Home Cinema Questions...

[450Nick]

Hi all,

Even more exciting than buying my first house is the prospect of designing a new AV setup.. I have a couple of questions however centred around the TV mostly...

First off, I was thinking about going for either a decent projector or a 50/52 inch LED TV for the visuals. I've pretty much written off the projector idea as research tells me that I just wouldn't be able to get the picture quality I want without spending several £k. So it looks like an LED TV is the way forward. I'm a bit lost on which makes to look at though. Last time I bought a TV, Samsung and LG were the nuts, but the Samsung swung it with better blacks. I've no idea where the race currently is though so who should I be looking at? Are there any models in specific that are worth looking at and features? I'd be looking to spend around £1k I expect give or take a bit if I see something worth having..

Secondly, and this might relate to the above, what is the best way to link PC/internet and music to the system? I would like to be able to stream video to the TV from my laptop/desktop/Xbox, and play music through the system speakers, but probably link this to a multiroom system as well. At my parents house I have installed a Sonos system a few years ago and it is very good at what it does, but quite pricey at around £300 a room. Could this be done a different way? Media handling systems I think I should consider are:

- Apple TV
- Bose Lifestyle
- Internet ready TV (Samsung?)
- Media Centre PC
- Sonos type media streaming

Essentially I would like to have as much versatility as possible, and have my spotify/Itunes or similar playing in any room with minimal faffing, and media streaming efficiently to the TV including Iplayer etc. I'll open the floor to suggestions!

Thanks in advance!

[.Mark]

I've got a Panasonic 50" and at that size you really need Plasma. That's connected to a Panasonic BD80 Bluray player, then there is AppleTV2 to get music/movies from my iTunes to the TV. Also the Wii runs through it. I also have an old Thinkpad with Wireless Keyboard/Mouse connected up for Pistonheads at 50"
All that currently runs through my old Panasonic Home Theatre for all audio out, although this is about to be replaced with a 7.1 Pioneer jobbie.

Kind of all works nicely together.

PS Internet TV's are a bit of a con IMO, they really only let you get certain things like Youtube and online picture hosting etc - at least that's what I've found.

[tdm34ds]

The only TV to look at is the VT30 series Panasonic Plasmas in either 50 or 55 inches, all else is second best

PM me for more info

[Eddw86]

I'm currently looking at Sony stuff, the 2011 stuff they will be bringing out shortly seems quite highly anticipated and they have multi room options - a friend has a home cinema set up which can stream to/ from his sony hi fi in another room and has speakers upstairs which he streams to - is quite impressive. May be worth waiting a month or two whilst all the manufacturers release the 2011 ranges. Alternatively if you're happy with 2010 ranges, which have been reviewed and updated so you know what you're getting, now is a good time to buy as all the shops will be clearing old stock at low prices (the manufacturers effectively subsidise the dealers to clear the old stock).

[andyroo]

Projectors around the £1000 mark are very, very good. I suggest you demo one before ruling them out.

[danyeates]

tdm34ds said:

The only TV to look at is the VT30 series Panasonic Plasmas in either 50 or 55 inches, all else is second best

PM me for more info

50" or 55" VT30 for £1k! You'll be lucky!! More like VT20 at that price. Although I agree, they're the best sets out there.

[sinizter]

tdm34ds said:

The only TV to look at is the VT30 series Panasonic Plasmas in either 50 or 55 inches, all else is second best

PM me for more info

I agree with this. Panasonic plasma is the way to go.