New Computer Speaker System

[shoopdawoopa]

Hey guys,
I have some Logitech 5.1 surround sound speakers and they just aren't doing it anymore. So I want to buy a receiver and after abit of searching I think I want this
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+840W+7.1-Ch.+Apple%26%23174;+iPod%26%23174;/Satellite+Radio-Ready+Home+Theater+Receiver/9238979.p?skuId=9238979&id=1218065494903

Now I really don't know anything about speaker systems and how they are set up. After looking around I think I want to get some Polk speakers to put into that receiver. The woofer I was looking at was the Polk 100w 10" sub. Now as I said I don't know if that will work. The way I was planning on hooking it into my computer was through digital optical cable to a sound card.

I think I'm going to throw out my Dell 30" monitor and replace it with a Samsung 50" Plasma. Now do I hook that into the receiver and then from receiver to graphics card?

So will this stuff all work together?

Thanks dudes

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

I really really think you do not want a plasma as a computer monitor... why not a beautiful samsung 120hz LCD? :D

[shoopdawoopa]

Isn't plasma better quality?

[RAW-Raptor22]

Isn't plasma better quality?

Yeah but you better hope you have a good screensaver... :p:

[shoopdawoopa]

I generally turn off my screen when I'm not using it, doesn't that prevent screen burn?

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

yeah but there are just way too many static objects on a computer screen, your browser control bar for instance is gonna be seared into those pixels. you definitely want LCD

[shoopdawoopa]

Alright how about
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba+-+REGZA+/+52%22+Class+/+1080p+/+120Hz+/+LCD+HDTV/9300552.p?id=1218081119748&skuId=9300552

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

never seen this particular model, probably best to go to the store and see for yourself what fits your budget and visual preferences.

[Serra]

Receiver link: Page Not Found


Alright how about
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba+-+REGZA+/+52%22+Class+/+1080p+/+120Hz+/+LCD+HDTV/9300552.p?id=1218081119748&skuId=9300552

Toshiba is a funny manufacturer. Some years they're alright, but for the most part they're just not up there with the big boys. They're a great value brand, but as with anytime you use the word "value" there is a quality trade-off. Definitely see it next to other models for yourself before you buy and look hard at angles, colour reproduction, contrast, etc.


But, of course, to really help an idea of your budget would be very handy.

[shoopdawoopa]

I was looking to spend around 900-1200 on the TV.

[STEvil]

GPU to TV

Soundcard to receiver

No need for going all over the place.

3007 dell? Dont throw it out lol

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+40%22+Class+/+1080p+/+120Hz+/+LCD+HDTV/9299831.p?id=1218079754976&skuId=9299831 better than that toshiba for SURE

[shoopdawoopa]

Well I'm not going to throw it out but I want to be able to use my xbox and ps3 while I sit at my desk :D

[EniGmA1987]

Ya as Stevil said. Graphics card straigh into the monitor, and optical from your sound card into the receiver. Hook up the receiver's speaker outputs right into all your speakers. Super easy, and will sound way better than any regular computer speakers.

As for the Plasma vs LCD thing, Plasma looks better and has better response time but when used as a computer onitor you can get someslight burn in if you do a LOT of either internet browsing or office work. Although nearly all of the burn in problem is fixed now. When most people think is burn in is just some image retention that is temporary and just how the phosphor cells work. Also, after a few years you will notice that places where you had a certain color a lot more often than others has that color more dim than all other colors because that color cell in those areas is more worn than the other colors.

With LCD you will spend more for what you get, especially if you want close to plasma level image. And it isnt as good for gaming, but you have a more uniform wear over time when used with a computer. And you also dont have to worry at all about image burn-in.

So weigh the pros and cons of each and make your choice. But dont believe all the hype about burn-in, it really isnt quite as bad a situation as people make it out to be. Only first gen (and some second gen) plasmas had a serious problem with it.

[Daveburt714]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+40%22+Class+/+1080p+/+120Hz+/+LCD+HDTV/9299831.p?id=1218079754976&skuId=9299831 better than that toshiba for SURE

+1

I have a 52" Samsung A550 (2 yrs old) which I use with an HTPC box and the picture is absolutely beautiful!
I have a friend with a 1080p Sony and everytime he comes over he comments on how good the picture is.
He swears his next set will be a Samsung...

[AliG]

Why not not wait until LED tvs are mass produced and get a better speaker system now? Think about it, with a high powered speaker system, large lcd screen and powerful computer, you're talking about A LOT of heat in your room. Wouldn't it make sense to get something that runs a bit cooler and uses less power? Besides LED tvs have better image quality and aren't supposed to ghost as I understand it.

[EniGmA1987]

Only the newest LED TVs work really well, so you would be waiting a good 2 years before the superior tech comes down to a good price point.

Oh, and Panasonic is releasing 3D plasmas next year, just FYI. Smallest model will be a 50". Doesn't really matter for you right now and you still have to go through the plasma vs lcd debate with it...


Here is a small excerpt about the tech:
The 3D is “Full HD” (1920 x 1080) with left and right image frames alternating at 120 Hz. Perry explained plasma is an ideal TV technology for “Full” 3D HD as its rapid refresh permits the display of the highest quality 3D images. (Current 3D flat panels show no more than half HD resolution and will only display 3D content via a PC). Perry added he expects a three year industry transition to 3D compatible displays.


So you could do what AliG suggested and just worry about audio now, and think about a monitor/TV when all the new tech arrives less than a year from now.

[Arkangyl]

Hmm, I hope you're going to keep the Dell 30" for 'PC work' and only use the TV for games!!! IMO beyond the better LCD (LED preferable) TV's, I'd much, much, MUCH rather use a PC monitor for computer work!

[AliG]

Another thing to take into account is what will you be doing with the computer? As Arkangyl pointed out, even as extreme we are here, there comes a point where you have to be practical. I can't really imagine anything beyond 30" being useful for standard pc work, especially if you sit a foot or two away from the screen. Maybe you might want to use both, and wall mount the 50" off to the side, purely for games and movies, while the 30" is for strict general use?

[shoopdawoopa]

You guys guessed right. 30' for work and 50" for play.

[Computurd]

I have a similar setup. I use a 50 inch panasonic for a fun time display. Onkoyo reciver for big sound when im gaming.
http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/paullie1/DSCF3005-1.jpg

[RAW-Raptor22]

Damn computurd... holy craptastic (haha craptastic, computurd, craptastic, get it... haha... :p: ) setup. :D