Tv Purchasing & Connection Advice

[quiksr20]

Hello Audioholics,

First and foremost I would like to introduce myself, This is my first post after alot of reading. This seems to be a great place to ask questions and more importantly a great place to read and learn.

As of now I have a pretty basic setup, well im sure theres more basic out there but by no means a super expensive audiophile setup. ( one day )

Current Setup
Receiver - Harmon Kardon AVR430
DVD Player - Harmon Kardon DVD22
Console - XBox 360 Elite
TV - Sony 32' Wega CRT ( being replaced in next 2 months )
Mains - Klipsch SB3 Bookshelves w/ Wood Tech Stands
Center - Klipsch SC1
Rear - Klipsch Quintetts

Picture of Current Setup
( Can't post pics since 1 post count! PM for pic. )

OK now since my introduction is down on to two of my main questions.
I am currently packing to move out of my apt and into my new condo.

Picture of New living Room
14x13 w/ 14 being length from wall couch is on to tv, Also has a vaulted ceiling.
( Can't post pics since 1 post count! PM for pic. )

Question 1 : Selecting a new TV

Whats the best size TV? I know bigger is not always better. I found a few calcuators online but im still not sure I believe its between 46' & 50' and im leaning more towards 46' It will be an LCD and im looking to spend between $2500 & $2800 most! Its just whats in my budget and since Circuit City will do 18 months no interest I can afford to treat myself.

Question 2 : Connection Options

What are my options for connecting the new TV? My reciever doesnt have HDMI only Component Video. I cant afford to buy a new receiver right now and mine still does a great job. My XBOX has HDMI and I believe my new cable box also has HDMI but my reciever doesnt. Is it possible to run the XBOX & Cable box to the TV via HDMI and then run component monitor to the receiver? Currently im using all Component Video.

Im sorry for the long post but im getting ready to purchase a TV Soon and trying to figure out my wiring options for the new room.

Thanks in advance,
Daryl Gregg

 

[quiksr20]

I will now attach the pics that I have over 5 posts. Man this place will suck you in im getting no work done at work

Current Apt Setup ( packing now to move )

New Condo Living Room ( excuse the terrible photoshop work )

Thanks Again!
Daryl Gregg

 

[quiksr20]

Bump.. Anyone nobody?

 

[avaserfi]

I would try to get the biggest TV possible for a 14' seating distance. I sit about 7.5 feet from my 42" and think its just right, but would have done a 46" if I could. My dad is doing a HT with a 14' seating situation and I had him buy a 92" screen for his projector.

You will be able to run hdmi for video to the TV and use optical for audio to the receiver.

 

[jimfitz]

I would use HDMI from your cable box and XBOX to your TV. Use optical from each of these to your receiver. Use RCA from your cable box to your TV. There is no reason to connect your receiver to your TV.

 

[obscbyclouds]

Yep, 14 ft is definately too far away from a 46", and probably 50" as well. Any chance you can move your couch closer to the TV (and away from the wall)? If not, I'd suggest a front projector, but those look like some pretty big windows, how is your light control in the room?

 

[rnatalli]

Basically what everyone else has said. Go with HDMI direct to the TV and audio direct to the receiver. Just be sure the macros on your universal remote are setup to switch the video modes on the TV and all should be good.

 

[quiksr20]

Well lets change this up a bit. I have backed out of my Condo Deal. The owner would not make the recomended repairs and we backed away from the deal so the distances will probaly get closer. Oh well will keep looking..

The connection issues I still have some questions First, THanks for the above help from everyone Now I get what your saying on the Audio. Run HDMI from the XBOX and Cable Box And I can run Optical out from my TV to the Optical in on my receiver.

With this setup the reciever will not be doing and video switching. And then anything using component video switching will stay at the receiver for the switching? And just run a component video moniter cable out of the tv?

Sorry im a bit rusty with the newer connections.

Thanks Guys!

PS.

Are we not able to go back and edit a post after a certain amount of time? I would like to edit my first post.

 

[jimfitz]

That's not exactly how I would do it. I would run HDMI from the cable box and XBOX to your tv. This will carry both video and audio to the tv. To get best quality sound to your receiver, run optical from the cable box and XBOX straight to the receiver. You will have to use your volume control on the tv and receiver to switch the audio from the tv to receiver. With this arrangement, you do not need any connections between the receiver and tv. If your receiver was HDMI, I would do it differently.

 

[quiksr20]

That's not exactly how I would do it. I would run HDMI from the cable box and XBOX to your tv. This will carry both video and audio to the tv. To get best quality sound to your receiver, run optical from the cable box and XBOX straight to the receiver. You will have to use your volume control on the tv and receiver to switch the audio from the tv to receiver. With this arrangement, you do not need any connections between the receiver and tv. If your receiver was HDMI, I would do it differently.

Gotcha, So basically use the HDMI just like a DVI ( for vid only basically ) Since I always have my receiver on and usually disable the built in speakers.

Makes sense, Just trying to figure out my cable purchases

 

[avaserfi]

Gotcha, So basically use the HDMI just like a DVI ( for vid only basically ) Since I always have my receiver on and usually disable the built in speakers.

Makes sense, Just trying to figure out my cable purchases

Once you decide what you want check out bluejeanscables and monoprice. Don't waste your money on high priced cables!

 

[quiksr20]

Once you decide what you want check out bluejeanscables and monoprice. Don't waste your money on high priced cables!

Cool will do. Never checked those sites before however I have used cheapcables.com.

Thanks!