Shopping for a friend, no really

JLM · « **on:** 18 Mar 2011, 09:26 pm »

My boss (don't worry we're good friends) is wrapping up a basement fit out. It's an impressive house and a 25 ft x 60 ft space with lots of windows, but the HT will only go into half the space (there's a stairwell in the middle that splits the room).

He's pre-wired for most of it with the idea of the TV hanging from a 7 foot wall (I'd recommend no bigger than 6 ft TV as the bar blocks some of the 7 foot wall).

Although the house is nice (and he just got the job as boss with a raise) he's frugal and not into HT. He wants to move ahead mostly for the sake of his daughters and to complete the fit out.

With this size of space a big screen seems important to me. He'd not be a headbanger, so maximum spls aren't much of a consideration, but I figure he'll need a powerful sub to fill that huge volume.

Should he consider 3D?

I haven't shopped any of this for years (I have a HT system but it's a low priority to me). Are prices "soft" currently (especially with 3D out there)?

Looking for recommendations for "reasonably" priced complete system. (I'm sure I'll have to talk him hard into spending nearly anything close to a "reasonable" amount.)

TIA

Ryanz · « **Reply #1 on:** 18 Mar 2011, 11:32 pm »

3-D is totally a preference thing. With the introduction of 3D, standard TV (non-3D) prices have dropped DRASTICALLY. I just recently purchased a non-3D 52" LED Sony Bravia TV for $1,500. It was $3,000 about 6 months ago. So if he doesn't care about 3D, he can get a lot more "TV" if he doesn't get a 3D TV. I would advise anybody who wants to get a 3D TV to hold off a couple of years, since a new version of 3D is out and needs time to become main stream.

JLM · « **Reply #2 on:** 19 Mar 2011, 01:06 am »

Thats what I figured.

BTW forgot to mention that he's nearly 60, so the system must be very simply to use.

doorman · « **Reply #3 on:** 19 Mar 2011, 01:29 am »

Some of us above that age find the above a curious statement!
Don

Phil A · « **Reply #4 on:** 19 Mar 2011, 01:31 am »

Quote from: JLM on 19 Mar 2011, 01:06 am

Thats what I figured.

BTW forgot to mention that he's nearly 60, so the system must be very simply to use.

I agree 3D is a preference and right now the amount of software is limited. 3D prices may drop a bit within a year. 60 and the system must be simple? So am my (almost 60 but not simple

) and I can still put in my own teeth

youravhandyman · « **Reply #5 on:** 19 Mar 2011, 02:38 am »

Everyone will have some opinion on products and favorites, I'm sure. You asked about 3D so I'll keep my recommendations on that topic. First, I recommend to make sure that the receiver has the ability to pass the 3D signal so that he can change his mind later if necessary. Marantz SR6005 would be a great choice having the power for the larger room with and all the bells and whistles you should need.
So let me throw in my recommendation(favorite) for display. Panasonic has a very nice 65" that should be available for $2K or less. That one won't be 3D but has excellent picture quality. The current model Panasonic displays have excellent black levels and very accurate color reproduction. The models with a THX mode are as close to being a calibrated setting as you are going to get without a professional calibration. And I'm a THX trained calibration specialist.
If you do choose to go up to the 3D model these displays are generally the better of the product line so will provide excellent 2D quality even if your boss never connects 3D content. Recommending that your boss spend the extra $1k up front to go to 3D capable products will save you the trouble later of him coming to you wondering why you didn't recommend it in the first place.

youravhandyman · « **Reply #6 on:** 19 Mar 2011, 02:43 am »

I forgot something. A universal remote is a must to make the features work together simply and make the system easy to understand and operate. Cheapest of them that will do the job correctly is the Harmony products though I'm a huge fan(and dealer) of Universal Remote Control products. Can give a better recommendation of remote model once you can tell me what components you decide on.

JLM · « **Reply #7 on:** 20 Mar 2011, 12:03 am »

Thanks for the advice.

I should have stated that he is not technically savy (nether am I, but I'm a bit younger and end up trying to help him at times).

I'm sure he'll just want a 5.1/3D system with receiver, player, and cable/satellite box with a single remote and as low of cost as possible.

Besides particular value suggestions, the biggest challenge will be to convince him that a $500 all in one box 5.1 system will do justice. I've already told him that I'll "disown" him if he does anything like that.