Looking for High-Definition Home Theater Setup

[JosephBAdams]

Hello all. I am interested in setting up a high-definition home theater experience in my home. I have no preferences at all for components--quality of performance is the highest concern (even more important than "ease of use").

First of all, I don't even know what kind of equipment I need. If someone could just list out all of the barebones parts I would need (I know I need an HD-ready TV, for instance), that would be greatly helpful.

Also, how well do projectors w/ screens work when the lights are on?

 

[SKoprowski]

What is your spending limit?

This is what I would get"

Panasonic AE900 720p projector- $1500.00
Optoma Graywolf II 106inch screen- $300.00
Toshiba HD-DVD player $500.00

 

[JosephBAdams]

SKoprowski,

The sky's the limit on spending.

Does the Toshiba HD-DVD player function as an HD tuner? I'm curious because I'm not sure what I need in order to get this projector to display HD broadcasts.

 

[jevans64]

I would probably hold off on the Toshiba HD-DVD player as LG is expected to release a dual format player that will play both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray discs. I am holding off on purchasing any HD disc-related hardware until the dust settles in this format war.

The Toshiba HD-DVD is just a player. You will need a tuner or receiver ( satellite or A/V ) to tune OTA HD broadcasts. In that respect, it is no different than a regular DVD player.

This article should help you in choosing a projector, but I would go out and audition before making a purchase. You can read the other two parts by using the links in the article. You might as well go 1080p if you have an unlimited budget.

http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/articles/20..._1080p_-_part_3_-_front_projectors.php

The newer projectors should be OK with non-direct lighting but it is always better to have as little light as possible. You are basicly looking at the same system ( process-wise ) as a movie theater and those don't look as vivid with the lights on.

Do you need suggestions on any other components, like receivers and speakers?

 

[theprodigalrebel]

Sky's the limit is a very bold statement to make in the A/V world. For some, it means $2000 for a pair of tower-speakers from RBH Sound or Paradigm. For others, it might be a $12K pair of Bowers & Wilkins 802Ds or a $18K pair of Revel Ultima Studios.

Seriously, tell us how much you would want to spend on video and audio gear. And I believe the best possible advice for all things audio & video can be found at Audioholics.com and their forums.

You would need:
A Receiver (OR) Seperates (Seperate Surround Sound Processor/Pre-Amp and an Amplifier)
---Most good receivers will easily drive the vast majority of speakers. Pre-Amps/Amps are a high-end option and usually suited for exotic, hard-to-drive loudspeakers.

A Source player: Consider a Universal player if you want one device to play DVD-A/SACD in addition to your regular DVDs and CDs. I wouldn't suggest the Toshiba player out there (the HD-AX1, is it?) for the simple reason that it is first-generation technology and it has its limitation (current players don't output 1080p - they are limited to 1080i - although HD-DVD itself supports 1080p). Besides, we don't know how the HD-DVD/BluRay war will end (or not?).

5.1 or 7.1 speakers: Nobody has EVER had anything negative to say about Paradigm or RBH Sound's speakers. Axiom Audio is an internet-only seller but they have incredible reviews (and a 30-day try-in-your-own-home-or-money-back guarantee).

Off the top of my head, I would suggest: Denon for your electronics and Axiom Audio for your speakers.

 

[Sunrise089]

I have nothing to add to this thread, but I am sure soaking up this info. Even if this is borderline off-topic for video, I hope this stuff keeps coming.