Need your help - Planning to Buy TH-50PHD8UK

[newdude]

Hi,

I am very new to this forum and to HDTV world but based on the information I read on this forum and what I have seen I have decided to go with TH-50PHD8UK. I am going to be using this TV in family room to watch regular TV, movies on DVD ( I still need to buy a HD DVD) and sports. Can you please help me in recommending what all I need to hook this TV at home. Currently I have DISH Network but planning to get DIRECT TV ALL DIGITAL service. I also have a very low end HT speakers (SC-HT720 by Panasonic).

I would also like get your opinion if I need any additional inputs to this TV.

Any help in this regard would really appreciated.

Regards,

[Cleveland Plasma]

[COLOR=White]I would also like get your opinion if I need any additional inputs to this TV. [/COLOR]

Depending what HD DVD player you buy you will need an HDMI or DVI blade with your plasma.
http://216.180.241.242/~glaucob/Attachments/TY-FB7HM%20=%20HDMI%20Board%20Bzz.gif http://216.180.241.242/~glaucob/Attachments/TY-42TM6D%20=%20DVI%20Bzz.gif
I would run the direct TV with the component blade that it comes with. Then you will need the cables and a wall mount or the base stand.

[JerryNY]

I would just like to add that they do have new DVI and HDMI blades coming out that supposedly offer better performance than the ones shown above so you may want to wait to order the new versions of the ones above.

-Jerry C.

[newdude]

Thank you guys for your advice. I have ordered my TV from an online vendor. Do you guys recommend extended warranty that these folks offer to buy? I appreciate your help.

[dpak2005]

You sound a lot like me when I sttarted doing research, and I'm buying the same set you are. Well here are my recommendations, and I'm putting my system in the family room as well. There is no HD-DVD yet, so you can wait on that. While you wait, you can get a PROGRESSIVE SCAN regular DVD player that will output a picture that is very pleasing on an HD plasma. You also need a nice home theater system. So this is what I'd recommend you get:

50PHD8UK (you know this)

Onkyo HT-S787C (the best home theater in a box out there, it has 7.1 meaning SEVEN speakers AND a subwoofer, and a progressive scan DVD player AND a home theater received all built in, and you can get this for around $600, a steal for the 120 watts per channel it gives you, and the 7.1 capability) This thing fills a room like no other for that price, and it supports ALL The major formats (DTS ES-Discrete and THX Surround EX) A couple years ago you couldn't even get 7.1 in a HTIB. You just can't have a plasma and a DVD player without a surround sound system, the DVD format was designed for it, and this HTIB model I'm giving you has the best price to performance ratio out there, and it's easy to set up.

Next you need service. Currently. the satellite companies DO NOT offer local HD channels, and this is where most of the HD is, so I recommend you go with your local cable company FOR NOW because you'll get the most HDTV period. And you really should watch predominantly HD on your HDTV as it will stun you in quality. Progressive scan DVD is your second choice for something that will look very good.

So these are my suggestions, and this is what I'm getting for my room.

[dpak2005]

Forgot to mention, for the setup I just gave you, you DO NOT need to buy an HDMI card for your TV. All the devices I told you about are component inputs, and your 50PHD8UK has component built in.

[dpak2005]

Couple other little things to help you.

If you sign up for cable HD service, be SURE to ask for an HD-DVR. This is an HD cable receiver along with a hard drive that will allow you to tape HD programming on it. This will be available for a nominal fee each month (around $5)

Also, whenever HD-DVD or Blu-Ray comes out, you can always buy an HDMI input for your 50PHD8UK. For now, for the setup I gave you, you don't need one.

[mattvds]

[QUOTE=dpak2005]
Next you need service. Currently. the satellite companies DO NOT offer local HD channels, and this is where most of the HD is, so I recommend you go with your local cable company FOR NOW because you'll get the most HDTV period. And you really should watch predominantly HD on your HDTV as it will stun you in quality. Progressive scan DVD is your second choice for something that will look very good.

So these are my suggestions, and this is what I'm getting for my room.[/QUOTE]


I agree that a HTIB might be the best choice for you.. if you don't have 600 to spend on speakers, I also suggest checking out Yamaha's DVX-S650 Home Cinema System (MSRP is ~$649 but you can find it much cheaper). This unit has great sound quality and features and has a really cool "auto calibration" using a mic to make sure that you get optimal sound, but it is only a 5.1 system.

Also DirecTV DOES provide HD locals in certain markets. I am in LA and I currently get the local FOX, ABC, NBC, and CBS in HD. And its cheaper than digital cable (at least where I live).

I am also going to be upgrading to the 50" 8UK (returing my current maxent-42mx3 due to some weird flickering issues). I just hope that all this talk about the 8UK isn't biased.

[enigma1406]

[QUOTE=JerryNY]I would just like to add that they do have new DVI and HDMI blades coming out that supposedly offer better performance than the ones shown above so you may want to wait to order the new versions of the ones above.

-Jerry C.[/QUOTE]Any idea on a date for when these will arrive? I saw them listed on the 8UK spec sheet but haven't seen them for sale anywhere.