01/25/09

Welcome to my Big Screen Blog!

In between the summer and ice fishing season here in southern Ontario, Canada, there's a couple of months of good TV viewing to be had.   This year, while doing some home renovations, my wife decided it was time for a new home theatre (Hey, who am I to argue!).  I'm an absolute amateur when it comes to audio/video, so I learned some things which I hope to share with others out there that may be in the same boat.   

Do your home work - I did a lot of research before buying anything.  I would highly recommend visiting the Audio Video Science (AVS) forum.  I was a regular on this site for months and its members were very helpful in sharing info about every facet of home theatre from TV reviews, to wall mounts, to remote controls.  Check the huge forum section of this site out and you'll find info about virtually any component or question you might have about HDTV, Cable Card, Plasma Burn-in, LCD, you name it.  Other sites that helped are listed below.

The TV - Our room posed a problem in that the focal point of the room and the only decent spot for a TV was above the fireplace.  So, we began looking at a flat panel or projection TV.  We quickly ruled out projection, as this room is on the main floor and has lots of window.  Experts we checked with thought it too bright.  We then had to make a choice between an LCD or a Plasma.  There are pros and cons to each, but we went with the plasma because, at time of purchase, a 50" plasma was a better price than a similarly-sized LCD.  I also liked the fact that plasma looks good from any angle in the room.  So, although paranoid about burn-in, the choice was a plasma set.  We bought the HD Panasonic TH-50PX500 from Future Shop, and after 12+ months of viewing I'm thrilled with this HDTV.  Note: due to the nature of the plasma TV's electronics, we were strongly discouraged from ever again burning wood in our fireplace. Check out the HD Plasma TV page for more details.

Home Theatre Receiver/Speakers - Being a total newbie to home theatre (I actually missed the CD revolution going right from vinyl to MP3's) I did some research, mostly on-line, as to what receiver to buy.  I didn't want top of the line, but did want good quality at the right price.  What I read on the AVS forum, convinced me that the Pioneer VSX-1015TX was the right receiver for me.  Check out the Receiver/Speakers page for more details.

Remote Control - I wanted one remote to control all my home theatre Audio/Video components.  The Harmony Remote 880 fit the bill.  I was able to quickly and easily program to control all my gear.  Check out the Remote Control page for more details.

Wall Mount/Room - Mounting a 120 lb. plasma TV on a fireplace was a challenge and a nerve-racking experience. 

Cable/PVR - Future Shop was promoting 6 months of Rogers Cable HD plus the Rogers HD PVR free with any HDTV purchase.  We're well into the trial now and the family is hooked on the PVR.  I don't know how we could go back to the VCR now!  See the Cable/PVR page form more.