Samsung LCD TV with only 1 HDMI connection?

[billybloater]

Hello, first post here so don't get too techy with me, treat me like a simpleton.

Right, just bought a new house so obviously the number 1 priority is a new TV but on a budget. I've decided to go for the Samsung 40" LE40R74BD which you can pick up for about £750....is that a good choice?? Any alternatives for a similar price would be appreciated.

I notice it's only got 1 HDMI socket though which will be taken up by my xbox360. I have no plans for SKYHD just yet, but if I get it in the future does that mean unplugging leads and lots of messing around or can you get some sort of adaptors to make it 2 sockets or more?

Thanks in advance.

 

[KeanosMagicHat]

I notice it's only got 1 HDMI socket though which will be taken up by my xbox360. I have no plans for SKYHD just yet, but if I get it in the future does that mean unplugging leads and lots of messing around or can you get some sort of adaptors to make it 2 sockets or more?

I've never used one myself and so cannot vouch for the quality but I would imagine you'd be looking at something like this.

http://www.cableuniverse.co.uk/cata...e=product_info&cPath=148_177&products_id=1517

 

[Intya]

The current 360 doesn't support HDMI, unless you want to wait around two months for the new iteration that does. Your best bet will be the 360 VGA cable, gives a better picture IMO, and frees up the component & HDMI sockets.

 

[KeanosMagicHat]

The current 360 doesn't support HDMI, unless you want to wait around two months for the new iteration that does. Your best bet will be the 360 VGA cable, gives a better picture IMO, and frees up the component & HDMI sockets.

Good point.

Not a 360 owner myself, have a PS3, so I'd forgotten that rather important detail ......

 

[erniebert1]

I got the Samsung 40" 73BD model m8 which I think is very similar and can confirm 360 via component is just superb quality. This will free up your HDMI slot for either SKY HD like i use it for or maybe for a upscaling dvd player etc for the future. Plus when it gets time in the future that you goning to have more than 1 HDMI input I have heard very good reports on the octava HDMI switches to give you either 3 or 5 extra HDMI inputs to your tv.

VGA input for the 360 is also a good option although imo component is the better option to go for.

lee

 

[MrMav11]

this is my dilema at the moment, get a Sammy LE40R74BD for around £700 or get the new LE40R87BD for about £850

I have an Xbox 360 and am getting V+ (HDMI) installed tomoroow ( can't wait)

Do I pay for the extra and get the new one or is the older one enough?, also the Sony KDL40S2530 can be had for £850 as well.

Out of those three which is best please? which would you do?

cheers

 

[erniebert1]

this is my dilema at the moment, get a Sammy LE40R74BD for around £700 or get the new LE40R87BD for about £850

I have an Xbox 360 and am getting V+ (HDMI) installed tomoroow ( can't wait)

Do I pay for the extra and get the new one or is the older one enough?, also the Sony KDL40S2530 can be had for £850 as well.

Out of those three which is best please? which would you do?

cheers

I think it depends on how you will upgrade for the future. At present you will only need 1 x HDMI for your V+ as 360 can be done via vga or component so your alright.

Are you looking to get more HDMI devices in the future, like HDMI dvd player or AMP etc.. as personally this will help determine which tv is best to get.

A decent HDMI switch ( like the octava ) will cost about £125 all in to give you extra HDMI inputs but if the LE40R87BD has 2 x HDMI and is only £150 more than really your only paying £25 more overall and you will not need another external device from your tv like the switch to worry about.

personally if your looking to keep your tv for the next 5 year or so, and are interested in upgrading maybe your dvd player, PS3 or amp to HDMI etc in the future then the extra £150 for the samsung LE40R87BD would imo be well worth it in the long run.

lee

p.s. Samsung TV & xbox 360 together are just superb m8.

 

[MrMav11]

I am defo looking at at least 5 years yes.

I wont be getting a PS3, maybe a new DVD player/amp all-in-one with 5.1 though, do you suggest I go for one with a HDMI socket?

Its a hard one as I also want a stand a black/chrome one to match, Currys were £130 where are these for sale cheaper?

If so then I will need 2 HDMIs wont I?

also I take it that the newer Sammy will be better in PQ, sound, contrast etc than the last you think?

cheers

 

[erniebert1]

I am defo looking at at least 5 years yes.

I wont be getting a PS3, maybe a new DVD player/amp all-in-one with 5.1 though, do you suggest I go for one with a HDMI socket?

Its a hard one as I also want a stand a black/chrome one to match, Currys were £130 where are these for sale cheaper?

If so then I will need 2 HDMIs wont I?

also I take it that the newer Sammy will be better in PQ, sound, contrast etc than the last you think?

cheers

Its another option for you m8, HDMI will upscale your dvd player and provide 5.1 without extra optical cables ( 99% of that ).

Sorry that i don't know, maybe if you can find out who makes the stands then you could google search them and see if there sold elsewhere cheaper.

Yes you will m8, 1 for V+ & 1 for your dvd player/ all in one.


That I can't comment on as I have not seen them in action but i would have to say that a newer improved panel which samsung are selling in their newer tv's, you would think that it will give better quality in picture etc..

lee

 

[MrMav11]

Its another option for you m8, HDMI will upscale your dvd player and provide 5.1 without extra optical cables ( 99% of that ).

How will you not need an optical lead? how will the connections go please?

How will I connect my 360 to the 5.1 system with HDMI, I will be on the lookout for a HDMI all-in-one that will upscale and with 5.1 as my current one doesnt have an optical or HDMI and so my 360 is only in Dolby stero (ie all speakers have the sound but its only in stereo not true 5.1 - do you knwo of any cheap systems?

cheers