Entertainment System Help - UPDATED DS or PSP?

[Schmidty]

I'm sure there are a million of these threads, but I'm lazy and want one tailored just to my specific oh-so-important needs.

I've decided to finally upgrade my living room entertainment system. Basically, I'm getting a new HD TV, PS3, and sound system. The biggest thing I need help with is whether I should go with LED or LCD (or even plasma). I've got a budget I want to stick to, so I want to get the most bang for my buck. I want to stay between $1000 - 1200 for everything.

Is the extra cost of LED really worth it? Is there an LCD set that doesn't look like crap (from what I've seen). Does plasma even have any benefits anymore? Also, I know nothing of sound systems, so I don't know what brands are quality, but not too outrageous. I think I'll figure the PS3 out on my own.

Thanks guys!

[MikeVic]

You want to stay between 1000-1200 for the TV, PS3, and sound system? Or just the TV?

[DanGarion]

You want to stay between 1000-1200 for the TV, PS3, and sound system? Or just the TV?

I want to stay between $1000 - 1200 for everything.

What size TV are you looking to get?

[stevew]

A 50"S2 panasonic plasma sells for about 900 dollars. It would likely be my first choice for a larger sized TV. Taking into account price to value ratio to size.

[Logan]

If you're at a higher altitude (WA may be), or the TV will be in a very well lit room (especially with windows facing the TV), you'll want to avoid plasma.

At your price range it will be hard to get all that with an LED. There's nothing wrong with 1080p LCDs though and they're really affordable now. Sony, Sharp, and Samsung are all great models.

edit: Since steve mentioned it and in case others end up reading this, I love my plasma and am glad I don't have any issues with light where mine is. The newer anti-glare screens may even reduce that completely now, I'm really not sure.

[Schmidty]

You want to stay between 1000-1200 for the TV, PS3, and sound system? Or just the TV?

I'm hoping for the TV and sound. I'll just buy the PS3 in a few weeks.

[Schmidty]

What size TV are you looking to get?

I've got a crappy 32" right now, so a 42" - 46" would be cool. I don't need a behemoth.

[DanGarion]

I've got a crappy 32" right now, so a 42" - 46" would be cool. I don't need a behemoth.

Ok so if you are going under 50" a 720p should be sufficient.

[Schmidty]

Is Vizio a crappy brand? My wife works for Costco and I see some of those at decent prices there, but I wouldn't want to buy a piece of junk just to save a little bit.

[Schmidty]

Dola.

Is this thing any good? http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11532893&whse=BC&Ne=5000135+4000000&eCat=BC|84|2341&N=4045326%204294899201&Mo=11&No=11&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=

[rjolley]

I am on my second Vizio and have had no problems with them. We put the old Vizio in the guest room, while I picked up on that was on sale at Sam's club about a month ago.

[Logan]

Dola.

Is this thing any good? http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11532893&whse=BC&Ne=5000135+4000000&eCat=BC|84|2341&N=4045326%204294899201&Mo=11&No=11&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=

I think it would be great for you as long as you don't meet any of those conditions I mentioned earlier. Don't know about that specific model, but Panasonics are generally considered among the best in the plasma category (well above the other brands, but below Pioneer in quality however much cheaper in price...not even sure if they make Pioneers anymore). I love my Panasonic plasma.

[stevew]

Dola.

Is this thing any good? http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11532893&whse=BC&Ne=5000135+4000000&eCat=BC|84|2341&N=4045326%204294899201&Mo=11&No=11&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=

yeah, that's a newer version of the one that my parents have. Lots of value for size, I think it has really good color. Plus that has the anti reflective filter. Negatives are that it's not 1080p, which is not actually that big of a deal imo. It's going to use more energy than an LCD.

That being said, for 630 bucks it will smoke anything in that price range on quality and I would buy it personally. Plus you're adding a sound system, which will be great along side it.

[Logan]

Also, and this is just my opinion, but if you're the type of person who has been able to resist the urge to buy an HDTV until now, you're clearly not the type who needs the latest and greatest and you may not even notice the difference between 720p and 1080p, or for that matter may not even enjoy the 240 Hz LEDs etc that tend to almost look "too real". steve's right, the quality will be great and you'll love it. Buy it today.

[Schmidty]

Thanks guys. I think that one is definitely in the lead at this point.

[SteveMax58]

I'd add a +1 to that deal. $620 or so and it will look great. The price/value really tails off as you go up so unless you really believe you can see a difference or need a feature not supported...it will be a great deal & leaves you with some leftover cash for other things.

I would put a good word in for Vizio LCDs though. I've had a 720p 32" for the bedroom for over 3 years now & never had any issues & picture is still great. Also, the sound is acceptable which isn't always the case for flatscreens.

[terpkristin]

Thanks, Schmidty, for starting this thread. I've been looking for a reasonably-priced sound system for my entertainment stuff...I've got a 52" 1080p LCD tv (Sony Bravia XBR), the game consoles (well, I have a PS3 and a Wii, I need to replace my dead Xbox), but even though my house is wired for sound (outlets behind the tv and outlets behind my couch), I've never purchased the system. Definitely looking for suggestions.

/tk

[stevew]

I've heard good things about the Onkyo 6300(might be the 6500)HTIB. Very good value/performance ratio. Roughly 600ish online.

[rjolley]

Since we have the thread going, we're looking at doing a basement remodel and one of the additions will be a theatre room. Does anyone have a recommendation for either an HD projector or a ginormous tv (70+")? My personal choice is to go with a projector, but I'd be interested in hearing about the tvs.

[Kodos]

I think it would be great for you as long as you don't meet any of those conditions I mentioned earlier. Don't know about that specific model, but Panasonics are generally considered among the best in the plasma category (well above the other brands, but below Pioneer in quality however much cheaper in price...not even sure if they make Pioneers anymore). I love my Panasonic plasma.

I thought I read somewhere that Panasonic plasmas have taken a step back the last year or two.

[stevew]

RJolly-REALLY big flat screens are still rare and expensive as hell. I think Panasonic makes a 65" plasma for around 2K. There's a lot of 60" LED/LCD stuff. I think 73" LCD is supposed to debut this year. Rear Projection at 70" from Mitsubishi is also a good option. Most affordable large stuff.

[CU Tiger]

plasma...panny....good pair.
quality has tapered recently still better than ANYONE (including Pioneer) in the business....new screens make light and burn in a non issue.


1200 isnt enough for a good AVR...if you are going ultra cheap, Yamaha makes a good base product.

AVR aside...speakers make the system....

1) as a rule SONY sucks with audio processing
2) passive subs are not worth having
3) Great speakers will not get outdated for 15+years...buy them first.

[Sun Tzu]

I'll echo the statements on Panny Plasma's and Vizio LCD's. I use to be a "strictly S's" guy when it came to TV's. Sony, Samsung and Sharp were the only manufacturers I'd ever consider. I tried a Vizio after reading a lot of reviews, and I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised. I use to own a 46" Samsung, and after switching to a Vizio with the same specs, I noticed absolutely zero drop off.

[stevew]

CU-
I've never understood what makes audio dramatically better than others. It might be cause I'm going deaf. Or none of my rooms are very big. I can separate out junk fairly easily, but once you hit the sets over 5-600 bucks the stuff seems to be dramatically better.

[CU Tiger]

well separating junk helps a bunch, and puts you ahead of many.
Next a great AVR and crappy speakers is equal to an average AVR and crappy speakers....you wont hear a difference.

We have a theater room set up to let customers "experience" our top o line....in 4 years I have had 3 customers (2 females and a "man) piss themselves at a certain scene....all spent way more than they intended to when they built their homes.

Its hard to quantify just your ears will tell you.

[CU Tiger]

or I could type 2 books.
but if you have a good avr and good speakers then they need to be set up, balanced and peaked right

[stevew]

Appreciate it. Btw, is there some way to convert optical into digital coax? I have this Philips virtual surround soundbar but it only has digital coax. And is digital coax much better than red/white.

[weegeebored]

I thought I read somewhere that Panasonic plasmas have taken a step back the last year or two.The latest VT models have been reviewed as being the best available. I did a lot of research and a lot of shopping/comparing before deciding on the Panny 58VT25. The black levels are amazing which gives stunning overall PQ. The 8000 series Samsungs are also very nice but I couldn't resist the inky blacks of the Panny and also the more natural-looking colors. But Schmidty's budget is fairly restrictive so he's likely needing an LCD to stay within his price range.

[stevew]

Whattya think CU-Bose bringing out a 46" TV for the bargain price of 5400 dollars. Is it 2001 again?

Bose VideoWave Entertainment System (http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/videowave/index.jsp)

LOL. I can't imagine who will buy this.

[CU Tiger]

Bose- Better Sound Through Marketing

No highs, No Lows; Must Be Bose

[Schmidty]

Ok, so I'm going with that Panasonic I linked to above. I'm buying the 160 GB basic PS3. I'm also buying a 32" Samsung HDTV to alternate as my "man-room" TV/Computer monitor. I'm not sure what I'm going to about speakers for either system. I've upped my budget to $2000 for everything. Right now I'm at $1,277 before tax.

Now my decision is whether to get a DSi XL or a PSP. I want something to do while in the living room hanging out with the family while they're watching girl stuff. I was going to get a netbook, but I want to play games and can't afford a gaming laptop. Anyway, the big sticking point between the DS and the PSP is the internet surf-ability. I know neither is going to be very fast, but I'd like to go faster than 56k dialup speeds from 1998. My preference would be the DS because.........I want to play Pokemon (yes, I'm ashamed), but if the PSP does more, I'd get that.

So thanks for the help so far, and thanks for any further opinions!! Tomorrow's the big day!!!

[terpkristin]

Owning two PSPs, a DS Lite, and a DSi XL, I would recommend the DSi. The PSP in theory does more and has better graphics, but good games are harder to find and the UMD format is ridiculous (don't get me started on the Memory Stick Pro...) and drains batteries. I don't really consider my PSP a portable device, I can only really play it if it's plugged in.

Also, SI and I play Pokemon, so you'd have people here to trade with. ;)

/tk

[Neon_Chaos]

Jusr wait for the 3DS, i guess?

[Schmidty]

Owning two PSPs, a DS Lite, and a DSi XL, I would recommend the DSi. The PSP in theory does more and has better graphics, but good games are harder to find and the UMD format is ridiculous (don't get me started on the Memory Stick Pro...) and drains batteries. I don't really consider my PSP a portable device, I can only really play it if it's plugged in.

Also, SI and I play Pokemon, so you'd have people here to trade with. ;)

/tk

Sweet. :)

Is the web browsing even using? That's the last thing I'm wondering about.

[terpkristin]

Web browsing on both is clunky at best. If you want something you can surf on, might I suggest an iPod Touch, iPad, or netbook? I do a fair amount of surfing on my phone (HTC Incredible--an Android device) and on my iPod Touch, especially if I'm not where my computer is (if I'm not home or if I'm in my bedroom, etc...).

/tk

[terpkristin]

Dola,
Though if you browse a lot of Flash-based sites or such, maybe the i-Devices aren't for you. I don't do much online but Facebook, Twitter, here, CAG, and Gmail and Google Reader....and also a few webcomics.

/tk

[Jon]

Is Vizio a crappy brand? My wife works for Costco and I see some of those at decent prices there, but I wouldn't want to buy a piece of junk just to save a little bit.

I love my Vizio and haven't had any problems with it. I picked up the "environmentally friendly" option (which is how I sold getting an HDTV to the misses). It's pretty good. I just wish I had a sound system.

[Matthean]

Owning two PSPs, a DS Lite, and a DSi XL, I would recommend the DSi. The PSP in theory does more and has better graphics, but good games are harder to find and the UMD format is ridiculous (don't get me started on the Memory Stick Pro...) and drains batteries. I don't really consider my PSP a portable device, I can only really play it if it's plugged in.

Also, SI and I play Pokemon, so you'd have people here to trade with. ;)

/tk

PSP has basically failed as a devise even though it shouldn't have. While PSP isn't the focus of the ramble, it gets mentioned. It's pointing out that Sony basically got lucky with the PS systems and are now running out of luck.

The GAME OVERTHINKER: Episode 39: "The Emperor Has No Clothes" (http://gameoverthinker.blogspot.com/2010/08/episode-39-emperor-has-no-clothes.html)

[stevew]

I'd think the iPod Touch has cheaper gaming and is more versatile than the PSP

[Schmidty]

PSP has basically failed as a devise even though it shouldn't have. While PSP isn't the focus of the ramble, it gets mentioned. It's pointing out that Sony basically got lucky with the PS systems and are now running out of luck.

The GAME OVERTHINKER: Episode 39: "The Emperor Has No Clothes" (http://gameoverthinker.blogspot.com/2010/08/episode-39-emperor-has-no-clothes.html)

I haven't read the article, but is there a thought that the PS3 is pointless or bad already?

[Swaggs]

I recommend the DS. It is basically the non-computer gaming that I do anymore (and I probably use it more than the computer nowadays). Lots or fun and retro titles that are fairly inexpensive (and even more so if you are cool with buying used games).

I'd second the IPod Touch for wifi browsing.

[Matthean]

I haven't read the article, but is there a thought that the PS3 is pointless or bad already?

It's more that Sony stumbled into the mass success of the PS and certainly PS2 and now the PS3 will, unless something radical happens, be number 3 for this generation and there is serious questions about the next gen.

Now, if I buy a console which one do I buy? PS3. Period. Why? I can't play all of the PC games I have now so what does a bigger selection of games mean to me when playing even 5 PS3 games is way more than enough? The exclusives for the 360 tend to be FPS which I loath. I can't get into the Wii as a console gaming device. A console that has a couple AAA games that I would want to play and a blue-ray player? Yes please. Do I drop coin for it? Well, no, but that's a separate issue.

[Drake]

I got a PSP Go in March. I love it. It's a fantastic device, and the one I use for all of my portable music, movies, podcasts, blah, blah, blah.

What I don't ever have a desire to do is play games on it. I've grabbed a few titles for my kids, but mostly the library sucks. They're getting into Phantasy Star Portable 2, but that's literally the first game they've given a shit about.

For my purposes, I slapped in a 16 gig memory card in the expansion slot to expand my storage to 32 gig and still ended up about $100 ahead on a 16 gig iPod. So, bottom line for me is that the PSP Go is a magnificent piece of hardware if you don't want to play any games.

But like all other things Sony, expect the graphics to be beautiful, the hardware to be responsive and the software (including the OS) to suck donkey balls.

[terpkristin]

Depending what you want to play, you might be good with just an iPod Touch or iPad. I definitely have a slew of games I enjoy on my iPod Touch. I also like that some developers are bringing some of my old favorite games (like Final Fantasy) to the Touch.

But if there's a game in particular you're looking at (like Pokemon), the DS really is a great little handheld. It's just not all that great for websurfing. Neither is the PSP.

But I definitely like my iPod Touch and DS. And really I don't have my PSP but it never lived up to the hype, and as I said, I don't really consider it portable...

/tk

[Marc Vaughan]

Neither grab an iTouch - better options (video, music etc.) and cheaper games.

PS - I've got both a DSi and a PSP Go, but rarely use them in comparison to my iPhone when it comes to portable gaming. The PSP Go and DSi are great consoles don't get me wrong - but I listen to music more than anything and so just generally have my iTouch with me ... I also find the iTouch fantastic for watching TV shows at the gym etc.

[Drake]

Marc reminds me...

Isn't FM available for the PSP Go now? If so, there may actually be a title I'd pick up.

[Marc Vaughan]

Isn't FM available for the PSP Go now? If so, there may actually be a title I'd pick up.

Yeah its been out for a while now.

(although in the spirit of honesty ... I should mention that FMH 2011 PSP will be out before christmas .... darn my honest nature and lost sales .... ;) )

[sterlingice]

Ok- I missed this being away for a couple of weeks with work. Quick note about the DS and the web browser as we were talking about this a little bit ago:

Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - The 2010 Video Games Thread (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showpost.php?p=2346199&postcount=1519)

That said, between the two, the libraries for the DS and PSP are night and day. It's one of the main reasons the DS is going to break the PS2s record for best selling console of all time, if it hasn't already (it's something like 135M to 139M, last it checked).

But, keep in mind the 3DS is coming out next year- probably March. Don't know what it will cost and estimates are $250. But if you'd rather wait and just spend the extra $100 in 6 months, you'll get the next generation handheld and it plays DS games.

SI