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Help choose TV

post #1 of 7
2/11/09 at 6:42am
Thread Starter 
Hi guys,
I am looking for a new hdtv. I have $2500 to spend on the TV.

I am not sure which would be better for me. The sun shines directly into this room, so blinds are closed most of the time. It is used mostly for hdtv viewing and some hd games (static images).

I'm not up to date on what advances LCDs have made in terms of motion blur or screen door affects.

One key feature I'd like the TV to have is optical audio out, so I can plug in my HDMI devices to the TV and then output to my receiver.

Anyone have any advice for me?

Thanks,
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post #2 of 7
2/11/09 at 7:05am
Thread Starter 

Re: Help choose TV

Also - would you guys recommend this TV?

P. C. Richard & Son | Sony Bravia 46" Flat LCD 1080p HDTV With Advanced Contrast Enhancer And (4) HDMI Inputs

OR this one??

P. C. Richard & Son | Samsung 46" Flat LCD 1080p HDTV with "Auto Motion Plus" 120Hz Technology, DLNA Compliant,"Touch of Color" Cabinet Design,UltraClearPanel,InfoLinkR
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post #3 of 7
2/11/09 at 8:20am

Re: Help choose TV

Quote:
Originally Posted by erew99
One key feature I'd like the TV to have is optical audio out, so I can plug in my HDMI devices to the TV and then output to my receiver.
Most tvs won't do that. Only a couple of models will, and I don't know which ones they are. There are some that will pass audio that way, but down convert the 5.1 surround to 2.0, so the best you'll get is Pro Logic. That isn't what you want, is it?

You didn't mention a screen size. If you want bigger than 52", about the only affordable option is DLP. Samsung makes a beautiful LED powered DLP, so it doesn't have a bulb to change, and doesn't have the color wheel anymore. Only the 61" & 67" models have the LED though.

Other than that, I'd go with Samsung or Sony LCD. Plasmas reflect light really bad (glass screen), and even though burn-in isn't the problem it used to be, it's still possible.
Good luck!
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post #4 of 7
2/11/09 at 8:37am
Thread Starter 

Re: Help choose TV

How could I forget screen size. I'm looking for 46" - 52".

I would want the audio passed in 5.1 minimum.

I'd prefer to upgrade my receiver to an HDMI, but because of my original setup I'd have to upgrade the speakers and that's going to be a minimum of another 800. I was looking at the sony dg720 (399.00)
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post #5 of 7
2/11/09 at 3:43pm

Re: Help choose TV

Very few TVs will do what you're talking about with the optical output. That receiver you're mentioning (which you should be able to find for $300) has HDMI switching, so you can run all your HDMI devices into the receiver and then a single HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV.

TVs that list an optical output (which is common) typically only pass the audio signal from the TVs internal tuner.
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post #6 of 7
2/12/09 at 6:27am
Thread Starter 

Re: Help choose TV

Thanks guys
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post #7 of 7
2/13/09 at 5:21am

Re: Help choose TV

I tried to do exactly what you are describing: HDMI input to TV and TV optical out to receiver, but what Seth & Ed describe is exactly what happened to me. The TV downmixed to stereo.

The workaround with an older receiver in some cases, is to use audio out on the device directly to the TV. For example: my Tivo HD is HDMI to TV and optical audio to receiver. The Xbox doesn't allow that, so I had to connect it via component video and optical audio.

It's not HDMI paradise, but it gets the job done and a new receiver purchase isn't rushed.
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