Just curious??

Freakn · **3rd August 2008, 08:49 PM**

It seems like i may have one of the most basic HTPC....

I'm just running amd 64x2 5800, 2x1gb 800mhz ram Miskin i think, 320gb 7200rpm Samsung HD, Geforce 8400 gs 256MB video card,Asus M2N-MX SE plus Motherboard, 54mps PCI wireless card, $29 Samsund Burner, crappy case but 650w PSU (great special $39) Vista Ultimate and a sinlge Winfast DVT1000s digital tuner.

I dont use the PVR2 software that came it (i think it totally sucks), i only really use Media Centre for all my movies and TV now. I got all the codec packs so i can watch all avi, mpg mpeg2 etc through the interface.

I only have about 1 - 1.2 sec response lag when changing channels, i used to use VLC player for most things but dont need to now. I know i can't watch 1 and record another til i get a second tuner card.

The thing thats got me is, this whole system i built myself for less than $550 and love it, though i'm only running it on a 4 year old 51cm Samsung CRT tv, everyone talks about big lcd's but i don't think the big tv is everything its cracked up to be, i've got a 800watt LG surround system backinfg this system up.

I believe you have to have the sound backing up what you see, even with a small tv (crt) if you hear or more to the point FEEL what you see you can survive with a small TV...

But i do believe everyone deserves their own opinion, and i respect everyone opion........

TheRob · **4th August 2008, 10:36 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freakn

The thing thats got me is, this whole system i built myself for less than $550 and love it, though i'm only running it on a 4 year old 51cm Samsung CRT tv, everyone talks about big lcd's but i don't think the big tv is everything its cracked up to be, i've got a 800watt LG surround system backinfg this system up.

I believe you have to have the sound backing up what you see, even with a small tv (crt) if you hear or more to the point FEEL what you see you can survive with a small TV...

I think the last few words there are the point. You certainly can SURVIVE with a small TV, as I did with my 15 year old Samsung 51cm CRT for many years. When I added my Topfield PVR to this tele and connected it to my stereo system it was a major step up in the viewing experience for me. But then I got an 81cm LCD...

Once you make the move to a larger, wide screen LCD/plasma you will never be satisfied with the smaller screen again. There really is no comparison.

ApoLakay · **4th August 2008, 12:07 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRob

Once you make the move to a larger, wide screen LCD/plasma you will never be satisfied with the smaller screen again. There really is no comparison.

Absolutely agree.

The big screens are now very popular as they are now very affordable. Just 3-years ago I bought a 37" LCD and it costs me $3.5k. You can now buy this size for 1/3 of the price and with a better features.

The only downside is, once you have experienced it, nothing will never be big enough.

Slug · **4th August 2008, 12:18 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ApoLakay

The only downside is, once you have experienced it, nothing will never be big enough.

Ain't that the truth - I hung a 60" (153cm)

plasma on the wall earlier this year.

Most people I knew thought I was mad, & that it was way too big. A few months of viewing later, and now the wow factor has gone, it's JUST a TV (altho we DO luv it

).

BladeRoNNeR · **4th August 2008, 05:19 PM**

Plasmas and LCDs do offer some nice quality pictures.

One thing I know is once you upgrade you never go back!!

Myself, I got a cheap projector off of a friend who was upgrading. Not as sharp as the above but good size, even in my small room and does give a movie/cinema sorta feel to the show you are watching. I have size around 150x120cm or so from memory which for a little unit is ideal - although the screen could go bigger if I had the room. Main advantage for me is no space taken up (although Plasmas/LCDs have small footprint this is even smaller, mounted a screen on the wall and the projector off of the ceiling. Better option that my 68cm CRT I had before that.

Peace!

simbot82 · **4th August 2008, 08:39 PM**

ah the joys of my 46 inch sammy 1080P

i loves it

FrAsErTaG · **4th August 2008, 10:11 PM**

Me and my wife have found after having our 42" plasma for almost 4 years now when we visit someones house that has a 51cm or smaller its just amazing at how small it looks!!!
I remember the day we got our 51cm LG Flatron and it was OMFG So big!

How things change

ozbear · **5th August 2008, 12:49 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freakn

<snip>

I believe you have to have the sound backing up what you see, even with a small tv (crt) if you hear or more to the point FEEL what you see you can survive with a small TV.

I think that certainly can be true, depending on the material. If you are watching something engrossing (e.g., some sort of thriller), with good sound, your field of vision almost seems to narrow to where the screen size is irrelevant. Sounds effect(s) and clarity of dialogue are much more important.

The opposite is true when watching, say, sports where you may want to be visually immersed in the field of play, or most of the excremental "action" movies where dialogue is irrelevant and eye candy/SFX rule.

Oz