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Need some advice - Processor and Television

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saxguy

(A)

Having completed my 2 channel system I am now going to attempt to put together a HT system. I already have mains (NHT 2.9), center (NHT AC2), amplifiers (Citation 7.1, 5.1) and a Sony DVP-9000ES left over from an old system. I am looking into wide screen HD Rear projection televisions 50-56" and a good HT processor. I'm not looking to break the bank on this, because I definitely listen to music more than I watch video. Total Cost for the TV and Processor should be between $5000-5500. I have considered the newest version of the Toshiba 56" HD ready widescreen set, but haven't looked at processors in quite some time. I would like it to be able to decode all of the new formats, however. Any help would be appreciated. I haven't ruled out a 42" plasma, like the panasonic, and would need to seriously consider the extra money spent on a set like that.

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what is a processor? - petew 13:14:56 04/01/02 (2)
I'm confused, when you say processor are you talking audio or video?
What is your video source/feed?
What kind of video programing do you watch?
Here's a big surprise for you: if you're going widescreen (big picture) on the video monitor, get ready for really really bad video
the NTSC signal (standard definition broadcasts) looks just awful on the big screen, especially after you've seen the free off-the-air 1080i broadcast by your local PBS and sometimes on the major networks.
and your VHS tapes? oh man, are you gonna be disappointed at how much they've degraded over the years...like seeing a $20 hooker in the noonday sun...
so don't get your panties in a bunch over the latest audio processing--stick with the basic pro logic / DD receiver. what you need is some serious video processing, and the games begin at $4000, not including cables.
you'd better give this some serious thought...
If you're the kind of guy who would shoot pure heroin in your veins on a dare, then you're ready for HDTV.
Videodrome
- here's a cheap, entry-level box that should do the trick
- Re: what is a processor? - saxguy 14:14:13 04/01/02 (1)
  I was planning on using the progressive output of the DVP-9000ES, and an HD input with decoder from either satellite or cable with an aerial to pick up broadcast HD as well. I may even consider running my computer signal to the monitor, but realize this would best be accomplished by utilizing either a plasma or projector. I was more concerned with the audio processing - DD, DTS - possible "newer" formats such as DTS ES, etc. I guess I'm looking for one of the "big boy" processors for both vid and audio.
  - whew! over my head.... - petew 13:22:04 04/02/02 (0)
    i've been trying to figure out how to get all those cables behind the furnature...you are heading into a nightmare scenerio of hook-up. if you're serious about all those video sources you're gonna need to visit the extron website and find yourself a video switcher...
    or get something like this:
    - too many wires, not enough fingers
RPTV would ruin the sound - lwang 10:04:02 04/01/02 (2)
If you really care about music, getting a RPTV would ruin the sound unless speaker placement is compensated for it.
With the big fat box btw the speakers, the speakers don't have space to breathe, unless you are one of those guys who shove speakers against the side or rear wall.
Plasma would be a better solution since it is less obstructive. A front projector would be better since the screen could be retracted, even if it can't, it is not made of highly reflective surface like the front of a TV screen.
If you only got $1-$2k for the processor, then you don't have much choice. Maybe the Outlaw 950. But, as you know, 90% of the HT processors offers generic format decoding. difference would come down to features (especially bass management,) DAC, analog stage. But for anybody to put 8 ADC/DAC/analog channels in a processor, there will always be compromises compared to a 2ch DAC.
If you are willing to look at pre-owned market, a Meridian 565 would be a good choice, especially since it is a HT processors geared more toward music reproduction, with its Trifield surround mode, which actually improves many 2ch recordings (I am not talking about improvement in terms of more ambience, or stretching of image to the side or rear, but wider soundstage, better imaging.) Plus they utilize custom in-house HT format decoding, providing better sound and steering than the generic off the shelf stuff.
- Re: RPTV would ruin the sound - saxguy 10:12:29 04/01/02 (1)
  I'm not so worried.... My 2 channel music system is in a dedicated listening room. I was figuring I could pick up a rptv for around 2500 and have about 3000 left for a processor.
  - Re: RPTV would ruin the sound - lwang 10:30:13 04/01/02 (0)
    If you could get FP, then the display size would be much larger than RPTV. The only thing is that it would have to be in a dedicated HT room with good light control. Not recommended for the family room where kids want to sit around watching cartoons, etc.
    $3k processors are easier, I think Anthem AVM-20, B&K Ref 30 are suppose to be good. But they are still using generic decoding algorithm. I generally recommend processors that has custom firmware because that is what seperates the wannabes from the big boys. Big boys are Meridian, Lexicon, Proceed... You want to try to sqeeze into that league, but most of them runs in the $4k-$20k+ range. Maybe a Lexicon DC-2 be in that price range. A used Meridian 561 (565 with more A/V switching) might squeeze in.
    If you want to go full Citation, a H/K 2.0 processor could be had for dirt cheap. It has the usual DD/DTS/DPL & S-video switching.

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