home theater recommendations?

zixxer

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2001
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I don't have a defined budget.... preferably around $5k for receiver (7.1) speakers, sub, projector, screen, dvd player, and cables.


Is component or DVI better for a projector?

What if the budget were closer to 10K?
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
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the projector, screen, dvd player, cables will eat into that budget about 3-4 grand i would estimate, 6 grand for the receiver and speakers would be awesome

MIKE
 

Ameesh

Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
23,686
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I would get a pioneer elite reciever coupled with some Defintive speakers, both of which have a very good bang for your buck, i would also get a samsung DLP tv and a windows media center 2005 for your "replayTV/tivo" and dvd playing needs.
 

Slvrtg277

Golden Member
Sep 9, 2004
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I'd probably go with a Harman Kardon AVR-7300 and Axiom speakers myself. I dunno about the rest....I'd have to do more research there.
 

777php

Diamond Member
Jul 17, 2001
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Panasonic AE700 for your PJ, should run you $2,000.
For a cheaper alternative you can get a infocus 4805
 

lancestorm

Platinum Member
Oct 7, 2003
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Get the Panny L700U or the Sony 53 projector,
Klipsch Reference Series 7 speakers,
SVS PB Plus / 2 subwoofer,
Harman Kardon AVR 635 or Denon 3805 receiver,
Panny s97 or Denon 2910 dvd player.
PROFIT!
 

lancestorm

Platinum Member
Oct 7, 2003
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Originally posted by: armatron
Is component or DVI better for a projector?
BTW, forgot to answer this question. DVI would be better because with component you go from Digital to Analog to projector which then converts analog back to digital. With DVI it is digital to digital connection. Assured better picture quality.

*BUT* DVI is over now. Find a projector with the new HDMI interface. HDMI is just like DVI except it also does digital audio.



 

EngenZerO

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2001
5,099
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harman kardon avr 635
harman kardon dvd31
sammy dlp
ascend acoustics 7.1 setup (340-cmt, 340 l/r, cdm170x4 (for surrounds)
svs 25-31 pci+

i personally have a

harman kardon avr430
harman kardon dvd22
ascend acoustics 5.1 (340cmt and 4x 170 (front and rears)
svs 25-31 pci tuned to 22hz

that setup there cost me around 4 grad... so if u need a tv...
 

Caveman

Platinum Member
Nov 18, 1999
2,537
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DVI is best > Component > S-video > Composite (RCA)

I have an Infocus SP4805 and am blissfully happy with it. Hd TV looks fantastic! Keep in mind, that it is not a "true" HD PJ (it's ED) but... it tests out as good as many 4-5k models in terms of overall picture pleasing image. The clarity and color are amazing!
 

Howard

Lifer
Oct 14, 1999
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Are you willing to build some of the stuff yourself (i.e. DIY speakers, sub(s))? Are there any space restrictions?
 

95SS

Golden Member
Nov 30, 2003
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Originally posted by: lancestorm
Originally posted by: armatron
Is component or DVI better for a projector?
BTW, forgot to answer this question. DVI would be better because with component you go from Digital to Analog to projector which then converts analog back to digital. With DVI it is digital to digital connection. Assured better picture quality.

*BUT* DVI is over now. Find a projector with the new HDMI interface. HDMI is just like DVI except it also does digital audio.

Why would you want the projector to have audio going to it??? DVI is fine for FPJ's. And unless you buy a receiver with DVI switching, you'll likely run HDTV via DVI, and DVD via component anyway. On my 4805, that's how I have it setup, and I couldn't be happier.
 

zixxer

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2001
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ive got comcast... so HD I think HAS to go over component.. and dvd would then go over DVI?


 

lancestorm

Platinum Member
Oct 7, 2003
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Originally posted by: armatron
ive got comcast... so HD I think HAS to go over component.. and dvd would then go over DVI?

Sure can. If you have HDMI output on dvd player (Panny s97, Denon xx10), it is still okay. You can purchase a HDMI -> DVI converter from monster for $29.99.
 

jpeyton

Moderator in SFF, Notebooks, Pre-Built/Barebones
Moderator
Aug 23, 2003
25,375
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My budget theater:

Doesn't Costco have a deal on an Infocus DLP FP with screen for around $1k?

Add an Onyx home theater package ($1300 at av123.com).

Denon 7.1 reciever $1k

Panasonic S97 upconverting DVD player $300
 
Sep 29, 2004
18,656
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Why nopt go to a AV forum.

They know this stuff the best. They know what hte bargains are. They will actually ASK WHAT GENRE OF MOVIE IT IS TO BE GEARSED AROUND. I have yet to see that question here! obviously, if you don't watch alot of action/sci-fi mvies, a BIG EXPENSIVE SBU is not needed. You might be best served with spending more money on the center channel...

etc ...

Having said that, go find a good AV forum.
 

LeonarD26

Senior member
Feb 12, 2004
826
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Why does it have to be a projector? What type of room is this setup going in? Redoing a basement? Additional details on the theater to be would help in picking out equipment.
 

KB

Diamond Member
Nov 8, 1999
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I have an infocus X1 and have been quite happy with it so far. Plus its pretty cheap ~$1000
 

zixxer

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2001
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Originally posted by: Apex
Room dimensions?

Seating distance?

What do you like about some projectors you've seen before?

room is fairly small... I *think* about 16 feet by 19 feet but I really don't remember.



seats about 8.. most about 10 feet from the screen