I really wanted just a simple basic cheap system to do me over for another year or so, but there's not a single system out there that does not need the help of a sub to put out worth while mid and low range sounds. So with that in mind it ruled out almost all cheaper systems.Reason I didn't want to deal with a sub is I'm on top of someone (apartment) So that made it so I needed to get some worth while speakers that didn't rely on a sub.
I also needed HDMI switching so I figured I might as well just go and get something worth while.
Receiver is an Onkyo Onkyo USA Home Theater Products TX-SR674 Reason I went with this receiver is it not only does HDMI switching but also does up converting, this means my TV only has 2 things going to it, a power cable, and an HDMI cable. I never have to touch any settings on the TV or switch video modes, it's all handled by the receiver.
Speakers are Sony something or others. very cheap, but they sound much better then I ever thought they would. Even the reviews I've seen state that they sound great for the price. and I agree! I figure when I buy a house I'll put the sonys in my bedroom and buy some nice higher end speakers for my theater setup... when the time comes. =)
DVD player is a Sony up converting player, reviews as a DVD player were very good over all, This is the first higher end DVD player I've had and its neat having REAL options to play with from different sound settings, decoding settings, screen settings and so on.
My blue ray player (aka) PS3 sits to the right, since it's too big to place inside the cabinet. however the Wii and PS2 fit in side the cabinet nicely.
The receiver is so big that I couldn't fit both the receiver and cable box (comcast) inside the cabinet so I placed the comcast box on its side and set it behind back left side of the tv. fully out of sight.
Everything comes together with a repeater system SmartPath Kit w/Surface-Mount IR Receiver - IR Repeating & Distribution System
This allows me to keep everything behind closed doors and point my remote at my center speaker (where I put the eye) It makes for a clean install.
if you look at the DVD player and Receiver you'll notice the (eyes) stuck on the fronts. I also have one stuck on the comcast box that's hidden behind the tv.
The TV stand I'm using is an old setup that was made for TVs no larger then 32" I modded it to fit the TV by removing a few things. I really like how Sony TV fits in it so well.
Before. doing anything to the TV stand/cabinet. that crappy little sound system has since been long gone. it died on me like a year ago.
After
Check out the books, and restaurant mag lol
I made 4 little blocks to put under the DVD player so there's about 1" of room between the DVD player and receiver for cooling reasons. I'm going to also add a fan to blow some air around to help keep it cool.
The blue light only comes on when you push a button on the remote, I hit the button while taking the pic to show where I installed it.
http://www.jeffnortham.com/pics/tv/5.jpg
very large picture I took of my TV of Ice Age (Blue Ray) The movie really does look super awesome in person.
I'm very happy with the sound upgrades. I just wish I could crank up the volume a bit louder. thankfully the people below me are pretty loud so it's not THAT big of an issue playing it a little loud myself.
Not counting the TV all said and done I spent about $900.00 thanks to having some hook ups on a few things like the repeater system.
BTW the repeater system at 199 is a really good deal, I just noticed the price! not as good as what I paid, (free) but, I'll get a phone call soon enough with a (I need help today and you owe me) sigh.... ohwell, thats how the free stuff ends up working.
