57U

Here's a list of the typical regrets that some people have after purchasing a TV or receiver:

There is no "perfect" TV or receiver, but you may wish to consider some of the following features when shopping..

If I knew then, what I know now, I'd have bought:

A larger TV.

A smaller TV (boy it didn't look that big in the store - I couldn't even get it in the house).

An HDTV that comes apart for delivery or for putting in a certain room. (From the CRT-based RPTV days)

An HDTV that has a direct access button for each input, or easy access to each input. An HDTV that allows skipping of unused inputs or labelling of these inputs. (Many don't)

An HDTV that has each input remember the "aspect/stretch mode".
(if you get a set that doesn't have the two above, you might have to press two different buttons several times, rather than one button once to switch inputs)

An HDTV that allows manual convergence of many points without going into the service menu (CRT-RPTVs).

An HDTV that has user selectable SVM and Black Level adjustment, or other specific user adjustments that you're interested in. Some may be greyed out depending on the connection, etc.

A backlit remote control.

A more reliable brand.

A different type of TV (RPTV, Plasma, Direct-View, LCoS, Front Projector, LCD. DLP).

A particular type of PoP functionality (Usually not much use in the digital STB world).

An HDTV that allows 720P input (gamers sometimes regret this one).

An HDTV that allows you to stretch High Def images (Some STBs perform this function, so not much value any more) Check the various stretch modes you may be interested in. Typically not necessary for TVs that don't have burn in issues.

An HDTV with a larger vertical or horizontal viewing angle. (certain TVs can be somewhat limiting in this regard).

An HDTV that allows you to choose the appropriate stretch mode for DVD players with progressive scan or HDMI outputs.

An HDTV that has a "non-glare" screen - can be important for daytime viewing. Manufacturers sometimes have various models for different needs.

Research the DVI/Firewire/HDCP/HDMI issues so that you are at least a little bit familiar with what these may mean for the future of HDTV, HD recording, etc.

I'd have questioned the salesperson or CSR more. Many simply don't know much about HDTV and they'll make stuff up or guess, rather than provide an accurate response.

More Inputs, or other options you require.

Notes:

- Some HDTVs done't accept 480i via HDMI (Samsung is one example) This can affect SD PQ. You can always use component video instead.

- Some HDTVs don't do Closed Captioning of SD input signals via the component/HDMI inputs. If CC is important to you, make sure the TV can do what you want. For HD inputs, the sending device (STB) usually does the CC.


A/V Receiver:

A receiver that "auto-senses and switches" digital and analogue audio signals.

A receiver that "auto-senses" and has "auto-priority" for video and audio signals (automatically picks the "best" signal source and audio decoding) (would pick component video over S-Video if both signals are present)(would pick DD5.1 over analogue stereo, etc) Can be overridden.

A receiver with "on-screen" display. (typically only on composite or s-video, mostly used for setup) Some AVRs allow output of the OSD via component video or HDMI.

A receiver that has "B" speaker outlets for use elsewhere in the home, or a different zone?

A receiver that has wideband component video inputs, outputs and switching (minimum 25 MHz, preferably 37 MHz or more).

A receiver that "transcodes (sometimes called upconverts)" the incoming video signal so that composite and S-video are converted to component video or HDMI, so that only the one connection is required from the receiver to the TV. (This can be problematical if the devices connected require a different setup of the TV - direct input to the TV may be preferable rather than going "through" the AVR)

A receiver that displays the incoming signal (DD2.0, analogue, DD3/2, PCM, Etc) and/or displays the "output" (DPL, DPLII, DD5.1, DD6.1 Matrix, DTS, etc) Some receivers only have lights and they aren't nearly as helpful.

More inputs and outputs on my receiver, such as digital audio, 6 analogue inputs for DVD-A, etc. More component video or HDMI...

A receiver with a learning remote, a backlit remote.

A receiver with "auto-setup" of the speakers.

HDMI switching (may or may not include HDMI audio capabilities - see below).

Be aware that many (less expensive) AVRs have HDMI switching, but simply passthrough the signal to the TV, not processing HDMI sound.

Some AVRs handle audio via HDMI, but don't decode HD audio.

HD audio capabilities (via HDMI) typically more expensive AVRs.

(HDMI audio processing summary - none, some, HD audio)

iPod interface, Satellite Receiver/interface.

Upconversion of signals to 720P, 1080i or 1080P via a good processor (the processor must be better than the one in the TV to make a difference) Be aware that many AVRs place limits on the incoming signals that can be upconverted.

A set of pre-outs to connect a separate amplifier.


Home Theatre

I'd have planned a little better for the following:

- a programmable remote like a Harmony to handle all the switching, etc with one button press.
- additional/pre-wiring (surrounds, sub, etc)
- cable management (how, where to put them all)
- if you run conduit, think about future wiring that you may want there - say HDMI if you're currently using component video.
- Add several strong strings to conduit to be used to pull any future cables. Make the conduit large enough.
- layout
- access to components/component cupboard
- hidden items (like a subwoofer)
- seating
- lighting/controls
- acoustic treatments
- hush box around front projector
- electrical circuits (dedicated isolated outlets)
- UPS
- etc.


And lastly, as always, I wish I had more money to buy what I really wanted. :lol:

If you've got any great regrets that you'd like me to add to this post, please send me a PM. (Name and address will be withheld)

__________________
57U - Toronto, Rogers Cable, SA8300HD, 500GB HDD & Hitachi 61UWX10B HDTV, Yamaha RX-V1 A/V Receiver, Martin Logan Speakers. Photos --> 57U's HT

SA8300HD, 250GB HDD & KDL40W3000 (Upstairs)

Please don't PM me with questions that can (and should) be asked in the forum, thanks. Personal Question? Fire away.