My visual home media control & entertainment centre project

[dogtanian]

Just thought i'd share a project I have planned for the house I'll be buying shortly...

I'm currently using a 40" Sony Bravia with PS3, 360, Sony Surround sound and Sky+ 80GB PVR.

I am desperate to get home audio network via Airport Express in the bedroom. bathroom and study so thought it would be pretty cool to be able to control this from a touch screen terminal and also upgrade the media centre.

The plan is for a new 52" Sony LCD (X3500) and Sony G800 surround sound stand plus Apple TV, Sky+ HD & the PS3 serving up some media in the living room...

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...and an in-wall media controller in the form of a new mac mini (with 802.11n of course! *crosses fingers*) recessed behind a square cut out of the wall along with power sockets hidden also. Controlling the computer would be a 19" White Samsung LCD adapted with touch screen kit from eBay and a Logitech dial thingy (attached below LCD with wiring plastered into wall.) for scrolling through iTunes/Front Row etc. Covering the recessed part would be the LCD screen on a swivel VESA mount for access.

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The media controller would be primarily used for relaying music around the house but in the future (when I could get round to it) also some basic and useful home automation.

So what do people think? any draw backs for this? Any suggestions?

BTW: diagram done in Powerpoint 2004 as have been using PP at work so kinda accustomed to it ;) Keynote still better for presentations by miles...

[GAS]

For anything over 42" wouldn't you be better off with a plasma?

[silbeej]

Please, for the love of god, if you are going for a big time theater, do not get a sony surround speaker system. Go for something like JBL, Klipsch, or another floorstanding speaker setup. It will sound way better and be worth the extra money.

[dogtanian]

Please, for the love of god, if you are going for a big time theater, do not get a sony surround speaker system. Go for something like JBL, Klipsch, or another floorstanding speaker setup. It will sound way better and be worth the extra money.

I would have to agree but the design of the Sony G800 is primary as it is an all in one, obviously there is some sacrifice in audio quality but worth it... I hope.

And in response to GAS: I find Americans often prefer Plasma's over LCD. If I listened to a certain people I'd have stuck with a CRT! lol. I see better blacks in plasma's but overall, in Europe, LCD's reign. :D

[silbeej]

I would have to agree but the design of the Sony G800 is primary as it is an all in one, obviously there is some sacrifice in audio quality but worth it... I hope.

And in response to GAS: I find Americans often prefer Plasma's over LCD. If I listened to a certain people I'd have stuck with a CRT! lol. I see better blacks in plasma's but overall, in Europe, LCD's reign. :D

Most americans like plasma cuz they are "BIG" however they use tons of power. I currently have an LCD, and i like it so much over a plasma, since the plasmas have the possible burn in.

Overall tho it is a great design. I really like the idea of that touch screen.

[Aeolius]

I've been researching Mac-based home automation/assistive technology, as well. Here's what I would do, time and money permitting:

http://web.mac.com/aeolius/house/ECU.html

[dogtanian]

Most americans like plasma cuz they are "BIG" however they use tons of power. I currently have an LCD, and i like it so much over a plasma, since the plasmas have the possible burn in.

Overall tho it is a great design. I really like the idea of that touch screen.

I was surprised that no-one (that I could find on the net) had not already tried something similar with the flat screen. Spose I'll be a guinea pig from the sounds of it.

I have to admit myself and my other half are kinda eco-freaks so power consumption has always been a big deal. I have been tempted by Samsung's new 52" LED backlit LCD which is considerably less than the Sony, just brand loyalty I guess *sigh*

[dogtanian]

I've been researching Mac-based home automation/assistive technology, as well. Here's what I would do, time and money permitting:

http://web.mac.com/aeolius/house/ECU.html

Nice! but without fingerprint recognition it will not be complete :D

I question the worth of home automation for someone able-boddied like myself but it's just so bloody cool!

[BBC B 32k]

I love the look of the Sony TV stand / surround sound system also. They have it as the main display in my local (Ruislip) Sony store. Would a 52" display actually fit OK on it - as in line up on the sides and not overhang the stand?

Personally though I have my Mission m74 floor standers either side of my display and they give awesome sound with movies and music. Music is the thing lots of people overlook when choosing a home audio setup. Also have the Mission rear and centre speakers but have not set them up since moving to my new place.

/SPEND EASTER SUNDAY SETTING UP HOME CINEMA/

I am sure that your set up will be awesome. A nice way of controlling the Mac part is to use an old bluetooth mobile (I use a Sony Ericsson P990i) with <<remember name of software>>. Works really well and the phone I use has a touch screen and displays album artwork etc. You can even use it as a mouse.

Hope you are enjoying the sun and sand this Easter. Have had many fun times in Bournemouth ;)

[timmillwood]

For anything over 42" wouldn't you be better off with a plasma?

I have to agree and would recommend a pioneer

[iSamurai]

hey, you do realise that will cost some £££ ;) pretty good set up.

what makes you want to upgrade another 12" for the TV? also hook up eyeTV so you can watch stuff on your computer - Dunno if you really need it.

and what did you use to make that diagram? my friend also made a similar one - or is it just from scratch?

[dogtanian]

hey, you do realise that will cost some £££ ;) pretty good set up.

what makes you want to upgrade another 12" for the TV? also hook up eyeTV so you can watch stuff on your computer - Dunno if you really need it.

and what did you use to make that diagram? my friend also made a similar one - or is it just from scratch?

I used PP 2004 for the diagram. Will be a work in progress, won't be buying it all at once... however tempting.

And oh, an extra inch or twelve can make all the difference ;)

[Killyp]

Do Not go for the Sony kit. Get a Pioneer or Samsung panel, and an Onyko or Denon surround sound system.

I would actually recommend a good stereo system over a medicore surround sound system though.

Remember: Surround sound is not better sound, it's just more sound.

[dogtanian]

Do Not go for the Sony kit. Get a Pioneer or Samsung panel, and an Onyko or Denon surround sound system.

I would actually recommend a good stereo system over a medicore surround sound system though.

Remember: Surround sound is not better sound, it's just more sound.

I wish I could agree with you but when sat playing call of duty 4 with bullets whizzing past, it sure does feel like better sound...

[Killyp]

I see what you're saying, but also bear in mind how limiting most budget surround sound systems are.

If you get a decent stereo system, it can easily be adapted to surround sound later on.

If you get a mediocre surround sound system, you cannot upgrade it to a better system without simply replacing the whole thing = a colossal waste of money.


Believe me, get a pair of B&W speakers, a NAD or Rotel surround sound receiver and just run it in stereo for the time being. Then add on all your extra speakers later on, and you will be absolutely blown away by the sound. Forget anything you've heard in a cinema, this will blow it out of the water eventually.

[GAS]

And in response to GAS: I find Americans often prefer Plasma's over LCD. If I listened to a certain people I'd have stuck with a CRT! lol. I see better blacks in plasma's but overall, in Europe, LCD's reign. :D

I'm in the UK. But Plasma has a far better picture than LCD. LCD is catching up, but most experts and reviewers agree, plasma is still far better picture quality wise. Pioneer Kuros are great.

[Killyp]

Kudos to the Kuros - they're great displays...

[dogtanian]

I'm in the UK. But Plasma has a far better picture than LCD. LCD is catching up, but most experts and reviewers agree, plasma is still far better picture quality wise. Pioneer Kuros are great.

Not what 'What Hi-Fi' says...! Although everyone agrees the Kuros line is amazing. Wasn't assuming you were american btw!

[Killyp]

What? HiFi is a waste of shelf space. Years and years ago it was a proper hifi magazine, where they gave mostly unbiased reviews of products.

Now, it's The Sun of the AV/audiophile insutry.

[iSamurai]

Do Not go for the Sony kit. Get a Pioneer or Samsung panel

you do realise that sony and samsung co-operate and manufacture their TVs under the same roof? Well, actually sony uses samsung panels, not vice versa.

I'm in the UK. But Plasma has a far better picture than LCD. LCD is catching up, but most experts and reviewers agree, plasma is still far better picture quality wise. Pioneer Kuros are great.

sony has discontinued their plasma a while ago... this says a lot. plasma is cheap, and it has higher contrast (I heard 10000:1 for some), so colour is rich. LCD is improving and should be cheaper by the days, so just stick around. if you're going for a plasma, make sure it has FullHD.

[Killyp]

Yes I do know they both use the same panels, but be aware that Sony has taken the strategy of using LCDs past 46" - at which point you might as well get a Plasma display as the image produced is of much higher standard (overall).

Sony also cost a considerable amount more at all sizes than most other brands, and yet they only have the edge in terms of picture quality below 32" - and this improvement does not reflect the price difference.

[dogtanian]

What? HiFi is a waste of shelf space. Years and years ago it was a proper hifi magazine, where they gave mostly unbiased reviews of products.

Now, it's The Sun of the AV/audiophile insutry.

Lucky i'm not an audiophile it would seem ;)

[GAS]

Not what 'What Hi-Fi' says...! Although everyone agrees the Kuros line is amazing. Wasn't assuming you were american btw!

I thought it was called 'What Sony'.
Seriously, it is extremely bias and just all round a poor magazine.
www.hdtvtest.co.uk is a decent unbias review site, he buys all the screens himself, no freebies from manufacturers.

[Killyp]

Lucky i'm not an audiophile it would seem ;)

Note AV as well - not just for people who like to listen to music with a £10,000 cable up their arse...

[iSamurai]

Sony also cost a considerable amount more at all sizes than most other brands, and yet they only have the edge in terms of picture quality below 32" - and this improvement does not reflect the price difference.

Ok i see your point... (haha you got that?...) they should have improved on the image quality by now (If not I hope so). They do, overprice their products.

if you don't go for sony, there's others I think are quite good, namely sharp, poineer and panasonic (cheaper alternative). strange enough they're all japanese. for me though, I buy mainly sony and apple. something off topic; I prefer adidas over nike.

when i look for TVs and screens, I usually consider these factors (not that I buy TVs every week) in order of importance:

price & size for budget
brand
picture quality, reaction time, colour, contrast, FullHD
sound
look of TV i.e. it musn't look crap when it's switched off
settings interfaceI really like philips' ambilight, but hey, they've patented it so it's not gonna be available for others. also it won't work well if your wall isn't white. <-- I <3 that alliteration.

[dogtanian]

Note AV as well - not just for people who like to listen to music with a £10,000 cable up their arse...

The last gen Sony X3000 LCD was rated as a fantastic HD TV thus my choice of the latest X3500.

£10,000 cable up someones arse :confused: i'm confused!

[tominated]

I'm in the UK. But Plasma has a far better picture than LCD. LCD is catching up, but most experts and reviewers agree, plasma is still far better picture quality wise. Pioneer Kuros are great.
Bulls**t. I have a plasma and after about a year everything started to speckle. LCD's are much better quality.

[GAS]

Bulls**t. I have a plasma and after about a year everything started to speckle. LCD's are much better quality.

Yep. Because one faulty product makes them all bad.

[dogtanian]

Yep. Because one faulty product makes them all bad.

True, anecdotal evidence certainly isn't proof. To be honest I don't see plasma's as being substantially better. A lot of people still claim rear projections are still better but just like Plasmas, many manufacturers are dropping them in favour of LCD'S. :o

[Killyp]

The last gen Sony X3000 LCD was rated as a fantastic HD TV thus my choice of the latest X3500.

£10,000 cable up someones arse :confused: i'm confused!

Honestly, you can do much better than the Sony for the price. Look for a Pioneer Kuro or Samsung.

The cable thing was referring to the tendency among the audiophile community to spend ridiculous amounts of money on a cable which doesn't make any difference to the sound whatsoever, and yet they believe they've got the best sound system possible...

[dogtanian]

Honestly, you can do much better than the Sony for the price. Look for a Pioneer Kuro or Samsung.

The cable thing was referring to the tendency among the audiophile community to spend ridiculous amounts of money on a cable which doesn't make any difference to the sound whatsoever, and yet they believe they've got the best sound system possible...

Ah I agree about that, I've never bought into the whole Monster cable/Monster prices thing.

RE the LCD plasma debate, if I was to choose something other than the X3500 it would probably be the Samsung LE52F96BD LED backlit which is challenging Plasma's on the contrast side of things. I just actually couldn't bring myself to get a plasma, having worked in the past around LCD's and plasma's the LCD's would always have the upper hand.

[Killyp]

Believe me. I work for an AV company on the weekends (I wont mention who, but it's not one of the brands mentioned in this thread), and Samsung make the best LCDs, with Pioneer or Samsung being the best plasma displays as well.

You do not want a Sony. They are relying too much on their brand name/customer loyalty at the moment, and you'd be getting an inferior TV. The best TV in their range is their entry level model, and it costs a considerable amount more than it's Samsung counterpart, despite the negligible difference in picture.

[dogtanian]

Believe me. I work for an AV company on the weekends (I wont mention who, but it's not one of the brands mentioned in this thread), and Samsung make the best LCDs, with Pioneer or Samsung being the best plasma displays as well.

You do not want a Sony. They are relying too much on their brand name/customer loyalty at the moment, and you'd be getting an inferior TV. The best TV in their range is their entry level model, and it costs a considerable amount more than it's Samsung counterpart, despite the negligible difference in picture.

Am I missing something? like someone said previously, most LCD panels (not the other components inc tuners and backlights) from Sony are the very same as those from Samsung. How can they be so dramatically different? I'm not being rude, I would truly like to know! lol :D

[Killyp]

The panel isn't the only thing which determines the picture quality of a TV. If anything, the electronics/software driving the panel have as much as if not more of an effect on the image than the panel itself. Samsung's image processing software is better than Sony's.

You're also missing the fact that Samsung stop using their LCD panels once they reach 40", whilst Sony feel the need to keep going right up to ridiculous sizes (where Plasma would be a much better choice).

Then there's also the price, which is higher on a Sony than it is on the equivalent Samsung.

[dogtanian]

The panel isn't the only thing which determines the picture quality of a TV. If anything, the electronics/software driving the panel have as much as if not more of an effect on the image than the panel itself. Samsung's image processing software is better than Sony's.

You're also missing the fact that Samsung stop using their LCD panels once they reach 40", whilst Sony feel the need to keep going right up to ridiculous sizes (where Plasma would be a much better choice).

Then there's also the price, which is higher on a Sony than it is on the equivalent Samsung.

I certainly agree regarding the massive price hike between Samsung and Sony, it seems ridiculous that there should be such discrepancies between such similar displays. The other screen I was looking at is the 52 LED Backlit Samsung LCD though which has been rated highly across the net so they do make bigger LCD's. One of the worst features that puts me off Samsung is the fact that they use glossy-style glass in many of their displays, just like Plasma's... whereas Sony use the matte front. Just like the whole MBP Glossy vs Matte debate but on TV's.

I don't see it as ridiculous to make large size LCD's however, plasma's go up into large sizes, why not LCD's which are clearly gaining much more momentum and arguably significant market-share. Sony make a 70" for almost £25,000 which I would agree is a ridiculous price though. But the more they make the better the prices are for the consumer.

LCD's have over plasma's:

-Better viewing angles (On Sony's anyway)
-No ghosting
-Longer life span
-Considerably better power consumption

And most of the other plasma benefits have had over LCD have been blurred by the latest LCD gear such as the samsung 52" LCD with high contrast ratio.

[nplima]

Just thought i'd share a project I have planned for the house I'll be buying shortly...
[...]
I am desperate to get home audio network via Airport Express in the bedroom. bathroom and study so thought it would be pretty cool to be able to control this from a touch screen terminal and also upgrade the media centre.

...and an in-wall media controller in the form of a new mac mini (with 802.11n of course! The media controller would be primarily used for relaying music around the house but in the future (when I could get round to it) also some basic and useful home automation.



Hi


Instead of using 2 computers (Apple TV and Mini) and a batch of external hard drives for that, you would probably save some extra work on "cable management" and possibly save some money if you used a MythTV box for your media serving and home automation needs.

Check out the google videos on mythtv to get a feel of what these things do. Obviously you can control it remotely from any Mac/webbrowser, but probably the snazzy remote control features will deal with most of your needs.

http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-4158622304296328704&hl=en-GB
(short one)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2176025602905109829
(full install demo, with remote control demo)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6641045817693171683
(big techy one :) )

[dogtanian]

Hi


Instead of using 2 computers (Apple TV and Mini) and a batch of external hard drives for that, you would probably save some extra work on "cable management" and possibly save some money if you used a MythTV box for your media serving and home automation needs.

Check out the google videos on mythtv to get a feel of what these things do. Obviously you can control it remotely from any Mac/webbrowser, but probably the snazzy remote control features will deal with most of your needs.

http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-4158622304296328704&hl=en-GB
(short one)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2176025602905109829
(full install demo, with remote control demo)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6641045817693171683
(big techy one :) )

Cheers for that mate, I have never properly explored mythTV before so it's cool to see what it can do. That is the sort of project i'd like to get my teeth into, unfortunately the other half want's something, and I quote, "that looks cool"... lol :rolleyes:

mythTV (from looking at the videos) has the proper functionality that something like Front Row/Apple TV should indeed have but with Apple's design panache. It just looks a little... clunky, even with the themes applied. Wish I could bring myself to get Windows MCE but I can't do it! Pretty and fairly functional but hate Vista.

[GAS]

LCD's have over plasma's:

-Better viewing angles (On Sony's anyway) - Plasma has better viewing angles iirc[/B]
-No ghosting - LCDs are worse with blur
-Longer life span - Nope, same life span now, very old plasmas had short life
-Considerably better power consumption - Agreed


Plasma over LCD:

- Better Contrast
- Better/More Accurate Colour
- Better Motion Handling

But it's up to you. I strongly suggest you go and look at the Pioneer Kuros.

[dogtanian]

Plasma over LCD:

- Better Contrast
- Better/More Accurate Colour
- Better Motion Handling

But it's up to you. I strongly suggest you go and look at the Pioneer Kuros.

Like I said I have seen and was impressed. I just don't think it's so black and white that plasma's rule over LCD's :rolleyes:

[Killyp]

You're right it isn't, but it's very nearly a case of 'plasmas are always better than LCDs', but there are one or two (very unique) exceptions which I won't go into.

[dogtanian]

You're right it isn't, but it's very nearly a case of 'plasmas are always better than LCDs', but there are one or two (very unique) exceptions which I won't go into.

But now you've whet my appetite for what they are...! :D

[Killyp]

It's a brand who are often mistaken for charging stupidly high prices for their products...

[sk8mash]

It's a brand who are often mistaken for charging stupidly high prices for their products...

Whats with the clues? Just say it!

[Killyp]

Whats with the clues? Just say it!

Pffffft fine. B&O's LCDs.

[sk8mash]

Pffffft fine. B&O's LCDs.

Ahhhhhhhhh :)

[davidjearly]

Pffffft fine. B&O's LCDs.

Yeah, they do charge way more than what they're worth.

BTW, LG LCD panels are better than Samsung and at anything 42" or less, LCD is the way to go.

[Killyp]

Yeah, they do charge way more than what they're worth.

BTW, LG LCD panels are better than Samsung and at anything 42" or less, LCD is the way to go.

In comparison to the last Dell my dad's company bought, Apple charge way more than their products are worth.

[davidjearly]

In comparison to the last Dell my dad's company bought, Apple charge way more than their products are worth.

Again, I would tend to disagree.

[dogtanian]

In comparison to the last Dell my dad's company bought, Apple charge way more than their products are worth.

Hmmm... I have been tending to agree lately. Luckily Mac OS X makes up for any hardware quality shortcomings, such as the GMA graphics in the mac mini which need updating.

I've always thought they should have lower margins on the mac mini so as to get windows users 'through the doors' so to speak.

Regarding the quality of Dell and Apple LCD panels, I think the mac-world has been patiently waiting for an update which may even things up again (Even if I personally have never seen any real difference apart from port offerings aplenty on Dell's).

[Killyp]

I'd agree, and B&O are a very misunderstood company. Their TVs offer a lot more than just good design and better performance. If this was all they offered over the competition, then they wouldn't be able to charge the frankly ridiculous charges they get away with.

People don't know half of what B&O's TVs and stereos can do...

[nplima]

wow... if we make an extra effort we can fit all the holy wars into this single thread :)

So far... LCD vs. plasma screens, Apple vs Dell

any takers on American car design vs. European car design? :D


Back on topic: how does the touch screen add-on work? does the operating system "see" it as a standard mouse/pointing device inputing coordinates to the computer?
thanks!

[dogtanian]

wow... if we make an extra effort we can fit all the holy wars into this single thread :)

So far... LCD vs. plasma screens, Apple vs Dell

any takers on American car design vs. European car design? :D


Back on topic: how does the touch screen add-on work? does the operating system "see" it as a standard mouse/pointing device inputing coordinates to the computer?
thanks!

LOL, thank goodness for that.

Well as far as i'm aware the touch screen kit does just see it as a pointing device... although to be honest I am just guessing really. One would assume that when you touch a location on-screen, the pointer will go there.

And oh btw, American car design is cr4p... :p mwuhuhahahaha!

[Killyp]

LOL, thank goodness for that.

Well as far as i'm aware the touch screen kit does just see it as a pointing device... although to be honest I am just guessing really. One would assume that when you touch a location on-screen, the pointer will go there.

And oh btw, American car design is cr4p... :p mwuhuhahahaha!

Nah the yanks have designed some great cars, but they are more rare in the US than the UK.

The Europeans have built some crap cars too though mind you...

[wolverinewizard]

I thought I'd jump on board and agree with some of the other posters as well; I think the big weak spot in the setup is the sound. Spend a little more for proper speakers, and a decent receiver that will take in the new HD audio codecs as well as multi-channel PCM. That way you'll be able to truly appreciate Blu-Ray movies on your otherwise impressive setup.

[dogtanian]

I thought I'd jump on board and agree with some of the other posters as well; I think the big weak spot in the setup is the sound. Spend a little more for proper speakers, and a decent receiver that will take in the new HD audio codecs as well as multi-channel PCM. That way you'll be able to truly appreciate Blu-Ray movies on your otherwise impressive setup.

I heard the PS3 wasn't great for the full range of audio codecs.

The Sony G800 sound stand I should point out has no satellite speakers whatsoever and still has 5.1 sound drivers but projects the sound through different zones. It retails for around 500 quid or a thousand of your (currently weak) american dollars... :D Any other suggestions for around this price range?

[Killyp]

For 500 quid you can get yourself a decent pair of stereo speakers and a surround sound amp, which you can then add on a subwoofer + extra speakers later (will provide MUCH better sound than anything you'll hear in any cinema).

[Rhosfelt]

There are some big debated going on over the surround sound system, and I'd like to add my two cents in..literally

If you are looking for a cheap upgradable system look into the one I have The Logitech Z-5450 (http://www.google.com/search?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&q=Logitech+Z+5450&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iw). I know some of you think it's a cheap small speakered system but it is amazing. Logitechs have always made great speakers, and I get virtually no feedback in the wireless rear speakers. Even with my motorola razr and sitting next to them I really never got the weird interference most phones give to speakers. Maybe I got lucky, but I love theses speakers.

Plus the sound is amazing, great quality, and super loud. The hub is a great addition, and the great thing is the front speakers are just wired normally so you can upgrade those if you'd like (which most sound is from anyways) The back speakers are not upgradeable but that is because of the wireless, however I relaly don't think you'd need to upgrade them.

Seriously if money is an issue look into them, I probably won't need to get another system until they are really outdated, I mean it's great for a big room or even outdoors when we host parties. :D

[Killyp]

There would be little point in upgrading the front speakers as the amplifier uses very heavy EQing to compensate for the speakers. If anything, 'upgrading' the speakers to something which would normally show an improvement (no matter how nice they are) would result in worse sound quality...

[Rhosfelt]

There would be little point in upgrading the front speakers as the amplifier uses very heavy EQing to compensate for the speakers. If anything, 'upgrading' the speakers to something which would normally show an improvement (no matter how nice they are) would result in worse sound quality...

They do have some EQ settings, and I know that they are designed perfectly.. IE movies sounds horrible on any setting but movies, and music sounds horrible on anything but the music setting. And you can adjust the simple things, fade, balance, bass, treb.

I am at college right now and I miss those things terribly my little creatives sound like crap.. and every time I come home I play some music through them. I'd like to think they are the best speakers for the price. Especially if you can find them on slickdeals.net like I did right after christmas, paid probably $290. Best late present ever.

[Killyp]

Nah I don't mean the customisable EQ settings, but the amplifier actually has an 'irremovable' EQ built in which corrects for the speakers' uneven response. Loadsa speakers do this, particularly active ones, which is why the speakers should not be changed...

[dogtanian]

For 500 quid you can get yourself a decent pair of stereo speakers and a surround sound amp, which you can then add on a subwoofer + extra speakers later (will provide MUCH better sound than anything you'll hear in any cinema).

And if I didn't have the extra £500 and looking for some sort of surround sound for gaming and blu-ray? What would be a good choice? I would love to have an amazingly professional set-up that sounds amazing but I don't have the money and still want some sort of surround sound effect.

[Killyp]

For gaming, I'd recommend the Logitech systems. They're the best computer/multimedia speakers out there.

Not sure what you mean by 'Blu-Ray'. You won't hear the difference between Blu-Ray and a DVD on Logitech speakers...

[wolverinewizard]

I heard the PS3 wasn't great for the full range of audio codecs.

The Sony G800 sound stand I should point out has no satellite speakers whatsoever and still has 5.1 sound drivers but projects the sound through different zones. It retails for around 500 quid or a thousand of your (currently weak) american dollars... :D Any other suggestions for around this price range?

The PS3 works great in decoding the audio codecs. The only new codec that it cannot do is DTS-MA, but it can decode Dolby TrueHD onboard and send it via PCM. My only complaint is that it won't bitstream the advanced codecs over (standard Dolby Digital and DTS will bistream just fine, however).

Good luck with your new system!

[dogtanian]

The PS3 works great in decoding the audio codecs. The only new codec that it cannot do is DTS-MA, but it can decode Dolby TrueHD onboard and send it via PCM. My only complaint is that it won't bitstream the advanced codecs over (standard Dolby Digital and DTS will bistream just fine, however).

Good luck with your new system!

Well that went over my head... I'm not down with codecs particularly :p

Thanks by the way. Should be fun, been experimenting with remote buddy on the iPhone which would be a useful controller. Bit laggy but looks great, shame about the speed.

[callmemike20]

Isn't samsung and sony LCD's produced in the same factory? I believe I heard that somewhere.

[Killyp]

No, only the LCD elements are made in the same factory. The LCD display only determines the quality of certain aspects of the image (such as backlight evenness, contrast ratio, motion smoothness, although these can be 'manipulated' by the software driving the screen). Pretty much every other aspect of the image is determined by the software powering the machine.

Bit of a simplification but it's true...