Hello,
First, let me say that I apologize if I am not posting this in the correct place or if I should have found these answers on my own without requesting advice (I have done a lot of research already). I am a member of a couple message boards and I know how frustrating it can be when a novice imposes on the others.
I have updated my profile with my current setup (I'd be very grateful if you'd take a look) but here it is in a nutshell: I have an XBOX 360 Elite which I have not even opened yet, A Philips DVD recorder, a Philips DVD player with USB/Divx, an older TiVo, and a Sony receiver with Cerwin Vega surround speakers/subwoofer (which I love). I know these components are not the most up to date but they have served me well for what I use them for.
This month I am making the jump to HD (finally) and I need to know what preparations need to be made. I have ordered an HDMI cable for the Xbox 360, ordered the DirecTV upgraded hardware for HD, and have plenty of cat5 cable here (not going to use wireless for the Xbox and am unsure what the benefits of connecting the new HD DVR to the net are, though I plan on doing it). I will be purchasing a Samsung 50-inch PLASMA TV in the coming weeks (waiting for the best price. Model numbers are in my profile) and need to know what exactly I need to do for the best picture and sound. My setup is almost entirely for movies as I am not a major gamer and will only play a few times a year. Currently I download everything as .avi files and watch them via USB but have recently begun experimenting with .kmv files. From my understanding, almost all HD content is in 720p except Bluray which I will not have. I am also signing up for Netflix in order to stream Starz content through the Xbox because it is cheaper than what I pay for it via DirecTV. What do I need to use to connect all these components? I have an optical audio cable that was used with my old PS2, does that have a place in this setup? I have no idea what I am doing in terms of connection cables. I really want to maximize the picture in all aspects (Xbox/Netflix, DirecTV, DVD).
I am also very confused by the configuration. Does the HD DVR connect to the Xbox in any way? Will I need to run ethernet cable to both the Xbox and HD DVR individually? If so, do I need some kind of hub? I know both of my DVD players are 1080 upscaling but I have no idea what that actually means (or if it matters) as they only play SD discs.
I know I have asked a lot of questions and to expect someone to take the time to answer them in detail is no small favor. If I can help you in return in any way, I'd be glad to. I don't really have any areas of specialty beside film and philosophy. Any help or direction is greatly appreciated, truly!!!!
First, let me say that I apologize if I am not posting this in the correct place or if I should have found these answers on my own without requesting advice (I have done a lot of research already). I am a member of a couple message boards and I know how frustrating it can be when a novice imposes on the others.
I have updated my profile with my current setup (I'd be very grateful if you'd take a look) but here it is in a nutshell: I have an XBOX 360 Elite which I have not even opened yet, A Philips DVD recorder, a Philips DVD player with USB/Divx, an older TiVo, and a Sony receiver with Cerwin Vega surround speakers/subwoofer (which I love). I know these components are not the most up to date but they have served me well for what I use them for.
This month I am making the jump to HD (finally) and I need to know what preparations need to be made. I have ordered an HDMI cable for the Xbox 360, ordered the DirecTV upgraded hardware for HD, and have plenty of cat5 cable here (not going to use wireless for the Xbox and am unsure what the benefits of connecting the new HD DVR to the net are, though I plan on doing it). I will be purchasing a Samsung 50-inch PLASMA TV in the coming weeks (waiting for the best price. Model numbers are in my profile) and need to know what exactly I need to do for the best picture and sound. My setup is almost entirely for movies as I am not a major gamer and will only play a few times a year. Currently I download everything as .avi files and watch them via USB but have recently begun experimenting with .kmv files. From my understanding, almost all HD content is in 720p except Bluray which I will not have. I am also signing up for Netflix in order to stream Starz content through the Xbox because it is cheaper than what I pay for it via DirecTV. What do I need to use to connect all these components? I have an optical audio cable that was used with my old PS2, does that have a place in this setup? I have no idea what I am doing in terms of connection cables. I really want to maximize the picture in all aspects (Xbox/Netflix, DirecTV, DVD).
I am also very confused by the configuration. Does the HD DVR connect to the Xbox in any way? Will I need to run ethernet cable to both the Xbox and HD DVR individually? If so, do I need some kind of hub? I know both of my DVD players are 1080 upscaling but I have no idea what that actually means (or if it matters) as they only play SD discs.
I know I have asked a lot of questions and to expect someone to take the time to answer them in detail is no small favor. If I can help you in return in any way, I'd be glad to. I don't really have any areas of specialty beside film and philosophy. Any help or direction is greatly appreciated, truly!!!!
