Any good Plasma TV source ?

[ANYTIME]

Sounds like the Nordstrom policy, except you don't even have to keep your recpt. Heck, if you're dishonest enough, you didn't even need to have purchased the item there!

The main reason to keep the receipt is spelled out below.

Say you bought a So Knee Big Screen TV in 2002 for $2795 and you decide to take advantage of the return policy and upgrade to the new plasma 61" monster eyeballing you on the shelf. You decide to take the So Knee back and.......

A. With a receipt - You get every penny back of the $2795. Score! :biggrin:

B. With no receipt - You get back the lowest price it sold for, no matter what you payed. It happened to get marked down in 2003 to $2195 and that's what your getting back. Kinda good :redface:

C. After 5 years with receipt - You get every penny back of the $2795. Score! :biggrin:

D. After 5 years without a receipt - Most of the time, it has been purged out of the system at this point. If they can find records of the item (not likely at this point), you get the lowest price it sold for. < I would not suggest doing this. :frown:

 

[matteni]

One thing I forgot, is LCD better than plasma?

Oh man! You could ask is a Turbo better then a supercharger and not get as opinionated of a response.

I would look at them and do a little bit of research - both have +'s and -'s. You - however are really lucky in St. Louis (for a change) in that Dave D is a reseller/pro install company here in town and just opened a retail outlet. Give him a buzz. I ended up buying my Plasma at Sam's (not many 46" ED's out there) but Dave mounted my plasma to the wall, wired up my Bose system, programmed my Denon receiver and got my Media Center PC / PC Extender all wired up and looking killer. My highest endorsement ever for Intertek and Dave D here in St. Louis for all your AV needs.

 

[jlindy]

Oh man! You could ask is a Turbo better then a supercharger and not get as opinionated of a response.

I would look at them and do a little bit of research - both have +'s and -'s. You - however are really lucky in St. Louis (for a change) in that Dave D is a reseller/pro install company here in town and just opened a retail outlet. Give him a buzz. I ended up buying my Plasma at Sam's (not many 46" ED's out there) but Dave mounted my plasma to the wall, wired up my Bose system, programmed my Denon receiver and got my Media Center PC / PC Extender all wired up and looking killer. My highest endorsement ever for Intertek and Dave D here in St. Louis for all your AV needs.

Awesome. I will give him a call when I am closer to moving in. We have 6 months before it is built and I think prices will go down more too.

 

[fifthearth]

mounted my plasma to the wall, wired up my Bose system, programmed my Denon receiver and got my Media Center PC / PC Extender all wired up and looking killer. My highest endorsement ever for Intertek and Dave D here in St. Louis for all your AV needs.

Do you have any pictures of the setup ???

 

[MiamieNeSeX]

www.plasmahouse.com Just picked up a 50" Panasonic HDTV flat screen, great price and service. Delivered when they said it would be.


Armando

 

[matteni]

Do you have any pictures of the setup ???

I'll post over the weekend. The true magic of the system is I have replace 6 separate stereo components with 1 powerful computer running the latest Windows XP Media Center 2005 software.

Some of the things it does:

1) I can surf Prime and do computer things while watching TV

2) I have 30,000 digital pictures and 7,000 songs. It scanned my songs and organized them into artists/albums/genres. I start up a song list then tell it to randomly play all of my pictures (including automatic an and zoom). Awesome - it is like being at your own funeral

3) I have 3 tuner cards in the machine and it acts a a free Tivo! Not only that - full internet convergence! So it downloads 2 weeks of programming and it will use up to all 3 tuners at a time to record my shows. When scanning for shows - if it is a movie - it downloads the movie cover and information from the net

4) Instead of running co-ax cable to all TV's - the Media Center now serves Tivo, Live TV, and Video content to any room via Wireless or Ethernet cable. Awesome for the Kids!

5) With the remote I can go to the "internet" and download and stream/play movies, live TV, videos. I love to make my own newscast on MSNBC. I literally pick the stories from the last few days and it queues them up as a single video with no commercials (after a quick 30 second one).

6) The kids have their games on the 46" setup with surround sound

7) I have 2 DVD players/burners built in for backing up Tivo content or serving up to 2 DVD movies to multiple rooms

8) It comes with neat visualizations so you can "veg out" when listening to music

9) It has IM built in - but I am not into that as much

10) I have 5 GB of NSX and other car videos that are all on-demand as well has home movies from the last 20 years

11) It has a free service that allows you to schedule TV programs from the internet! I can see and even resolve conflicts.

People are blown away with how much a "TV" can do when their is full convergence between the Internet, TV, music, movies, and your picture collection.

 

[matteni]

<title>46" Daewoo Plasma TV / Bose speakers / HP Media Center 2005 / Denon AVR-95 Amp</title>
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<table border="2" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2"><tr><td align="left" width="380" valign="top"><IMG SRC="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/tn_DSCN1043_JPG.jpg" border="0" width="280" height="372" alt="DSCN1043.JPG"><BR><A HREF="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/DSCN1043.JPG" target="_blank">DSCN1043.JPG</A><BR>1046.82 Kb<BR>4/8/2005 10:07:33 PM</td><td align="left" width="100%" valign="top">Here are pictures of my setup.  Those that know me know I am pretty cheap.  Those that don't know me know that I am cheap. <p>Basically my requirements were:</p><ul><li>Plasma 46" or bigger</li><li>Internet and computer access</li><li>Tivo</li><li>DVD (player and burner)</li><li>Digital Audio Out</li><li>RGB Video Out</li><li>ED (Tivo and DVD are all I watch)</li><li>Digital Music</li><li>Digital Pictures</li><li>Digital Movies</li><li>Multiple tuners</li><li>5 channel Dolby Pro-Logic surround sound</li><li>Server capabilities (becomes the digital media server for the entire house)</li><li>Budget = $5000 or less </li></ul></td></tr><tr><td align="left" width="380"><IMG SRC="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/tn_DSCN1044_JPG.jpg" border="0" width="372" height="279" alt="DSCN1044.JPG"><BR><A HREF="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/DSCN1044.JPG" target="_blank">DSCN1044.JPG</A><BR>979.08 Kb<BR>4/8/2005 8:58:00 PM</td><td align="left" width="100%" valign="top">Here I am surfing Prime while my son watches SonicX in the basement and the computer is taping 2 other shows simultaneously.  Awesome!<p>I bought the black cubes for the front to better match the TV itself.</p><p>Intertek / Dave D did a great job flush mounting the bracket, fishing a mile of Ethernet and other cables in the house, and making everything look "tight".  You should see the way he takes care of his NSX too!</td></tr><tr><td align="left" width="380"><IMG SRC="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/tn_DSCN1045_JPG.jpg" border="0" width="280" height="372" alt="DSCN1045.JPG"><BR><A HREF="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/DSCN1045.JPG" target="_blank">DSCN1045.JPG</A><BR>983.57 Kb<BR>4/8/2005 10:07:33 PM</td><td align="left" width="100%" valign="top">Here is the brains behind the whole thing.  An HP Media Center 2005 server.  We also have VOIP connected up too through Vonage.</td></tr><tr><td align="left" width="380"><IMG SRC="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/tn_DSCN1046_JPG.jpg" border="0" width="372" height="279" alt="DSCN1046.JPG"><BR><A HREF="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/DSCN1046.JPG" target="_blank">DSCN1046.JPG</A><BR>1039.33 Kb<BR>4/8/2005 8:59:10 PM</td><td align="left" width="100%" valign="top">Since I purchased the speakers all separately off Ebay - I bought the rear ones in white to match the faux paint work a little better.</td></tr><tr><td align="left" width="380"><IMG SRC="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/tn_DSCN1047_JPG.jpg" border="0" width="280" height="372" alt="DSCN1047.JPG"><BR><A HREF="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/DSCN1047.JPG" target="_blank">DSCN1047.JPG</A><BR>972.36 Kb<BR>4/8/2005 10:07:45 PM</td><td align="left" width="100%" valign="top">All of the speaker wires on the Bose system were routed to the back of the room where the Sub is hidden (Bose sub is powered off the individual speakers).  All the front wires had to be wired back to the front of the room and up the walls to get to the front speakers that where a few feet (originally) from the amp!</td></tr><tr><td align="left" width="380"><IMG SRC="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/tn_DSCN1048_JPG.jpg" border="0" width="280" height="372" alt="DSCN1048.JPG"><BR><A HREF="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/DSCN1048.JPG" target="_blank">DSCN1048.JPG</A><BR>996.06 Kb<BR>4/8/2005 10:07:33 PM</td><td align="left" width="100%" valign="top">My wife hates to see this stuff in the new house so whatever I can do to hide it is good for me!</td></tr><tr><td align="left" width="380"><IMG SRC="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/tn_DSCN1050_JPG.jpg" border="0" width="372" height="279" alt="DSCN1050.JPG"><BR><A HREF="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/DSCN1050.JPG" target="_blank">DSCN1050.JPG</A><BR>884.28 Kb<BR>4/8/2005 9:00:24 PM</td><td align="left" width="100%" valign="top">Trying to get a better picture of the picture.  Why is it so hard to take a picture of a TV?</td></tr><tr><td align="left" width="380"><IMG SRC="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/tn_DSCN1051_JPG.jpg" border="0" width="372" height="279" alt="DSCN1051.JPG"><BR><A HREF="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/DSCN1051.JPG" target="_blank">DSCN1051.JPG</A><BR>1047.93 Kb<BR>4/8/2005 9:02:16 PM</td><td align="left" width="100%" valign="top">I have a wireless keyboard and mouse I use to surf the net while watching TV.</td></tr><tr><td align="left" width="380"><IMG SRC="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/tn_DSCN1053_JPG.jpg" border="0" width="372" height="301" alt="DSCN1053.JPG"><BR><A HREF="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2005/2005_04_08_MediaCenterPlasmaSetup/DSCN1053.JPG" target="_blank">DSCN1053.JPG</A><BR>644.46 Kb<BR>4/8/2005 10:08:52 PM</td><td align="left" width="100%" valign="top">Here is the Microsoft remote and the Windows XP Media Center 2005 standard interface to access online content, movies, videos, pictures, etc. <p>I have Media Center Extenders so that other TV's have the same remote and interface for pulling up music, pictures, live TV, Tivo content, etc.</p><p>Price breakdown:</p><ul><li>TV = $2100 Sams</li><li>PC = $700 + Memory + 2nd DVD recorder + another 250 GB hard drive = $1000</li><li>Installation / Cables / Etc = $600</li><li>Speakers = $600 used</li><li>Receiver = $300 used</li><li>Media Hutch / Cabinet = $300</li></ul></td></tr></table></p><p>
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[fifthearth]

Nick,
Thanks and WOW ! very cool system and done under a great price ! I thought a setup like that will run 10k+ !!! the speakers looks really clean with the wires hidden behind the wall... I will have to find a way to do that, do you have to run it through the back and up the attic ?
Thanks again for the pics and description, it gives me a good idea on what I should aim for :biggrin: I just hope I can find someone locally that can do the work !

 

[matteni]

Nick,
Thanks and WOW ! very cool system and done under a great price ! I thought a setup like that will run 10k+ !!! the speakers looks really clean with the wires hidden behind the wall... I will have to find a way to do that, do you have to run it through the back and up the attic ?
Thanks again for the pics and description, it gives me a good idea on what I should aim for :biggrin: I just hope I can find someone locally that can do the work !

Thanks for the ups! The wires are actually run through the floor into the basement and fished back up through all the walls. Dave made very small holes and I was VERY happy with the installation. There is a big difference between me (hack) and pro - get a pro is my advice!

 

[KGP]

Great write-up, Nick! You (and Dave) have given me some new things to think about. My wife hates it when that happens. :biggrin:

 

[White92]

Great write-up, Nick! You (and Dave) have given me some new things to think about. My wife hates it when that happens. :biggrin:

She hates it when you think? Or when you think about new ways to start new projects and spend money? :biggrin:

 

[sjones]

i have a 42" panasonic (th-42pd25) plasma edtv and there is definitely a difference between that and the wega lcd hdtv i have. I have both hooked up to voom hd satellite (til april 30th anyways) and eventhough the plasma edtv is sharp, its not as sharp as the lcd hdtv.

i also had a pc hooked up to the plasma but I disconnected it after i became concerned about burn-in. Anything that stays stationary on the plasma for a extended period of time can burn into a plasma screen so be careful with that.

 

[KGP]

Anything that stays stationary on the plasma for a extended period of time can burn into a plasma screen so be careful with that.

Does the same hold true for LCD's?

 

[matteni]

Does the same hold true for LCD's?

LCDs do not have the burn in problem but instead have "failed pixels" which can get worse over time. You have probably seen these as they look like little white spots on your laptop monitors.

Plasmas do have the burn in but the Media Center PC knows I have a Plasma and turns on its own screen saver. When on PC only - I have the standard screen saver as well so there is no risk of burn in for me.

On a modern Plasma the only time I have seen burn in is when in the lobby of a company where they show their logo 24/7. Honestly - I think the burn in issue is way overstated for most people.

 

[sjones]

Does the same hold true for LCD's?

Matteni is right.. you don't have to worry about burn-in with lcd's and you definitely should make sure there are no dead or failed pixels if you go with lcd.

Although I am not too familiar with the hp media center,
I respectfully disagree with Matteni on the burn-in issue...
Plasma Burn-in is definitely not something to take lightly. try watching cnn, fox news, or a sports cast with a fixed ticker for extended periods or even playing a video game with fixed items that remain on the screen. The phosphors can burn-in.