bvbull200

Your pops got a sweet TV. As far as longevity, that Panasonic is rated at over 80,000 hours (about 20 years if you are about average). It has a really nice picture and the price is killer. I still can't believe how overstated the "burn-in problem" is in the plasma discussion. You almost have to TRY to retain an image (and that is what it is, image retention) on a decent quality plasma. The only games I can think of that could cause a problem is RPG's and that is if you play them many hours a day, many days a week. A buddy of mine has a 3 year old Philips plasma on which we play many a game of Halo 2, Tiger Woods, and he plays the X-Men games, and I have yet to see any retained image. Stretch the 4:3 videos, maybe change the view of a couple of the mentioned RPG's, and don't do anything beyond what you would expect a TV to do (i.e. keep a still picture up for hours on end) and it just isn't a real issue. Plus with the different "color washes" and other modes to remove a retained image, I don't know why anyone would be scared of a plasma. Enjoy the set, get an XBox 360 hooked up to that bad boy when you can....the games will knock your socks off.

Go back into your HT dept. and look near the Klipsch display and you should be able to find these made by Sanus. Pretty decent stands, you can use pads or spikes for isolation and they have little covers for the back to hide the wires. You should get a good deal on them too. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=5923888&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03117&id=1063670359162

Keep in mind, not all of the Best Buy stores are getting a Magnolia. I didn't see specifically what store he is working for, but his location may not be getting one. I will throw in a vote for the Yamaha....I have the HTR-5760 for one of my rooms and it is pretty nice...I do however regret not springing for the HTR-5790 at the time.

I am by no means an expert or anything...but the cabinet and cones look like that of the Synergy series B-1/B-2 bookshelfs...but I have never seen them in any other color than black...

Damn! If my math and knowledge of Monster Power serves me, thats $11,200 in power! Correct me if I'm wrong, but is that a Signature AVS2000, a Signature HTPS7000, a Signature 3-Channel Amp, and 2 Signature 2-channel amps? Sweet set-up, bet that rack weighs a TON!

You could go to your local Best Buy store and buy a set of Acoustic Research Pro Series II component video cables in a 25' length. They are somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 bucks. Not sure what the prices are on some of the other suggestions, but I just have seen them there.

Yeah, I've always kept the multi-channel connection for SACD and DVD-A (had the player for a little over a year now). I originally used digital coax because my old receiver had no more optical inputs (talking about a cheapy...had ONE optical input). I'm satisfied with decoding all other DD and DTS signals with my current receiver. There are very limited adjustments on my DVD player for tweaking everything. *Sigh* I guess thats more motivation to upgrade again...

Sorry if this question is on the board somewhere, but I couldn't find an answer. I have a Pioneer DVD Player, the DV-578A, it is a SACD/DVD-A player as well. Now, I know its not the best player and I've read about some great players for a future upgrade, but what I would like to know is, is it better to decode DD and DTS through the player's multi-channel output, or to send a digital signal through my digital coaxial cable and let my Yamaha HTR-5760 receiver do the decoding? It may be an obvious answer, and I've listened to both on some reference material and from what I have discovered, it has sounded a little better through digital coax, and I probably just answered my own question. Just wanted to see what everyone else thinks and if its worth going back and tinkering with my settings on both my receiver and DVD player if the multi-channel output has a higher potential for sound quality.

I will second the Eagles choices. The DTS-Audio of Hell Freezes Over is awesome for showing off the reproduction of a live performance (Hotel California). There is another Eagles DVD-Audio (with both DD and DTS) that is titled Hotel California, that is more studio quality, but still in 5.1 Channel and is pretty freakin' amazing. The Crystal Method- Born Too Slow in DTS is pretty good to listen to. Diana Krall- My Love Is in DTS is pretty good too. Her percussionist is snapping to keep the beat throughout the whole song and if you close your eyes, you can picture exactly where he is standing in the studio at all times and tell when he moves around. Last one and I'll shut-up, but The Blue Man Group feat. Dave Mathews- If You Think I'm Alone (I think that's what it's called) is quite an experience too.

I think that he means the new Samsung DLP's on which the bezel for the picture is black and has a small gap (maybe 2 inches at most) between that and the speakers which are silver. I haven't seen a new Samsung pedestal DLP yet. Good call on the Sony...very nice picture and a cabinet that allows the maximum picture size for the available space. P.S. Should have come to see me, I would have beat the Sears price....

I work for Best Buy and think I may know where the "lots of returns" statement may have come from regarding the HD-ILA. Last years JVC had a nice and bright picture, however, low-resolution sources looked really bad because it seemed to enhance all of the imperfections that most of the DLP and LCD's seemed to minimize. If that particular Best Buy didn't have the new JVC out and the associate was unaware of the new one, I can somewhat understand why he/she would say that (although it is only a half-truth). I absolutely love the new JVC, it looks very detailed on HD sources and seems about on-par with the other sets with low-resolution stuff. My only advice to you is to be patient and not pick a TV based on the type of technology it is, but rather on what your eyes (and maybe pocketbook) tell you is the right TV for you. Personally speaking, I have a DLP and aesthetics (fortunately or unfortunately) played a big role in choosing the LG 52SX4D DLP. I think the picture is a little softer than some of the other models on HD, but, properly set-up, it does a really good job with low-resolution sources and has a great list of features (inputs, outputs, settings), and it is a very modern/elegant (in the eye of the beholder) looking TV even when turned off.

Call it overkill, laugh if you want, but I get a pretty decent discount on it, still invested over a grand, but I run the Monster AVS 2000, HT UPS 500, and the HTS 5100. Pretty much covers everything, the AVS is a voltage regulator ensuring a constant 120V (usually withing .5V), the UPS provides a constant power-supply, and the HTS helps with EMI/RFI. The AVS 2000 alone retails for $1,500 so unless you can find a deal, the set-up costs a pretty penny, but with the investment that some of you folks on this board have made for your home theater, its not too bad. I'm not incredibly technically savy with how it all works, I just know the concepts of everything and I'm pretty sure I'm well covered on all fronts.

A little brighter sound, good list of features, I like the Yamaha HTR-5890. If you are an XM fan, it has a built-in XM tuner, which is kinda nice. Usually right around $500 at Best Buy.

All points VERY well taken. You are right, I have not much considered front projection technology, however, it didn't really seem to apply to the argument anyways. The original question was "DLP or Plasma?" which would (at least with my assumption) not include 100" front projector's. Besides, a $35,000 front projector set-up is a far cry from a $4,500 DLP, or even a $15,000 plasma. In addition, there are greater demands on wiring, placement, and room set-up (probably wouldn't want to be just 9 ft. away from a 100" picture). I have witnessed a few front projectors of many different technologies, and you are correct, they have awesome pictures. Very dependent on the projector quality, screen quality, and lighting environment, but really the best for a true in home movie theater experience. I have yet to see a TV that wasn't affected by the lighting environment, perhaps DLP does the best (again, eliminating front projectors from the argument). I do agree that plasmas do have a drop off in performance, but I feel that it is still a little overstated. As far as DLP front projectors go, a good DLP projector costs a little more than a good DLP rear-projo. Add in the cost of a good screen, the extra wiring cost, the issue of running good clean power to a ceiling mounted projector and it adds up. Get a projector that has DVI and it gets even greater, plus a receiver with component video up-conversion would be important for not having to run extra wiring to the projector and you again increase the price. Besides that, front and rear-projection DLP's are not really interchangable, there is not a lot of people that would be choosing between a 100" front projector and a 50" DLP rear-projo. As far as future technology is concerned, it will always be bigger and better. A TV now will not be as good as a TV 2 years from now, which won't be as good as a TV 2 years from then, so I don't like that argument. If you always waited for the next best thing, you'd be waiting forever. However, there is some great stuff coming out, particularly the Toshiba-Canon combined effort on SED TV's, but how much will those cost when first released? And money no object, you still have to wait until the end of this year or possibly into 2006. Like I said, I respect the argument of front projection technologies, but I don't see them applying to the DLP/Plasma debate.

Bump...hoping I can get just a bit more information...if it is out there!

I will have to agree with the Yamaha suggestion. The HTR-5760 is quite a receiver. Good power, low THD, numerous features, automatic speaker calibration, multi-zone, and very nifty "presence speaker" outputs. I am probably biased because it is sitting in my bedroom right now, and I am sure the other receivers mentioned share a lot of the same specs, but it is worth considering!

Wow, a LOT of misconceptions. First off, CRT projection TV's have the WORST viewing angle of all big screen TV's (read 37" and up). A 37" high-definition LCD flat-panel LCD is as much or more than a 37-42" high-definition plasma TV, so it would never be a "lower-priced" alternative. Plasmas have the best viewing angle and I don't know how you could argue against them having the best overall picture. Phenomenal color saturation, great contrast ratio, plus the previously mentioned viewing angle. DLP and LCD projection TV's, in my opinion, are the best bang for your buck, large pictures, great color/contrast (with a good set), and good viewing angles. Now, those that have DLP or LCD projo's, you are kidding yourself when you say there is no effect from your viewing angle. They have good viewing angles, tremendously better than CRT projo's, but they are not nearly as good as plasma or flat-panel LCD's. Again, great TV's, but with cost aside, not as good as a plasma. Furthermore, the overall life of a plasma or its exact number of running hours is somewhat irrelevant. A good plasma TV will last about as long as a direct-view CRT TV. Say 10-12 years, obviously dependent on other factors: amount of daily viewing, power fluctuations, etc. It is fact that we (as in the American public) replace our TV's every 8 years. Factor in bulb replacement on a DLP and you are out another $600-800, and assuming the TV will be replaced in 8 years, the fact that you could run your DLP for 15 years or beyond with bulb replacement is a moot point. The bottom line, a plasma will last longer than the point in which "we" would replace it anyways. Now, there is always the argument, "If I paid $7,000 for a plasma, I should be able to keep it for a lot longer than that (or any other TV)." or a something similar. No offense, but that argument is made by people who's financial situation makes an HD plasma TV a relatively much larger investment than was the case with the TV it would be replacing. I'm not in anyway making that statement as a stuck-up wealthy person, the truth is I am still on a 27" analog round-screen CRT and am looking to purchase a DLP TV. Another common argument against plasmas is the issue of burn-in. Newer plasmas have all but eliminated this concern. It is true that the technology allows the possibility of burn-in. Plasma technology relies (although not completely) on phosphors to glow to a certain degree to create the bright picture you see. Burn-in occurs when a static image stays on the screen causing some phosphors to "burn-out" at a much quicker pace than others. The phosphors that then glow dimmer will leave behind a visible trace of that static image. New plasmas (again talking about reputable manufacturers) have integrated ways of all but eliminating this effect. Many have shifting pixels or screen "wipes" that keep the overall use of these phosphors random, thus eliminating burn-in. First off, the first 100 hours are the most critical for avoiding burn-in. In addition, it takes careless operation of the TV to create this burn in. Very, very extended displaying of the same video game that has a static image on nearly every screen shot would be an example, and even then with the previously mentioned technologies it is unlikely. Bottom-line: You would be wise to purchase the TV that gives you the most satisfaction. That will most likely be an ideal combination of price, features, space requirements, and of course picture quality. There isn't really anything to be scared of technology wise and you have your own eyes, brain, and perception of what looks good. Choose that way. For what it is worth, I have worked for a very reputable electronics retailer for almost 2 years now, all within the home theater department. While I don't concern myself much with the advanced technological aspects of these TV's, I have done much research, "myth-busting", attended numerous trainings, and dealt very closely with various manufacturers, reps, and the like, and I am very confident that I am aware of the realistic expectations of these technologies. Any questions or if you disagree with a point I have made, I would love to hear it, and I would be happy to respond.

Well, I am not saying I am really savy with opening up speakers, but I did pull out the main driver and use a small flashlight to check out the rest of the connections and didn't seem to find anything out of the ordinary. Does anyone have any idea what it would cost to get the speaker checked out and fixed? I know there isn't a whole lot to go on, but any feedback is greatly appreciated. Also, if there is a reading on how to perform a diagnostic on the different parts of the speaker I would love to be pointed in the right direction.

I have a DVD player with multichannel outputs (I have only used it for SACD and DVD-A). Is it better to used the multichannel input on my receiver and let the DVD player do the DTS work or stick with my fiber optic connection and let my receiver to the work?

That is kinda what I thought, we may be able to conjure up the purchase papers and get it covered. Say I had to fix it though, is it something that I could accomplish by myself, i.e. is there a diagram or "how-to" guide for fixing it? Also, if I had to just get it fixed, how much would I be looking at (ballpark figure). P.S. Thanks for the quick reply!

I recently accquired a set of Klipsch SS-3 surround speakers, but I have run into a problem. Whenever a run any multi-channel audio, one of the speakers is at a very low level and it doesn't seem to be playing the full range of sound. Furthermore, at moderate volume levels my receiver cuts off altogether and when I turn it back on, I am told to the check speaker wire. When I disconnect that speaker, there are no problems and when I switch the speakers, I get the same results, so I know it is a problem with one particular speaker, not a channel on my receiver. Now, I've checked all of the wiring and such and established that it isn't due to a brainfart on my end. Any suggestions on what the problem is and if there is a fix? Also, I purchased them from a friend of mine so I don't have any proof of purchase although I am certain they would still fall within the 5 year warranty. Any help would be greatly appreciated.