[bigwill51534]

As some of you know, I just decided to buy a new TV and entertainment center after this past underway. Anyway, after a lot of looking, I decided on what I wanted. I ended up getting a Westinghouse 32" LCD HDTV (from Best Buy), and a new entertainment center from Walmart (had to go cheap, after the expensive tv...). Here's a link to the TV:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1134703181778

I have to say, this TV is incredible! It includes 2 sets of R-B-G inputs, an HDMI input, an analog computer cable input, a set of RCA inputs, and a Coaxial input. It has a built in HDTV tuner, and gives an incredible picture. I hooked up my cable box using the HDMI cable ($50 for just 6 feet... OUCH!). It gives an amazing picture that is bright and crisp. I'm very impressed with the setup. Oh, for those of you wondering what the big gray receiver is, it's a Pioneer KR-3090 from the 1970's. It was advertised to put out 27.5 watts per channel, over two channels. It was way under rated for it's time, and I found it reasonably cheap. The big tower speakers (in place of the shelves in the entertainment center) are Magnovox 2-way tower speakers. They sound decent, but aren't anything too incredible. I'm still looking for some good, solid bass to add to my system. The two smaller speakers are old (from the 1980's) Sony desktop speakers. They put out awesome sound for their size. Great highs, hard-hitting lows, crystal clear sound. All in all, I love this entire system. What do you guys think?

~Will Courtier~

[super_Chris]

For more bass, buy a powered subwoofer. Most subs come with the option of using the sub output on the stereo or just running the actuall speaker cables through the sub.

Also, isn't an HDMI cable just a DVI cable? You bought a Monster brand cable didn't you?

[GOG427]

dvi is video only
hdmi is video and audio and can have hdcp copyright protection
there same in quality

[bigwill51534]

Originally Posted by GOG427

dvi is video only
hdmi is video and audio and can have hdcp copyright protection
there same in quality

Ahh, I didn't really know the difference. I was told (when I purchased the TV) that HDML gives brighter blacks, reds, and yellows. It seemed to make a difference between this tv on display, and the 30" LCD beside it.

~Will Courtier~

[GOG427]

well you may see diffrance but i think that has alot to do with quality of cable its self. not connection type. i got everything hooked in componet or vga. so i can bypass hdcp. runs 1080i on my projector i notice basic cable due to poor signel looks good but not great but all my movie channels and hd channels look fantastic. and 360

[WoodButcher]

Looks like a real nice setup, I guess that tv would put a dent in any budget. I hope you bought the service plan!

[super_Chris]

Originally Posted by GOG427

dvi is video only
hdmi is video and audio and can have hdcp copyright protection
there same in quality

I understand this, but aren't the cables exactly the same?

[Tweaked]

the signal is the same. also, you can buy the most generic DVI or HDMI and you will have the same quality signal. its the advatnage of digital signal over analog. so if you can find one for cheaper, return the one you bought and save the money for something else.

[mistawiskas]

I was looking at that set. It was fairly midrange in specs and just not as suited for PC as others I'm concidering. HDMI and DVI are a must for me. RGB/vid ain't going to cut the gaming scene, there's a huge difference in performance and picture quality between digital and analog. From what I gather, you can get an adapter to hook up DVI to HDMI, but it's friggin expensive. The plugs on HDMI aren't the same as what's coming out the back of your video card and require an adapter. On that set, I also couldn't get a straight answer as to the response time from the salesman.....he got a phone call....yeah right. That is a great looking settup though, watching TV won't be the same from now on. I'm looking to get one on my desk and now ther wife wants a 42" for the living room.
This is turning into a major investment that may end up delaying my next computer build.

[bigwill51534]

Originally Posted by mistawiskas

I was looking at that set. It was fairly midrange in specs and just not as suited for PC as others I'm concidering. HDMI and DVI are a must for me. RGB/vid ain't going to cut the gaming scene, there's a huge difference in performance and picture quality between digital and analog. From what I gather, you can get an adapter to hook up DVI to HDMI, but it's friggin expensive. The plugs on HDMI aren't the same as what's coming out the back of your video card and require an adapter.

Yeah, I seen the adaptor at Radio Shack. I think it was ~$75. I might have to get one, just so I can play some games on a 32" monitor.

~Will Courtier~

[mistawiskas]

That's what I have in mind.....not to mention eyesight isn't what it used to be (as far as the wife knows). That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

[Mr. Ali]

all this over cables more then $20 is giving me a headache

cmon guys, go to sites like cablewholesale.com

hdmi to dvi 6ft is $18.75 on that site and the cables are actually well made.

Yeah, I seen the adaptor at Radio Shack. I think it was ~$75. I might have to get one, just so I can play some games on a 32" monitor. smile

is this what your talking about?

http://cablewholesale.com/catalog/hdmiadapter.htm

[GOG427]

get cables at http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.aspgratest place on earth for them. i got all my cables there.

[bigwill51534]

Originally Posted by Mr. Ali

all this over cables more then $20 is giving me a headache

cmon guys, go to sites like cablewholesale.com

hdmi to dvi 6ft is $18.75 on that site and the cables are actually well made.

is this what your talking about?

http://cablewholesale.com/catalog/hdmiadapter.htm

It's vert similar, other than it already has teh hdmi cable on the other end to plug straight into the TV. That web site's awesome, though. It'd definately a keeper. Thanks!

~Will Courtier~

[mistawiskas]

I go to:
http://www.pacificcable.com./ for all my cabling needs. Good prices, great people.