Some Video/TV questions

[Scrumhalf]

OK, so bear with me here and don't fall out of your chairs laughing....

You guys know that I am not really into TVs, latest video gadgets, etc....

My question is on Blue Ray. Am finally thinking of upgrading from DVD to blue-ray. Is it better to get a high quality blue ray player that may run say $200 or get a Sony PS3 which I understand has a very good blue-ray player built in.

Right now, I can get a PS3 with 160GB HD for $250. Seems like a good deal, but then again, I am not sure how much better a really good blue ray player is versus one that is just $75 or $100. If I am going to be spending $200 or more on a blue ray player, I might as well get the PS3, but if a cheapo blue ray works fine, then I might just do that.

Also, I know I posted a thread on TVs before Christmas but in typical fashion, I am still researching... :thumup: I never pulled the trigger, so I am in the market for a TV as well.

By the way, in keeping with the theme of this post on coming out of the dark ages, we just got a trial Netflix subscription that we are running through the Wii. Let me say that I like the Netflix subscription a lot since I can watch stuff on the TV or on the computer or iPhone, but 480i sucks real bad.. :rofl: - need a TV or a PS3 that can handle Netflix in HD or at least DVD quality.

[blm]

PS3 is the best option, imo. You have the blu ray, hd streaming and you can use it as a media server as well.

[Bouncer]

Ps3 is best bang for buck. Hulu, netflix, movie rental ap, blu ray etc..

[mofo]

ps3. you'd be surprised how many things are compatible with it.

[dna9488]

Like everyone else said, PS3

[Bouncer]

Ps3

[Scrumhalf]

OK... just ordered the PS3 160GB slim console.

Still looking for a nice TV. I have to do some more research on Toshiba and Sony but I like some of the 2011 Sharp Aquos LCDs - I have been looking at the 60 inch models but I am now wondering if I should hold off for the 70 inch models to drop in price a bit. I can get one for $2900 now, but I think they'll get down below $2500 by the end of the year. My viewing distance is about 10 feet and the recommendation is definitely for 70 plus inches at this viewing distance for ideal 1080p.

[Bouncer]

Don't buy into that recommended distance bs. Bro 70 inch is fucking massive.

Save yourself the money and get a nice 50 inch.

[Scrumhalf]

I have a 55 inch right now and I won't have any problems having it be a bit bigger. Definitely don't want any smaller. I am looking at a bunch of 60 inchers from Sharp - I can get them for about $1900 or so. I might just go for one of those, we'll see.

Damn Sonys are freaking expensive. At least 600 or 700 more for comparable features. The Sharp seems to be the best bang for the buck right now with the Aquos Quattron display. Stayed up till midnight last night researching Sharp, reading avsforum endlessly.... :rofl:

[Scrumhalf]

Also wanted to add that monoprice.com rules for cables.

My current TV only component video inputs for HD, not HDMI, so I had to order a PS3 connector that outputs to component video. Cost me about $4.50 for the cable.

[Chadd77]

Bought a Sony 60 inch a couple months ago. Love it and would not want it any smaller.

[Scrumhalf]

Agreed Chadd... like I said I have a 55 inch right now and I can easily see me having a 70 inch mounted on the wall. Sharp's 70 inch LCD is about $2900 right now which is amazing for that size but still a bit more than I want to pay. It is a sweet model though - apparently there will be more 70 inch models coming from Sharp later this year. Might postpone my TV purchase until then.. :)

Damn, this is hard, every time I want to get something, there's always something nicer just about to be released... I've got to stop reading avsforum.. :rofl: guys there are crazy about their A/V equipment....

[Turbo3000]

Also wanted to add that monoprice.com rules for cables.

My current TV only component video inputs for HD, not HDMI, so I had to order a PS3 connector that outputs to component video. Cost me about $4.50 for the cable.

Ebay is great for cables/cords as well. I love people that go to Target/Best Buy and pay $25 for a damn HDMI cord.

[Bouncer]

yea monoprice is good.

amazon actually has there own line out now also, good quality and cheap. Amazon.com: AmazonBasics High Speed HDMI Cable (6.5 Feet / 2.0 Meters) - Supports Ethernet, 3D, and Audio Return [NEW MODEL]: Electronics

as for the TV size, I had a 61 inch and the viewing distance was about 10 feet. its fine for movies and such but when you just want to watch regular bs it was just to fucken big. was like sitting at the front row at the movies. sold it and bought a 50 inch LG LED LCD. much better and picture quality is better. love LG. got a 37inch LG LCD in the bed room.

[Scrumhalf]

Haven't looked into LG. I need to spend a few hours researching the models and features. So far, Sharp has the best bang for the buck. Samsung is almost as good in the size/price ratio but a lot of people on avsforum are complaining of some banding effects that is scaring me off a bit - might do some more reading and visit some stores to see for myself.