What size UPS should I get?

[Blayze]

Power outages rarely happen, but we do have storms in the spring/summer that can cause the power to go off and on.

I'm looking at picking up a 32 to 37 inch LCD in a few months with a HD DVR, and possibly a HD DVD player. Would a UPS be a wise investment, or should I just get a good surge protector?

I'm not sure what TV I'm going to get just yet, but other items would be...

32/37 inch LCD
Toshiba HD DVD player
HD DVR cable box
Nintendo Wii (with WiiConnect24 on)
Playstation 3 (standby)

What size UPS would handle this enough that if the power went out I had time to safely turn off everything? Would putting the PS3 on its own UPS help? I understand that it uses a lot of power, however I only have one power outlet behind the TV, and I'm not sure that plugging in two UPS into the same outlet is a good ideal.

Or should I just get a good surge protector?

 

[Tarrant64]

Originally posted by: Blayze
Power outages rarely happen, but we do have storms in the spring/summer that can cause the power to go off and on.

I'm looking at picking up a 32 to 37 inch LCD in a few months with a HD DVR, and possibly a HD DVD player. Would a UPS be a wise investment, or should I just get a good surge protector?

I'm not sure what TV I'm going to get just yet, but other items would be...

32/37 inch LCD
Toshiba HD DVD player
HD DVR cable box
Nintendo Wii (with WiiConnect24 on)
Playstation 3 (standby)

What size UPS would handle this enough that if the power went out I had time to safely turn off everything? Would putting the PS3 on its own UPS help? I understand that it uses a lot of power, however I only have one power outlet behind the TV, and I'm not sure that plugging in two UPS into the same outlet is a good ideal.

Or should I just get a good surge protector?

There could very well be a problem with using 2 UPS on one power outlet, however I would do it. I don't see why not. I forget what my UPS is rated for, but I have a Belkin 1000VA or 1500VA. When I lose power at my apartment(just like you, during storms, etc.) it keeps my stuff running just fine. I've run a 19" CRT, Desktop(specs below), 15"LCD, and a couple other items off of it with plenty of time to shut off my stuff.

When I lost power on it for the first time, I took the UPS to the other room, plugged in my stereo to get to the radio to get info on the storm. That lasted over 20min. No joke, depending on what you are trying to power with that sometimes it can last a little while.

I too am looking into a 32"+ LCD, however I will just be looking for a good surge protecter. Belkin has some that are pretty good too. For the best ones you're probably looking at $30+ for an 6 or 8 port one. If you buy only could save $10 or more though.