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We provide Expert Advice on all these Options
1. Video Options
a. Rear Projector, Flat Panel Plasma/LCD, Front Projector:
Rear projectors have lamps that need to be replaced every 1-5 years
while Flat panels can last 20+ years.
Plasmas have the best pictures
but are limited in size to 42"-63".
Front projectors also have lamps but are typically used much less
so lamp replacement is not a big issue. Their size and picture
quality makes them the most dramatic (major WOW factor).
b. XGA resolution is 1024 by 768 and 4:3 aspect ratio
which gives ED resolution in widescreen mode
HD resolution is 1280 by 720 and 16:9 aspect ratio -
higher resolution gives a sharper, more detailed picture
New 1080P resolution is 1920 by 1080
with the sharpest images on huge screens, but not visibly better
than 720P on screens smaller than 60".
c. LCD, DLP, or PLASMA:
DLP has good contrast, but has a spinning color wheel
LCD has no moving parts, but may have uneven tint across the full screen and
flat panels have inferior contrast
PLASMA has great color and contrast, but larger sizes are very expensive
LCD flat panels only look better than PLASMA in bright rooms (lots of windows)
d. Component versus DVI or HDMI:
Component is sometimes best,
because DVI or HDMI interfaces are frequently not optimized between boxes
resulting in poorer color but future proofing requires HDMI
e. progressive scanning versus interlaced, and upconverting DVDs:
jagged edges are usually reduced by good progressive scan electronics
but do not fall for the fools that claim upconverting DVDs are as good as HD
f. video sources, cable, satellite, VHS, S-VHS, DVD, PC :
cable has poor quality on some channels
satellite can be subject to drop outs
both cable and satellite look great with high definition material
DVDs are not high def but look good anyway
S-VHS can look as good as DVDs
(with slightly less resolution but no lossy compression)
HD DVD and Blue Ray are both great but only slightly better than regular DVDs
PCs are difficult to set up but work great with over-the-air antennae
Local TV digital tuners meet or beat cable and satellite in HD picture quality
2. Audio Options
a. receiver versus processor plus amplifiers - separate components are
easier to upgrade, have greater longevity because the hot power circuits
are separated from the sensitive low voltage circuits, and are typically
better quality
b. amplifier power - 10 watts per channel is plenty for efficient speakers,
while inefficient speakers may need 100 watts
c. subwoofer, small, large, or multiple -
low frequencies require much higher power then higher frequencies
so go big and have at least 2 (and forget bose)
d. speakers, built-in, bookshelf, or high-end - great sound can come from
medium priced speakers, but many speakers are poorly designed; some
high priced speakers are lousy; flat frequency response is key
e. cables - watch out for major hype here
f. sources - CD, cassette, LP, DVD audio, PC
3. Remote Control Options
a. all-in-one or many separate - universal remotes may not be able
to control all of your electronics, but look for ones that can be
programmed from a PC or have learning capability
b. a/v components only or plus lighting - remote lighting control of
one light fixture costs about $200 including installation, but may
require a learning remote
4. Room Treatment Options
a. room acoustics - virtually ALL consumer electronics retailers know
nothing about acoustics, but some will give advice anyway; so beware
b. dark paint, fabric covered walls, rear platform, hvac ducts, etc. -
acoustically, the size and shape of the room are the main
considerations, but noise from HVAC ducts is also important;
the other things above are mainly for visual aesthetics
c. seating - the backs of the seats should not extend past the head
d. movie posters, popcorn machine, marquees, etc. - these can make
the room look like a real cinema
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