Home Entertainment - Geek corner

[forrest]

Ok, so this holiday season we're finally going to upgrade from SDTV to HDTV

I've narrowed down the minimum requirements - brand, size, refresh rates, and type (LCD)

However I'm still undecided with a few features below and perhaps you can share your opinions to help me decided (posted this on another site as well and I'm gonna merge the reviews)

LCD vs LED-LCD

I dont really see a big difference between backlit LCD compared with the edgelit (LED) LCD.  However, the LED ones typically are thinner and lighter...which would probably be an advantage if I decide to do a wall mount

Smart TV vs Internet Connectible TV (ICTV - for ease of typing)

ICTV is basically having an ethernet/usb port for wireless adapter and applications such as Facebook, Hulu, YouTube, etc.  but usually limited by the manufacturer.  Smart TV (Google, Sony) is basically the same except it allows the flexibility of browsing and potentially more downloadable apps.

Smart TV appliance vs Small Form Factor computer

But for the lower price of a non-Internet connectible TV (which typically has the same features as ICTV without the adapter) and adding a Smart TV appliance, I could basically get a "smart ICTV" for less (or atleast the same price)

and the last decision point is whether to get a small mini computer instead - where it will offer the most flexibility (I can install the OS of my choice, hardware, etc) which the kids can use to play their computer games (Nick Jr, PBS kids, Disney etc)


Ok - this might be hard to follow cuz I probably didnt explain it clearly but if you are still reading it at this point - what do you think? 

[Mrs. B]

i don't know anything but mr. b says LED is better than LCD to me all the time, why? i don't know. i think he is hinting he wants a LED...

[Snatch]

Forrest, we just bought a new Sony LCD/LED Bravia from Sams Club.  Jeremy did most of the research.  I'll see if I can get him on the forum to answer some of your questions.

[Kapihopela]

Haha, my first thought was that I should get Colin to read this and give his opinion too.

[Snatch]

Jeremy says he likes the last idea the best, using the mini computer.

[GeekMom]

Not that I plan to acquire any electronic anything for the forseeable future, but I always go for low form factor. Right now I would love to gain about a foot of desk space that is currently occupied by big bulky electronic things. If we ever decided to go for a television equivalent, I would get a projector and hook it up to a tuner so I could project on the wall. The projector would tuck into a bookshelf, and it would take up next to no space. So all else being equal, I would go for small. But that's just me. 

[forrest]

cool...thanks for the feedback thus far...

we have a samsung blueray w/ internet which we use for YouTube, Netflix and Pandora...I've seen the reviews for HDTVs and they're pretty good so I think I'm going to stick with that brand...

I'm still not sure about Smart TV appliance vs a mini computer...the geek factor is def with the mini but someone told me that the smart tv would allow me to have dual screen - to watch TV and browse the Web at the same time...not sure if that is possible with a mini...

[Snatch]

My parents are looking at a Samsung, too and my dad is a huge Consumer Reports fan.    We've just had good luck with our Bravia's so we're sticking to it although we do have a Sharp Aquos in the guest bedroom, it's nice but the picture is no where near the quality of either Sony.

[GeekMom]

I drive my AV geek husband to distraction because unless picture or sound quality is REALLY terrible, I do not notice the difference, nor do I care. I can watch a screen that the color is way off on and not even notice, while the husband is twitching because things are not the right hue. I crank my crappy car stereo and ignore the fuzzy left speaker - it drives him batshit. I'm pretty much not designed to be an audiophile. 

[Kapihopela]

Colin says no matter what you get go with  Sony brand because they are the only brand that manufactures their own product an then to get a PS3 as your mini computer because it is the most user friendly mini computer for the whole family to figure out.

[forrest]

thanks, I really do appreciate the feedback...first time in a while I'm actually excited about Christmas 

I think I've made up my mind with a Samsung HDTV LCD...not gonna do the LED or 3DTV yet...it'll be cheaper which then opens up the budget to also get the soundbar with wireless subwoofer...

still deciding whether to get smart tv appliance or mini computer

for smart tv - narrowed it down to either Logitech or Sony

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/smartTV/revue?WT.mc_id=amr_googletv_adwords_10062010&WT.srch=1&gclid=CIqz_-WsmaUCFdJL5Qod8zzvJw

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666273500

for mini computer - the top right now is a Dell Zino running Windows 7 with Media Center

http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-zino-hd-410/pd

but since we have an internet connected blu-ray player, I think I can take my time with deciding which one to do...

[Snatch]

We just got the Samsung sound bar with wireless subwoofer, love it a lot.  If you need a good remote that will work all your stuff in the living room, including the soundbar, look for a Logitech.  It's nice to have one remote work for EVERYTHING but they are pricey, found one at the PX today for $95--I totally think it's worth it.

[forrest]

saw this too late which would've been cool...for work 

http://kids.woot.com/ - Thursday, November 11 EyeClops Mini Projector


but I thought about what you posted geekmom...I'll def keep an eye out for this one at the next woot off!

[forrest]

picked up a Sony Bravia LED...saw an offer I couldnt refuse...

[Snatch]

picked up a Sony Bravia LED...saw an offer I couldnt refuse...

You won't regret it.