :) Cheap or expensive.

I agree with the idea that he will not likely play the system loudly. But I would greatly miss having better sounding speakers at any volume. It could be that the OP would appreciate the better sound less than I. If he has any opportunity to hear nice speakers (go to tweeter, or magnolia in Best Buy, or a dedicated audio store) he could get an idea of what he would be missing instead of assuming it is not important. In my experience, visitors to my home have been more impressed by the audio when showing off my home theater than by the video.

does he have light control in the room? The other linked-to threads show a room with no more than one window. Light control should be easy!

What about mounting options? As I suggested, a shelf on the opposite wall would be perfect. That might look funny in a living room, but a shelf in a bedroom is common place.

At 12' how big of a screen can he go where he wont be in the light-path. With a projector mounted about 7' up, the screen top at around 6' up, and using a 70" - 105" screen, anyone seated will be no where near in the way. Even with lower mounts, most seated positions would still be fine. But I do understand the point that some may want to be up and about while they play (nintendo Wii comes to mind!). A projector would not be good for Wii usage due to this. :rolleyes:

How tall are his ceilings? Should not matter with a shelf-type projector mount.

Is he prepared to eat the cost of replacement bulbs at $300+ each......?? This is the exact same concern with a LCD or DLP type rear projection TV as he mentioned in his original post. Those use bulbs that last exactly the same as a front projector. If he had been comparing to direct-view LCD or Plasma, then that would certainly be a difference. But there is no way for him to get a 56+" direct view in the price range he is limited to.

is he prepared to run cables to the projector, etc. Minor concern, since he can put the equipment near the projector. But I concede that he would need to plan. I feel for any TV + audio system setup, planning makes it work better.

Can he handle the fluctuations in brightness that can happen with a PJ as its bulb ages.....and so on and so on. DLP and LCD rear projection TVs are identical in this concern.

12' is not alot of space for a PJ. It is every bit as much room as is needed for a fairly large screen! I browsed through many models of projectors and found none that 12' was too short a throw for a 90+" screen. There quite possibly are a few that would require a larger throw, but I did not find them. And the projector unit itself is very small, much smaller and less space consuming than a rear-projection TV. I would claim that a 12' room is better suited to a projector due to space concerns instead of worse. ;)

Does he know he can't turn a PJ on and off like a TV if you want to get bulb life out of it....hell I turn my CRT set on and off a dozen times or more in an afternoon.....etc. All the various bulb-based solutions should not be turned on and off repeatably. This includes the rear-projection DLP the OP mentioned.

And at 720p you need to take into account screendoor, even with a DLP, or are you assuming he can sit all the way back in his room...or does he shrink down the size until, well, he may as well have a big flat panel unit.
Good point. It all depends on the quality of projector, and how far in his room he can sit as to the noticability of the screendoor effect. I assume he would want to sit in the 9'-12' range, no matter what TV he purchases.

You again assume a 12' room allows him to sit on the back wall. You need to ask more questions before you go suggesting ideas that may not work out for him in the end. He seems to be a think-before-you-buy type, based on his planning this purchase by asking questions over the last few months from opinionated experts on this forum. :p So I figure we should make suggestions, and he will ask additional questions to fill in the holes in his knowledge.

He'll also likely need a screen. Screens are optional, and there are some very good DIY solutions in the appropriate section on AVS. I like having a very good screen, but the better DIY screens are almost as good and can be sized to be exactly what you need for only $50-$100. In the mean-time, projecting on the white walls in his room will be acceptable.

Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to keep everything easy to read and in order.

I really appreciate your comments, but I could never surf my internet on a projector as big as 70 inches or more...61" is a stretch for me as it is. I also understand your viewpoint on sound being more important than screen size...

Seriously though...I mentioned before that I have never experienced a Home theater system so I wouldnt be able to tell a difference between a $1400 dollar pieced together Home theater and a HTIB since I dont know what the $1400 dollar one sounds like....and we already established that a HTIB from onkyo is good value.

So now(which is crazy) some of you are suggesting I have BB or CC let me demo a pieced together Home Theater!! SO MY EARS CAN HEAR THE DIFFERENCE and therefore HAVE ME SPEND MORE MONEY! WTF!? hahahahaha

If I were to take all of you guys most radical ideas it will leave me with...

Super Nice surround sound headphones for gaming
A 61-105" Screen HD
A $1400 Home theater
And the 360 Elite upgrade from my premium

Yeah....uhh no. haha

This is so hard...Now knowing whether 56" will levae me with regret...or if 61" will have me wishing for a Home theater.

Real simple:

Where do you want your system to end up in the longer term? Do you want high quality video and sound or just something workable for gaming and general 'good enough'?

You will not get both on your budget and many HTIB solutions make for lousy upgrade platforms and require junking the whole thing or at least the receiver/fronts/center/sub and then later the rears on the way to a good 5.1 solution (you need a good amp to drive good speakers).

So I'd say:

1) if this is just for piecemeal gaming and you aren't really interested in having high quality audio in your setup - go with the HTIB solution (some of the better ones were suggested above but also get other opinions and look for specials, don't be afraid to wait a bit). I know some people will tell you that these systems are great but largely, you get what you pay for and a even spending $1000 on the used market will net you vastly superior sound and equipment. Ask around, outside the gaming forums audio is taken a whole lot more seriously and people aren't tossing in cheapy solutions for a "must have 5.1 experience". I'll also note that this wasn't the case in the gaming forums a few years ago and we've picked up many members who aren't actually into home theater much beyond gaming.

2) If you want to eventually wind up with a good sound setup and use HTIB as a bandaid that you don't mind junking or have other use for, go for it.

3) If you want to wind up with a good sound setup and don't want to waste money, get whatever display you want now, understand that you'll need to save and assemble the sound package over time. A cheap way to go is used. A good deal via ebay or audiogon on an older high end receiver can net you a 5.1 unit that sold for $1500 new for around $250 (most people don't have the room setup for a 7.1 but that's an option too). You won't have HDMI video switching (do it from your display and calibrate each input which is actually a far better solution for quality) and you won't have decoding for the new audio from BR/HD-DVD (use the analog inputs and decode at the player level) but you'll have a rock solid base that produces high quality sound and can later be upgraded again should you want to do the decoding on board (it's like buying a used Ferrari, it still outruns everything on the road, you just don't take the hit at retail). From there buy good left and right channels (either mid/large towers but if you go smaller at this point, you will need a sub at the same point in time - of note, don't be a moron like many and spend $1K on a sub for a $1K audio system, the center and fronts are far more important). Maybe you can even wind up with the amp/fronts in the near term to give you decent 2 channel sound and then gradually add the rest. Used for speakers work well too, lots of people swapping out audio on this forum and others right now. The advantage here is that you can build at your own rate, spend maybe a total of $1500 over time and get $4-5K in new sound quality - plus with quality all around and especially a quality receiver/amp you can build off it and swap whatever you want when you want. Don't be fooled into thinking that this year's speakers are significantly better than last's or those from 5 years ago (same is the case for amps/power), we've been at the audio game a long time and largely it's marketing with very little real innovation other than at the extreme end of the spectrum (and you aren't shopping there). Largely, it comes down to preference more than anything else. Audio is an investment and it lasts for a long time - at the low end, spending a bit more can net you far far better sound. If that's important to you, treat it as such. If not, get whatever you want.

EDIT -

I guess I didn't see that this was a multi-page thread. I would go and get some experience with sound. Find a home audio or theater store in your area and go and listen. It can literally be night and day. I actually heard a fabulous pair of small B&W's that blew me away a month ago (very dangerous to go into these stores just to look around). They were playing jazz and the horns, which I'm a huge fan of, were so smooth and detailed. It's like driving a 30 year old beater that burns oil and misfires - it's great until you sit down in a Lexus (and pretty decent audio isn't that much more expensive so check it out),

Seriously though...I mentioned before that I have never experienced a Home theater system so I wouldnt be able to tell a difference between a $1400 dollar pieced together Home theater and a HTIB since I dont know what the $1400 dollar one sounds like....and we already established that a HTIB from onkyo is good value.

...

This is so hard...Now knowing whether 56" will levae me with regret...or if 61" will have me wishing for a Home theater.

From skimming over this thread one thing seems to stand out regarding the sound system and TV. It is looking like you may (or may not) experience what is called Buyer's Remorse. Buying your cheap HTIB to get your 61" TV you may wish you got the 56" TV and a better sound system. Hope you enjoy whatever path you take.

Personally I won't touch a rear projection TV again. My Sony LCD Rear Projection felt like an anchor pulling down the enjoyment of the rest of my home theater setup (the poor viewing angles suck). I got a 58" plasma and will never ever purchase a rear projection technology again.

Guy, you have to figure that the tv will be at least 2ft from the wall. Then your sofa or bed will be at least 1ft from the wall. So that means you'll be about 9ft from the screen. At that distance I personally wouldn't get a tv any larger than 57in. Then you can get your HTIB and upgrade the sound later with a 200 dollar suround sound processor and speakers.

The Onkyo HTIB's are surprisingly good. The speakers can be replaced as budget allows and you get a well-designed Onkyo Receiver in the box that can drive new speakers. We aren't talking Audiovox here.

It will suit his purpose just fine..I've got an Onkyo 5.1 for gaming and love it.....its not as good as my other 5.1 which cost about 8x as much, but I dont expect it to be....I've listened to MP3's on the 5.1 setup and they sound fine.

Yes, the OP can go shop used for receivers and speakers......we hadn't discussed that part yet.......I'd recommend Paradigms if you can find them used, or perhaps some Axioms as I've heard they review ok, but I'd look into it.

But, is he going to find a SVS sub for $150? I'm guessing...not...nor a Hsu...

Ok guys check this out! I am going to use my tv for a monitor for my PC, my PS3, and 360. And I am hoping for ALL devices to have one sound source.

We have already established that a HTIB is inferior to a pieced together set. So with that in mind. I was thinking...

Why don't I just get a simple 2.1 system pieced together for now that I can upgrade later?

Two front speakers, receiver, and subwoofer right?

Suggestions?

If you are only going to go with 2.1, you may as well just use the TV speakers.

Let me edit this:

For $500 you can get a high quality, good sounding Onkyo HTIB. The speakers are the weak link in that chain, but you wont know that, the Onkyo receiver in the HTIB setup is decent enough, and in the end the setup will sound quite good...this will include a powered sub, too. It'll sound amazing to you.

If you go used, you can get a good receiver for a lower cost (people are always upgrading to get new features), but good receivers with modern functions dont depreciate much in value...and good speakers barely depreciate at all, unless they are really banged up, so its not as easy to find good deals on used components if they are high quality.

If I were in your situation I'd do this: Buy an Onkyo HTIB refurb or online, spend minimum dollars. You'll get 5.1 (or 6.1 or 7.1) DD/DTS Prologic IIx sound and be like "oh my god my ears are on fire with joy!" :D

Spend no more than $300 or so...it can be done (I got a full Onkyo 5.1 setup for $150 shipped refurb).
Then, start saving for higher quality speakers. You can keep using that Onkyo receiver, nothing wrong with them......but the speakers will make the difference. And speakers aren't cheap. Your sub will start around $500 and go up from there, and you dont find many deals on used good quality subs.

But thats my personal IMHO........Sony HTIB....etc..all junk, rubbish, terrible sound. Onkyo breaks that mold and actually makes a good sounding HTIB setup. The weak link are tiny speakers...you need bigger speakers with bigger drivers for rich sound.....but thats something you can grow into as your needs and desires change.

I personally wouldn't recommend you buy garbage, at any price, and thats why I say stick with Onkyo or Yamaha for HTIB setups...some say Panasonic makes a good HTIB but I have yet to hear any of them, and I dont know if a panasonic low-end receiver would be up to the challenge of driving better quality speakers, since thats likely the first thing you'd replace.

My .02 cents..and now I'm repeating myself so I'll shut up :) I know others have differeing opinions, so you really just need to go and listen for yourself. Buying a receiver and speakers is a HUGELY personal choice. I went to the audio place near me (not a big-box store) and listened to the same music on a dozen different speaker setups on half a dozen receivers and every single combination sounded different. Thats just the way it is with audio.

I would go even smaller and put a little more in the budget for sound as well... until everything is 1080p which will be "next generation" the jaggies will detract from the experience at 9 ft away anyways. Sound has become the red headed step child because of its evolutionary development compared to the visual side's revolutionary changes year to year. In other words, money spent well in sound will last you longer then your TV anyways, I am on my third display but I still have my original 5.1 (although I did upgrade my sub).

The Onkyo HTIB isn't bad but I still feel you can do better spreading your cash around with different manufactures, especially some of the online only retailers like HSU and Outlaw. The Elite or new HDMI premium might be an EXCELLENT option for you if you don't already have an upscaling DVD player as well.

I agree wholeheartedly with HeadRusch.

I think Joey is too new to all this to even appreciate blowing wads of cash on audio.

It's like buying your first house, the "starter house"...after you live there for a while, you know what you really want in your next one. Go with an Onkyo system, develop your "ear", save your pennies...and when you can really tell the difference, as subtle as it may be...you'll know it's time to upgrade.

IMO since you are going to be playing movies on your setup as well as gaming, a 5.1 system is necessary. I think a good 5.1 HTIB is better than any similarly priced two-speaker setup.

The size of a room has nothing to do with it sounds good, it only affects how loudly you play.

That's not really true in general (absorption/reflection/reverb), but for gaming... I guess it can slide :D

competent 2.1 > inept 5.1

Athena Bookshelves - $100/pair on closeout
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATASB1%2E2

Athena 10" sub - $200
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATASP4100B

Onkyo 5.1 receiver - $100
http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=TX-SR304&modelid=45&group_id=1&detail=1&ext_war=0

That's $400. Add another pair of bookshelves for $100 and a center channel for $87.50 (http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1ATASC1%2E2) and you'd have a complete 5.1 system for $587.50 that would absolutely DESTROY any HTIB close to that price.

competent 2.1 > inept 5.1

Athena Bookshelves - $100/pair on closeout
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATASB1%2E2

Athena 10" sub - $200
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATASP4100B

Onkyo 5.1 receiver - $100
http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=TX-SR304&modelid=45&group_id=1&detail=1&ext_war=0

That's $400. Add another pair of bookshelves for $100 and a center channel for $87.50 (http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1ATASC1%2E2) and you'd have a complete 5.1 system for $587.50 that would absolutely DESTROY any HTIB close to that price.

Would this sound better than those high-end HTIb that go for like $1000 and up aswell?

Anyway I think since a HTIB is generally a weaker package...and piecing together a set is far better of a choice that I most likely will get this setup here.

Arent Athenas like extremely good speakers? I hear alot about them...like that they are the best out there or something.

Also are those used? or are they new? good prices.

My other option will be to get the Onkyo HTIB and possibly upgrade later depending on my buyer's remorse...or whatever.

This ofcourse all depends on how good of a deal I get on my HDTV and stand..and I will also get a warranty on the tv. The guy told me $1698 for the 61". We never discuss tax...the stand...or warranty so we shall see.

This ofcourse all depends on how good of a deal I get on my HDTV and stand..and I will also get a warranty on the tv. The guy told me $1698 for the 61". We never discuss tax...the stand...or warranty so we shall see.

Based on recent purchases by coworkers and friends, giving you the TV stand for free, or at a much reduced price, is a common concession when buying a $1000+ TV. Also, be sure to search for specials on TVs on the internet, as many times there is a deal on a very particular model that makes it worth the while.

That's not really true in general (absorption/reflection/reverb), but for gaming... I guess it can slide :D

I agree, I was more thinking in terms of gaming, and within a very limited budget. I find myself stating things too strongly recently. :o

I originally came from the car audio SQL world, where the listening space is as bad as is possible to have. You can do amazing things with enough money, design, and installation skill in a *very* small space. So I tend to the idea that better speakers and amplification are more important than a better listening space, and that room problems are easier to mitigate than equipment deficiencies. Had I started in home audio, my viewpoint might be reversed.

My god....Im really late to this thread, but a 61" TV in a 12x12 room? I hope the OP doesnt go this route. A 12X12 room can maybe handle a 42" wall mount, but I wouldnt go any bigger than that. I just bought a 42" plasma for a 14x12 master bedroom and its almost too much. Optimal viewing distance for a 50"+ TV is at least 10 feet, and with TV stand and sitting, you arent gonna be sitting that far. I dont know how some of you think it looks good having 90+" projection screens in tiny rooms....unless you are dedicating a room as a true theater with proper seating/distances.

I without a doubt would say go with a 42" TV and save some money, and get either a nice HTIB and/or piece together some cheaper components. Don't listen to the folks telling you the HTIB is "weaker". For a 12x12 room there are plenty of good HTIB in the ~$500 range that will blow you away in a room that size. I had a Panasonic, $300 HTIB that more than satisfied my needs in a 12X17 living room until I unloaded on a $3000+ Klipsch Reference and new receiver setup. Sure the nice system sounds better, but for what you are looking for, not worth the money.

Why are you so stuck on getting the rip-off warranty? Just use a major credit card and you'll get an extra year minimum on top of the manufacturers warranty. I sort of want my electronics to break after a few years so that I have a reason to upgrade :). So far I have yet to kick myself for not getting an extended warranty, usually just to opposite. YMMV.

Optimal viewing distance for a 50"+ TV is at least 10 feet, and with TV stand and sitting, you arent gonna be sitting that far.

not sure where youre getting this info, but this is totally false..depending on the TV and the resolution you could take yourself up as close as 6 or 6.5'..i sit 8' away from a 50" 768p set and its perfect...im upgrading to a 1080p 60" next week, at the same distance...

http://s3.amazonaws.com/carltonbale.com/distance_chart.png

oh and to answer the OP you NEED some surround in your life. you have no idea how badly until youre playing halo and you hear some bad guy behind you....or nhl 08 and your players calling for a line change from the "bench"

I wouldn't get an extended warranty on a TV unless it was a projection that used a bulb......a flatpanel? Those are likely to either be broken when you first turn em on, or live probably forever....maybe over time the occasional pixel will die, but by that time you'll be out of warranty anyhow.

RE: The Athenas...they are good speakers. If you dont mind small speakers.

I don't care what anyone says, small speakers dont sound as full or rich as larger speakers with larger (6-10") drivers.....larger speakers just move more air and wind up presenting a much fuller soundstage, at least in my experience, and I'll say right now I'm not a huge audiophile. If I had to buy a 5.1 setup with bookshelves, I'd just go with the HTIB speakers and save my pennies for larger speakers down the line.

Unlike cars, with speakers I find there is truly no replacement for displacement :D

But...again, you gotta listen with your own ears dude...

I think, in the end, you wont be disappointed with any of the options you've been presented with. You're now running into peoples bias for one technology or another (I'm surprised nobodys started the GET A PLASMA, LCD'S SUCK! arguement yet!) so you should probably either get out to the stores to look/listen for yourself at this point.

With your budget, this system is a steal:
http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=HT-S790&modelid=116&group_id=1&detail=1&ext_war=1


Don't need 7.1 or the other receiver options? An even better deal:
http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=HT-SR600&modelid=126&group_id=1&detail=1&ext_war=1

not sure where youre getting this info, but this is totally false..depending on the TV and the resolution you could take yourself up as close as 6 or 6.5'..i sit 8' away from a 50" 768p set and its perfect...im upgrading to a 1080p 60" next week, at the same distance...

http://s3.amazonaws.com/carltonbale.com/distance_chart.png

oh and to answer the OP you NEED some surround in your life. you have no idea how badly until youre playing halo and you hear some bad guy behind you....or nhl 08 and your players calling for a line change from the "bench"

Actually its not "totally false". Before we get into a p!ssing contest we need to realize that viewing distances are VERY subjective and there are many different "standards" that are published. Go out and google it and you'll find articles from various home theater sources that range anywhere from 5 feet to 15 feet for 42 inch TV's. It all comes into play, TV resolution, viewing angles, field of view, etc.

I personally prefer to sit further....but to each his own. Im at about 11-12 feet for a 50" set....but admittedly I can tolerate 7-8 feet if the source is good.

I don't care what anyone says, small speakers dont sound as full or rich as larger speakers with larger (6-10") drivers.....larger speakers just move more air and wind up presenting a much fuller soundstage, at least in my experience, and I'll say right now I'm not a huge audiophile. If I had to buy a 5.1 setup with bookshelves, I'd just go with the HTIB speakers and save my pennies for larger speakers down the line.

True to an extent, but smaller speakers are much easier to place precisely in your room. I started out my dedicated room with a set of higher end Polk floor standing speakers, and yes they sounded good, but they were too close to the ground, especially with a raised 2nd row of seating. It always seemed that the sweet spot was about a foot lower than my head. This was paired with a a so-so subwoofer.

I got rid of those and got a pair of nice Polk bookshelf models and put them on higher stands to raise the tweeters, and got an SVS. Difference is night and day better than it ever was. The smaller speakers (that I have anyway) handle the mids and highs so much better than the mammoth units I used to have, and the sub handles the rest. You've got to pair your equipment to your room for the best sound.

I do agree here though that a decent HTiB is the best route in this case. At 17 or 18, I know I hadn't really developed my ear enough to know what I wanted to drop big money on. I was in a similar boat...using a spare bedroom in my parents house. Although HTiB's were far in the future, I pieced together a system at using inexpensive parts and learned what I liked and didn't like from there.

The OP has plenty of time to figure out what he likes and to build a system that suites his tastes as he figures them out.

Well I just got done playing COD4 MP Beta. Which I am pretty good at so far. I noticed some really cool things!!! THE GAME IS ALMOST MADE FOR A SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM!

I was upstairs in a building....I heard footsteps, but had no idea where they were coming from...

I kept turning around and getting confused....for there were footsteps to be heard everywhere...

So my only option was to wait till someone actually did come up the steps..with facing the two holes in the walls upstairs...

Yes I did neutralize the enemy when I saw him...but I could have got more kills had I not been worried about from where the enemy would enter...thats when i realized!!!

I cannot afford a pieced-together home theater system!
I cannot afford to buy a HTIB and buy upgraded speakers at the same time!
AND 2.1 IS NOT THE WAY TO GO FOR ME! I WANT TO KNOW WHERE MY ENEMIES ARE NOW!

I think the onkyo HTIB will be my final decision in the end! I want a big screen so I can be absorbed in the game...like I am actually there...COD4 is very realistic in terms of gameplay,design, and of course graphics! So I need a HDTV and sound system that can take FULL ADVANTAGE of this SICK game's features And its even been stated in a review that if you have surround sound you can HEAR THE PEOPLE walking in the streets and what not.

The 2.1 option for about 500 bucks that the guy showed me with the athena pictures was awesome...and I was really going for it, but now playing COD4 and thinking about when is the next time I will have money to add new speakers....and how long people will be sneaking up behind me until I have surround sound is a bad thought.

Its already been stated a million times that the Onkyo HTIB can be upgraded too.

My only other question for you guys is this...check this link out...shows pictures of my bedroom and where I want the tv to go. As you can see in the pictures my bed takes up a nice bit of room....and dont worry about the dresser it wont stay in that spot..it will go in place of my alienware's desk...the desk will be sold or thrown away since the alienware will hook up to my HDTV...As for the bed I will most likely be replacing it with a Daybed that will be placed DIRECTLY IN FRONT of my HDTV. Therefore perfect 8-9FT Viewing Angle based on my measurements.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=834827%3Cbr%20/%3E

The subwoofer will be on the ground behind my Daybed, but where shall I put the speakers for optimum sound quality?

You're going to have a hard time getting the best sound using that short wall for your front stage. I see that's where your coax hookup is, but as far as your sound goes, I'd suggest using the wall with the windows as your front stage. Get you some blackout shades, or simply build you a light wood frame to fit the window opening and staple black plastic to it. Move your blinds out a bit and put the blackout frame behind the blinds. Unless your room is on the front of the house, then you might want to go for a more finished look with a retail product.

Anyway, with as large a TV as you're looking to get, I'd use one of the long walls for the TV so you can get some separation between your display and the front channels. The surrounds would have to be somewhat rigged unless you have access to the attic to run wires and can suspend your surrounds from the ceiling.

If you have to use that short wall, you're hugely limited on how you place your front channels with the walkway into the room. What is that short wall....6 or 8 feet? Most of that is going to be TV and your speakers will wind up a foot from your display on both sides. Not optimal at all. Too, if you have to center your whole system on that one wall, it's going to throw the balance off with all that dead space to the right.

But I guess you have to use what you have. Still, I'd use one of the long walls as my front stage and arrange my furniture around that.

I don't care what anyone says, small speakers dont sound as full or rich as larger speakers with larger (6-10") drivers.....larger speakers just move more air and wind up presenting a much fuller soundstage, at least in my experience, and I'll say right now I'm not a huge audiophile. If I had to buy a 5.1 setup with bookshelves, I'd just go with the HTIB speakers and save my pennies for larger speakers down the line.

There are very few bookshelves that have 6" or bigger drivers. Most are 5.25". So, you're pretty much ruling everything out except for floorstanders. I like floorstanders as much as the next guy, but for HT and Gaming (i.e., 5.1 sources), bookshelves w/ a sub, properly crossed over and amplified, are just as impressive.

I'm with you on 2 channel stuff if you're a big stereo (i.e., cd-audio) guy, but for 5.1 gaming, nah, bookshelves FTW.

The 2.1 option for about 500 bucks that the guy showed me with the athena pictures was awesome...

The 2.1 was $400.

There are very few bookshelves that have 6" or bigger drivers. Most are 5.25". So, you're pretty much ruling everything out except for floorstanders. I like floorstanders as much as the next guy, but for HT and Gaming (i.e., 5.1 sources), bookshelves w/ a sub, properly crossed over and amplified, are just as impressive.


For gaming, maybe...for Movies, you gotta go big. Towers up front and a properly matched Center. For rears, whatever you want is cool...... :)

For gaming, maybe...for Movies, you gotta go big. Towers up front and a properly matched Center. For rears, whatever you want is cool...... :)

Towers are so 90's

Yeah Headrusch, the wall is 8 ft. I dunno yo....I thought it was gonna be ok having them on both sides of teh tv....guess not.

Towers are so 90's

That's cool, I'm not so impressed with the 2000's so far. I'll hang back and wait. ;)

I'm just way too into music. I like having the whole home theater setup but largely I find it a small value add compared to good two channel performance. At times I think I could almost do without the rest (sacrilege I know).

That said, I've had some unbelievable moments in games thanks to surround. One time a friend and I were headed up a snow slope in Halo. I had a feeling and asked him twice if there was anything behind us. Finally on instinct I just spun around switching to the rocket launcher only to immediately blow a plane out of the sky that was almost on top of us. After it crashed I realized the low ambient sound that was now gone was actually the plane swooping down on us from behind. We both thought that was pretty cool.

To the OP, if the Onkyo HTIB receiver can drive somewhat decent speakers it's probably the way to go if you want to pull the trigger now and you aren't interested in buying used and piecing together a system. Later on, if you want to build up your system you can start swapping pieces out over time. That said, don't assume the Onkyo will adequately drive any and all speakers because that's what you've been told. Many speakers require more power to sound good or anywhere near their best - but those tend to be higher end and more than a couple steps up from where you are likely shopping. So keep in mind that there are no absolutes and to a large degree you do get what you pay for (not that the Onkyo HTIB isn't a good deal).

That's cool, I'm not so impressed with the 2000's so far. I'll hang back and wait. ;)

I'm just way too into music. I like having the whole home theater setup but largely I find it a small value add compared to good two channel performance. At times I think I could almost do without the rest (sacrilege I know).

That said, I've had some unbelievable moments in games thanks to surround. One time a friend and I were headed up a snow slope in Halo. I had a feeling and asked him twice if there was anything behind us. Finally on instinct I just spun around switching to the rocket launcher only to immediately blow a plane out of the sky that was almost on top of us. After it crashed I realized the low ambient sound that was now gone was actually the plane swooping down on us from behind. We both thought that was pretty cool.

To the OP, if the Onkyo HTIB receiver can drive somewhat decent speakers it's probably the way to go if you want to pull the trigger now and you aren't interested in buying used and piecing together a system. Later on, if you want to build up your system you can start swapping pieces out over time. That said, don't assume the Onkyo will adequately drive any and all speakers because that's what you've been told. Many speakers require more power to sound good or anywhere near their best - but those tend to be higher end and more than a couple steps up from where you are likely shopping. So keep in mind that there are no absolutes and to a large degree you do get what you pay for (not that the Onkyo HTIB isn't a good deal).

Yeah I really wanna just experience surround sound, but at the same time have a big beautiful immersive screen to look at and absorb in the game. I am sure from you guys responses that the HTIb will fit my current needs.

Hmmm I am definitely gonna need more suggestions on where I will be putting my center stage and where I put speakers. Do I even have room for 7.1? lol

Do I even have room for 7.1

In that room, no. Granted, you have the physical room for the speakers I guess, but in that tight a space there will be no separation between the channels....it's going to sound like one solid channel across the side and back. I'd just stick with 5.1 until you can spread it out some.

Well I just got done playing COD4 MP Beta. Which I am pretty good at so far. I noticed some really cool things!!! THE GAME IS ALMOST MADE FOR A SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM!

I was upstairs in a building....I heard footsteps, but had no idea where they were coming from...

I kept turning around and getting confused....for there were footsteps to be heard everywhere...

So my only option was to wait till someone actually did come up the steps..with facing the two holes in the walls upstairs...

Yes I did neutralize the enemy when I saw him...but I could have got more kills had I not been worried about from where the enemy would enter...thats when i realized!!!

I cannot afford a pieced-together home theater system!
I cannot afford to buy a HTIB and buy upgraded speakers at the same time!
AND 2.1 IS NOT THE WAY TO GO FOR ME! I WANT TO KNOW WHERE MY ENEMIES ARE NOW!

I think the onkyo HTIB will be my final decision in the end! I want a big screen so I can be absorbed in the game...like I am actually there...COD4 is very realistic in terms of gameplay,design, and of course graphics! So I need a HDTV and sound system that can take FULL ADVANTAGE of this SICK game's features And its even been stated in a review that if you have surround sound you can HEAR THE PEOPLE walking in the streets and what not.

The 2.1 option for about 500 bucks that the guy showed me with the athena pictures was awesome...and I was really going for it, but now playing COD4 and thinking about when is the next time I will have money to add new speakers....and how long people will be sneaking up behind me until I have surround sound is a bad thought.

Its already been stated a million times that the Onkyo HTIB can be upgraded too.

My only other question for you guys is this...check this link out...shows pictures of my bedroom and where I want the tv to go. As you can see in the pictures my bed takes up a nice bit of room....and dont worry about the dresser it wont stay in that spot..it will go in place of my alienware's desk...the desk will be sold or thrown away since the alienware will hook up to my HDTV...As for the bed I will most likely be replacing it with a Daybed that will be placed DIRECTLY IN FRONT of my HDTV. Therefore perfect 8-9FT Viewing Angle based on my measurements.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=834827%3Cbr%20/%3E

The subwoofer will be on the ground behind my Daybed, but where shall I put the speakers for optimum sound quality?
I know where footsteps are coming from from my 2 channel headphone set up.. But 5.1 is more fun & immersive..

Well, I have been thinking(like I have been since forever) and I was wondering how good is the sound quality on these surround sound headphones you guys are talking about?

How do they compare to say a good home theater system?
How about for movies?

Because I am really gettin interested in the 360 Elite so I can have HDMI...because EVERYONE now is saying it makes such a big difference...and I like PQ better than sound quality.

5.1 headphones from Pioneer/Philips/Sony are the best. They are also wireless for convience. I'd avoid the 'gaming' 5.1 headphones as they use 8 small, supbar drivers, & replace true bass with a rumble function. The others use DD 5.1 DSP with a quality pair of stereo headphones, so you get better SS & a better SQ experience.. The headphone laymen think the gaming 5.1 headphones are better cause they have 8 discrete drivers, but it's the opposite. It makes them worse.

Headphones for gaming can be ok, but IMO it ruins the audio experience for movies. I use a full-blown audio system for all gaming and movies. Nothing else would ever satisfy me again.


I use component output at 720p from the Xbox360 onto a 92" projector screen that I sit 9' from. My projector is an old Z2 720p lcd projector. This setup is quite awesome compared to most smaller rear-projector setups. Is HDMI $350 better? no. But if you can swap for nearly nothing....

Secondly, size adds immersiveness. Bigger is better for being "in the game". Anyone telling you that "sitting too close is bad" probably plays on a rear projection TV, or on a direct view. People that play on a front projector will tell you that sitting closer is better. You will want to sit as close as you can where the edge of the screen just starts to disappear. For me, this is a little farther from the screen than the diagonal (92" vs 108"). So I think a projector setup would be perfect in your 12' room.


Projectors are cheaper
That leaves more money for the audio system
Cheap 720p projectors look incredible, better than most <60" tele's
A projector takes up zero floor space. Put the projector on a shelf on the wall, the image is on the opposite wall.
Because the image is on the wall, you can sit 12 feet away in a 12 foot wide room. :rolleyes:
More money for the audio system means a much better movie watching and gaming experience
You can get quality 720p projectors for under $1000. You can get cheaper ones that are still very nice for even less.
With a $2200 budget, I would far prefer having a $800+ 720p projector with $1400 audio system using great ID speakers and receiver than having a $1500 1080p tv with a $700 HTIB audio setup.


Headphones are great for gaming. Ofcourse I'm a headphone nut & wouldn't think twice about dropping 400-700 on a great pair..:) I do prefer 5.1 over headphones for gaming, but SQ is still number one to me.. & it would cost me a lot more to better the SQ of my headphone set up, if I decided to go the speaker route, & my current living conditions won't allow it either.

Nowadays there is alot more to be considered. I will be getting a new car. So I will need a sound system for that etc etc.....

My friend and I have agreed that the 61" is far more immersing than the 56"...I dunno...I guess 1080p is so much MORE noticeable in a 61" than the 56"...I have been researching these 5.1 headphones aswell a little more...

Ever since my pops gave me such a wide margin as to what car I can get....suddenly I dont give a crap about the sound on a freaking tv....Im worried about what I will be driving in and the sound experience in that.

Plus a experienced friend of mine in this area agrees with some of you guys....7.1 and EVEN a 5.1 system wont work too well in my room...he said a custom 3.1 or 4.1 would be better due to the way my room is structured....so that sucks.

Which is why at this current moment I think I will be sticking with a 61" and NO sound system. and 5.1 headphones of some Kind....very confused to say the least though lol...

Nowadays there is alot more to be considered. I will be getting a new car. So I will need a sound system for that etc etc.....

My friend and I have agreed that the 61" is far more immersing than the 56"...I dunno...I guess 1080p is so much MORE noticeable in a 61" than the 56"...I have been researching these 5.1 headphones aswell a little more...

Ever since my pops gave me such a wide margin as to what car I can get....suddenly I dont give a crap about the sound on a freaking tv....Im worried about what I will be driving in and the sound experience in that.

Plus a experienced friend of mine in this area agrees with some of you guys....7.1 and EVEN a 5.1 system wont work too well in my room...he said a custom 3.1 or 4.1 would be better due to the way my room is structured....so that sucks.

Which is why at this current moment I think I will be sticking with a 61" and NO sound system. and 5.1 headphones of some Kind....very confused to say the least though lol...

Keep in mind we are talking about the setup for a good system and listening environment. From someone who was once reasonably involved in car audio, that is about the worst listening environment known to man. Not that it can't sound good (like your room) but it is so hobbled from the get go that it's a really rough place to start.

If you think people are going to be critical about your room as listening space, think about a car with speakers stuffed in odd locations (with stock openings often below anywhere near decent imaging), off center seating very close to the front stage, ambient noise from a combustion engine running a few feet away, tire noise on pavement, and wind noise at speed. Now, I'm one that enjoys to listen to music in the car and really appreciates a good clean system but no human in their right mind is going to look at your room and a car and decide the car is the better listening environment to get good sound.

Keep in mind we are talking about the setup for a good system and listening environment. From someone who was once reasonably involved in car audio, that is about the worst listening environment known to man. Not that it can't sound good (like your room) but it is so hobbled from the get go that it's a really rough place to start.

If you think people are going to be critical about your room as listening space, think about a car with speakers stuffed in odd locations (with stock openings often below anywhere near decent imaging), off center seating very close to the front stage, ambient noise from a combustion engine running a few feet away, tire noise on pavement, and wind noise at speed. Now, I'm one that enjoys to listen to music in the car and really appreciates a good clean system but no human in their right mind is going to look at your room and a car and decide the car is the better listening environment to get good sound.

Thanks for the enlightenment on audio environments.

The 5.1 headphones are a more selfish move....but I believe its the best way to experience Surround sound and get that immersive big screen home theater experience I want right here...right now! The necessary moves have been made. Now its time for the final step....its been a long road...but after I get back from my trip this weekend (provided all goes well financially) I will make my purchase.

The way I see it right now. If I get a HTIB its just very future proof, and then I will have a 56" tv prolly wishing I got the 61". It just feels like I get two lesser components instead of one greater.

I think if I buy the 61" I will atleast be able to say to myself "Hey...atleast I got the big screen I wanted!" instead of saying "MAN...if only I had more money" or "dang....I need to upgrade my Home theater...DANG and this screen REALLY ISNT that BIG!".

I can always work on a Home theater later. And as many said....a tv is much harder to upgrade than a home theater.

Also since I will be hooking my alienware up to my computer I have not added the cost for the necessary cables and all the other optical dongle cables and what not that i will need to hear sound through my computer speakers using my tv as the display? which is better? VGA or that HDMI/DVI that everybody talks bout? And how would I go about doing that? Would anyone be able to inform me of cost?

These are things which I gotta work out...and when you add all this up...and setting up my room it becomes very important to have space and everything set up correctly. Also Hi definition cable is a worry for me....these companies don't send out HDMI cables...so I gotta buy one for that too!

Ah geeez..lol

All TV's shrink....my 65" CRT rear projector was the biggest thing I'd ever seen the day they delivered it. Today, its like...meh...normal. You adjust to the size in no time, so your 61" will be "man i wish I'd have gone with a 72" set".

My 110" Front Projection screen looks small to me now..."I really should go with a 140" 2.35:1 setup!", etc.

You wont be getting "lesser" if you buy quality.....56" is HUGE for your room space, and even if you put it in another HUGE room someday, your seating will likely still be close, and with the lights off in the dark you're just going to see this nice 56" image hanging in the dark in front of you, you'll go "wow thats big". 56 to 61 is hardly any difference in screen real-estate.

My 65" in daylight looks like a regular TV. with the lights out and slumped in the couch it looks as big as my 110" front projector screen, with the lights out you have nothing to compare the image to so your brain deceives you into making it look and "feel" bigger than it is..is all about perception.

As for Car Audio....yeah i remember when I was young and Car Audio was all the rage. Today I'd still buy an aftermarket stereo and speakers, but only to get clean volume...not to rattle the windows of the neighbors houses when I pull into my driveway :P My last few cars have been factory sets..."good enough".

Invest in your home, because thats where you'll be spending most of your time.

First a $2000 + bedroom home theater system, now a car and an audio system for that.

Is there anything your dad won't buy you?

I think I'd be asking dad for the cash and learning how to invest. Screw the toys, you're talking some serious money here.

All TV's shrink....my 65" CRT rear projector was the biggest thing I'd ever seen the day they delivered it. Today, its like...meh...normal. You adjust to the size in no time, so your 61" will be "man i wish I'd have gone with a 72" set".

My 110" Front Projection screen looks small to me now..."I really should go with a 140" 2.35:1 setup!", etc.

You wont be getting "lesser" if you buy quality.....56" is HUGE for your room space, and even if you put it in another HUGE room someday, your seating will likely still be close, and with the lights off in the dark you're just going to see this nice 56" image hanging in the dark in front of you, you'll go "wow thats big". 56 to 61 is hardly any difference in screen real-estate.

My 65" in daylight looks like a regular TV. with the lights out and slumped in the couch it looks as big as my 110" front projector screen, with the lights out you have nothing to compare the image to so your brain deceives you into making it look and "feel" bigger than it is..is all about perception.

As for Car Audio....yeah i remember when I was young and Car Audio was all the rage. Today I'd still buy an aftermarket stereo and speakers, but only to get clean volume...not to rattle the windows of the neighbors houses when I pull into my driveway :P My last few cars have been factory sets..."good enough".

Invest in your home, because thats where you'll be spending most of your time.

I'm different than most teens though. I am not interested in disrespecting the neighbors with extremely loud speakers. I think 2 12s in the back with two front speakers will suffice in a 2-door convertible.

My pops even says my first car might be brand spanking new if things work out. I was expecting a 500 buck nothing for my first car...then he bust out and says he is willing to spend 12k or more for my first car. So ya know I'm excited.

As for screen size..thats kinda the point is it not...in this case the 56" screen has already shrunk in my eyes and my friend's. Therefore I was gonna go head and go for the 61" lol.


First a $2000 + bedroom home theater system, now a car and an audio system for that.

Is there anything your dad won't buy you?

I think I'd be asking dad for the cash and learning how to invest. Screw the toys, you're talking some serious money here.

Funny you mentioned that. When I turn 18 this year my pops in starting my own home based travel business which him and I will do together and we have drove to miami and taken investing classes together and have learn a few things. Thats what I plan on doing.

I have never had a job in the actual workforce...always been at home wit pops...I do his taxes....and then again...I used to work with him in his lawn business. I might do that again for a bit.

Anyways thats all off-topic.

What I need to find out now is if I should use the extra cash to first buy a daybed,360w/ HDMI,or 5.1 headphones....

Oh and btw this is what im looking at getting...

http://images.cars.com/supersized/DMI/722/677057A.jpg

As for screen size..thats kinda the point is it not...in this case the 56" screen has already shrunk in my eyes and my friend's. Therefore I was gonna go head and go for the 61" lol.

Whatever you have the budget for, in the end. Just remember at 61" in a 12x12 room (You should ask your Dad for a bigger room, while he's in a spendy mood!) some things are going to look like Ass being that close...HD will lof course look great, games will look great..SD will look just super soft, as it should but some folks aren't prepared for that.


What I need to find out now is if I should use the extra cash to first buy a daybed,360w/ HDMI,or 5.1 headphones....


If you get the 61" set, you could sleep in its box!

http://images.cars.com/supersized/DMI/722/677057A.jpg[/QUOTE]

Probably not the smartest choice in the world due to the amount of gas it consumes (in v6 or v8 guise), its insurance cost with you as primary driver, and its daily drivability / visibility if you really do plan on driving around alot, but then again...its no used Buick.

Whatever you have the budget for, in the end. Just remember at 61" in a 12x12 room (You should ask your Dad for a bigger room, while he's in a spendy mood!) some things are going to look like Ass being that close...HD will lof course look great, games will look great..SD will look just super soft, as it should but some folks aren't prepared for that.



If you get the 61" set, you could sleep in its box!


Probably not the smartest choice in the world due to the amount of gas it consumes (in v6 or v8 guise), its insurance cost with you as primary driver, and its daily drivability / visibility if you really do plan on driving around alot, but then again...its no used Buick.

Well my dad's boss gave me a 96' jeep grand cherokee limited edition with 76k miles on it. So I can use that for more daily driving....but I'm ALSO getting a more sporty car for more special occasions(my GFs etc..) and short drives to the Gym and such and my job.

That particular car is still better gas mileage than the jeep with a V8 engine and thats all my pops really wanted so....booyah. The firebird has only 45k miles on it aswell. and its a 2001...so aint so bad I guess. If I go for a new car it will prolly be the 2008 Volkswagon Jetta GLI. Great gas mileage, low insurance cost, etc etc...

AHHHHH! I JUST REMEMBERED! my computer speakers are garbage now...I blew the subwoofer and the left speaker! I'm gonna have to use those to get my sound when i hook it up to the tv via HDMI/DVI! Ah well....

Oh can someone explain to me how I go about doing that?

miles on it aswell. and its a 2001...so aint so bad I guess. If I go for a new car it will prolly be the 2008 Volkswagon Jetta GLI. Great gas mileage, low insurance cost, etc etc...


Go right to the R32 version :)


Oh can someone explain to me how I go about doing that?

Doing what exactly...using PC speakers to connect up to a Receiver/TV?? confused...

This thread will still be going on next February.

:)

This thread will still be going on next February.

:)

I'm just waiting for the post saying "Scratch the TV, speakers, and car plan because my girlfriend is now pregnant. Should I get the carseat that is also a carrier or a standalone carseat. The carrier carseat is more versitile since it can fit into the stroller, but the standalone carseat is sturdier and more comfortable. Also, should I get married before or after the baby?"

I'm not sure what this thread has to do with a 360 anymore.

^^

That sums it up :)

Go right to the R32 version :)



Doing what exactly...using PC speakers to connect up to a Receiver/TV?? confused...

The computer speakers to the tv so I can hear sound while surfing the internet and watching videos and what not. I actually need to know the whole process of connecting my PC to my HDTV and getting sound coming from my PC speakers.

Thanks.

If your PC speakers are trashed, why not just use the TV speakers? There will be an audio in linked to the VGA in on whatever TV you get. Just run a cable from the PC to the TV and use those speakers.

If your PC speakers are trashed, why not just use the TV speakers? There will be an audio in linked to the VGA in on whatever TV you get. Just run a cable from the PC to the TV and use those speakers.

wow someone told me I could not use tv speakers to hear sound sent from my computer!!!! awesome thanks.

Just to be sure. I am going for the hlt6176s or hlt5676s....those HDTVs have that audio in?

Btw could someone please send me and link or atleast give me the names of all the necessary cables needed to make this process work? That would be sicktastic!

Can someone tell me what the difference is in using a VGA input for my computer to HDTV and using a HDMI/DVI?

I have a 56" Sammy DLP and a ONKYO HTIB and love it. LOVE IT.

You need the big screen and the surround sound. The big screen is beautiful but you'll be amazed at what you've been missing without surround sound.


What's that!? It's a splicer behind you!

If your PC speakers are trashed, why not just use the TV speakers? There will be an audio in linked to the VGA in on whatever TV you get. Just run a cable from the PC to the TV and use those speakers.

wow someone told me I could not use tv speakers to hear sound sent from my computer!!!! awesome thanks.

Just to be sure. I am going for the hlt6176s or hlt5676s....those HDTVs have that audio in?

Btw could someone please send me and link or atleast give me the names of all the necessary cables needed to make this process work? That would be sicktastic!

Can someone tell me what the difference is in using a VGA input for my computer to HDTV and using a HDMI/DVI?

What about the 61" er and get Logitech 5.1 computer speakers (X 530) it comes with a small sub for about $75. - prob. less I got mine 2 years ago.

What about the 61" er and get Logitech 5.1 computer speakers (X 530) it comes with a small sub for about $75. - prob. less I got mine 2 years ago.

Sounds aight, but I think if I get some sound later its gonna be for my car or something.

So being that I will be buying real soon since I finally have the money!!!!! 7 months I have been waiting to get the money! FINALLY! Now that i do I need to know I all that I should know and what to buy etc....

So I need to know the process of hooking up my PC to my HDTV display via VGA and HDMI/DVI. Then the second part I need to know is getting the sound sent from the PC to come through the TVs speakers.

I also will need to know what are the cables I should buy to do such a thing? links etc...if available.

What is the difference between a VGA connection and a HDMI/DVI connection? does one work or LOOK better than the other?

Any other cables you suggest I buy that do not already come with the HDTV?

So being that I will be buying real soon since I finally have the money!!!!! 7 months I have been waiting to get the money! FINALLY! Now that i do I need to know I all that I should know and what to buy etc....


My vote is a used Porche and some hookers.

My vote is a used Porche and some hookers.

Funny you mentioned that cus actually I.....ahh nvm u guys will just die if I finish that sentence and conclude that I am truly spoiled....anyways. Can someone please answer the questions in my above post....post #121?

Get the big one and save for a more expensive
audio system system. Your set will have adequate audio options and will sound fine (turn it up) until you can get a nice audio system. It's easier to get used to 'too big' than it is to accept 'too small'.

My vote is a used Porche and some hookers.

Is that Porsche or Porch? ;) Are we on the car or home renovation. If he goes 61" and the entire system is setup on the porch he can drive the car up to it just like a real drive in (if it's a Porsche, he won't be getting anything on at the drive-in unless he and his girl are midgets).

That takes care of the girlfriend thing and then we'll have to circle back on the car seat 9 months down the road. Personally I opt for the stroller/seat/base combo as you can take the sleeping baby out of the car without taking him out of the seat and then plug it into the stroller or haul it into the restaurant and eat (with your now out of shape girlfriend/wife). It's important not to wake that little guy up - if only for your own sanity. Sleep will become your most precious commodity.

Still awaiting answers to post #121..

Still awaiting answers to post #121..

That pertains to the Xbox 360 in what way exactly?

You might want to check out the HTPC forum instead. Also, download the owner's manual for your TV and see if it has whatever input you are looking for.

That pertains to the Xbox 360 in what way exactly?

You might want to check out the HTPC forum instead. Also, download the owner's manual for your TV and see if it has whatever input you are looking for.

xbox 360??? Read the thread title. Home Theater Gaming....I think that covers just about everything....Also....being that someone already explain that I CAN get sound from my PC through my TV that person obviously knows the process which I asked about.

xbox 360??? Read the thread title. Home Theater Gaming....I think that covers just about everything....Also....being that someone already explain that I CAN get sound from my PC through my TV that person obviously knows the process which I asked about.

bryansj is right....although you're in the HT gaming section, this is the xbox forum. There's an HTPC section as well that this is more suited for. But so we don't clog that forum up with another year long saga of "what to have dad buy me", just run a straight VGA cable from your PC to your TV and get a cable like http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021804&p_id=665&seq=1&format=2 for the audio and connect it to audio ins on the VGA input.

Again, check the manual of the set you eventually decide on (when/if that comes) to be sure it has an audio in for the VGA input. Should, but you don't want to assume anything.

Again, check the manual of the set you eventually decide on (when/if that comes) to be sure it has an audio in for the VGA input. Should, but you don't want to assume anything.

This has been going on since February, why should we think that it will change now? ;)

^^

:)

That takes care of the girlfriend thing and then we'll have to circle back on the car seat 9 months down the road. Personally I opt for the stroller/seat/base combo as you can take the sleeping baby out of the car without taking him out of the seat and then plug it into the stroller or haul it into the restaurant and eat (with your now out of shape girlfriend/wife). It's important not to wake that little guy up - if only for your own sanity. Sleep will become your most precious commodity.

I had the stroller combo for about 10 months until the seat plus the baby was too heavy to carry around. Swapped that out for a nice fixed seat. Then after about 16 months got a nice unbrella stroller. Now the travel system is packed in the closet waiting for round two.

You definitely need a HT system. It will add much more to your gaming experience than the extra 5" on the size of the TV. Enjoy!

I completely agree. I have a modest 32" Samsung but compliment it with a Sherwood Newcastle receiver and PSB's. The HT was the absolute best add on I have for the living room. My thoughts are to upgrade to a projector now that I've got the surround squared away, but my vote would be for a smaller tv and a decent surround sound.

bryansj is right....although you're in the HT gaming section, this is the xbox forum. There's an HTPC section as well that this is more suited for. But so we don't clog that forum up with another year long saga of "what to have dad buy me", just run a straight VGA cable from your PC to your TV and get a cable like http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021804&p_id=665&seq=1&format=2 for the audio and connect it to audio ins on the VGA input.

Again, check the manual of the set you eventually decide on (when/if that comes) to be sure it has an audio in for the VGA input. Should, but you don't want to assume anything.

FINALLY. Thanks.

FINALLY. Thanks.

Which is what we'll be saying once you post pics of your finished setup.

:cool:

what the difference is in using a VGA input for my computer to HDTV and using a HDMI/DVI? that was my other question. Cuz if its better quality I might go that route....unless you cannot get sound from you pc through your tv speakers using that method.

Also yo gimme a break... I paid for most of my electronic equipment...the HDTv tho I needed help from my pops...it was actually his idea to get the big screen. he just gave me a time frame in which he would get it and procrastinated alot....so thats why it seems like I'm just running my mouth...if it was up to me I would have had the tv....but for awhile my pops wouldnt let me get a job because of certain circumstances.

Anyways..

It doesnt help that there is constantly new technology coming out and it bothers me cuz I want to make sure I get a great tv for my first time having a HDTV...but with one thing after another coming....I'm getting distracted.

what the difference is in using a VGA input for my computer to HDTV and using a HDMI/DVI? that was my other question. Cuz if its better quality I might go that route....unless you cannot get sound from you pc through your tv speakers using that method.

Also yo gimme a break... I paid for most of my electronic equipment...the HDTv tho I needed help from my pops...it was actually his idea to get the big screen. he just gave me a time frame in which he would get it and procrastinated alot....so thats why it seems like I'm just running my mouth...if it was up to me I would have had the tv....but for awhile my pops wouldnt let me get a job because of certain circumstances.

Anyways..

It doesnt help that there is constantly new technology coming out and it bothers me cuz I want to make sure I get a great tv for my first time having a HDTV...but with one thing after another coming....I'm getting distracted.


I thought you worked with your "POPS" remember ?? You said that you and him work together, you also work for his lawn business. :rolleyes:

I thought you worked with your "POPS" remember ?? You said that you and him work together, you also work for his lawn business. :rolleyes:

Yo....whoa whoa whoa....dont u dare try to make me look like these dudes on here that make up a bunch of lies for no apparent reason....make sure you get your facts strait before you post.

My dad DOES have a lawn business and I HAVE worked with him in it. And yes I do help with his taxes aswell (as in record all his receipts for him so he does not have to) which is why he agreed to help me get the HDTV. It was then his idea once I went for a HDTV to get the big screen size. Then when I said he wouldnt let me get a job because of certain circumstances...I was speaking of a job other than with him....in the real workforce. Thats all changing now of course.. anyways....back to topic.

It doesnt help that there is constantly new technology coming out and it bothers me cuz I want to make sure I get a great tv for my first time having a HDTV...but with one thing after another coming....I'm getting distracted.

You gotta get over that. That will be the case with every technology purchase you ever make. If you wait a few months, something better will be available, or the item you want will be cheaper. Then you'll be like all the father-in-laws we make fun of and you'll never buy anything.

Just get the best price on what you want now and don't look back and/or compare what you got to current stuff. Just take the time to enjoy it and be glad you have it.

As for the VGA/DVI issue.....I've never been able to tell the difference myself. VGA cables tend to be cheaper, so I'd usually go that route.

Yo....whoa whoa whoa....dont u dare try to make me look like these dudes on here that make up a bunch of lies for no apparent reason....make sure you get your facts strait before you post.

My dad DOES have a lawn business and I HAVE worked with him in it. And yes I do help with his taxes aswell (as in record all his receipts for him so he does not have to) which is why he agreed to help me get the HDTV. It was then his idea once I went for a HDTV to get the big screen size. Then when I said he wouldnt let me get a job because of certain circumstances...I was speaking of a job other than with him....in the real workforce. Thats all changing now of course.. anyways....back to topic.

Oh no you didn't :rolleyes: ... I so went there. :eek:

You gotta get over that. That will be the case with every technology purchase you ever make. If you wait a few months, something better will be available, or the item you want will be cheaper. Then you'll be like all the father-in-laws we make fun of and you'll never buy anything.

Just get the best price on what you want now and don't look back and/or compare what you got to current stuff. Just take the time to enjoy it and be glad you have it.

As for the VGA/DVI issue.....I've never been able to tell the difference myself. VGA cables tend to be cheaper, so I'd usually go that route.

Aight cool. I will stick to that too then. Appreciate the help. I went to BB yesterday and man! they had the new sammy lnt4071f there with that super clear panel and AMP techonology. That was pretty sick, but ur right I need to stick to one thing and get it.

That will do it then.

Oh snap....any idea what VGA cable should get? There a certain type of VGA cable or something?

Oh snap....any idea what VGA cable should get? There a certain type of VGA cable or something?

Yeah, a cheap one. Since you're obviously not in any hurry, buy all your cables at http://www.monoprice.com You'll save your dad some $$. And you can go with the lowest quality they have.....in 99% of cases their low quality stuff is just as good as anything you'll buy locally for about 10x as much.

wouldn't it be easier to just point him to Monster and get him to go buy every cable from them. :D

should we mention line conditioning?

Oh snap....any idea what VGA cable should get? There a certain type of VGA cable or something?

Go with Monoprice like Mikey mentioned. Make sure you invite the hookers........errrr nice girls over to enjoy the new setup. ;)

Which is what we'll be saying once you post pics of your finished setup.

:cool:

Well dang! long time since I been to this thread. I ended up getting the samsung 61" DLP, but later took it back cause it was so cheap. No one should buy the 07 model samsung DLPs!

I am now very happy with the samung 1080P 120hz LCD LNT4671F! Argueably the best LCD on the market!

It seems sound is no longer a problem either! It just so happens my uncle has a $3000 dollar BOSE Home theater system that he is going to hook up to my HDTV in my bedroom.

Thanks for all you guys help. I'm happy now.

If anything can you give me an idea of what a 3 grand BOSE home theater system sounds like? That would be cool.

Sound is highly subjective...what one person likes, another will find to bass-heavy...or another will find too shrill or hollow sounding. It all depends greatly on the room, what the room is made out of, what is in the room, and the ear of the listener.

Having said that Bose products, in general, are overpriced and average performing.

Most people don't like their shrill sounding hi's and their complete lack of mid-range sound.

Or so I've read.

Well dang! long time since I been to this thread. I ended up getting the samsung 61" DLP, but later took it back cause it was so cheap. No one should buy the 07 model samsung DLPs!

I am now very happy with the samung 1080P 120hz LCD LNT4671F! Argueably the best LCD on the market!

It seems sound is no longer a problem either! It just so happens my uncle has a $3000 dollar BOSE Home theater system that he is going to hook up to my HDTV in my bedroom.

Thanks for all you guys help. I'm happy now.

If anything can you give me an idea of what a 3 grand BOSE home theater system sounds like? That would be cool.

3k Bose System. Man he could've got one hell of a better system with that dough.

If anything can you give me an idea of what a 3 grand BOSE home theater system sounds like? That would be cool.

like a pile of steaming turd. i foolishly wasted my money on bose a few years back before i knew anything about home theater or had heard of AVS.

but i guess if its free you'll enjoy it. i'm hoping to get lucky and find some sap on craigslist who still thinks bose is "good".

Sound is highly subjective...what one person likes, another will find to bass-heavy...or another will find too shrill or hollow sounding. It all depends greatly on the room, what the room is made out of, what is in the room, and the ear of the listener.

Having said that Bose products, in general, are overpriced and average performing.

Most people don't like their shrill sounding hi's and their complete lack of mid-range sound.

Or so I've read.

mid-range and hi's huh? yeah coming from tv speakers only I have no idea what to expect except for the few times I have heard best buy or CC with home theater rooms for a bit. I just remember bass and sounds comign through pretty clear.

I really just like bass. If there is oe thing I have learned. AVSforums have people very ummm...whats the word.

Unsatisfied. No matter what. Deep down they always want more.

Anyways I have never had a home theater. I would assume this bose system would sound plenty awesome. or just too loud being its gonan be in a 12x13 bedroom.

3k Bose System. Man he could've got one hell of a better system with that dough.

He also mentioned that he only hooked it up for a bit and then disconnected cus his wife said was too loud. So should be decently new and not worn out too much.

like a pile of steaming turd. i foolishly wasted my money on bose a few years back before i knew anything about home theater or had heard of AVS.

but i guess if its free you'll enjoy it. i'm hoping to get lucky and find some sap on craigslist who still thinks bose is "good".

I said sound not smell, bro. It seems that everyone does not like bose, but I really cannot tell the difference between any so called high end home theater systems on display at stores.

To me they all sound the same..

Good.

Just so I can get this str8 if I was to buy an onkyo HTIB for 400 bucks it would sound miles better than a 3 grand bose system? because that was my only option before.

Just so I can get this str8 if I was to buy an onkyo HTIB for 400 bucks it would sound miles better than a 3 grand bose system? because that was my only option before.

If not better then it at least as good.

Bose $3000 = Onkyo $400 system.

In your case $Free > $400 system.

If not better then it at least as good.

Bose $3000 = Onkyo $400 system.

In your case $Free > $400 system.

Wow I was hoping to have one of the best HTs to go with my new tv. ah well. Atleast I have the best LCD and a HT coming.

Wow I was hoping to have one of the best HTs to go with my new tv. ah well. Atleast I have the best LCD and a HT coming.

RANT ...

How old are you? You are annoying as hell.

Your LCD isn't the best, your sound isn't the best and you aren't the best.

Get off daddy's C**K !! :)

You have a nice LCD stop bragging to everybody in different forums that your setup is the best.

this thread has an early chance at Thread of the Year, at the rate this is going.

the OP wants the best, yet can't tell the difference between mediocre and the best...

mid-range and hi's huh? yeah coming from tv speakers only I have no idea what to expect except for the few times I have heard best buy or CC with home theater rooms for a bit. I just remember bass and sounds comign through pretty clear.


You'll be fine, you'll think its great. Just in the future when you drop your own dollars you're likely to find cheaper stuff that sounds better, is all.


Unsatisfied. No matter what. Deep down they always want more.


Well, when you're spending your own money you want to get the best bang for the buck. However, for some folks here, your observation could be valid.


He also mentioned that he only hooked it up for a bit and then disconnected cus his wife said was too loud. So should be decently new and not worn out too much.


Speakers improve with age.....they need a break-in period where the sound will mellow out and settle down...so long as they aren't over-driven or blown you'll be fine.


I said sound not smell, bro. It seems that everyone does not like bose, but I really cannot tell the difference between any so called high end home theater systems on display at stores.

To me they all sound the same..

Good.


This is largely becuase you are listening to them in a noisey store, not in your quiet room at home about to watch a movie. :) There, indeed, you will hear a difference. The ultimate question will be this: Does the difference MATTER enough to you to buy more expensive (or less, in some cases) equipment?

For me, I have $500 each main speakers and a $400 center and a couple of $120 rears. To me, the speakers sound great. But to others, my speakers wouldn't even be good enough to put in their bathroom...they want $10,000 speakers...hand made by some dude out of human skin and silk threads and set in exotic, protected hardwoods and elephant tusk enclosures :D

So its all relative...but in general, Bose is frowned upon by those who listen to alot of speakers and receivers for a living as being way too expensive for the sound they produce.

Get the system number and do some google searches for Reviews of it, If it did indeed cost 3 grand (I dont know what Bose costs these days) then it may have reviewed very well......you should do that if you are curious.

But in the end, if it sounds good to you, then thats all that matters.



Just so I can get this str8 if I was to buy an onkyo HTIB for 400 bucks it would sound miles better than a 3 grand bose system? because that was my only option before.

Listen to your ears to answer that question.

RANT ...

How old are you? You are annoying as hell.

Your LCD isn't the best, your sound isn't the best and you aren't the best.

Get off daddy's C**K !! :)

You have a nice LCD stop bragging to everybody in different forums that your setup is the best.

Chill bro. Its not that serious. Besides the HT is not my dad's its my uncle's.

You'll be fine, you'll think its great. Just in the future when you drop your own dollars you're likely to find cheaper stuff that sounds better, is all.



Well, when you're spending your own money you want to get the best bang for the buck. However, for some folks here, your observation could be valid.



Speakers improve with age.....they need a break-in period where the sound will mellow out and settle down...so long as they aren't over-driven or blown you'll be fine.



This is largely becuase you are listening to them in a noisey store, not in your quiet room at home about to watch a movie. :) There, indeed, you will hear a difference. The ultimate question will be this: Does the difference MATTER enough to you to buy more expensive (or less, in some cases) equipment?

For me, I have $500 each main speakers and a $400 center and a couple of $120 rears. To me, the speakers sound great. But to others, my speakers wouldn't even be good enough to put in their bathroom...they want $10,000 speakers...hand made by some dude out of human skin and silk threads and set in exotic, protected hardwoods and elephant tusk enclosures :D

So its all relative...but in general, Bose is frowned upon by those who listen to alot of speakers and receivers for a living as being way too expensive for the sound they produce.

Get the system number and do some google searches for Reviews of it, If it did indeed cost 3 grand (I dont know what Bose costs these days) then it may have reviewed very well......you should do that if you are curious.

But in the end, if it sounds good to you, then thats all that matters.




Listen to your ears to answer that question.

Thanks for all the help,HeadRusch. I don't know why people are flipping out. They come in this thread and they read my posts themselves. They don't have to. So why make rude reponses and waste your own time in this thread.

Go smaller and get the surround. I cant count how many times my surround system has gotten me kills,or saved my ass in COD4. You can hear most of them coming a mile away.

Go smaller and get the surround. I cant count how many times my surround system has gotten me kills,or saved my ass in COD4. You can hear most of them coming a mile away.

i'd take cans w/ emulated SS using DH or such over a 5.1 HT setup any day. much cheaper too and you can spend that money on a bigger set ;)

actually i'd probably rather have the pioneer xbox branded HTIB than rely on my "uncle" for a bose system (please, just dont tell anyone i touched you when you were a kid)

Go smaller and get the surround. I cant count how many times my surround system has gotten me kills,or saved my ass in COD4. You can hear most of them coming a mile away.

Same with me. Surround Sound helps immerse you and allow pinpointing where it is coming from.

I would go for bigger screen more audio stuff can always add later