[Jay]

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-667912...l?tag=cnetfd.mt

[Skibum]

Interesting.....

[Jay]

I didn't even know there are versions of those cables let alone the vast diff among them.

[jwilson56]

Well as one that recently purchased a 56" Samsung DLP 1080p HDTV I would have to say that I am completely satisfied with what I have. I might not be playing HD-DVD but I am watching 720p & 1080i shows (and recording and timeshifting them with MCE) and let me tell you... its a HUGE improvement. With all the copy protection being tossed into the hardware/software these days I think HD-DVD and BlueRay are going to take a long time before they catch on. For now I will use my upscaling DVD player and enjoy what I have... it may not be the best it can be.... but it sure is better SD.

John

[Jay]

more.
http://reviews.cnet.com/4321-6466_7-655474...l?tag=cnetfd.mt

[jayfro]

I have always loved the Sony AV Receivers. I currently have a Sony ES receiver, which came with a 5 year warranty and has a serial port so I upgraded the Firmware through it. Unfortunately, it is Dolby Digital only (have had it for about 7-8 years) 5.1 Channel. Sound is awesesome, and has plenty of connections for all of my AV gear as well as the Xbox for the kids. My next one most likely will be another Sony ES once I go HDTV, although Sony seems slightly overpriced compared to other models. Guess it may come down to brand loyalty for me.

Jay Fro

[Jay]

Do you use the serial port?

[jayfro]

No. I don't have any of my theater equip hooked into HA. I just use the Dish Network remote for everything. I am not sure if the receiver can actually be controlled via Serial. It is essentially just for service/upgrades from what I remember reading. It has been at least 4 years since I upgraded the firmware on it, and that is what I used the serial port for. I had found the firmware upgrade on the net, which was nice.. It has been a while since I have really looked into what I can do with it since I have known it was at the end of its life for a couple years. I just can't break down to buy a new HDTV until my current TV goes out. I realize it is night and day picture difference, but I have other desires for my money at this time... If I purchase a HDTV, it will snowball into a $5000 system, such as new AV Receiver, new in-wall speakers, etc.

Jay Fro

[Jay]

I've been holding off, as well.

1st, it's going to go in our SC place and there's no point until at least one of us moves in.
Then it's gotta be very close to 50", left to right, not screen size. This is because of a wall width of 8 ft. and a custom cabinet on the wall which'll wrap around the screen.
LCD w/hi contrast ratio, 1080P and HDMI 1.3 all around.

So, maybe late 2K7 - early 2K8. At least I have my specs down

[Jay]

Update.
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9672488-1...l?tag=cnetfd.mt

[Skibum]

NICE!

[Jay]

haven't checked its hdmi ver yet.

[jayfro]

im undecided on this one. I don't like that is needs power. And the looks of the antanae makes it look very much line of site (although you wouldn't think so with 25 foot max).
When I go flat panel, I wouldn't want to try to figure out if I could mount that thing in my wall. I think I will just run the cable instead.

Jay Fro