HDTV gurus

[doug piston]

can you have the xbox hd player hooked up at the same time as the online antenna thingy or do i have to switch back and fourth

[new06Civic]

Originally Posted by doug piston

how do you like the xbox hd dvd add on???? just realized i could get one for only like 200 bucks. i think i may be off to the sore to buy one

I like the Xbox 360 HD-DVD add-on a lot. For me, it is worth it. It can play HD movies and games, and can be use as HTPC.

You need these two items below to play HD movie on your HDTV through Xbox 360:
1. Xbox 360 (premium console comes w/ wireless game controller and add-on hard drive).
2. Xbox 360 HD-DVD player (includes remote control and HD movie)

Xbox 360 and the add-on info: Xbox 360

Where to buy Xbox 360 HD player- Xbox 360 HD player Xbox 360 Premium System

Xbox 360 HD add-on can be used on PC too-
You need Toshiba UDF drivers v2.5 and PowerDVD Ultra along w/ the Xbox 360 HD-DVD add-on to play HD movie on any dual core PC.

Xbox 360 can be connected to PC too-
Connect Xbox 360 to Media Center or HTPC

[tennisfan16]

Originally Posted by doug piston

can you have the xbox hd player hooked up at the same time as the online antenna thingy or do i have to switch back and fourth

if you mean the wireless adapter that plugs into the back of the 360 on the usb port, the answer is yes. the hddvd drive hooks up to the back of the 360 via the usb port, but on the back of the hddvd drive there is a usb port to use, microsoft thought ahead on this one. if you are using a lan line it is not affected.

[Toxis]

CASE AND POINT! You use Consumer Reports as references to back up your opinions. If you actually knew how biased that company/organization was, you would never reference anything from them. I have met people who swear by them but none can ever answer me this. How is it they come out with a new "report" every month or even quarter and their top picks change from month to month when the models stay the same? Is it because it depends on who pays them more money that month in advertising? I say this and I'll get "They don't have advertisers" but how do they stay open? Who pays their bills and staff? Manufacturers pay them for reviews; more money = better review. It's a business! Plus, why is it they only review the same few companies everytime? Where's everyone else?

What do I have? I have a Sony KV-34HS420 34" Tube HDTV. Why tube? Because I care about quality. My room is big enough for a 50-55" if not a 72" front projo but again, I'm a quality oriented person.

To say you never trust salesmen is bull***t and you know it. I guarantee you trusted someone's opinion somewhere to buy your TV. You didn't walk into a retailer and pick the picture you liked best without reading reviews (basically a salesperson of whatever they have and love) on the 'net or asking the salesguy at the store what he liked and he showed you that TV at some point. Now I understand there's a lot of salespeople that will lie to sell you what they want (whether it pays them more or whatever) but you will find honest people still in this world who are passionate about what they do. I'm that person. The A/V business might be my profession but it's my Hobby. Just like Cars for pretty much everyone here. Does that mean that none of these people know what they're talking about? You don't know me, you don't know my history or my knowledge base. Sure you can say the same thing about me not knowing you but with my experience and knowledge, I can tell you have very limited knowledge of this industry. Go ahead and make your recommendations but you're far from experienced enough to make recommendations other than what you own. You make comments about what you own because you want to feel good about your own purchase. I give recommendations because of how technology works and years of being in the industry. There's a HUGE difference.

[new06Civic]

Originally Posted by Toxis

To say you never trust salesmen is bull***t and you know it. I guarantee you trusted someone's opinion somewhere to buy your TV. You didn't walk into a retailer and pick the picture you liked best without reading reviews (basically a salesperson of whatever they have and love) on the 'net or asking the salesguy at the store what he liked and he showed you that TV at some point. Now I understand there's a lot of salespeople that will lie to sell you what they want (whether it pays them more or whatever) but you will find honest people still in this world who are passionate about what they do. I'm that person. The A/V business might be my profession but it's my Hobby. Just like Cars for pretty much everyone here. Does that mean that none of these people know what they're talking about? You don't know me, you don't know my history or my knowledge base. Sure you can say the same thing about me not knowing you but with my experience and knowledge, I can tell you have very limited knowledge of this industry. Go ahead and make your recommendations but you're far from experienced enough to make recommendations other than what you own. You make comments about what you own because you want to feel good about your own purchase. I give recommendations because of how technology works and years of being in the industry. There's a HUGE difference.

BS, is right..! I don't take BS from a salesperson. I preferred getting my info from other customer reviews at AVS forum and other Electronics sites. I get the detail information on electronics and cars through information highway. I went to electronics store to verify the physical conditions of it. I purchased the entire home theater system online. It is mostly at Buy.Com. I purchased the Xbox 360 and its HD add-on from CC, because it has the special deals last holiday. I purchase any brands and models that fit my bill and my needs.

Since the evolving of the Internet, I prefer shopping for electronics and car from the comfort of my office.

What is your recommendation aside from Toshiba is the worst brand, and Sony is on the top of your list. I bet you own PlayStation too..!

PQ and AQ are depending on the eyes and ears of the beholder. Please demo your electronics..!

[Toxis]

I do have a PS2 but also a Wii. I don't like X-box controllers plus, I'm not a huge gamer so that doesn't matter. I have probably 8-10 hours invested in my Wii and maybe 20 hours in my PS2 (only because of Guitar Hero haha) over the past 6 months. If it wasn't for GH2 and WiiSports/WiiPlay, I wouldn't even own a system. Who cares. I'd rather watch a movie or listen to music.

I'd love to hear what HT you have... I bet it's REAL nice. *cough*sarcasm*cough*

I'd take an LG RP over Toshiba and that's saying something. In terms of rear projection, Sony is by far the best yes. If it's not a Sony, it's gotta be a Hitachi or Mitsubishi but both of their quality has been dropping over the past 4-5 years that makes it real hard to recommend either. Basically, if you're not going to do Sony RP or Sony XBR flat panel, go Pioneer plasma. If either are out of your range, then you're better off waiting.

[new06Civic]

Originally Posted by Toxis

I do have a PS2 but also a Wii. I don't like X-box controllers plus, I'm not a huge gamer so that doesn't matter. I have probably 8-10 hours invested in my Wii and maybe 20 hours in my PS2 (only because of Guitar Hero haha) over the past 6 months. If it wasn't for GH2 and WiiSports/WiiPlay, I wouldn't even own a system. Who cares. I'd rather watch a movie or listen to music.

I'd love to hear what HT you have... I bet it's REAL nice. *cough*sarcasm*cough*

I'd take an LG RP over Toshiba and that's saying something. In terms of rear projection, Sony is by far the best yes. If it's not a Sony, it's gotta be a Hitachi or Mitsubishi but both of their quality has been dropping over the past 4-5 years that makes it real hard to recommend either. Basically, if you're not going to do Sony RP or Sony XBR flat panel, go Pioneer plasma. If either are out of your range, then you're better off waiting.

I am glad that you calm down, and that is rule number 1 for a salesperson.

I use the Xbox 360 and its HD add-on mainly for movie. I have a couple racing games for my two girls, and they're rarely playing it.

There is nothing special about my HT. Keep in minds; I never say I own the best. I own what ever fit my bills and my needs. I can use cars for example too, I own the Si Sedan and the Ody. It is not necessary the best, but it fit my bills and my needs. My wife had her way in the theater room after we moved to this new house, and she left me with the Loft system.

What HT do I owns, you asked? Yes, you can cough and laugh at it.
Wife's HT and HTPC in the theater room:
1. 56" Toshiba DLP (She sold the Samsung DLP on eBay because she don't like how it looks.)
2. 7.1 Pioneer Elite VSX-74TXVi
3. 7.1 Bose Acoustimass 16 Series II (She sold the entire 7.1 Infinity Beta because she don't like the way it looks and sounds. She prefers the sound of Bose and the way it looks on the wall.)
4. Xbox 360 premium system and its HD add-on (This is my selection. I am a fan of Microsoft.)
5. Logitech universal remote control.
6. Polk 12" subwoofer.
7. HP HTPC

My HT and HTPC in the Loft:
1. 32" Sharp LCD
2. 7.1 Onkyo TX-SR804B
3. Orb Audio Mod1
4. Sony HTPC

Here are the preferred DLP by customers:
DLP Poll, and Samsung is the front runner in DLP. For you, Sony DLP is your preferred brand.

[doug piston]

so is the xbox add on also an upscaler and is hd dvd gonna win the war???

[poizun]

Originally Posted by doug piston

so is the xbox add on also an upscaler and is hd dvd gonna win the war???

I don't think the addon scales per se. If anything, the xb scales, but again, that depends on the setting you have the xb output and the native resolution of your tv.

And who knows who will win the war. I just hope the prices drop fast so that I can get my hands on some. First person to reach the low consumer price of 100 bucks for a player will win.

[letsgoflyers81]

Several sources have predicted that HD-DVD will win the war for one simple reason... porn. The porn industry recently chose the HD-DVD format because they're cheaper to produce than Blu-Ray. Apparently, VHS and Beta were both doing OK until the porn industry chose VHS, then Beta started its downward spiral. Only time will tell, but it's very possible that boobies and money shots will be responsible for the demise of Blue-Ray.

[new06Civic]

Top 10 DLP Models

[poizun]

Originally Posted by letsgoflyers81

Several sources have predicted that HD-DVD will win the war for one simple reason... porn. The porn industry recently chose the HD-DVD format because they're cheaper to produce than Blu-Ray. Apparently, VHS and Beta were both doing OK until the porn industry chose VHS, then Beta started its downward spiral. Only time will tell, but it's very possible that boobies and money shots will be responsible for the demise of Blue-Ray.

Yea, supposedly pr0n drives MANY industries. Shoot, you know why they have superfast Internet on the cell phones in Japan? I haven't a clue.

But I've read that the pr0n industry doesn't like high def at all. Mainly because it enhances all of the imperfections that the 'actors and actresses' have. I don't know about anyone here, but I'd rather not notice the scars of surgery or an abnormal growth on spots of the body...

[new06Civic]

Interesting prediction:

Optical HD Battle May Be Over: HD DVD Wins

HD vs. BD

To me, it is still a long shot from over. Please enjoy whatever fit your bills for now..!

[Toxis]

Originally Posted by new06Civic

1. 56" Toshiba DLP (She sold the Samsung DLP on eBay because she don't like how it looks.)
3. 7.1 Bose Acoustimass 16 Series II (She sold the entire 7.1 Infinity Beta because she don't like the way it looks and sounds. She prefers the sound of Bose and the way it looks on the wall.)

Seriously, you need to stand up and get something that YOU want once in a while. You sold your Samsung for a Toshiba because of her. You got rid of larger, 300 times better speakers FOR BOSE???? That's the most sickening thing I've read in this topic. I'm not a huge Infinity guy but anything that's not small and Bose.... god, I almost puked in my mouth. Prefer the sound. Someone took the bait from advertising and didn't actually LISTEN to the speakers. Again, must've been the salesman. God I pity you now. Poor guy. Can't find his sack at the bottom of the wife's purse.

My fiance knows how I am and that I'm passionate about a few things as she is about her little things. I don't hinder her necessities, she doesn't argue with my electronics. My "mancave" is exactly as I want it. I pick everything from what's in it, to the furniture to the wall colors. MY basement, not hers. She gets the rest of the house even though I still choose the electronics. It's more than fair and we're both very happy. Before anyone says anything, no, this will NOT change after marriage. She's not one of "those" women. We're to understanding of each other.

[doug piston]

Originally Posted by Toxis

Seriously, you need to stand up and get something that YOU want once in a while. You sold your Samsung for a Toshiba because of her. You got rid of larger, 300 times better speakers FOR BOSE???? That's the most sickening thing I've read in this topic. I'm not a huge Infinity guy but anything that's not small and Bose.... god, I almost puked in my mouth. Prefer the sound. Someone took the bait from advertising and didn't actually LISTEN to the speakers. Again, must've been the salesman. God I pity you now. Poor guy. Can't find his sack at the bottom of the wife's purse.

My fiance knows how I am and that I'm passionate about a few things as she is about her little things. I don't hinder her necessities, she doesn't argue with my electronics. My "mancave" is exactly as I want it. I pick everything from what's in it, to the furniture to the wall colors. MY basement, not hers. She gets the rest of the house even though I still choose the electronics. It's more than fair and we're both very happy. Before anyone says anything, no, this will NOT change after marriage. She's not one of "those" women. We're to understanding of each other.

i fell you there brotha mine is the same way about my cars,darts,beer and my video games and i let her be about her things. life is simple that way

[new06Civic]

Originally Posted by Toxis

Seriously, you need to stand up and get something that YOU want once in a while. You sold your Samsung for a Toshiba because of her. You got rid of larger, 300 times better speakers FOR BOSE???? That's the most sickening thing I've read in this topic. I'm not a huge Infinity guy but anything that's not small and Bose.... god, I almost puked in my mouth. Prefer the sound. Someone took the bait from advertising and didn't actually LISTEN to the speakers. Again, must've been the salesman. God I pity you now. Poor guy. Can't find his sack at the bottom of the wife's purse.

My fiance knows how I am and that I'm passionate about a few things as she is about her little things. I don't hinder her necessities, she doesn't argue with my electronics. My "mancave" is exactly as I want it. I pick everything from what's in it, to the furniture to the wall colors. MY basement, not hers. She gets the rest of the house even though I still choose the electronics. It's more than fair and we're both very happy. Before anyone says anything, no, this will NOT change after marriage. She's not one of "those" women. We're to understanding of each other.

No, it has nothing to do with a salesperson. She is a big fan of getting the best price of the electronics online too.

She sold and purchased the entire new set online. She listened to the Bose system at our family friend's house all the time, and she watched the movies on the Toshiba at her Godfather's house once in a while. She loved the sounds and looks of our friend’s Bose system on the wall. I am not a huge fan of Bose either, but the movie on the 7.1 Bose system sounds okay. She seems to like the looks and the PQ on the Toshiba DLP than the Samsung DLP. If she like it, that is all it matter and it is fine with me. Yes, you can puke, laugh and cough over it. You might not like it, but she loves her new system. It is another case of the PQ and AQ is depending on the eyes and ears of the Beholder. Again, please demo, demo, demo your system befor purchase it..!

So far, she left my Loft system alone. I'm very please w/ the Onkyo and the Orb system up stair, and she can have the theater room. Hey, family comes first in my marriage..!

[Toxis]

family comes first which is good but what ever happened to caring what the other person thought? Guess that's the difference in my relationship. We ask each other what they think and take in their input. If you honestly said you are impressed and love the bose too, that'd be different (yet hilarious). Sounds like she said "Nope, this is what I want" and left it at that. Either way, you own Bose and that's hilarious. Might as well tie some coffee cans on the ends of string and then get a whoopy cushion to be put in a larger aluminum can to call it a subwoofer. Then again, your wife likes small speakers and no matter what you try to convince me, we both know she likes the smaller size over the larger Betas. Maybe she has hearing loss and has 20/50 vision... I never thought about that. I apologize. I should've took other factors into play before being crass. Tell your wife, if she can hear you, that I didn't mean to be rude.

Bose. Better sound through marketing.

[new06Civic]

Originally Posted by Toxis

family comes first which is good but what ever happened to caring what the other person thought? Guess that's the difference in my relationship. We ask each other what they think and take in their input. If you honestly said you are impressed and love the bose too, that'd be different (yet hilarious). Sounds like she said "Nope, this is what I want" and left it at that. Either way, you own Bose and that's hilarious. Might as well tie some coffee cans on the ends of string and then get a whoopy cushion to be put in a larger aluminum can to call it a subwoofer. Then again, your wife likes small speakers and no matter what you try to convince me, we both know she likes the smaller size over the larger Betas. Maybe she has hearing loss and has 20/50 vision... I never thought about that. I apologize. I should've took other factors into play before being crass. Tell your wife, if she can hear you, that I didn't mean to be rude.

Bose. Better sound through marketing.

No, her hearing and vision is top notch. She listens to a lot of friends and relatives system. She likes the looks and sounds of the smaller speaker in Bose than the larger speaker. Different people like different thing and I don't expect her, you and anyone else to like thing my way either. The movie on the 7.1 Bose speakers and Pioneer Elite receiver sounds okay, and I can live with it.

I do not wish to have everything in the house my way anyway. She has her system and I have my Sharpe LCD, Onkyo receiver and Orb speakers in the Loft. The kids have their system. It is perfectly compromises in our family. I am very happy with it and they are too..!

[Tim]

Let's discuss sound systems on another thread. I was enjoying the informative comparisons between the standards on this thread as I know nothing on the subject.

[doug piston]

Originally Posted by Tim

Let's discuss sound systems on another thread. I was enjoying the informative comparisons between the standards on this thread as I know nothing on the subject.

i was too. but still lots a good info in this thread. im glad im the genius that brought it up