TH42-PZ81 bought, delivered and set-up.....what next?

[admin_exported]

Had my TH42-PZ81 delivered on Tuesday and first impression is that its actually a good looking TV.

Its only set up with SD at the moment (awaiting my ordered octo LNB so I can connect up to current sky dish to recieve freesat) but the picture looks good (depending on what channel im watching and the quality of the broadcast).

Im hoping my socks will be blown off when I get freesat sorted for the HD and also PS3 connected.

What do I need now to complete my set-up as regards to AV reciever, speakers, connections as there are so many products out there! Budget is £1000 for it all. It took me ages to make the decision to buy the PZ81 and im already thinking is there something better out there for the money. Should I have been impressed with the quality of SD on it or is HD really the only way to appreciate what this TV can do?

Thanks for your time.

 

[Anonymous]

I would go for these speakers http://www.quantumelectronics.co.uk/acatalog/Q_cinema_1010.html £450 including cables. Or Quad L-ites if you can get hold of any but everywhere seems to have sold out.

Amp i would go for Onkyo SR875. This can be had for £600 from Richer Sounds if you join their mailing list and i'm sure the price will go down even more in the coming weeks. You can always upgrade to better speakers in the future coz this badboy will power anything! It seems crazy not to go for it at this price, even if you do not need the 1080p upscaling. it was a grand only a few months ago.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi bennyben,

Been looking at the Onkyo SR875 and Arcam AVR280 and wasn't sure which to go with but do like the SR875!

Looked at those speakers but didn't really like the finish but the reviews i've seen have been great

Thanks for your time bennyben

 

[Anonymous]

No worries, i'm on a similar budget to you but waiting for some back pay from my useless employers! People were raving about how good the amp was for a grand. now you can have it for £600 and have the rest for speakers so maybe its good i havn't had the money yet! Was thinking of getting the PZ81 have you tried anything in 1080p compared to 720p yet?

 

[Anonymous]

Not as yet however a mate is bringing round his PS3 tonight so will give that a bash - prob *** to my local movie rental store and get a nice blu ray film to watch (maybe an animated and an action one - any suggestions?)

I was in many minds as to what TV to get, i'm hoping i've made the right decision but so far im happy with it but just eagerly awaiting the full transition to HD (SKY, PS3, BLU-RAY) and see how good a performer it is then! Im setting up a new cable from SKY dish to TV for freesat this weekend so will hopefully get BBC HD and ITV HD for the weekend (will get SKY HD when we move house next year)

Will keep you updated as to my findings.

 

[Anonymous]

One of the best hd films i have seen (for showing of your telly not quality of plot by any means!) is the new Rambo. The special effects are quality. Cars is supposed to be good for testing the colours.

I'm sure you have made the right choice there. I've got a PX70 and have been very happy with it, just need a bigger telly now that's all.

 

[professorhat]

If you like the new Batman films, I thought Batman Begins was excellent on Blu-Ray. Otherwise, for the best picture test, I'd look at Casino Royale, 3:10 to Yuma, Blood Diamond and Pan's Labyrinth depending on what type of film you're into! Animation wise, I think Ratatouille is one of the best examples, though I thought Happy Feet was a good one too.

 

[Anonymous]

Bring on the Dark Knight now that should be special. I saw it at Showcase and as good as the film is I think it will be way better on a decent home cinema. Not just because of the lack of rudeboys shouting and playing with there phones!

 

[professorhat]

Funnily enough, the Dark Knight was the first film I've seen in the cinema for ages that I've enjoyed all the way through. Went further afield to the Clapham Picture House and it was pitch black and no one made a sound except at the points where you were supposed to - fantastic and so much better than the Croydon cinemas where that's all you get!

 

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you went to the perfect showing there. I'm amazed that its only rated 13 with scenes like hide the pencil!

 

[Anonymous]

Well, what can I say.....played FIFA 08 on the PS3 last night and was majorly impressed! The picture was just amazing. Do i really need to spend £300 on a PS3 on top of £1000 for reciever and speakers.......HELL YEAH! :-D

Cars and Casino Royale will be my first blu-ray rentals tonight me thinks.......looking forward to eating popcorn and drinking a large pepsi with my feet up! I have an old amp and surround speakers which I will hook up just to get the scene right (was bought 10 years ago so not digital but will do for tonight).

I set the TV up with the THX optimixer that was on Terminator 2 disc.....i've read that all settings are different for each film you watch and was going to invest in a Digital Video Essentials disc but is that really needed (there is also an HD one.....do i need 1 or both?)

Anyway.....happy with TV, just waiting to watch the football on it to see how it handles the motion!

 

[Anonymous]

Would advise you to turn the IFC off when watching footy as it can create some weird effects with the ball.

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah it is off, was a bit disappointed when watching a football show which had clips of some football games on it.

Hope sarturdays football action doesnt disappoint!

 

[Anonymous]

Horratio Is your EPG working on Freeview as mine is only showing a few hours ahead and then nothing??

 

[Anonymous]

Ive not checked it to be honest. I will have a look tonight if i remember and post on here.

 

[Anonymous]

EPG works.....got through to the next few days possibly 7 days. Looked alright!

 

[Anonymous]

Was that Freesat or freeview? If poss please try both.

 

[Anonymous]

It was with freeview, i've not set up freesat yet.....doing that on monday!

Again, will try and remember to have a look when its up and running!