Looking to set up a home theater

You may not see it- but TRUST ME- Burn in is NOT a myth. If you wanna find out leave one of your TVs on the channel guide for about a week and then see how much you enjoy watching another channel.
I worked at a security monitoring company doing IT stuff and the main work station had 3 42" plasmas...One was TV and was fine. The other two were a computer and a set of video cameras- Those two monitors were shot under a year if you wanted to do anything else with them but look at the computer or video feeds. Nasty lines and shadows all over the place.
That being said- Likely to happen on a home TV- No...but if you have weird viewing habits- It could.

 

definatly do not listen to what others say sounds the best, because they do not have the exact room that you have. sound bounces off of everything and is absorbed by others. (i just bought this kick but system from ___, it sounded great in my movie room, you HAVE to get this set up) with that being said not one persons sound system will sound the same from one house or from one room to another. as far going to nebraska furniture mart to listen, thats a joke. they have sound rooms that inhance all of their products. if you havnt had a $1k+ system before then it realy dosn't matter what you get as long as you get quality stuff. if you have had a $1k+ system before then you wouldn't have to ask the question in the first place. the whole thing is kinda hit and miss, and for the most part (90%) you will be happy with what ever you get, if not upgrade in the future.

 

if you go to a REAL audio specialist they will set it up per room layout also. if indeed this guy knows whats up, then this would be a good way to go.

 

I got this from one site - there are lots of review sites!

Always checked out the products first then decide.

Here is some recommendations for your price range!

TV

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-...2_7-33488069.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

or

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-...2_7-33490604.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody


Audio

http://reviews.cnet.com/home-theate...0_7-33488076.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

or

http://reviews.cnet.com/home-theate...00thx/4505-6740_7-33332676.html?tag=mncol;lst

 

My setup for the man cave

Pioneer Elite receiver
Phillips 53 inch HD rear projection
Frt= JBL Stadium speakers
Center= BIC America 6.5inch
Rear = JBL Stadium
Sub= Polk 10" powered

Not a huge investment and I saved with the TV because it was an outgoing model. Technology evolves so fast let the "Jones" crowd pay the upfront cost of new tech I'll save on last years model.

No you don't need a separate amp unless you upgrade to very large speakers i.e. Magnepan Planars. $$$$$$

Room size has the determining factor in speaker cost. Big room, more money for larger speakers. 15x20 room you will be ok with a $600 HTIB setup. Onkyo, Klipsch, Yamaha and DON'T FORGET Denon! They build wonderful receivers but you will pay a bit more.

My main audio setup for my rock a holic addiction is a different story and sadly an addiction which I will never grow out of.