Any HDTV LCD TV / home theater gurus in here? Need home setup help

YellowFinger · 04-27-2010, 11:32 AM

Hello all - I just brought myself a new apartment and getting all the goodies to setup my home theater system. Not looking for anything fancy but I am completely a newbie when it comes to HiFi/TV systems.

I measured my sofa to TV stand distance and is around 7.5-8 ft. Question is should i go for a 46'' or 52'' TV? I am looking into a Samsung B750 series LCD TV and they only come in these two sizes

Would 52'' be too big from 7.5-8ft away?

Also, any recommendations for a 5.1 blueray system setup? I am looking into a Samsung 5.1 blue ray to go with my TV and i dont know much about 5.1 systems.

Any help would be appreciative.

Thanks in advance

CollinsE90 · 04-27-2010, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YellowFinger

Hello all - I just brought myself a new apartment and getting all the goodies to setup my home theater system. Not looking for anything fancy but I am completely a newbie when it comes to HiFi/TV systems.

I measured my sofa to TV stand distance and is around 7.5-8 ft. Question is should i go for a 46'' or 52'' TV? I am looking into a Samsung B750 series LCD TV and they only come in these two sizes

Would 52'' be too big from 7.5-8ft away?

Also, any recommendations for a 5.1 blueray system setup? I am looking into a Samsung 5.1 blue ray to go with my TV and i dont know much about 5.1 systems.

Any help would be appreciative.

Thanks in advance

52" samsung should do you nice, but samsung or nothing!

headlee103 · 04-27-2010, 11:49 AM

In my current room, I have a 52" Sony LCD that is about 8ft away from the sofa and I dont think its a problem at all. I mean it takes up half the wall, but it definitely looks sweet! Go for the 52"

E90SLAM · 04-27-2010, 11:51 AM

52"

DrockNJ · 04-27-2010, 12:11 PM

just a tip on HDMI cables...whatever you do don't buy them at a big retail store..like best buy or something...they mark these up out the ass.... check out mycablemart.com ..i've used them a couple times and everything is top notch....buying the cable in the store can cost you upwards of like 50bucks when in reality it should only be about 5-6 bucks..

BTM · 04-27-2010, 12:16 PM

I've had excellent experiences with all of my Samsung TVs...a 46" in college and now my 2 23" monitors on my desk at home.

CollinsE90 · 04-27-2010, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrockNJ

just a tip on HDMI cables...whatever you do don't buy them at a big retail store..like best buy or something...they mark these up out the ass.... check out mycablemart.com ..i've used them a couple times and everything is top notch....buying the cable in the store can cost you upwards of like 50bucks when in reality it should only be about 5-6 bucks..

or monoprice.com

Red Bread · 04-27-2010, 12:52 PM

I have a 46" Samsung at about 8', but don't think I'd mind a 52". Good advice on monoprice.com and the others. Digital signals either exist or they don't, paying for shielding on digital cables like HDMI is a waste of money.

BTM · 04-27-2010, 01:11 PM

Forgot to mention: family member has 52" at like 10', I think it would be fine at 8'

SantaPimp27 · 04-27-2010, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YellowFinger

Hello all - I just brought myself a new apartment and getting all the goodies to setup my home theater system. Not looking for anything fancy but I am completely a newbie when it comes to HiFi/TV systems.

I measured my sofa to TV stand distance and is around 7.5-8 ft. Question is should i go for a 46'' or 52'' TV? I am looking into a Samsung B750 series LCD TV and they only come in these two sizes

Would 52'' be too big from 7.5-8ft away?

Also, any recommendations for a 5.1 blueray system setup? I am looking into a Samsung 5.1 blue ray to go with my TV and i dont know much about 5.1 systems.

Any help would be appreciative.

Thanks in advance

At 8' 52" is the bare minimum you should be looking at in order to see the full resolution of 1080p. 58" to 65" would be the ideal size from 8'.

Will the TV be used as a computer monitor or a in a room with uncontrollable light? These are the only two reasons i would recommend an LCD. Otherwise i think you would be much better off with a Plasma. There superior to LCD's because they have no motion blur, no off angle viewing issues, better blacks, more vibrant colors, and a longer lifespan among other things. LCD pros are that they are thinner than Plasma's and give off less heat.

For TV i would recommend looking at a Panasonic 54" G20/25. It has received glowing reviews so far and there is not tv in the price range that can match its PQ. If you want 3-D i would consider going for a Panasonic VT20/25. Plasma's far surpass LCD's when it comes to 3D. Mainly because of limitations of LCD technology.

I would also recommend staying away from Samsung BD players. They have a habit of not updating their firmware and because of it, sometimes their players cannot read the newest DVD's. It becomes a real PITA after about a year goes by. You best option for a BD player would be an Oppo. Either the BDP-80 or BDP-83. You really cannot do better than an Oppo player no matter the money. One high end company(Lexicon) took the $500 Oppo player, rebranded it as their own, and sold it for $3500.http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets...3500-20100119/

The next best option after Oppo is LG. Surprisingly they make some of the best BD players on the market.

For sound, it really depends on your budget. You could spend anywhere from $500 to $500,000 or more. Are you looking for a HTiB or piecing together a system composed of separate components? Also what is your budget for sound?

And for cables, always use monoprice.com

darkcloud · 04-27-2010, 04:57 PM

I have a 50'' Panny Plasma and it's the bomb, I also sit about 7-8' away from the tv. It's last years 800U. Paired it with Pannys BDP-35 blu-ray player. HDMI cables are from monoprice.com

I also just picked up the Definitive Technology 600 5.1 speaker box set and love it. For $700 it was a great buy for a decent all around system.

I'm very happy for a home family room tv set up. Kicks all my friends set-ups ass at the very least

fdriller9 · 04-27-2010, 05:07 PM

newegg.com...I buy all my electronics here, mainly computer parts. I put together a HTPC for my house and easily saved about 2g's.

10M3MAN · 04-27-2010, 05:53 PM

Samsung or nothing at all, 65" Plasma in the living room

and 50" LED LCD in bedroom they both ROCK.....

aus · 04-27-2010, 06:49 PM

Panny plasma's are WAY better than any LCD out there... and cost less.
The whole thing with panel half life is BS too since the plasma's will last considerably longer now. The burn-in is also a non issue if you're carefull the first couple hundred hours.
For the surround stuff, you need to give us room dimensions and budget, but given you're in an apartment, you're probably limited on how loud you can get.

ZJP · 04-27-2010, 07:33 PM

ebay for HDMI cables.

CollinsE90 · 04-27-2010, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZJP

ebay for HDMI cables.

negative, people are just buying them in bulk on monoprice and selling them to you on ebay

YellowFinger · 04-27-2010, 09:47 PM

Thank you for all the replies per some members recommendation I would be going for the following setup:

Panasonic G20 50'' Plasma
OPPO Blueray player
Question is if any have any out-of-the-box 5.1 theater system that can go with my setup? preferablely HDMI ready

YellowFinger · 04-27-2010, 09:51 PM

for the speaker reference... my room is about 550sq feet

aut0sh0cker · 04-27-2010, 11:33 PM

Sony XBR8 55"

LED Backlit LCD, 120Hz, local dimming LEDs. Probably one of the best pictures I have ever seen.

BMW F22 · 04-27-2010, 11:41 PM

Dude just get a 3D tv. If you decide to go with a plasma I would go with a Panasonic. I have a samsung plasma in the living room and it's starting to have image retention (like quite bad) after just 3 or 4 years. Pioneer made the best plasmas there were. Since Panasonic bought their tv division (??) Pioneer's technology is starting to show up in their set ups (like the G series).

SantaPimp27 · 04-28-2010, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW E90

Dude just get a 3D tv. If you decide to go with a plasma I would go with a Panasonic. I have a samsung plasma in the living room and it's starting to have image retention (like quite bad) after just 3 or 4 years. Pioneer made the best plasmas there were. Since Panasonic bought their tv division (??) Pioneer's technology is starting to show up in their set ups (like the G series).

Panasonic hired many of their engineers and bought most of their technology. The full force of the Kuro's will be seen in the 2011 Panny's which should surpass them.

Panny's only 3D right now is the VT20/25. LCD is worthless for 3D. Way to many problems.

As for a HTiB i would recommend something from Onkyo. You could put something better together but you would have to spend a little more than HTiB money.

Heres the HTiB i would recommend: http://www.accessories4less.com/make...or-Ipod/1.html

Or these speakers: http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...06-hcs-1-black

This receiver: http://www.accessories4less.com/make...x-sr607/1.html

And this sub: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015A8Y5M/?tag=brsite3-20

Could also go with the Jamo bookshelves and CC from Vanns if you dont want Towers. Then the same receiver and Sub.

If you gave a budget it would be easier. There are so many choices in speakers

04-27-2010, 11:32 AM	#1
YellowFinger Private 31 Rep 50 Posts Drives: E93 335i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: HK iTrader: (0)	Any HDTV LCD TV / home theater gurus in here? Need home setup help Hello all - I just brought myself a new apartment and getting all the goodies to setup my home theater system. Not looking for anything fancy but I am completely a newbie when it comes to HiFi/TV systems. I measured my sofa to TV stand distance and is around 7.5-8 ft. Question is should i go for a 46'' or 52'' TV? I am looking into a Samsung B750 series LCD TV and they only come in these two sizes Would 52'' be too big from 7.5-8ft away? Also, any recommendations for a 5.1 blueray system setup? I am looking into a Samsung 5.1 blue ray to go with my TV and i dont know much about 5.1 systems. Any help would be appreciative. Thanks in advance
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04-27-2010, 11:49 AM	#3
headlee103 Lieutenant Colonel 58 Rep 1,622 Posts Drives: e90 335xi Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bethlehem, PA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 328xi [10.00]	In my current room, I have a 52" Sony LCD that is about 8ft away from the sofa and I dont think its a problem at all. I mean it takes up half the wall, but it definitely looks sweet! Go for the 52"
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04-27-2010, 11:51 AM	#4
E90SLAM Supreme Allied Commander 1963 Rep 61,781 Posts Drives: A BBS WHORE Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: . iTrader: (6) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 sDrive30i [0.00]	52" __________________
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04-27-2010, 12:11 PM	#5
DrockNJ New Member 122 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Dirty Jersey iTrader: (0)	just a tip on HDMI cables...whatever you do don't buy them at a big retail store..like best buy or something...they mark these up out the ass.... check out mycablemart.com ..i've used them a couple times and everything is top notch....buying the cable in the store can cost you upwards of like 50bucks when in reality it should only be about 5-6 bucks..
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04-27-2010, 12:16 PM	#6
BTM Banned 480 Rep 10,309 Posts Drives: A///MERICAN!!! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: A///MERICA!!! iTrader: (11) Garage List 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe [7.20]	I've had excellent experiences with all of my Samsung TVs...a 46" in college and now my 2 23" monitors on my desk at home.
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04-27-2010, 12:52 PM	#8
Red Bread Major General 4463 Rep 9,160 Posts Drives: Smog machines Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	I have a 46" Samsung at about 8', but don't think I'd mind a 52". Good advice on monoprice.com and the others. Digital signals either exist or they don't, paying for shielding on digital cables like HDMI is a waste of money.
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04-27-2010, 01:11 PM	#9
BTM Banned 480 Rep 10,309 Posts Drives: A///MERICAN!!! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: A///MERICA!!! iTrader: (11) Garage List 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe [7.20]	Forgot to mention: family member has 52" at like 10', I think it would be fine at 8'
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04-27-2010, 04:57 PM	#11
darkcloud Colonel 335 Rep 2,385 Posts Drives: 09 VW JSW Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: cleveland, oh iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I have a 50'' Panny Plasma and it's the bomb, I also sit about 7-8' away from the tv. It's last years 800U. Paired it with Pannys BDP-35 blu-ray player. HDMI cables are from monoprice.com I also just picked up the Definitive Technology 600 5.1 speaker box set and love it. For $700 it was a great buy for a decent all around system. I'm very happy for a home family room tv set up. Kicks all my friends set-ups ass at the very least __________________ retired 06 E90 325i New: 09 VW Platinum Grey Jetta Sportwagen 2.0T SEL w/DSG, panoramic sunroof and Ipod adapter
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04-27-2010, 05:07 PM	#12
fdriller9 Banned 252 Rep 7,089 Posts Drives: '06 AW 330xi Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Jersey/Philly/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330xi [6.44]	newegg.com...I buy all my electronics here, mainly computer parts. I put together a HTPC for my house and easily saved about 2g's.
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04-27-2010, 05:53 PM	#13
10M3MAN Lieutenant Colonel 34 Rep 1,498 Posts Drives: 2006 Nissan Altima SER Join Date: May 2009 Location: Wharton, TX iTrader: (0)	Samsung or nothing at all, 65" Plasma in the living room and 50" LED LCD in bedroom they both ROCK.....
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04-27-2010, 06:49 PM	#14
aus Major General 890 Rep 9,031 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	Panny plasma's are WAY better than any LCD out there... and cost less. The whole thing with panel half life is BS too since the plasma's will last considerably longer now. The burn-in is also a non issue if you're carefull the first couple hundred hours. For the surround stuff, you need to give us room dimensions and budget, but given you're in an apartment, you're probably limited on how loud you can get. __________________ Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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04-27-2010, 07:33 PM	#15
ZJP Lieutenant Colonel 125 Rep 1,759 Posts Drives: F10 535xi / B6 S4 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: LI, NY iTrader: (7)	ebay for HDMI cables.
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04-27-2010, 09:47 PM	#17
YellowFinger Private 31 Rep 50 Posts Drives: E93 335i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: HK iTrader: (0)	Thank you for all the replies per some members recommendation I would be going for the following setup: Panasonic G20 50'' Plasma OPPO Blueray player Question is if any have any out-of-the-box 5.1 theater system that can go with my setup? preferablely HDMI ready
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04-27-2010, 09:51 PM	#18
YellowFinger Private 31 Rep 50 Posts Drives: E93 335i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: HK iTrader: (0)	for the speaker reference... my room is about 550sq feet
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04-27-2010, 11:33 PM	#19
aut0sh0cker meh 123 Rep 1,756 Posts Drives: E92 335i, 997.2 C4S Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: 91362 iTrader: (2)	Sony XBR8 55" LED Backlit LCD, 120Hz, local dimming LEDs. Probably one of the best pictures I have ever seen.
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04-27-2010, 11:41 PM	#20
BMW F22 Major General 3565 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	Dude just get a 3D tv. If you decide to go with a plasma I would go with a Panasonic. I have a samsung plasma in the living room and it's starting to have image retention (like quite bad) after just 3 or 4 years. Pioneer made the best plasmas there were. Since Panasonic bought their tv division (??) Pioneer's technology is starting to show up in their set ups (like the G series).
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