[wilx]

£650...

Should I spend it on a Sanyo Z5, and make do with non - HDMI output from a normal SD-DVD player and simple stereo 2.1 audio setup...

...OR

Should I get a surround sound setup based around the SVS speakers, and get a projector a couple of months down the line?

I'm leaning towards option 2, mainly because audio prices seem to be more constant than video. Plus, I'd be able to immediately make the most out of the surround system, whereas with the projector I'd be using SD & outputting component - not making the use of its high-def-ness.

So what would you do?

[Randell]

do you have a decent widescreen high def display? i'd sort out sources and audio before getting a PJ tbh (well thats what I did)

[wilx]

Originally Posted by Randell

do you have a decent widescreen high def display? i'd sort out sources and audio before getting a PJ tbh (well thats what I did)

Nah - I've got an old 25" 4:3 Sony - so when I eventually get a projector it'll be a major step up!

[Malky1903]

Spend your money on the sound system now and a PJ later. With the Z6 just around the corner, the Z5 can only drop in price. It wouldn't surprise me if the Z5 was £500 - £550 by Sept/October.

[ukkev2000]

a) Get your sound sorted - no idea who SVS is, but a proper Audio amp and speakers could set you back a grand, easily. Or you could buy a "system" for £400 I guess.

b) SD-DVD? Can't you buy cheapo HDMI upscaling DVD players for £15 nowadays? In reality, a DVD player which could pump out 576p over component would give you a lovely lovely image that rivals HD-DVD. Life is too short to explain quite why, I've done it many times on these forums. Hi Def is lovely, but no need to spend the food money on it.

c) PJ's - If you just want TV and SD-DVD (albeit 576p), you could probably get something even cheaper; there was a thread about some Sharp PJ for £250 earlier in the week that would have done you well..

To be honest though, if you've never had 5.1, even your old 4:3 telly will seem "amazing" when you start replaying your old DVD's with surround sound.

[stuartbrown21]

In reply to the previous poster, there is no way that a SD-DVD player pumping out 576p over component can produce an image that rivals HD-DVD. Not even close.

That said, I wouldn't make HD a big priority until you have a projector.

Not sure how much of an audiophile / videophile you are. However, if your initial budget is £650, maybe the SVS speakers are overkill? It is my understanding that they cost about £500-ish, and this is without a sub? Maybe you could get the PJ when they drop in price a little and also a cheapish all in one DVD Home Cinema System to take care of the sound?

I'm just thinking that if you only have £650, the SVS plus a matching sub could set you back £800 or more by themselves, and you'd still need an amp (unless you have one already), a pj, and a HD source (you probably will want HD once you own a projector).

[wilx]

Originally Posted by stuartbrown21

Not sure how much of an audiophile / videophile you are. However, if your initial budget is £650, maybe the SVS speakers are overkill? It is my understanding that they cost about £500-ish, and this is without a sub? Maybe you could get the PJ when they drop in price a little and also a cheapish all in one DVD Home Cinema System to take care of the sound?

I'm just thinking that if you only have £650, the SVS plus a matching sub could set you back £800 or more by themselves, and you'd still need an amp (unless you have one already), a pj, and a HD source (you probably will want HD once you own a projector).

I've got a passive sub, and if I can use it with the receiver, I'll probably get a yamaha dg910 for £275ish, and the svs 5.0 set for £400.
I could go all-in-one, but I'd rather invest in a decent quality, rather than compromising on both fronts.
Plus, I'm a composer/producer, so having a decent audio setup means more than just watching films with surround.
I reckon if the sub will work, I'll get the above audio setup & introduce a HD projector a couple of months down the line when I have some more pocket money.