UltimateAVmag.com: Getting Started

Okay, let's take these one at a time. First of all, the largest Panasonic LCD TV is 37 inches, which is smaller than you want. As for Sony, I really like the XBR4 line, which currently includes a 46-incher for $3300; see my review of the 52-inch KDL-52XBR4, which seems to have been discontinued. I just got the new 52-inch KDL-52W4100 ($3000), so look for that review in a couple of weeks. I can also definitely recommend the Samsung LN52A750 ($3200) and, by extension, the LN52A650 ($3000), both of which have 52-inch screens. In fact, I prefer the Samsungs over the Sony XBR4 line, though the Sonys are no slouches.

The next question is easy: Hire a calibrator who has been certified by the ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) and/or THX. You can find an ISF-certified calibrator by clicking here and specifying the state in which you live. Be sure to select "ISF dealers with calibration equipment." THX's calibrator-certification program is very new, so there is no calibrator-finder function on its website yet.

As for whether to get a 5.1 or 7.1 surround system, this could stimulate some debate (which I welcome). In my opinion, 5.1 is fine—virtually all movies are released with 5.1 soundtracks, so why spend the extra money on a 7.1 system, which will synthesize the back two channels. I'd rather hear the soundtrack as the studio intended. On the other hand, I've started to see a few Blu-ray titles with true 7.1-channel soundtracks, so perhaps it's better to get 7.1 to be ready for the presumably growing number of such releases.

As for which sound system to get, that depends on your budget, which you don't specify. There are many good options here, from all-inclusive home-theater-in-a-box systems (complete with speakers and wiring) in the $1000-$2000 range to A/V receiver-based systems (which require a separate set of speakers) in the $2000-$10,000 range to systems with a separate preamp/processor and power amplifier (which also require a set of speakers) in the $6000-$25,000 range and even higher. Each of these categories offer increasing performance and complexity of set up, as you would expect with increasing cost.

You don't mention a source device, but I definitely recommend a Blu-ray player, which can also play standard DVDs. My favorites are the Panasonic DMP-BD50 ($600) and the Sony PlayStation 3 ($400-$500), which also offers a killer game console in the deal.

If you have an audio/video question for me, please send it to scott.wilkinson@sourceinterlink.com.

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Reader Comments

Posted Thu Aug14, 2008, 12:36 AM — By Fred M

Scott, great question and great answer! Here's my add to your comment about calibration. Beware the Circuit City come-on. They have trained their floor people to "give you a good price for a package that includes a setup." This from a two minute conversation with a floor stalker in the flat panel section a week ago. If they're not bragging about test equipment, you can assume there will be none. Also, 5.1 vs 7.1: can your room support side channels and back channels? According to thx, those side surrounds should be dipoles, which restricts your speaker choices somewhat. and those side channels should be located in line with your primary listening seating row. Is there a doorway or window where your speaker would be? I agree with Scott; in most cases 5.1 is the right choice, but 7.1 has the potential for better surround system in the future.

Posted Thu Aug14, 2008, 4:37 PM — By Sony 52w4100

I am looking forward to your review of 52w4100. I also think many of AVS Forum members with the w4100 series TVs will be happy to get a professional review and your calibrated settings.

Posted Fri Aug15, 2008, 12:19 AM — By Scott Wilkinson

I'll be working on the 52W4100 over the next few days. However, I hope that you and other AVS Forum members take my settings with a big grain of salt and do your own setup. As I say in each TV review, my settings may not bring other samples of the same model into optimum performance. Tolerances in parts and manufacturing can vary as much as 15%, so my settings could be way off in other samples.

In fact, I've been thinking about not including settings in TV reviews for just this reason—they are nearly meaningless for other samples. On the other hand, they do provide a starting point that each owner can then tweak. What do you think?

Posted Fri Aug15, 2008, 1:40 PM — By Sony 52w4100

I would be happy to get more information for the settings. CNet and TweakTV posted some for the 46w4100, as did the other users - but I would certainly like to see your take on the 52 inch model. Thank you!

Posted Fri Aug15, 2008, 3:29 PM — By Bill Z

oh, the other comment i have is for the original emailer. why LCD tv and why have you sworn off plasma? There are certainly reasons to do so, but for your size typically i think you get way more bang for the buck with plasma, but it depends of course somewhat on teh application. i mostly watch sports and movies, so a plasma was a no brainer to me, but perhaps you have sever light control issues or want to use it as a PC Monitor.

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