New 40' TV & Home Theatre System

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monolith

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#81945 20-Apr-2011 12:43

Just had all my electronics stolen so now have to get a new tv - around 40" lcd or led and home theatre system for around $3000.
seems to be wealth of new stuff out there and not quite sure what the best way to go is since i bought me stuff about 3 years ago.
recommendations would be much a appreciated!

timmmay

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#460937 20-Apr-2011 13:55

Here's what i'd get with $3K:
- 40" Samsung LCD TV - $950 on sale from anywhere at Easter
- Wharfdale Vardus Speakers (L V Martin $1080 on sale)
- Onkyo receiver (J B Hifi $500 to $800 depending on model).

I have the 55" LCD, but otherwise the same things, it's just awesome. I guess you'll need some kind of a media player too, maybe a Samsung Blu Ray player that can connect to DLNA so you can play movies from the PC? That way the output goes through the receiver and so audio always goes through your speakers. Sometimes you can get them cheap with a TV.

Regarding receivers the Audessey microphone speaker setup thing is worth having, I think, mine has it. Knowing what I know now i'd get the model of receiver that does DLNA and internet radio, and has an ethernet plug in back. The Onkyo website has good product details, and JB does decent deals.

Oblivian

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#460941 20-Apr-2011 14:06

Basically get it while its hot.

The japanese quake is sure to jumble pricing very soon. Its already been seen in Cameras and accessories (large spike, my 2nd hand gear is now valued more than when I got it!)

Samsung are on special widely at present. Theres a 2nd reason. Their new range hits the shelves May ;) If you are keen on one go and ask the sales guys for their sharpest pricing

Or ask about what 2011 models they will get and pricing.

D5000 D6000 D6400 and D7/8/9000 (D is the 2011 models, IE C650 = 2010 Series 6)

I'm damn near going to get one myself as an upgrade. Ultrathin LED Edgelit, some with PVR capability. All do 3D too, but considered entry level as only 100/120 hz and not 240.

Dunnersfella

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#461080 20-Apr-2011 21:10

Whatever panel you get, make sure you pick up a decent component home theatre system.
But before I suggest anything, here's A LOT of questions...

How big is your room?
What do you like to watch / listen to?
Are you a gamer?
Is there a lot of light in the room?
What would you plug into your TV or home theatre amp?
Do you have pre-existing cables?
Can you easily run cables through your room?
Do you have network cabling run through out the room?
Will you wall mount the TV?
Will the speakers be on the floor? Stands or the wall?

Phew...

monolith

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Wannabe Geek

#461091 20-Apr-2011 21:46

thanks for the info so far guys, to answer your questions Dunnersfella -

How big is your room? - quite small, approx 3.5mx5m

What do you like to watch / listen to? -a broad range of downloaded & streaming tv shows, movies and music

Are you a gamer? - no

Is there a lot of light in the room? - yes

What would you plug into your TV or home theatre amp? - apple tv, mysky

Do you have pre-existing cables? no

Can you easily run cables through your room? - no

Do you have network cabling run through out the room? no

Will you wall mount the TV? - no

Will the speakers be on the floor? Stands or the wall? - on the floor, smaller speakers the better due to the size of the room

timmmay

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#461103 20-Apr-2011 22:05

The Wharfdale Vardus speakers I recommended are quite big so probably won't suit you. The other things I recommended are still good though :)

Dunnersfella

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#461140 20-Apr-2011 23:15

As there's a lot of light in the room, look at a panel that has a matte finish...
And as you're into streaming / downloaded content, 100Hz isn't key for you. Heck if you turn on 100Hz, you'll be creating extra artifacts that are often found in low quality streaming footage etc.
So maybe a 50Hz Sony or LG? Or a 50Hz Panasonic? Then again, the Panasonic is an old model and may not be around anymore.

Of the three, I'd pick a Sony KDL40CX520. It has a new graphics engine that can improve downloaded footage etc, take a look at it yourself though and make your decision picture wise.

Re: Amplifiers, check out an entry level Denon AVR391, Yamaha RXV467 or Pioneer VSX520 - should do you just fine. You'll need another HDMI cable as well as speaker cables / sub cable, but that should work out okay.

Speaker wise, there's a lot of different options - are you looking for bookshelves on speaker stands? Or genuine floorstanders? Personally I'd look for some decent slimline floorstanders initially, then, later on add a sub, followed by a centre speaker and a set of surrounds. It'll get you a better sound all up, and will mean your initial 3k budget will work well for you.