tomhudson's Journal: I finally got my HDTV yesterday!

Less than 3 years ago, I almost sprung for a DLP widescreen. I'm glad I held off - what a difference in technology 2-1/2 years makes. Yesterday, I finally bought myself a wide-screen plasma TV - LG 50PS60, and am/fm receiver/dvd player/amp/speaker system - LG HT762PZ.

The main specs: 50" plasma, 600 hz subfield, 1920x1080 native resolution, 5.1 sound system - upscaling dvd player, upscaling Tv, 4 HDMI in, 2 component in, pc vvg/audio in, both play media files (video/audio/still pics) on usb, yadda yadda yadda.

The only additional purchases I made were 1 hdmi cable, 1 optical audio link cable, and one component cable for the Wii.

Now THIS is a set to watch BattleStar Galactica or play Wii Resort.

I've got it set up in my living room, and everyone who's seen the way I have everything laid out loves it. I didn't spring for a stand - I reinforced this old computer stand (the sliding keyboard and printer trays are great for holding the center speaker and the receiver/amp/dvd player, and I have all the nunchuks and wheels in a woven basket where the system unit would normally go. It's just the right hight for watching TV while sprawled out on the couch, or for playing standing up (I had origninally set it up lower - like "normal" people do - but decided even before turning it on for the first time that THAt would suck, both in terms of watching movies and for game-play).

BTW - Wii resort? What I thought would be really stupid - the sword fighting - is a BLAST! Some time in the next couple of weeks, I'll pick up a few more MotionPlus games (so I can get the bundled controller add-on cheaper) and do a proper review.

The best part - I can receive a nice hi-def signal with my old "rabbit-ear" amplified antenna! Boy, is it DIFFERENT! WOW!!!

Now the big question - as an xmas present to myself, will I spring for a blu-ray or buy a ps3? The ps3 has horrendous power consumption in comparison ... (to give you an idea, it runs around 250 watts, as opposed to 18 watts for the Wii and between 30-45 watts for a discrete blu-ray player).

Still, the ps3 is tempting me ... and it WAS on my list until they removed PS2 compatability (I know, just buy a PS2 with the savings - but I can buy a couple more Wii games to add to the 31 I've already got for the same price :-)

You forgot a spec

[Profane MuthaFucka]

How many watts?

Re:

[tomhudson]

Amp output depends on the mode:

Stereo mode: (2 speakers): 100watts + 100watts

Surround mode:
Front speakers: 100watts + 100watts
Center: 100watts
Surround (rear): 100w + 100 watts
Subwoofer: 200 watts
Total: 700 watts.

Obviously, I won't be turning them up too loud. Even in stereo mode, 10% volume is more than adequate, 25% is LOUD!!! (great for games).

As for the tv's power consumption, it's energy star rated in default mode, and you can dim it to about half that at night and it's still a decen

Sounds like a great setup!

[drachenstern]

Wow, sounds like a hella good deal bro. Also, did you find some way to insure that that thin screen doesn't rock, like tying it off to a piece of wood mounted vertically to the desk frame?

I'm thinking heavy vibrations or late night emotional encounters...

Re:

[tomhudson]

The manual says that you should tie it to the wall in 2 places, but I was more worried about the dogs knocking it over than anything else, and that's not a problem now that the swivel base is 31" off the floor. Also, in response to your question, I just went and pushed on it to see how much force it would take - it's going to take quite a lot to tip it over. Also, since it's in a corner, it's not likely that anyone can accidentally run past it and knock it over.

The biggest danger is probably that someo

Re:

[drachenstern]

@safe setup: Cool...

Also, safety straps are mandatory, as are the sleeves and as is keeping 5' between participants and the TV (but not necessarily between each other). Try convincing a 7 year old to keep back from the TV by at least 3' though. He still doesn't understand why sometimes the screen doesn't register his remote... I'm considering putting a table or rug sideways in front of the TV to give him a "stay out zone"...

Re:

[tomhudson]

A footstool that can be sat on (for Mario Kart and other games where they're not likely to let th romote fly through the air) isn't a bad idea - after all, after working up a sweat gaming, it would be good to get the feet up and relax.

Re:

[drachenstern]

Oh no, we're talking Lego [whatever] or something equally non-motionable. He just likes to stand up and jump around and be involved in the game...