Recent content by SethH

Is putting the pull-down screen in front of the TV not an option?

You can run HDMI from your BluRay to tv and then you have a couple options for the audio. You can either run digital (optical or coax) to your receiver and get DD/DTS or, if your BluRay has a decoder built-in, you can run 7.1 analog cables to your receiver and get the DD TrueHD or DTS-MA.

You have a few options: 1 - Buy a BluRay or DVD player with built-in decoding. They typically cost $30-$50 more than the comparable version that doesn't have decoding. 2 - Buy a pre-amp that has HDMI inputs. 3 - Buy a receiver that has pre-outs for each channel (example: Onkyo...

The 1610 is essentially the same as the 1910, but is only 5.1 and only 75 watts/channel which met my needs. There are newer versions of each out (1911 and 1611) which offer HDMI 1.4 if that is important to you.

The only thing you really lose going to the 1910 from the 591 is the support for HDMI v1.4. Not really critical unless you want the 3D passthrough for a 3d television. I have the 1610 and have been very pleased with it.

Pioneer tends to make pretty good stuff, though I haven't used one of their receivers in 5-7 years. I personally tend to lean toward Denon or Onkyo for receivers. For a similar feature set and price point you might look at the Denon AVR-591. Plus you get the Audyssey processing with Denon and...

Also check out firefold.com for good prices on long, high-quality, inexpensive cables. Dan -- 1.3 will suffice for audio and video. The main thing added by in 1.4 is the ability to send network connectivity (100mbps) through the hdmi cable in addition to the audio and video.

If you decide to go with PA speakers for your mains, you could find a better sounding speaker. I've auditioned many models of Mackie speakers for PA systems and can never bring myself to buy them. They look nice, their specs are good and the fact that they are powered is convenient, but they...

A couple things: Your Bluray player should also have an HDMI output which can carry both audio and video and is your best bet for both. You'll want to buy a receiver. If your bluray player had a built-in decoder you could potentially get away with purchasing just a power amp, but that's...

In my opinion, WD makes the best drives available right now. I used to be a huge Seagate fan, but I feel their quality has dropped off in recent years. WD has two external models that utilize Firewire 800 and I think either of those would be a good choice.

I would go with bipole (not dipole) in the blue option. I'm a fan of dipole, but I think you need an ideal setup for them to have the desired effect. I would select bipole in hopes of the speaker that is so close to the couch will be less distracting than it would be with a direct radiating...

Unfortunately that will not work. Most 5.1 receivers that have pre-outs for 7.1 fall into one of two camps: the pre-outs only support rear surround or they are switchable between rear surround or front height channels. I think your denon falls into the latter camp, but that still won't meet...

FWIW, I agree with your sentiments on the industry in general, but I've certainly been proven wrong before. I tend to prefer plasma. I purchased a Panasonic plasma last year and have been thrilled with it! However, they still have reflective screens. Perhaps it has gotten better since last...

You might also check out Firefold if you're still looking for a place. I have received fantastic service from them in the past.

For the first 100-300 hours you should keep your brightness and contrast below 50%. Some new plasma owners use a slideshow of different colored slides to break-in their plasmas. It is something you should read up on . . . I don't have a strong opinion on the break-in vs "no need to break-in"...