i'm FINALLY getting a big screen tv!! i have questions....

[NightGod]

Typical audiophile answer-as I said, I've been using it that way for months (after trying running the audio directly to the surround sound system, neither I nor my friends could tell a bit of difference). Sure, it may be the fact that I'm using a low-end receiver-very likely is, in fact, but given hulkster's current budget concerns, I doubt he's in any different position than I am.

And what do you suggest doing in the case of using HDMI inputs? Since my DVD player uses HDMI and my cable is direct coax (and will be HDMI once my satellite gets installed in a couple of weeks), I'm curious.

[boykster]

The suggestions in this thread are following the "use the AVR as the signal hub" approach.  Run all the cables to the AVR and switch/convert video and audio then send it to the display.  It eliminates cable runs TO the display, only requiring 1 set of video cables from the AVR to the TV.  Considering this run generally is the longest one (other gear tends to reside near the AVR) it can really clean up cabling issues, as well as enabling seamless audio and video switching all in one.

IF you have HDMI devices that support audio transmission as well, its ok to connect directly to your display, then back wire to the receiver, but unless your display will allow you to run a digital audio link back to the receiver, you will only get stereo audio rather than surrounds sound.  It doesn't take an "audiophile" to hear the difference between a properly calibrated multi-channel soundsystem and a stereo feed to 5.1 speakers.

There is no "right" way to hook this stuff up.  The best video/audio system is the one that looks good to you and works for you. 

[hyiu]

if its true audiophile... (a couple of places I have been to...) they have dedicated power lines running from the fuse box.... (one actually have a fuse box pulled to the audio / video room so that everything is separate on a different fuse.... and from that point on, basically everything is separated out.... there's no mixing.... trying to eliminate interferrence.... the whole 9 yards.... (it is crazy....)

for most of us normal people... (me included) we're basically given a budget, and setup a way so that its convinent, and within our budget, and look and sound decent...

to be honest... as long as the componment wires are not too long.... (6 ft or less)...
I really don't think using the monoprice $30 box or a $300 switching box will make any remarkable difference.... (especially you're not spending extra $$$ on PURE copper or silver wires...)

I think it will be acceptable... and within budget....

[Sir Auros]

One thing that I haven't seen answered here is how to care for the bulb in a DLP.

• Don't cut the power on it, so the fan can properly cool down the bulb
• Don't leave it on if you're not using it
• Buy a replacement plan that will cover one bulb replacement

Might be too late for that last bit, but the fear people have over bulb TVs is overhyped. DLP was a good choice for videogames unless you can see the rainbow effect.

As for your 360, if you hook it up via a VGA cable, you can still get 720p and it will upconvert DVDs to that resolution too. Looks so good that I use my 360 as my primary DVD player now.