With all the after Christmas sales going on I'm looking at a new set up for the Man Cave. Probly 60" as the minimum size, so what manufacturer and options am I looking for ?. Or should I just take the easy route to costco and buy a Vizio.

LCD.

Can't think of any reason to buy Plasma.


Most manufacturers are making good products these days. You still pay more for the name with the high end brands. Just get a name you've heard before and you'll be fine (easy to get replacement remote, etc.).

1080 is the way to go, even though you won't use it unless you have Blueray (which you will want with a 60" 1080 )

Multiple HDMI inputs are good. So are inputs on the front for easy access, the ones on the side/back of panel tvs are hard to find when the tv is hanging on the wall (no big deal for the cords that will always be connected, but for video camera playback, etc.)

Should be some great deals out there!!

Have fun

HMMM...TJ's man cave options...dancing pole for the ladies, keg fridge with good spirts on tap 24/7, built in surround sound system, pool table, poker table, playstation, dartboard etc...

I have the Vizio 42" and it seems solid, LCD is the way to go but no idea what the max size is these days...call me when the cave is ready and I will help break it in for ya...cheers

LCD for sure. Been there done that. Look at the Toshiba Regza, spendy but excellent quality. I have the 47" and been happy with it.

Take a look online at the outlet sections of the stores you plan on going and look for in-store pickup option. I got a screamin deal last year doing that, the guy at the store didn't believe me when I went to pick it up. He had to look it up for himself before he would let us take it.

1080 is HD so if you have HD channels you'll use it. I haven't researched lately but I think in the 60" range you'll want plasma or DLP. I think most home theater sites are still recommending DLP. Check out http://www.hometheaterspot.com/ ran by a guy in Seattle. And if you join you qualify for their group buy discounts.

And HDMI is a must if you want Blue Ray.

DLP if you have the space for it. It's way cheaper...


Could be wrong but i don't think the broadcast hd channels are 1080. The signal from my digital receiver (free) goes into my tv with a "cable" connector.

If you have Verizon Fios you may have a fiber optic into your house, other wise you have regular "cable" tyoe cable.

I don't think you can push that much data through anything but an HDMI cable. RCA cables don't do it. I think 720 is the most you can get from component video in, less from s-video...

Again, I could be wrong.

Buy the 1080 regarless...

1080 and HDMI is the way to go for sure. You'll spend some money to get everything you need.

It depends upon the broadcaster. Some are 720 and others 1080. With CATV you'd need to either hook via component or HDMI to take advantage.

Get the 60" Sony LCD, Tom. Costco probably carries it. If you can afford it, get the 65" Sony LCD at Costco. Stay away from Vizio.

Call me up and I'll go with you.

I have both DLP and plasma screens at my place. The DLP II rear-projection TV is older, but has the best picture. The plasma is newer, but not as nice, IMO. My next flat panel would be a Sony LCD.

Make sure the tube supports 1080p and comes with a couple of HDMI ports. That will take care of your HD Comcrap DVR or TivoHD needs as well as that Sony Playstation you'll also want to get. Gotta be able to play those BluRay DVD movies.

Never pay retail if you have cash. When I managed a furniture store if somebody had cash and could take the item right then, they got the best deal.
Beat them up on price as it's a buyer's market on the retail side.

LCD 1080P, 5 ms or less response time. Higher contrast ratio with 10,000 preferred. 2 or more HDMI ports. PC, Audio, S-Video, Optical out, firm ware updated via USB (optional but preferred), Progressive scan.

Mitsubishi 65" Laservue - be a real man!

can't afford that then:

Mitsubishi - Diamond 73" Class 1080p DLP HDTV (size matters)

Not to be a smart a$$ but if you haven't checked a video forum I would, http://avsforum.com/ is the place to research. If you have the space and controlled light environment, I would consider a LCD projector and go with a 92-100" screen. Review that forum and you should get better insight than you will find here.

Might want to check out what Parker said. PCWorld reports on Sony customer satisfaction is not even close to challenged. My 2

I need to get a new TV in the coming year. I'm not a home theater freak so won't be getting a 60" or any other large size screen. I've been happy with my 20" TV, but it's gonna' be obsolete, and I have a new house in the works.

What's Blue Ray, and why do I want or need it? I don't play computer games and doubt I'd have any use for Playstation. I wouldn't know what to do with a Playstation or X-box if I had one.

The thing I do want is for my TV to run through my stereo system. Currently run the TV through a VHS tape machine so it goes through the stereo. Probably have to get a new stereo too.

So LCD is preferable to Plasma? Why? Fortunately I have a few months or so to figure this out.

Sg

I'm in the biz, so this may be of some help.

LCD is brighter, plasma has truer color but needs to be out of direct light. Plasma does have issues with "burn-in", that is if you keep an unmoving image (like the logo in the lower right hand corner of many TV broadcasts) on the screen, the image can become permanent. There are only a couple of manufacturers of the glass that is used in LCD's. So, all of the manufacturers are very similar once you get to the insides. The major manufacturers will be done making plasmas within 3 to 5 years. If you have the room and the inclination for a large image (greater than 60"), a projector/screen setup will give you the biggest bang for the buck. The contrast rating on monitors/projectors is the most meaningless spec going - there is no standard for measurement so each manufacturer uses their own method for rating. Blu-Ray is high definition DVD's. Most TV channels do not broadcast in 1080P, Blu-Ray does however. As with all technology, the price keeps coming down while the features keep improving.

Yeah, what Eddie just said.

In short Salmo, Blu-Ray is the hi-definition version of DVD.

Here's what I'd look at:

Get a nice mid-range stereo receiver from Crutchfield. Yamaha is always a good working, not too high end, but not too low end, receiver. Shouldn't cost more than $200 for what you'll probably want or need. The new receivers will have all, or should have all the new digital video and audio ports you will need.

Invest in a good set of speakers. Something like a 5 or 6 set of speakers. Two front, one middle, two surround, and one subwoofer. Again, doesn't have to be very costly.

You should look at both the Plasma and LCD screens on a side by side comparison. Best way to do that is to go to places like Costco, BestBuy, etc. I'd think a nice 40" TV would fit your needs well and those really won't break the bank. Look at the Sony 40" LCD and an equivalent branded Plasma. In the long run, I'd think the LCD's will be cheaper to maintain and to get repaired over a plasma. Just my O2.

Finally, you need the "accessories". IE, get a Blu-Ray DVD player. Now that you have the stereo, speakers, and a high definition TV, you'll want to watch your new DVD movies in HiDef. Interestingly, I saw that the best review on a Blu-Ray DVD player came in the form of the Sony Playstation. Heck, now you get a cool game system with awesome high definition graphics + a Blu-Ray DVD player.

Lastly, upgrade your cable or satellite service to HD. No point in owning all this great stuff if you aren't going to actually watch HD TV. Comcast offers a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) for a few duckets more. Or, if you're like me and don't care for the hardware and software of the Comcrap DVR, I opted for a Tivo3 HD and a lifetime service contract. Got a couple of cable cards from the cable company, and I was in business.

Now, if I could do it all over again, I'd flush-mount all my speakers in the ceilings and walls, as well as "upgrade" my rear-projection TV to a flat panel LCD. I'd make a small case for the the receiver, DVD player, and the Tivo. Nice, compact, no exposed speakers, etc.

My wife bought a Panasonic 42" Plasma at Costco for about $650 for the family Christmas gift.

I don't watch a whole lot of TV 'cept for "The Outdoor Channel" & some news stuff.
Picture is OK, not remarkably clear.

But HOLY CHIT the digital photos!


I plugged in a couple of my camera cards on it and the images blew me away.
Resolution, clarity, colors & contrast.
UNREAL.
Just like being there again, but from the comfort of my recliner.
Worth the money just to look at my photos on.

Aunty, Eddie, & Parker,

Thanks. The TV is going to sit to the right of the fireplace, and there will be a cabinet to the left to house all the audio visual components. I like the idea of running all the speaker wires before the drywall goes on, but frankly I don't know what to do. I'll ask the electrician about that cuz we're going to do a walk-thru in the next couple weeks before he begins the house wiring.

Sounds like a 40" LCD will more than satisfy us. I guess I understand that Blue Ray makes sense if it's just the HD version of DVDs. I'm reluctant to go the Playstation route to get it tho. I just have no interest in video games, and I certainly don't have the time for them. And while I expect grandkids someday Aunty, their moms will probably be like I was with them and not allow the kids to waste their lives away on video or computer games. Besides, the Playstation will be obsolete in a short time, and Playstation 9 or 10 will probably be out by then.

Sg

Ya, and anytime you are at Costco and need advice on any electronics feel free to call Bob or Parker
Thanks to Bob and apparently to Parker too I see, I've got a Sony this and a blu ray that and I can't even
figure out the remote control to do the HDMI! But, my 5 year old can...Nice!

If you are talking 60" minimum, then the choice is simple.......put an outlet in the ceiling approx 10 - 12' from the theater wall of choice, call me and ask me to bring over my projector, put towel on chest to catch drool.

What's the replacement cost on the projector bulb Kid and how many hours will it last?



I have and maintain about 8 HD-capable projectors for work.

No thanks at home....unless I was way rich and had a built-in movie theater in my house.

While it's a cute idea for the Rich and Sleazy, it's not what TJ wants for his Man Cave.

Look in to a 50-52" LCD Tom. 60" is probably too big for the room you're looking to furnish.

Matter of fact, since I've seen the Man Cave, look in to a Sony 52" LCD. Strong recommendation....hint...hint...hint.

PS. You're welcome, Core!

In that size some are rating the Samsung as the best buy right now. Bottom line figure out the size you want then how much you're willing to spend then go look at them. Everyones eyes are different. In the store be sure to turn the contrast down and such. The display is usually set to ridiculous levels that will wear it out over time.

Still extremely pleased with the 52 inch Sony Bravia on my wall. Have an HD-DVD player with a small collection that I've used a bunch already. The new PS3 only has a couple of days of use on it for games and BD ... Dark Knight was pretty awesome on it.

Most of the recommendations are right on ... LCD's are your current top choice. Skip any fire sales on the 720 sets ... you'll soon be wishing 1080 was available as times goes on and more medium is available.

Costco has a good deal on the Sonys ... their own model, but the engines are the same.

We have a Vizio 42" LCD and a Vizio 52" Plasma, both with HD Direct TV DVR...they work great.

I picked up an LG 60" Plasma a few months ago. 1 word.....AWESOME

I looked at both Plasma and LCD.

Went with the LG Plasma downstairs and a 32" LG LCD unit in the bedroom.

I liked the picture on the plasma better than the LCD in the larger set.

As far as projectors, I mounted one on the ceiling for my kids PS3. Let me tell ya....Call of Duty played on a 7' by 7' display is AWESOME.

LSD. Sorry wrong thread

I bought a 42 inch Panansonic plasma a year and a half ago and I have no complaints. I am not much of a tech head so maybe I did'nt get the best tv out there but it sure beats the hell out of that old hand me down 27" I used to have.-T

Parker, you don't know shiat.

How much is the replacement bulb for your projector Kid? What's the run life on that bulb?

Oh yeah, and how many lumens?

If the bulb was up your ass you'd know. It's $320, 1500 hours give or take, and 3000 or so lumens. I have it setup in my loft bedroom and it's insane.

sony bravia lcd 1080 is the best 50inch plus. I just saw it in consumer reports as I am looking for a 46 inch myself. samsung and sony are the best in the 40 inch range the key is getting one that is 120mhz, this is the measurement of screen speed most now are 60mhz. plasmas get too hot!