Decision made! Now what???

[ineptabouthdtv]

First off, thanks everyone for the help thus far.......I've decided on waiting for the 50HDX82 (which hopefully will be in about a month...at least thats what a couple suppliers told me???). My question is (and keep in mind I am quite the newbie), what now? What equipment should I begin to stockpile while awaiting the arrival of set? 1.) I live in the D.C. area and currently have comcast cable (which from what I've been hearing here is pretty awful).....what should I look into as far as my service provider? And should I start looking for an antenna to pick up local signals off the air? (i have a multi-story house and my toys will be in the basement so attic antenna will prob be best for me and the lousy home owners association). 2.) I will need an HD component video switch which will require a receiver w/component vid switch output w/bandwith > 35 mhz (thanks Admin Joe!). What would be some good suggestions for something that is a good value for the $ (w/out sacrificing alot on quality). 3.) The reason for the switch is due to the x-box (for gaming), the HD signal (tv), and a DVD player. Now I don't have a p-scan DVD picked out yet, so again, what are some good suggestions for the $? 4.)And I've also been reading about the set top box I'm going to need for the HD signals, and to be honest I don't quite have a grasp on that.....but what should I look for here as well? 5.) I'll prob go with something like acoustic research cables to start....and if I'm not happy maybe jump to something better.....is that smart? Well, I admire anyone w/the courage to tackle all this......but rest assured it will be greatly appreciated! Thanks again everyone!!!

[kevinw]

You have lot of work aheah of you.
1) As for sound system, do you really need comp. switching? With 2 Hd inputs you will use 1 for your STB-and 1 for your DVD if you purchase progressive scan. How often do you play Xbox games that are desgined for the wide screen and enhanced resolution? If the software isn't there you gain nothin over a S-video connection.

2) Set Top Box for receiving an OTA or satelite HD signal unless Comcast provides HD. If you want satelite Direct is the best option because they offer HDnet. Samsung is OTA only. Sony,Panasonic, RCA and Toshiba/Mitsubishi sell boxes that will all do the job and are tied in with Direct. Dish is a seperate entity
3)For antenna InfoAntenna Web (http://antennaweb.org)
I do not think your homeowners ASS. can prevent you from having an antenna.

3) TITAN TV (http://titantv.com)


4) After you get your Tv come back to see about setting up...

[ineptabouthdtv]

Thanks for the help Kevin! I've found out that there is ALOT more to this than buying a TV and pluggin it in:
1.) The DVD and STB definately need comp inputs, but I was also under the impression that the x-box (assuming some HD games are released...which one is about to be i think @ 720p) will need a comp input as well? In a diff thread it also said that your receiver could also be used as a "switch"? That would mean I have to look for a receiver w/at least 2 comp inputs and 1 comp output? Which method (actual comp HD switch or use receiver as switch) would be easiest and cause the least loss of quality?
2.) When I type all my house/location info into that antenna website it recommends the "Antennacraft AC-9"......is that website usually pretty accurate w/its recommendations? Or is there a different model I should look at?
3.) What specs or features should I look for in a STB? Is there one brand or model that is preferred over others?
4.) Last thing - what is the deal w/cable vs. directv vs. dish network etc.... Are there really that many HD broadcasts available yet for it to make a dif at this point in time?
Thanks again!

[kevinw]

From what I have been reading regarding stereo systems that can pass through a HD signal, they are very expensive. That is the ones that will not degrade the signal. My thought is How may X-box games will you play that use the enhanced graphics? Better to look for a stand alone switcher if you are adament about playing through comp. inputs.

The D* people-Dish or Direct do not offer your locals in Hd. They give you HBO, SHOWTIME, PPV and in Directs case HDnet-which may be worth the price of Direct alone. Only a few Metro areas even have Hd cable-Time-Warner is the big one. If your sick of regular cable and are going to buy a box go Direct because of HDnet alone. It will be about 700-900 installed.

Myself, I have OTA only. I an not a HBO kinda guy. I would rather rent a DVD. I get 8-9 Digital stations in Atlanta with 3 currently showing some HD programming. As far as I know Samsung is the only producer of OTA only boxes. Sharp/Pioneer use to but discontinued because of price.

I can't give you a firm answer on the antenna but I recomend bigger than smaller and the higher the better and mounted outside. I would make a post asking for recomendations about STB's . RCA is very popular from what I understand.