Hey all! I'm looking to maybe upgrade my TV, right now I have a 1080i capable projo Mitsu. Thinking about something that can do 1080p. Is there really a noticeable difference? I have a PS3 and a HD-DVD player (as well as HD Sat.) but I'm wondering if there's a better setup out there for the visual?

Also, I'm currently just rocking the regular 5.1 DTS audio system, Is there any need to make the move to 6.1 or 7.1? I notice that these new Blu-Ray discs have "TrueHD" surround sound, is this strictly 5.1 or is it more. Hell, I'm going to google this stuff but I'd like to hear from actual people who have some knowledge about these types of things.

 

The big thing I've noticed regarding picture quality has less to do with progressive vs. interlaced, and a lot more to do with the actual resolution of the newer screens.

Plus, both LCD, Plasma, and DLP have all improved their black handling, which has really helped in the last 2-3 years in terms of improving picture quality. If you're going to throw money at the problem, take a look at not only the 1080p qualities, but some of the other stuff, like brightness, resolution, and a few of the other specifications.

Now, with audio, you can do a lot more with 5 good speakers better placed than 6 or 7 fair speakers badly placed. Frankly, 10.1 is around the corner, and I'd hold out for a new system when that comes. Before you throw money around, check the positioning of the speakers.

I just did a search of "Home Theater Speaker Placement." If you haven't tried most of these tricks, do.

 

How big of a TV are you looking to get, and what's your seating distance? Generally, you won't be able to tell the difference between 720p and 1080p from ~10ft away unless you have a TV that's 60" or bigger. Even then, the difference isn't all that noticeable. I don't think it's worth the price difference right now.

As far as audio is concerned, I've had a 5.1 system for a few years now, and have never had the desire to "upgrade" to a 7.1 setup. 8D is right, a good 5.1 system is better than a poorly set up 7.1 system. You really need a dedicated room in order to tell the difference. If you have one, then maybe you should consider going 7.1 instead

 

We're just getting discs encoded with 7.1 audio tracks now.. I would never hold out for 10.1, that's kind of ridiculous IMO.. not to mention your budget won't increase, and you'd have to buy less expensive speakers to make up for having to buy more. Thats been hit on already. Fewer, higher quality speakers are always better than more, shitty speakers.

The least expensive receivers capable of handling TrueHD cost ~$500. Is that even within question? If so we can talk more.

CRT projection sets are capable of stunning pictures. If you were to have your set cleaned and professionally calibrated, you'd be amazed at the picture.. it would be better than ever before.. But, you need to clean it and calibrate it often to maintain the picture. There would undoubtedly be a noticeable difference between a new set and yours as it's set up now.. but the quality gap would dry up after calibration (At $300-400 though, I don't know if it's worth it)

 

tapout2000, what's your budget, and exactly what kind of TV (crt, dlp, lcd, etc?) and speakers are you running right now?

 

It's a 57" Mitsu internal projection, Sony 5.1 100wX5 receiver, Boston speakers all around except for a JBL Center channel. The sub is the weakest link, I just have two of those sony sub woofers that come with surround sound systems that we split the signal and have it run in to two subs instead of one.

I just purchased some concert blu-ray DVDs and the picture looks perfect. I don't have any problem with it. I wanted to know if it gets better. Also, what are the distinct advantages to running something with trueHD surround sound instead of the 5.1? thanks for your help guys? as far as price range goes, I haven't even really thought about it... ha.

 

TrueHD is a type of lossless encoding up to 7.1. Lossless means it's identical, bit for bit, to the studio recording so you don't lose any sound information. It produces noticeably better sound, but requires decent speakers to make upgrading your receiver worth while. A crappy speaker is going to sound like crap regardless. You'd probably head a difference on your speakers. You wouldn't need a 7.1 setup to take advantage of the increased sound quality either.. you'd just miss a bit of it, or perhaps a new receiver would combine the rear two tracks into one.. I'm not quite sure about that.

As far as your TV is concerned.. do you know anyone with a newer digital set? bring your bluray player over, pop in the disc, and see if it's better.. granted a lot of new sets are garbage, but it could give you a baseline.

 

Check out www.avsforum.com, lots of info..Don't get caught up with this 1080p or 720p crap...

 

Plasma flatpanel, Pioneer Elite or Panasonic.
LCD flatpanel, Samsung or Sony with the 120 hz processing speed.
7.1 Receiver for around $500, Denon AVR 1908.

 

Elites are a lot of money.