We live in an area that is terrible for analogue TV - only 4 analogue channels, and reception on those dodgy to say the least. No terrestial digital signal (and according to an engineeer from Crown Castle no chance of a decent signal even when signals are boosted after the analogue switch off)

They "harvested" an area of the woods behind us this summer, and now we can get satellite (freesat - refuse to add to Murdoch's millions), at least until the replacement trees grow.

Anyway we have always used an old Panasonic box and never bothered with recording etc because of the quality of signal.

Now we can get a decent signal we will upgrade our system. However have never understood what all the various components are in a "home entertainment system.

Can anyone give me a simple explanation, and what is needed?


Thanks

A Home Entertainment System can consist of so many different things, all of which can be varied according to your budget and the quality you desire. If you can give us some more information, I'm sure we'll be able to help you through the choices.

Are you considering changing your TV? If so, roughly what size would you like?

Do you want to have surround sound (for TV/Films/DVD's etc)?

Do you want a new hi-fi system, and if so do you want it to be separate from your surround sound?

When choosing any home entertainment equipment, I'd always advise buying the best that you can reasonably afford; allow space in your budget for good quality cables as these can often make a remarkable difference when compared to the 'standard' offerings that come supplied in the boxes; never buy anything 'blind', always look at and listen to any prospective purchase, and trust your eyes and ears (not those of a salesman) - there are products out there that I would rave about, yet you might not like them - remember its your hard earned cash you're spending, and you will probably have to live with your purchases for many years to come.

And finally, bear in mind that the deal with the lowest price is not always the best deal. Local, independently owned stores will often include free home delivery, free installation, and plenty of advice while you learn to use your new kit. The warranty and service back up is often better too.

Also, just carrying on from Fat Controller's comments and picking up on what I think Phred is looking at ... do you want to record programmes now?

If so, then you can do so onto VHS (although being fazed out), DVD or a Hard-Drive via a "Personal Video Recorder"/PVR. Also Some DVD recorders combine a Hard Drive as well.

So just think about those as well when you reply to Fat Controllers post.

Sorry about delay in replying.

Presently we have an old analogue TV, and a 15 year old audio system.

We want to replace it the TV - 26 to 28 inch screen. We would also like to ocassionally record off the TV to "time shift". We have a Samsung DVD/VCR player. I am not convinced that LCD screens are better than CRT ones, but that is based on what I have seen in the likes of Comet.

We have added a DAB receiver to the audio system, but I have been told the quality of the radio stations coming through the TV is better, if connected to a reasonable sound system, than DAB, but FM is still the best.

I assume that those surround sound cinema systems can be fed by a newish audio system?

Budget? we don't want a state of the art system but want a reasonable one. We are prepared to spend as much as is needed, but hopefully not too much!

This will be done after we have redecorated the room, which will include running all the necessary wiring in chased conduits to prevent trailing wires (my wife's pet hate). Something we have already done with network cabling throughout the house.

The CRT versus LCD debate will run and run, however if you are buying a TV nowadays there are few (if any) of the really good quality brands selling CRT sets, so you are almost forced into an LCD.

That said, I had to buy a TV this year, finally plumping for the Toshiba 37WLT66 which is absolutely stunning. They do a 32" version which can be had for around £650 HERE if you look around - this has had some incredible reviews, and I've yet to see a post on here from anyone that is unhappy with it. Or nearer your size, look at the Panasonic HERE and Samsung 26" LCD's which seem to be very good.

It takes a wee while to adjust to an LCD picture, its not that they are bad, just simply different.

As for your surround sound / audio system dilemma I would always suggest you go down the separates path. This has numerous benefits, the first generally being the quality tends to be better as each unit has to stand on its own merits; the second is that it is ultimately easier and cheaper to change or upgrade at a later stage should you choose to do so (or should it be forced upon you by breakdown). Thirdly, seperates tend to have a longer lifespan, which is due to the quality benefits.

To start with, unit like the DMREX75 HERE DVD Recorder from Panasonic would cover most bases - it records to DVD or Hard Drive for time shift stuff, has a Freeview tuner built in as well as an analogue tuner, plays DVD's and upscales them via the new HDMI output. It will also play CD's to a reasonable standard.

Match it with something like the Sony STR-DA1200ES (about £399) HERE which is a stonker of an amplifier, or perhaps the Denon AVR1707 (about £250) HERE or even the Sony STR-DE400 (around £100) HERE pick which fits your budget a bit best. Generally any AV amp like this will handle your surround sound needs, have radio built in (not always DAB) and will give good performance for your CD's being played on the DVD Player.

All you need then is a speaker package, which again vary wildly in price from around £100 to however many thousands you wish to spend . Sensible packages from the likes of Tannoy, Mission, Mordaunt Short etc will be available between £300 to £1000, it all depends on the size, shape and quality you want. A nice example would be Mordaunt Short's Genie Package which I have seen at around £600 HERE , or Tannoy's EFX5.1 for around £170 HERE .

Once you have your TV, the DVD/HDD recorder/player, existing Sky box, AV amp and AV Speaker package, you've got just about all you need. And here is the beauty of separates - if, a few years later, you decide you want a turntable or tape deck or HD-DVD all you need to do is get one and plug it in -no need to start the whole process again.

EDIT - I put in a few links so that you can get an idea of what I'm on about.
Last edited by fat controller : 01-12-2006 at 16:45

FC,

Sorry for delay in answering - been away for the weekend.

Thanks for that, very helpful, post Will start looking around later today (when the worst of work is out of the way!)

No problem. Come back to us if you need more help.