Home Theater Bundle Systems?

Re: Home Theater Bundle Systems?

Hello Mike,

I also have DishNetwork and just recently upgraded to HDTV. Here are my suggestions.

I have always believed that the video portion of the signal path should have the fewest amount of stops and switching as possible. I would run your PS3 into the TV with the HDMI cable and then use an optical/coax out to your receiver from the TV.

For your current sat box I would run component out to the TV and the optical/coax to your receiver. When you upgrade to HD and get the HDMI out, I would set it up exactly like the PS3, HDMI out to the TV, optical/coax back to the Receiver.

I am no expert in this area, but that is how I would accomplish it. BTW, I have been thinking about getting a new DVD player, and I love the sony playstation games. How do the images on the DVD look via Blu-Ray on the 1080p feed?

Thank you,
Don

Re: Home Theater Bundle Systems?

Your sat box should at least have component connections (red, green, blue) and that would be the best way to connect for now. To connect the sound, I would use the spdif\digital optical connection or the coaxial audio connection to the AV receiver for sound.


I would run the HDMI to the AV receiver for audio and video.



Don't do it. Since you do not have HD sat box yet, a great performing DVD player should be a priority. The Oppo DV 981HD or the Panasnic S77 or S97 should be a great solution for now and well into the future. Don't skimp here because it can make a huge difference in video quality.


HDMI connections can become scarce quick, even with a good AV receiver so you may need to hook up some of your video equipment directly to the display and some through the AV receiver. You may also want to consider an HDMI video switcher like the one linked below. In the long run, a video switcher may be the most cost effective solution. Also, HD audio is on the horizon so buying an AV receiver like the one listed below is a very good idea to avoid having to upgrade again in the next year or so. You do seem to want to listen and watch BlueRay with the PS3 and that will require an AV receiver like the one I listed.

Getting into HD video and audio is not cheap and you may have to wait to get it done right, but if you are patient and willing to do it right, it will be an awesome system you will be proud of and that will last you for many years to come. Do it wrong, and you will be upgrading and changing and adding and throwing away components and speakers because you did not do it right the first time. I realize you want it NOW, but it will cost you in the long run.

I would suggest buying the AV receiver I linked below first. Use whatever speakers you have on hand until you can afford new ones that all match and are not part of a home theater in a box that is not upgradeable or work with an AV receiver. I would also buy the DVD player I suggested to take advantage of the new display until you can upgrade with DishNetwork. I know this is not what you probably wanted to hear but there are no short cuts to quality HD audio and video with all the new changes in technology and the requirements that are associated with these changes.

http://www.gspr.com/onkyo/txsr605.html

http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=3278

Re: Home Theater Bundle Systems?

The following two packages get good reviews and and because of their high efficiency\sensitivity, will be easy to drive with the AV receiver you have decided on.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html

https://www.klipsch.com/products/det...intet-iii.aspx

I am confident that once you have your system setup and in place, you will find the funds necessary to add a subwoofer of good quality. I do not know of any subwoofers that I would recommend that cost less than $500 on their own. A subwoofer is sooooo important to a home theater system so I would wait until you can afford one that is worth adding to your system. The speakers I have recommended should provide a very good solution and keep you smiling until you save up for a subwoofer. There are other speakers and I am sure others will chime in with their favorites.

Re: Home Theater Bundle Systems?

My buddy recently picked up the Velodyne CHT front row system and for $200 bucks it's a hard deal to pass up. I have been pretty impressed with the sound whenever I go over to his place. You will need to add a sub though.

Re: Home Theater Bundle Systems?

Go for it. The money you save should be a good installment toward a subwoofer.

Re: Home Theater Bundle Systems?

I am too figuring out my home audio situation. Good info.

Re: Home Theater Bundle Systems?

I was doing some research for a friend and he wanted to know what the best subwoofer was for around $500. It took some digging but the JBL CSS10 was the best performer for the price that I could find along with the Energy S10.3. I was suprised and was not the first subs that came to mind but Tom Nousaines subwoofer chart really came in handy.

http://home.comcast.net/~frank_carter/Nousaine.htm