Newbie with an odd request on getting started.

[Mrbowdeadly]

Howdy,

My wife and I watch TONS of movies. We are currently trying to sell our house and are "staging" it (if you don't know, it just means you make each room of your house look like a display at a department store.)

WELL we were in the process of staging our upstairs and I thought, "why not kill two birds here..."

I needed to do something with the space (13'X25') rectangle.

What about a home theatre I says????

OK, now the problem.

I have a limited budget to stage our house, do some minor landscaping and do this home theatre, if I can. The majority of the home theatre will have to come from one store on a credit card, which I can pay off after the sale of our home. I may have a small amount of cash to contribute, which means some of the system can come from a better source.

The store is Target. The limit is $2300.

NOW I KNOW this is not an Audiophiles (sp.) dream store, but here is what I would like to accomplish.

I would like to put together the home theatre system with anything from their store that would not be considered "junk". That way I can keep some components? Maybe upgrade after the move? Even if its just cables, at least I can keep SOMETHING.

I need everything, as my old equipment is really......old. My single DVD and TV are both around ten years old.

WHO CAN HELP???? Thanks for listening to the new guys issue.

Best,
MBD

 

[Mrbowdeadly]

Ok, here are some of the "systems" they sell (speakers and reciever)

Sony
Bose
Kenwood
RCA
Samsung
Tru-tech
Phillips

 

[avaserfi]

Why exactly do you have to buy everything at target?

 

[Mrbowdeadly]

In TV's, they have

Flat panel

Front projection

Rear projection

Tube


Maybe I can keep narrowing choices down here, with some input

 

[majorloser]

My honest suggestion is to save up. That's a fairly large room that needs proper planning. I know that Target might be an option right now, but there are many other cheaper options out there, including on-line retailers.

 

[obscbyclouds]

You are really limiting yourself by only shopping at target. Especially with a budget of $2300.

 

[Mrbowdeadly]

Ok, sorry I wasn't clear. I have $2300 on a target CC. I also have some cash, if there are items I would be better off buying somewhere else, just don't have a lot. After the move, I am gonna upgrade all the items I couldn't get right off the bat. HOWEVER if there is anything there that would be good, maybe just the tv? Then I can build a system around that later.

Thanks!

 

[Mrbowdeadly]

I know, and I surely appreciate that type of advice, but do you think there is ANYTHING good there? Maybe just a TV? Point is, I am gonna do this now with the credit card, and I don't want to wind up with ALL crap. Unless you feel there is just nothing there worth including in ANY system.

Then I will humbly accept your advice

 

[Mrbowdeadly]

Major, what kind of budget could I do much better with at online retailers? (I.E. better to spend $1000 at retailer X than $2300 at Target?)

Thanks!

 

[avaserfi]

If you spend 1500 online you will get something far better than you could ever buy at Target...

 

[obscbyclouds]

Well, that all depends on what is the most important to you. Are you more of a video guy or an audio guy? IMO, you won't find much great audio equipment from target. If you're interested in just a TV from target, theres some more information that could be helpful.

1.) How far will your viewing position be?

2.) Does the room get alot of ambient light?

3.) Do you want a flat panel, or is a rear projection okay?

 

[Mrbowdeadly]

Also I will be moving, so the current room size may or may not be the new room size. I just feel like a home theatre would really be a great selling point, as it is a creative use of this space.

How about starting with the pros and cons of the tv types I had mentioned?

 

[Mrbowdeadly]

Thanks!

1) My viewing position will be across the 13 foot width.

2) The room gets very little ambient light, and I could probably make it VERY dark, as it only has one door and one window (upstairs loft).

3) Good question

 

[Mrbowdeadly]

Obscbyclouds you asked flat or rear, is front not a good choice?

 

[obscbyclouds]

You might want to start here Display Technology Guide for a good discussion of the avaliable technologies.

From 13ft I'd recommend at least a 50" screen. With not a lot of ambient light, Plasma, DLP, and LcOS are all good options. Not that LCD isn't as well, though they become very pricey at sizes above 42".

 

[mazersteven]

My honest suggestion is to save up. That's a fairly large room that needs proper planning. I know that Target might be an option right now, but there are many other cheaper options out there, including on-line retailers.

I totally agree with Majorloser on the On-Line retailer. You can also use your credit card. If you don't believe me just give me the number and I'll show you. LOL


You will get a much better system this way anyway.

 

[obscbyclouds]

If you're interested in a front projector (keep in mind you'll need a screen as well), there are many others on this board better qualified to help. .

 

[mazersteven]

Major, what kind of budget could I do much better with at online retailers? (I.E. better to spend $1000 at retailer X than $2300 at Target?)

Thanks!

Yes like this system

http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm

In white for only $799.


This is just one example. There are many others.

 

[djsHTnut]

If you can shop online with the card, Target.com sells more stuff than most of their stores. Some of the super targets have seperate audio components, not just home theater in a boxes, which would be "junk". But you can also get projectors from them online, and they have some nice athena & JBL speakers.

 

[Mrbowdeadly]

Thanks for all the great advice!!