Basically i want a 40" lcd tv Sonys new w series, Home cinema surround sound and blu ray, the tv is £900, so that means i have £600-£800 for everything else, come on guys any ideas.i need help
£1500 budget maybe a little more
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A search should net you the Sony BDP-S350 Blu-Ray for less than £200. Although, there does appear to be a bit of a stock issue as many places are saying 4-6 weeks for delivery.
That leaves £600 for your amp and speakers.
The Sony STR-DG820 for £300 will decode the HD formats, and looks like a good choice.
Traditional speaker packages are gonna blow your budget, but the 5.1 Jamo style system (can't remember the model number, but you'll find it in the style speaker system reviews page) is yours for £250. This leaves a little over for cables, (probably not enough in all honesty) Also, you'll not be getting full on 7.1 if that bothers you.
If you're not gonna be 100% happy with any of the compromises, I'd recommend saving for a bit longer rather than getting stuff that'll ultimately leave you dissatisfied.
That leaves £600 for your amp and speakers.
The Sony STR-DG820 for £300 will decode the HD formats, and looks like a good choice.
Traditional speaker packages are gonna blow your budget, but the 5.1 Jamo style system (can't remember the model number, but you'll find it in the style speaker system reviews page) is yours for £250. This leaves a little over for cables, (probably not enough in all honesty) Also, you'll not be getting full on 7.1 if that bothers you.
If you're not gonna be 100% happy with any of the compromises, I'd recommend saving for a bit longer rather than getting stuff that'll ultimately leave you dissatisfied.
For your TV you should get the Panasonic TH-42PX80 http://whathifi.com/Review/Panasonic-TH-42PX80/ instead because it is a plasma, which means better contrast, colour, motion and standard-def performance compared to the Sony LCD. And instead of being 1080p like the Sony, which is a feature unnoticable in 40-42" TVs, it is 720p, so it offers better image quality for your money. In fact, you can even find it online for £630!
I think if you google Wharfedale 9.1 hcp you will find Superfi has put together a great av package, consisting of the Sony DG820, Sony S350 and the Wharfedale speakers all for £769, add the Sony 40w4500 and you have a cracking system for your budget.
professorhat
Well-known member
Nintendo_Fan:And instead of being 1080p like the Sony, which is a feature unnoticable in 40-42" TVs, it is 720p, so it offers better image quality for your money.
I'm not sure I agree with this. If you're sitting around 10-12 feet or closer to a 42" set, I think you'll easily be able to notice a difference between 1080p and 720p on the same set (given a 1080p source of course). If you're saying the 720p on the Panasonic will be better than 1080p on the Sony, then I've no idea as I've not seen them both, but I think you need to state it a bit clearer if that's what you mean.
I'm not sure I agree with this. If you're sitting around 10-12 feet or closer to a 42" set, I think you'll easily be able to notice a difference between 1080p and 720p on the same set (given a 1080p source of course). If you're saying the 720p on the Panasonic will be better than 1080p on the Sony, then I've no idea as I've not seen them both, but I think you need to state it a bit clearer if that's what you mean.
Well, basically it is a matter of simple physics.
The human eye is only capable of distinguishing pixels of a certain size. There is an excellent Danish site explaining this, but unfortunately the article is in Danish... http://www.flatpanels.dk/fokusartikel.php?subaction=showfull&id=1184685511
Eventhough it is in Danish, you will still be able to use the interactive part of it. The man sitting in front of a TV you can move to find the perfect match between screen size and distance to the TV. Above you can choose whether the solution should be 720p or 1080p. The scale is in meters, so you will have to calculate this, but 10 feet is approximately 3 meters. If you sit 10 feet (3 meters) from your TV it can be concluded from the figure that you need a 76 inch TV to get the maximum out of a 1080p signal!
It is not thereby said that you will not be able to see the difference if your TV is smaller, but decreasing the screen size (or increasing the distance to the screen) will dramatically reduce the visual difference between 720p and 1080p. With 42 inches at this difference I am almost certain you will not be able to tell the difference in a blinded test.
I should probably as a final remark just mention that I am not at all following my own advise. My Tele is Panasonic 42PZ800, and I am sitting around 11 feet from it. But this is mainly because my wife wanted the sound from this model
The human eye is only capable of distinguishing pixels of a certain size. There is an excellent Danish site explaining this, but unfortunately the article is in Danish... http://www.flatpanels.dk/fokusartikel.php?subaction=showfull&id=1184685511
Eventhough it is in Danish, you will still be able to use the interactive part of it. The man sitting in front of a TV you can move to find the perfect match between screen size and distance to the TV. Above you can choose whether the solution should be 720p or 1080p. The scale is in meters, so you will have to calculate this, but 10 feet is approximately 3 meters. If you sit 10 feet (3 meters) from your TV it can be concluded from the figure that you need a 76 inch TV to get the maximum out of a 1080p signal!
It is not thereby said that you will not be able to see the difference if your TV is smaller, but decreasing the screen size (or increasing the distance to the screen) will dramatically reduce the visual difference between 720p and 1080p. With 42 inches at this difference I am almost certain you will not be able to tell the difference in a blinded test.
I should probably as a final remark just mention that I am not at all following my own advise. My Tele is Panasonic 42PZ800, and I am sitting around 11 feet from it. But this is mainly because my wife wanted the sound from this model
professorhat
Well-known member
Well, I would love to trust your Danish website but since it insists at my viewing distance I should have a 54" TV (yes 54" at 3m away) just to enjoy 720p, I think I'm going to trust my own eyes over this advice...
No, it tells you that a TV of 54'' whould give you the maximum benifit of a 720p signal. If you move closer the picture will get grainy if you move further away the difference will be less pronounced, but you will (probably) still be able to see it.
I mainly commented because I think everyone should keep the 1080p discussion in perspective. I often see people asking for advise buying a 32-37 inch TV. Only demand from their side, it must be 1080p! Well excuse me, but there is far more important things to consider for screens this size than 1080p (unless you want to sit 2 feet from the TV).
I think we can agree that Pioneer 428XD is still one of the best 42 inch TV's, even though it is 'only' 720p.
I mainly commented because I think everyone should keep the 1080p discussion in perspective. I often see people asking for advise buying a 32-37 inch TV. Only demand from their side, it must be 1080p! Well excuse me, but there is far more important things to consider for screens this size than 1080p (unless you want to sit 2 feet from the TV).
I think we can agree that Pioneer 428XD is still one of the best 42 inch TV's, even though it is 'only' 720p.
In direct answer to your question I have currently been on a tight budget for home cinema set up. I've ended up with a Onkyo SR606 @ £400. Jamo A102HCS5 @ £190. QED Micro Bi-wire Speaker Cable @ £50 and QED Performance HDMI 5 metre @ £40 (bought of e-bay). That leaves ony £120 for a blu-ray play on your budget.
I'm very impressed by the Jamo as they don't half pack a punch so they would be a good buy for the money and are very discret, highly recommended. To provide some more cost saving you could get the Sony 820 Amp as mentioned above, and that should leave enough for a Blu-ray. Try the Panasonic DMP-BD35 (due for release soon) or if cost is an issue you may be able to pick up a DMP-BD30 for a bargin, or again try the Sony S350 also mentioned above.
I'm very impressed by the Jamo as they don't half pack a punch so they would be a good buy for the money and are very discret, highly recommended. To provide some more cost saving you could get the Sony 820 Amp as mentioned above, and that should leave enough for a Blu-ray. Try the Panasonic DMP-BD35 (due for release soon) or if cost is an issue you may be able to pick up a DMP-BD30 for a bargin, or again try the Sony S350 also mentioned above.
professorhat:Nintendo_Fan:And instead of being 1080p like the Sony, which is a feature unnoticable in 40-42" TVs, it is 720p, so it offers better image quality for your money.I'm not sure I agree with this. If you're sitting around 10-12 feet or closer to a 42" set, I think you'll easily be able to notice a difference between 1080p and 720p on the same set (given a 1080p source of course). If you're saying the 720p on the Panasonic will be better than 1080p on the Sony, then I've no idea as I've not seen them both, but I think you need to state it a bit clearer if that's what you mean.
1. My local dealer seems to think that there is no difference between 720p and 1080p on 42" screens. So does CNETÿhttp://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6810011-1.htmlÿand this website:ÿhttp://www.carltonbale.com/2006/11/1080p-does-matter/.ÿ
2. What I mean is if two TVs were the same price, one 720p, the other 1080p, the 720p one would have better image quality because more money has been spent on image quality and less money has been spent on useless features such as 1080p. A good example would be the more expensive Panasonic 37" 1080p LCD and the least expensive Panasonic 720p plasmas. The more expensive LCD has 1080p, while the less expensive plasma has better contrast according to Panasonic. Which one would you buy?
1. My local dealer seems to think that there is no difference between 720p and 1080p on 42" screens. So does CNETÿhttp://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6810011-1.htmlÿand this website:ÿhttp://www.carltonbale.com/2006/11/1080p-does-matter/.ÿ
2. What I mean is if two TVs were the same price, one 720p, the other 1080p, the 720p one would have better image quality because more money has been spent on image quality and less money has been spent on useless features such as 1080p. A good example would be the more expensive Panasonic 37" 1080p LCD and the least expensive Panasonic 720p plasmas. The more expensive LCD has 1080p, while the less expensive plasma has better contrast according to Panasonic. Which one would you buy?
professorhat
Well-known member
I'd have to see them both before buying rather than just going on what spec they have.
Nintendo_Fan:What I mean is if two TVs were the same price, one 720p, the other 1080p, the 720p one would have better image quality because more money has been spent on image quality and less money has been spent on useless features such as 1080p.
I think you're being a bit naive with that comment. Absolutely, there are examples of some 720p only sets being better than 1080p sets at the same price but there are also examples the other way round. Personally, 1080p to me is not a "useless feature" on a 42" set or anything above it - you can quote as much evidence as you like from people who say it is, I disagree with them. And as a result, I advise people to look and decide for themselves.
Nintendo_Fan:What I mean is if two TVs were the same price, one 720p, the other 1080p, the 720p one would have better image quality because more money has been spent on image quality and less money has been spent on useless features such as 1080p.
I think you're being a bit naive with that comment. Absolutely, there are examples of some 720p only sets being better than 1080p sets at the same price but there are also examples the other way round. Personally, 1080p to me is not a "useless feature" on a 42" set or anything above it - you can quote as much evidence as you like from people who say it is, I disagree with them. And as a result, I advise people to look and decide for themselves.
Alec
Well-known member
Nintendo_Fan:
professorhat:Nintendo_Fan:And instead of being 1080p like the Sony, which is a feature unnoticable in 40-42" TVs, it is 720p, so it offers better image quality for your money.I'm not sure I agree with this. If you're sitting around 10-12 feet or closer to a 42" set, I think you'll easily be able to notice a difference between 1080p and 720p on the same set (given a 1080p source of course). If you're saying the 720p on the Panasonic will be better than 1080p on the Sony, then I've no idea as I've not seen them both, but I think you need to state it a bit clearer if that's what you mean.
1. My local dealer seems to think that there is no difference between 720p and 1080p on 42" screens. So does CNETÿhttp://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6810011-1.htmlÿand this website:ÿhttp://www.carltonbale.com/2006/11/1080p-does-matter/.ÿ
2. What I mean is if two TVs were the same price, one 720p, the other 1080p, the 720p one would have better image quality because more money has been spent on image quality and less money has been spent on useless features such as 1080p. A good example would be the more expensive Panasonic 37" 1080p LCD and the least expensive Panasonic 720p plasmas. The more expensive LCD has 1080p, while the less expensive plasma has better contrast according to Panasonic. Which one would you buy?
plasmas and lcd. aplles/oranges. plasmas always have better contrast.
professorhat:Nintendo_Fan:And instead of being 1080p like the Sony, which is a feature unnoticable in 40-42" TVs, it is 720p, so it offers better image quality for your money.I'm not sure I agree with this. If you're sitting around 10-12 feet or closer to a 42" set, I think you'll easily be able to notice a difference between 1080p and 720p on the same set (given a 1080p source of course). If you're saying the 720p on the Panasonic will be better than 1080p on the Sony, then I've no idea as I've not seen them both, but I think you need to state it a bit clearer if that's what you mean.
1. My local dealer seems to think that there is no difference between 720p and 1080p on 42" screens. So does CNETÿhttp://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6810011-1.htmlÿand this website:ÿhttp://www.carltonbale.com/2006/11/1080p-does-matter/.ÿ
2. What I mean is if two TVs were the same price, one 720p, the other 1080p, the 720p one would have better image quality because more money has been spent on image quality and less money has been spent on useless features such as 1080p. A good example would be the more expensive Panasonic 37" 1080p LCD and the least expensive Panasonic 720p plasmas. The more expensive LCD has 1080p, while the less expensive plasma has better contrast according to Panasonic. Which one would you buy?
plasmas and lcd. aplles/oranges. plasmas always have better contrast.
Gerrardasnails
Well-known member
Nintendo_Fan:For your TV you should get the Panasonic TH-42PX80 http://whathifi.com/Review/Panasonic-TH-42PX80/ instead because it is a plasma, which means better contrast, colour, motion and standard-def performance compared to the Sony LCD. And instead of being 1080p like the Sony, which is a feature unnoticable in 40-42" TVs, it is 720p, so it offers better image quality for your money. In fact, you can even find it online for £630!
Have you and Al actually checked out the latest top LCDs from Sony and all the plasmas on the market? Yes, plasma can be better than any LCD but I doubt that all plasmas are better than the top LCDs. A few years back, LCDs couldn't compete but they have come on leaps and bounds since. Mine is 2 years old and is better than the old (4 year old) Pioneer plasmas.
I just read this in the review of the latest stunner from Sony.
"Special praise has to go to the Sony's contrast levels too. It manages to produce the kind of deep, rich, detailed blacks that used to be possible only on the very best plasma TVs."
Have you and Al actually checked out the latest top LCDs from Sony and all the plasmas on the market? Yes, plasma can be better than any LCD but I doubt that all plasmas are better than the top LCDs. A few years back, LCDs couldn't compete but they have come on leaps and bounds since. Mine is 2 years old and is better than the old (4 year old) Pioneer plasmas.
I just read this in the review of the latest stunner from Sony.
"Special praise has to go to the Sony's contrast levels too. It manages to produce the kind of deep, rich, detailed blacks that used to be possible only on the very best plasma TVs."
Gerrardasnails
Well-known member
andrewg:Basically i want a 40" lcd tv Sonys new w series, Home cinema surround sound and blu ray, the tv is £900, so that means i have £600-£800 for everything else, come on guys any ideas.i need help
The Jamo package already mentioned is fantastic/ridiculous for the money. You can bag it for £180ish. Add the Sony STRDG820 (£248 at Stone Audio - you might find it even cheaper). They are also doing the Sony BDPS350 for £199.95. You can add any 1.3 hdmi cable for £20ish and some QED micro at about £2 a metre. You should be on the money with that and it will sound brilliant.
The Jamo package already mentioned is fantastic/ridiculous for the money. You can bag it for £180ish. Add the Sony STRDG820 (£248 at Stone Audio - you might find it even cheaper). They are also doing the Sony BDPS350 for £199.95. You can add any 1.3 hdmi cable for £20ish and some QED micro at about £2 a metre. You should be on the money with that and it will sound brilliant.
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