Help needed choosing AV Equipment

prospect

Hi all,

I have pretty much made up my mind to upgrade my TV and DVD player. But I am at a loss of what to get. I have been through the TVs in Harvey Norman and DID etc, and looked through the technikdirect website, and I am now more confused than ever...

So I am hoping someone here can help me

I currently have a cambridge audio AMP and a pair of Gale speakers. I am going to get an appropriate cable that will allow me play music from ITunes to the amp.

Basically I want to get a 42" (ish) LCD or Plasma (I think I prefer LCD, but am not too sure), or bigger if budget allows. I want one with clear, sharp image and good colour. Also, if possible I would like one that does not have built in speakers.

Also, I want to get a DVD HDD recorder, that I can program to automatically record programs from my SKY connection.

I also need to get a wall mounting bracket, one that allows a slight downward tilt, as the screen is being mounted over a fireplace.

Finally, I am considering a universal remote, as I would have a remote for the TV, for SKY, for the DVD recorder and for the AMP...

My budget would be €2K, or slightly more.

So, I am hoping someone can help....

prospect

Okay, that was probably a bit generic.

I have done further research and it seems I would be hard pushed to get an LCD/Plasma without speakers.

So, I am currently looking at two samsung machines:

42" Plasma:
Samsung PS-42 E 7 H 107cm - €1259 from Technikdirekt

40" LCD:
Samsung LE40S71 - €1399 from Komplett

The plasma has the avdantage of being cheaper and bigger.
The LCD has the advantage of being a newer model, so presumably newer/better technology, also it is a smaller frame and lighter (for wall mounting)


Also, any input on a HDD recorder with EPG that will work with my SKY would be great, I am at a complete loss on this one.

cheers.

quazzy

Hey Prospect,

I don't think you can go wrong with the Samsung options above but I think a lot of ppl on the avoforum rate the Panasonic screens very highly.

I have a Sammy and am very happy btw (32" R41 - a bit old)

Wrt the HDD-DVD I'd say contact richersounds.ie and ask them about your Sky/EPG needs.

Don't have Sky so I can't really comment on how my HDD-DVD would work (Sammy aswel).

A few boardsies have Pioneer HDD-DVD players and rave about them; im sure they might be able to help or advise you.

Good Luck

prospect

Thanks kindly for the reply.
I have been racking my brain the last few evenings, and trawling the internet for info.

I have literally just bought a 42" Samsung Plasma (PS-42 C7 S) from technikdirekt for €1444 (incl VAT & Del).
I am also going to buy A Samsung DVD-HR735 (DVD HDD Recorder) from Komplett for €399.

My plan is to connect my SKY box, and my amp to the DVD HDD Recorder, and then run the signal from the HDMI output to the TV.

quazzy

prospect wrote:

Thanks kindly for the reply.
I have been racking my brain the last few evenings, and trawling the internet for info.

I have literally just bought a 42" Samsung Plasma (PS-42 C7 S) from technikdirekt for €1444 (incl VAT & Del).
I am also going to buy A Samsung DVD-HR735 (DVD HDD Recorder) from Komplett for €399.

My plan is to connect my SKY box, and my amp to the DVD HDD Recorder, and then run the signal from the HDMI output to the TV.

Glad to hear you have taken the plunge.

I actually have the HR725 and I do like it but there are a few issues might want to know.

You can't play a DVD and record something on the HDD at the same time - or vice-versa

This can only be done using the HDD.

DivX and XviD is supported

When recording the automatic chaptering is a bit hit and miss.

tbh if I could turn the clocks back I might have chosen something different.

Perhaps Panasonic or Pioneer.

But those other models didn't support DivX/Xvid which was one of the main factors in my purchase - so please consider these points.

If you don't really want/need DivX support then I would suggest you have another look around

Regards,

Q

prospect

Explain the advantages of DivX to me please, I have taken in so much info recently I am a bit muddled up.

Someone else recommended the Pioneer to me, but it pushed the budget up a bit much.
I would like to be able to record to the HDD while watching a DVD, and a HDMI output is obviously Vital.

Cheers

godtabh

prospect wrote:

Explain the advantages of DivX to me please, I have taken in so much info recently I am a bit muddled up.



Cheers

Basically you can watch downloaded films tv shows on your tv

quazzy

prospect wrote:

Explain the advantages of DivX to me please, I have taken in so much info recently I am a bit muddled up.

Someone else recommended the Pioneer to me, but it pushed the budget up a bit much.
I would like to be able to record to the HDD while watching a DVD, and a HDMI output is obviously Vital.

Cheers

Yep. Exactly as posted above by kearnsr.

If you want to record on the HDD while watching a DVD then you will have to choose something other that the Samsung. As I said earlier this option is not available.

Sorry if I'm confusing you but the Samsung cannot do what you want.

prospect

Nope, the advice and input is greatly appreciated, thanks to you both.

The DivX does not bother me as I do not download video.

I need to further research on the dual watching & recording bit. Although, I am running my sky into the DVD, and then running the DVD to the TV via HDMI (in other words my TV signal is not going directly to my TV), so I may not be able to watch and record regardless of which machine I get!?