Feeling Wooooooozy (just spent bucks on TV)

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Chernabog

OK I am reading that thread and now I feel all cold and scared inside. What expensive confusifying horror have I gotten myself into? Component Cable this, s-video that, cable card this, TiVo that, HD-TV-cable-aux Gwaaahhhhh!!! Blah blah Ginger indeed.

Sorry, didn't mean to frighten you.

Like others said, just take it one component at a time. I am pretty technically savvy and completely revamped my initial setup once everything was in. And I will probably make more adjustments as time goes on. Bottom line is that you don't have to get it right the first time.

Originally Posted by Chernabog

All I want is:

To watch HD programming sometimes (TW DVR is the only way to go, methinks, with my current setup).

I have been mostly happy with TW DVR, except I wish the recording capacity was higher. It is not nearly as good (from a user standpoint) as TiVo, but it gets the job done.

And you will need an HDMI cable running from the TW DVR to the TV which is why I mentioned it.

And as for the rest, just take it one step at a time. You can always call me in the panic moments if you want.

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Chernabog

Heh now I'm looking into the whole "home theatre in a box" suggestion (since the component stuff seems... WAY too out of my price range) Yamaha YHT F1500 seems like a pretty cool system... here

I'm gonna have to see what it is exactly we have at home already...

For now, I would stay away from that. Or at least, just get something that does just audio - the extra $ you are paying for the DVD player is wasted at this point. But even then, I would just focus on the display and handle sound later.

[Chernabog]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

For now, I would stay away from that. Or at least, just get something that does just audio - the extra $ you are paying for the DVD player is wasted at this point. But even then, I would just focus on the display and handle sound later.

But doesn't it seem silly to have this giant TV and a mere 2-channel stereo system (or just the audio from the TV itself) ? I have to ask Senor Parmesan if the current setup handles surround and we just don't have rear speakers, or what... I shall find out more once I return to yon apartment.

If the audio is mediocre for a while till I can afford more components, that's fine, but 2 channel is so 1970s

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Chernabog

But doesn't it seem silly to have this giant TV and a mere 2-channel stereo system (or just the audio from the TV itself) ? I have to ask Senor Parmesan if the current setup handles surround and we just don't have rear speakers, or what... I shall find out more once I return to yon apartment.

If the audio is mediocre for a while till I can afford more components, that's fine, but 2 channel is so 1970s

Agreed - especially since I am an audio freak. But the amplifier may just be a two-channel (non home theater) unit. But I would wait until you get the TV in first. Trust me when I say that you will be entertained by the big shiny picture for a while, even with only the built-in speakers.

If the cheese man's amp is not a home theater unit (at least 5.1), then a whole sound system is warranted (just not the system previously linked to with the DVD player).

If the amp IS a (decent) home theater system but with only two speakers, I would focus first on getting a decent CENTER channel and then a good sub. While having all channels is important, I would put the center channel as a higher priority than the rears. The center channel is where all of the dialog comes from. The subs provide a lot of impact for action scenes (though one must be careful with subs in an apartment or condo environment - especially if you have downstairs neighbors). The rears are just ear candy.

One thing to keep in mind is to try to keep the same brand of speakers across the front. Otherwise, imaging starts getting funky.

[CoasterMatt]

My services for TV setup are available at nominal cost

[Disneykat]

I think you made a wise purchase......enjoy your TV hon......don't stress.

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by Chernabog

(our landlord doesnt allow satellite TV, or a roof antenna). I know you can get HD thru bunny ears but.... that's just SO low tech.

FYI, the FCC says a landlord cannot prevent you from putting up a dish and/or antenna.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Originally Posted by Moonliner

FYI, the FCC says a landlord cannot prevent you from putting up a dish and/or antenna.

Unfortunately:

Originally Posted by The FCC

Q: If I live in a condominium or an apartment building, does this rule apply to me?

A: The rule applies to antenna users who live in a multiple dwelling unit building, such as a condominium or apartment building, if the antenna user has an exclusive use area in which to install the antenna. "Exclusive use" means an area of the property that only you, and persons you permit, may enter and use to the exclusion of other residents. For example, your condominium or apartment may include a balcony, terrace, deck or patio that only you can use, and the rule applies to these areas. The rule does not apply to common areas, such as the roof, the hallways, the walkways or the exterior walls of a condominium or apartment building. Restrictions on antennas installed in these common areas are not covered by the Commission's rule. For example, the rule would not apply to restrictions that prevent drilling through the exterior wall of a condominium or rental unit and thus restrictions may prohibit installation that requires such drilling.

Q: Does the rule apply to condominiums or apartment buildings if the antenna is installed so that it hangs over or protrudes beyond the balcony railing or patio wall?

A: No. The rule does not prohibit restrictions on antennas installed beyond the balcony or patio of a condominium or apartment unit if such installation is in, on, or over a common area. An antenna that extends out beyond the balcony or patio is usually considered to be in a common area that is not within the scope of the rule. Therefore, the rule does not apply to a condominium or rental apartment unit unless the antenna is installed wholly within the exclusive use area, such as the balcony or patio.

Sad face.

On a side note, the tangle of wires and vcrs only exists because the current TV is old enough to only have a coax input. In the 80's I became very good at figuring out how to plug things into other things that weren't necessarily designed to have things plugged into them. Sound is not 5.1. In a wood floor apartment I have some trepidation about the "home theatre sound" infringing on my neighbors.

I suppose the mixing board can probably be retired as I don't have much of a vinyl collection anymore. Or turntables.

Again with the sad face.

Matt and Kevy are invited to come over and play "Techie for Cheez" if they're so inclined.

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Gn2Dlnd

Matt and Kevy are invited to come over and play "Techie for Cheez" if they're so inclined.

I think CM is a wee bit closer - especially if he comes either before or after work. If he is not available, I would be happy to assist - I like the pay

[Gn2Dlnd]

We'll see if either Joe or I are in tears by Saturday afternoon, then we'll call in the professionals.