Not sure where to ask these questions. cause its to do with cables (Think i got ripped off buying Monster, speaker wires (Have None), setup issues. Im Moving in 4 Days and want to have everything ready and planned within a week after that to have someone come install.

I just recently finished buying 97% percent of my new set up for a bed room. The Room Size is 13.5x12. The TV will be on the 12 side wall and so will the bed but on the other side. In the room will be a full size bed and the setup and a small computer area maybe 3 feet of space at most. Well any recomendations on where i should put everything would be great too. this is how the floor plan is

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/FunkTechNician/Bedroom.jpg

Now Here is what i have

Electronics
Pioneer Elite PRO-110FD Kuro 50” 1080-P Plasma
VSX-94 TXH Top End Elite Receiver
Toshiba HD-XA2
PS3 - For The Blu-Ray
Cox Digital Cable HD DVR Box -HDMI Output
Philips DVP642 DivX-Certified Progressive-Scan DVD Player (Need it for Region Free and Divx)
Mitsubishi HS-U448 VCR (Need for VHS Only OLD Releases)
Computer = P4 3.8GHZ, 3GB of Ram, Good Video Card W/DVI Output, Audio 7.1 (Want to use the Optical Output to the receiver though)
Panamax M5300-EX 11 Power Surge Or Whatever its Called
Logitech 880 Remote
Need a Composet Tower To put everything in not sure which to get yet. want a skinny one thats tall and can hold just the stuff above and the tv will be mounted above it


I need the best cables i can get for all of those. But dont want to be ripped off by monster if its not making things better. My mind wants to spend more then my pocket has anyways and need to control that..


This is what i need i think for cables

1 HDMI 1.3 Cables 4ft for the Toshiba
1 HDMI 1.3 Cables 4ft for the PS3
1 HDMI 1.3 Cables 4ft for the Cable Box Or I dunno if it uses 1.3
1 HDMI 1.3 Cable 8ft For Receiver to TV On Wall Mount
1 DVI To HDMI 1.3 Cable Or DVI To DVI 6ft or 8ft from Computer to Receiver
1 Fiber Optic Audio Cable 6ft or 8ft from Computer to Receiver
1 Component Video and Fiber Optic Digital Audio Cable 4ft For The Philips Player To The Receiver
1 Set Of RCA + Video Composite Cable 4ft For The VCR To Receiver
1 RF Coaxial Cable 4ft From Wall To Panamax
1 RF Coaxial Cable 4ft From Panamax To Cablebox
1 RF Coaxial Cable 8ft From Panamax To SB5120 Cable Modem
1 Subwoofer Cable

Need to know what i should get ASAP so i can return what I bought.

Now here is what i bought and probably wasted a lot of money on. Bought these From The Pioneer Store and Circuit City

1 M1000 HDTV HDMI Cable 8FT ($200)
(3) M1000 HDTV HDMI Cables 4FT $150x3 ($450)
1 Monster Interlink® 300 MkII 6.6FT ($60)
1 Nexxtech Ultimate Composite Video Cable - 6FT ($25)
1 Monster 400 HDMI to DVI High Definition Digital Video Cable 13FT (To Long Anways) ($150)
1 Monster Monster Video® 2 component + Fiber Optic Kit 6FT ($115)
1 Monster Interlink® LightSpeed™ 100 High Performance Digital Fiber Optic 13FT (To Long) ($65)

This is all before Tax. $1065 after Tax is even worse.

So if anyone can tell me if i should keep any of those and which ones i should return and what cables should i buy. please give me links or tell me a place in Orange County California i can get them. I want to have great quality but i dont want to pay money for something that doesnt make a difference.


Now Onto Speakers that i have


Speakers
Rocket HT Package # 4
RS450 Main Speakers (2)
RSC200 Center Speaker
RS250MkII Rear Surround Speakers (2)
Onix Reference 0.5 (2)
x-sub - When Back in Stock

Now i want to either have a 5.1 set up or a 7.1. The 7.1 id just the 0.5 for the last 2 speakers to make it the 7.1

I also dont have any speaker wire. I am not sure what speaker wire to get and if they make a difference and if i need some attachment that goes on the end of the speaker wires. Can someone tell me which speaker wire to buy and how much i would need and the attachments for all speakers.

I really appreaciate any and all the help i can get.


P.S. If anyone knows of a good place that has good prices on installing everything or atleast mounting the TV and connecting everything to the receiver In California Orange County Area or Can Help out themselfs please let me know. Because the people at circuit city seem kinda retarded and i dont want them to break my stuff or do a bad installation.

Thank You

Return them all. www.monoprice.com

Monster cables look good, work, and are usually of decent build quality. If you can get by without the looks, you can get a lot better deal from monoprice or bluejeans.

In your room, I'm assuming the bed will serve as absorption, but will you have other thick padded/upholstered furniture? You may want to consider some sound absorption panels around the walls or ceiling, at least at the first reflection points, to clear up the sound path.

omg....run, don't walk, and return them. like WilliamZX11 above..... monoprice.com
you'll be glad you did..

ok returned everything and bought the cables i needed for a lot cheaper.

ok returned everything and bought the cables i needed for a lot cheaper.

good job. Is that it, or do you still have some unresolved questions?

I also dont have any speaker wire.
Once again , monoprice has good prices on speaker wire. Not to get into the whole speaker wire controversy, but some good 14 gauge will work fine. If you feel compelled to have upgraded wires, you are much better served buying some good interconnects...money well spent IMO. Speaker wire length depends...well... on your distance to the speakers, you will want to go as short as possible ( and equal length to both mains) but leave some room for play. Some folks just use bare wire, some banana plugs ( I do) and some spades...to connect from the receiver to the speakers, that would be your choice.

good job. Is that it, or do you still have some unresolved questions?

Well he will after the crap HDMI cables he bought don't work correctly.

Well he will after the crap HDMI cables he bought don't work correctly.

Why wouldn't they work correctly? He never said what he bought, but if they are mono's, they will work fine.

Disregard anything posted by schticker. My pet monkey knows more about electronics then he does.

www.cmttrading.com for speaker wire.

Disregard anything posted by schticker. My pet monkey knows more about electronics then he does.

How many multiple-hundred-thousand HTs have you installed of late?

That's what I thought.

How many multiple-hundred-thousand HTs have you installed of late?

That's what I thought.


Yet another Internet Gangster. Enough already, we get it ,your cool:rolleyes:

I would go with the Monoprice stuff, I have had great luck with their HDMI cables. They also make a good Flat Panel mount, for cheap. Installing a Flat Panel is really easy. Just need a Stud finder, a level, drill, and a screwdriver or 2.

How many multiple-hundred-thousand HTs have you installed of late?

That's what I thought.

And to think some of us learn about electronics at a university. I knew I was wasting my time; installing is the way to go.

And to think some of us learn about electronics at a university. I knew I was wasting my time; installing is the way to go.

But he's installed MULTIPLE HUNDRED THOUSAND! We can't compare! We know this is true because he clearly said so. Well, technically, he didn't say so, he just asked if we did....

Yet another Internet Gangster. Enough already, we get it ,your cool:rolleyes:

Not sure where you're going with that, and I don't think you do either.

Installing a Flat Panel is really easy. Just need a Stud finder, a level, drill, and a screwdriver or 2.

I appreciate this advice. We've made tons fixing these installs.:)

But he's installed MULTIPLE HUNDRED THOUSAND! We can't compare! We know this is true because he clearly said so. Well, technically, he didn't say so, he just asked if we did....

I like your sig. You show your experience on your sleeve.:rolleyes:

Not sure where you're going with that, and I don't think you do either.



I appreciate this advice. We've made tons fixing these installs.:)

Well since you feed off people responding back to you childish antics, I do know where I was going with that comment, and from reading your user profile, you fit the mold. Also, the advice was not for you, it was for the original poster. I would not let you install a Bose wave radio. One more for the ignore list.

Well since you feed off people responding back to you childish antics, I do know where I was going with that comment, and from reading your user profile, you fit the mold.

My user profile is tongue-in-cheek. I wouldn't expect you to understand the subtlety.

I would not let you install a Bose wave radio.

I would suspect you would be the type that would purchase everything from God-knows-where and expect someone else to install it. I wouldn't think you would pass our client interview process anyway; so don't concern yourself too much.

And to think some of us learn about electronics at a university. I knew I was wasting my time; installing is the way to go.

It's the classic application vs. theory dichotomy.

Disregard anything posted by schticker. My pet monkey knows more about electronics then he does.

How many multiple-hundred-thousand HTs have you installed of late?

That's what I thought.

And to think some of us learn about electronics at a university. I knew I was wasting my time; installing is the way to go.

It's the classic application vs. theory dichotomy.

So you absorb theory on electronics while installing a flat panel through some sort of osmosis? I may be to revert to my old sig: It's called AV Science, not AV Installer.

You know, I'm starting to understand schticker. Being an installer, his main concern is that the client is happy. If the client becomes happy because of the placebo effect of some fancy-looking speaker wire, then that speaker wire is better than the $.40/ft from the Home Depot. It's better, because the client is happier, and the client believes he hears an improvement. There's a certain kind of logic to that world-view, especially given how he makes his money.

I wouldn't think you would pass our client interview process anyway

Let me imagine...

S: "How did you hear from us?"
C: "I found your ad in the yellow pages" (S thinking: "not from the country club, then")

S: "So, how much space do you have for the install?"
C: "About 500 sqft" (S thinking: "not nearly enough")

S: "Do you have any bank references?"
C: "Yeah, at the WaMu down the street." (S thinking: "what, no private bank?")

It's called AV Science, not AV Installer.

There is no AV without installers, sales, or the local retailer. This entire forum ceases to exists without that rock to stand on--especially given the propensity for many here to use the local retailer to ascertain what to purchase prior to coming here or some other random e-sale.

Get a clue.

Let me imagine...

S: "How did you hear from us?"
C: "I found your ad in the yellow pages" (S thinking: "not from the country club, then")

S: "So, how much space do you have for the install?"
C: "About 500 sqft" (S thinking: "not nearly enough")

S: "Do you have any bank references?"
C: "Yeah, at the WaMu down the street." (S thinking: "what, no private bank?")

Not the point (you guys suck at debating BTW).

The point is that if someone came in with that guy's attitude, he would be a forgotten issue quickly.

That's called "consumer responsibility", also known as "The Golden Rule".

Apparently AVS arrogance trumps that.

not to take away from the frey but...
HDMI/Digital Coax/Optical = Monoprice Good
quality interconect = cheap monoprice bad
speakerwire... just keep it away from your electrical line and you should be fine, but I think good speaker wire is worth while.
For what it's worth if you where going to spend x anyway then invest in a good power center, it will NOT make your pic/sound better but still get a good one.

I am not a scientist I'm just an A/V kid who sells the stuff. But I do understand most of what is going on.

quality interconect = cheap monoprice bad
Please elaborate.

I think good speaker wire is worth while.
What do you mean by good? I think that you should have 16-gauge or better copper wire. How can you get better than that?


For what it's worth if you where going to spend x anyway then invest in a good power center, it will NOT make your pic/sound better but still get a good one.
I agree. One of my uncles had his TV fried by lightning. He got it fixed and it fried again during the next big storm. I got him a decent Panamax surge protector (cost ~$25) and he's been good so far. (I also recommended a whole-house surge protector, but he hasn't taken that advice yet.)

I am not a scientist I'm just an A/V kid who sells the stuff. But I do understand most of what is going on.


Then you need to explain further because it seems you are just a parrot and do not really understand anything.

There is no AV without installers, sales, or the local retailer. This entire forum ceases to exists without that rock to stand on--especially given the propensity for many here to use the local retailer to ascertain what to purchase prior to coming here or some other random e-sale.

Get a clue.

And a car culture doesn't exist without car companies making cars. Duh. What's your point?

A stupid argumentative troll thread doesn't exist without someone like schticker either.... :rolleyes:

Then you need to explain further because it seems you are just a parrot and do not really understand anything.

And people wonder what I'm referring to when I talk about the arrogance that select people on this forum choose to portray.

If only you were this confident in real life.

not to take away from the frey but...
HDMI/Digital Coax/Optical = Monoprice Good

OK

quality interconect = cheap monoprice bad

If you're looking for a cable that just offers a decent solder joint, Monoprice is your thing.

speakerwire... just keep it away from your electrical line and you should be fine, but I think good speaker wire is worth while.

Speaker cabling is more of a tool, making certain there is adequate power transfer. This does have less of an overall impact that the actual interconnect.

For what it's worth if you where going to spend x anyway then invest in a good power center, it will NOT make your pic/sound better but still get a good one.

Actually in certain cases it can offer an improvement, but nothing will fix a problem you don't have.

That said, if you have a quality conditioner, power is eliminated as a concern in all but the most extreme cases. Remember that they're filters, not solutions to real problems.

Other than that I agree. And, don't feel like you have to agree with what certain people on here say to avoid getting flamed. This forum is the only place that listens to many of them, and they take advantage of that.

I am not a scientist I'm just an A/V kid who sells the stuff. But I do understand most of what is going on.

So that means over time you'll more actual experience with actual gear, not having to solely rely on theory to get you through. No embarrassment there.

And people wonder what I'm referring to when I talk about the arrogance that select people on this forum choose to portray.

If only you were this confident in real life.

And I will still ask him to explain himself further. He spouted off some things and I asked him to explain.

Schticker,

Here's the chance to prove you're right:

http://www.randi.org/jr/2007-09/092807reply.html#i4

Please let us know how you intend to spend the money.

I'd like for someone to explain how Monster Cable's $250 6 meter HDMI 1000HD cable is better than Blue Jeans Cable's $60 20' series 1 HDMI cable. Meanwhile, after reading though monster's website, I can't even find out what gauge wiring is being used to carry the signal.

I'd like for someone to explain how Monster Cable's $250 6 meter HDMI 1000HD cable is better than Blue Jeans Cable's $60 20' series 1 HDMI cable. Meanwhile, after reading though monster's website, I can't even find out what gauge wiring is being used to carry the signal.

1. HDMI doesn't come in gauges

2. IT'S DIGITAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! any HDMI cable will carry the same signle. But you may still want better analog cables.

3. Monster is very over priced, yet. But it is a better buld quality. I have never had a customer tell me the tips of the cable came off in there hand with a monster cable, it has happened with A/R and other cables. Monster does tend to fit more snugly.

I'm not saying it's worth 10x as much but I am saying they are a good quality product.

1 . HDMI doesn't come in gauges

umm, sure it does. When they refer to the gauge i believe they are referring to each individual wire inside the cable. A cable that needs to run further will have a lower gauge.

check monoprice for example, they advertise the gauge..However, most hdmi cables don't advertise the gauge though. And just because its digital doesn't make them all the same. If you have a longer run then you need a higher quality cable. If the signal degrades much over the distance of the wire then the high and low signal can be difficult to differentiate at the source, resulting in poor quality.

Since power centers were mentioned here, would it be appropriate to ask for recommendations on surge/spike protectors for A/V setup?

1. HDMI doesn't come in gauges

2. IT'S DIGITAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! any HDMI cable will carry the same signle. But you may still want better analog cables.

3. Monster is very over priced, yet. But it is a better buld quality. I have never had a customer tell me the tips of the cable came off in there hand with a monster cable, it has happened with A/R and other cables. Monster does tend to fit more snugly.

1) The wires carrying the signal have a size.

2) That's great and all...but try sending an HDMI signal 100' over cheap cables...and tell me how that works out for you.

3) "better build quality" than what? Some cables certainly...but I doubt that it is substantially better built than the series 1 blue jeans cables (in fact, I bet it's quite the opposite).

1. HDMI doesn't come in gauges

2. IT'S DIGITAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! any HDMI cable will carry the same signle. But you may still want better analog cables.



I'd keep my resume updated if I were you. :rolleyes:

check monoprice for example, they advertise the gauge..However, most hdmi cables don't advertise the gauge though. And just because its digital doesn't make them all the same. If you have a longer run then you need a higher quality cable. If the signal degrades much over the distance of the wire then the high and low signal can be difficult to differentiate at the source, resulting in poor quality.


You confuse Gauge with quality. They are not the same. A less expensive cable of the same gauge as a more expensive one will act the same.

sorry what i meant by quality was primarily gauge. However, guage isn't everything when it comes to hdmi. The wires need to be well insulated and resistant to external noise as well in order to make long runs.

1) 2) That's great and all...but try sending an HDMI signal 100' over cheap cables...and tell me how that works out for you.

3) "better build quality" than what? Some cables certainly...but I doubt that it is substantially better built than the series 1 blue jeans cables (in fact, I bet it's quite the opposite).

I was going to cover that in my last post but didn't want to get into that with people and anyway most people don't go over 16'

as for build quality I have had budget cable come apart in my had doing installs on the side. I'm just saying Monster does make a good, quality, product even if it is over priced.


I'd keep my resume updated if I were you. :rolleyes:

I don't know why. I just calls 'em as I see's it.

I was going to cover that in my last post but didn't want to get into that with people and anyway most people don't go over 16'

as for build quality I have had budget cable come apart in my had doing installs on the side. I'm just saying Monster does make a good, quality, product even if it is over priced.



a) Almost all installations that involve front projectors (which is a considerably large segment of the Home Theater populace) need HDMI runs of over 16'. I just bought a 25' HDMI cable.

b) Blue Jeans Cable (and many other brands) shouldn't be considered 'budget cables".

umm, sure it does. When they refer to the gauge i believe they are referring to each individual wire inside the cable. A cable that needs to run further will have a lower gauge.

Farther, not further.

Further relates to degree, farther to distance. ;)

But you are certainly right.

Farther, not further.

Further relates to degree, farther to distance. ;)

But you are certainly right.

Doh! I actually consider myself somewhat of a grammar Nazi, but I've never really fully grasped the farther/further thing. Public schools and all...

1) I'm running 1080p over a 35' BlueJeans $69 24-gauge HDMI cable, and have no sparkles or drop-outs.

2) For power protection, either get a UPS (1500 or 1800 VA), such as CyberPower or APC at $150-$200, or get a Tripp Lite ISOBAR ULTRA with A/C clamping, at about $50.