Looking into a new gaming setup, suggestions wanted.

[Feba]

Basically, looking into getting a TV to set up apart from the living room, largely because I need a nicer set anyway, partially because a new entertainment center would eliminate one of my biggest reasons for not buying a PS3, and partially because having wires reaching out of your wall like the Chekov's Gun in a frightening Japanese porno doesn't look good for guests.

It would only be used for three things; Wii gaming (with component cables), PS3 gaming, and to display images from an old computer. Whatever would handle each of those tasks best; although the focus is by a large margin on the PS3 and Wii. HD, 16:9 are about my only requirements, and I'd like to get input on various brands, manufacturers, and types; although I'm leaning towards an LCD. Since I'd likely be buying a new PS3, which (unless Sony makes a nice announcement tomorrow) lacks BC, I'd be keeping my launch PS2, so I'd want that hooked up nicely as well (I know it has some high quality outputs, but never looked into them). Also, any information on PSP video out would be useful; although I'm going to look into that separately. Given the geometry of the room, a surround sound setup would just be awful, so I'll be using headphones instead for anything beyond watching sitcoms or playing Tetris. Information and recommendations on surround sound headphones would be appreciated.

It will be set up fairly close to the couch (I suck at units of measurement, but if you don't know how long a Sony DualShock 2 cord is you very badly need to go buy a PS2), so it doesn't need to be too large, although I'm not looking for something the size of a computer monitor. Advice on the entertainment console itself would be appreciated as well; it'll be setup somewhat in the middle of the room, so a way to conceal the backing (wires) would be good, although I want it to be very easy to access them. Price is definitely an issue, as is reliability and durability.

So that's basically everything I can think of to ask, although I'm sure I'll be back with more. Much thanks in advance to those who managed even to read this far, and of course those with good answers.

[Raydeus]

Re: Looking into a new gaming setup, suggestions wanted.

It would depend on your budget if you want to get something better but I'd suggest you go with an Aquos 1080p (32"-37" depending how close you are gonna be, since you are using it as PC monitor as well.)

Aquos have a good price and better image quality than you'd expect. And usually has at least 3 component, 2 HDMI and a VGA or two.

In my case I'm using a 32" 720p (1360x768 VGA and using 720p for the PS3) because I'm fairly close to it. Bought a cheap Aquos long time ago while 1080p got cheaper but was amazed because of how good Aquos are for the prize, so I'll stay Aquos unless something much better hits the market next year.

[TheGrandMom]

Re: Looking into a new gaming setup, suggestions wanted.

I totally agree with Raydeus. We have 3 Sharp Aquos LCD's in the house and we absolutely love them. Hubby has a Sony Bravia and while it is a nice LCD, its overpriced and not as good as our Aquos's. I use a 37" for my monitor and its too big. It's great for laying in bed and watching a movie/tv but for sitting close and playing FFXI or my PS3/360, it's too much. I had a 26" before this one and it was a GREAT size for a monitor and playing games closely.

[Feba]

Re: Looking into a new gaming setup, suggestions wanted.

well, my couch is also my bed, but again, I'm not looking to use it as a computer monitor. The computer would be hooked up to watch videos on it, not to do web browsing or anything. There will definitely be space; at least enough to set up a DDR mat or balance board.

[Raydeus]

Re: Looking into a new gaming setup, suggestions wanted.

Then probably a 37"-low 40's one would be good for you.

[Fliegar]

Re: Looking into a new gaming setup, suggestions wanted.

This information is damn useful to myself as well. I've been putting off buying a new TV for quite a while. Playing my Xbox360/PS3 on an SD TV is painful, especially since the games nowadays suffer from TTS (Text Too Small) syndrome.

[Caspian]

Re: Looking into a new gaming setup, suggestions wanted.

Headphones: Denon USA | Headphones
Premium Audio from Panasonic
Noise Canceling from Panasonic
Noise Canceling | Sony | SonyStyle USA
Studio Monitor | Sony | SonyStyle USA
I left out the wireless ones since given the DS2 cord limitations you shouldn't have any problem staying w/in headphone cord length. Also left out links for the "fashionable" headphones. Personally, I love Denon. There's a wide price range of headphones there and I trust there equipment. (Despite the fact that the pre-amp board on my receiver died a week after the warranty expired. I was assured that something like that happening is unheard of and simply my typical luck.)
Wiring: Are you planning on wall mounting the LCD or getting a stand for it? If you wall mount it, then cables are pretty much gauranteed to be an eyesore unless you run them through the wall (something that really isn't near as hard as it sounds, especially when you're not running them to opposite walls or rooms). If you get a stand, running them neatly in a bundle by the baseboard to wherever your component stand is shouldn't be too troublesome at all.

I think TGM and Raydeus know far more about LCD's than I. I bought a DLP a few years ago when 1080p LCD's were still retardedly expensive, even the smaller ones, so I don't know near as much about them. But those two have gotten me to start looking into AQUOS displays, when I do get one, it will likely be an AQUOS.

[Fliegar]

Re: Looking into a new gaming setup, suggestions wanted.

I was told that a good TV for gaming and such, was the Sharp LC42D85. While I have no idea what those numbers mean, besides the fact that I know it's a 42in TV, I've heard nothing but good things about it from several people who have one. As for the price, I think I'm looking at $1600 CDN, which isn't TOO terribly bad.

[TheGrandMom]

Re: Looking into a new gaming setup, suggestions wanted.

Filegar that is an Aquos also with 120hz refresh rate. I've seen the older Aquos's with a slower refresh rate next to the 120hz sets and they are very crisp and clear on the picture. They are a little pricey so I didn't bother getting one when I bought my newest LCD but they are very nice.

[Feba]

Re: Looking into a new gaming setup, suggestions wanted.

re you planning on wall mounting the LCD or getting a stand for it?

I'm planning on having it in the middle of the room, so on a stand. I'm more interesting in obscuring the wires behind a book/dvd case than trying to make them look nice; which isn't really feasible when it's not up against the wall anyway. Wiring the room isn't an issue if I must, my grandfather is (yes, present tense, and he's in his 70s. Dude be crazy) in construction, and most of my family picked up on it. But given that I'm not putting in a stereo, cable, or anything else, I don't think that's needed. And to some extent, it's more worthwhile to me to have messy cables and just hide them behind panels or curtains than neat cables which are a pain to mess with when needed.

[Fliegar]

Re: Looking into a new gaming setup, suggestions wanted.

Filegar that is an Aquos also with 120hz refresh rate. I've seen the older Aquos's with a slower refresh rate next to the 120hz sets and they are very crisp and clear on the picture. They are a little pricey so I didn't bother getting one when I bought my newest LCD but they are very nice.

I do agree that the one I'm looking at is fairly pricey. Are there any other TVs of a reasonable size I can get a better deal on, but still have the same quality of picture and such?

A friend of mine recently bought an LCD TV, and the TV's response time to videogames was slightly horrid (He's a Street Fighter fan, and he could barely pull off any combos at all because of it). So I don't want to fall into the same trap he did, unless he's an idiot and forgot to change some settings.

[TheGrandMom]

Re: Looking into a new gaming setup, suggestions wanted.

As far as gaming, my son and I both use a Sharp Aquos 37" LCD and have absolutely no issues at all. They do NOT have the 120hz refresh rate because at the time it was just too expensive.

Well here is a 42" with the 120hz refresh:

Dell : SHARP Sharp AQUOS 42' LC42D85U 120Hz 1080p LCD HDTV : Video Conferencing : Home & Home Office

and here is a 42" without the 120hz refresh:

Dell : SHARP SHARP AQUOS 42" LC42D65U 1080p LCD HDTV : Video Conferencing : Home & Home Office

There is a $300 difference (at this particular store) in the price for basically the same tv if you don't take the refresh rate into account.

At Amazon, you can get the 42" 120hz for $1063.00

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Aquos-LC42D85U-42-Inch-1080p/dp/B001E8WQG8/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238530641&sr=8-2]Amazon.com: Sharp Aquos LC42D85U 42-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV: Electronics[/ame]

and the regular 42" for $950.00, which is only $113.00 difference.

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Aquos-LC42D65U-42-Inch-1080p/dp/B001E93J36/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238530641&sr=8-1]Amazon.com: Sharp Aquos LC42D65U 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV: Your Store[/ame]

So you basically need to shop around, online AND irl. Some stores will price match online prices so its best to ask when you go in. Now I have bought tv's from Amazon.com and Dell.com so thats why I used them as an example. While Amazon.com has a lower price, the issue I have with it is the extended warranty. I always buy extended warranties on my big ticket electronics. They've saved my ass more than once too. With Amazon, the warranty is a little wonky. It's some place that you call and then they have a list of people locally that they'll pay to fix it and you have to haul it to where they are...blah blah blah. My husband is handicapped and I'm often in a wheelchair so this doesn't work so well. LOL Also the places where I could take it to get fixed were at least a 30 minute drive from my house.

On the other hand Dell.com has a much better warranty service so I went with them over Amazon with my most current purchase of two 37" Sharp LCD's. Without the warranty price, I paid $678.00 for one at Dell and currently they sell for $830.00 on Amazon. Always look online for coupons too! A good site is dealnews.com: Find the best deals on computers, laptops, HDTV, iPods, and MP3 players where they have coupons or specials for all kinds of items, including tv's. Google is your friend... <insert store name here> coupon and hit search. I've saved a ton of money using online coupons.

Of course, local stores might have a good warranty system too. I have purchased tv's from Best Buy and been very pleased with their warranty service. With our 60" DLP, it was a lifesaver. We had the tv for a little over a year when a component went out and so did the picture. Over the course of another year it went out an additional 3 more times. They have a lemon clause that says if the same issue happens with the tv 3 or more times then they'll refund your money or replace the tv with a comparable one. We didn't want another DLP which is what they offered (and it was a VERY nice one with an even bigger screen) so we took the money and put it towards a 52" Sharp Aquos LCD, which we adore.

So depending on how much a warranty is important to you, make sure you check into that thoroughly when you buy a tv, especially online. And as always, shop around!

[Fliegar]

Re: Looking into a new gaming setup, suggestions wanted.

Thank you very much TGM, I will most definately be shopping around. I never really buy things online, so I'm a little iffy about that, but it's better than paying $1600 when I could get it for $300+ less.

While I'm not really tech-savvy, I've been told that I'd be better off going for the 120hz refresh rate if I don't want to have any problems.

I might just cave and buy a 37" LCD like you and your son, since you havn't had any problems with them.