Trying to learn the basics...............

[craste]

hello all.

I'd like to replace my old LG big fat old style tv with a nice new flat screen slim tv very soon and want to make sure I get the best TV set up as possible for my money.

I have a few questions first and I'd really appreciate it if some of you with knowledge of this could point me in the right direction.


1. how do I find out the optimum screen size to get - I hear that sometimes if the screen is too big/small you are not getting the best result depending on how far you sit away from the screen - is there a handy on-line chart to advise this anywhere?

2. If my TV does go on the wall what's the best way of dealing with all the wires - is it a case of channeling out the wall and putting in some trunking and then plastering over it or is there a better/new way of dealing with this - as If there is a power lead, scart lead and HDMi lead etc it will be a lot of cables to hide? you see the Tv's in the brochures with no wires showing and they look fab!

Thanks in advance

Craig.

Edited by craste on Thursday 10th September 17:01

Edited by craste on Thursday 10th September 22:45

[WeirdNeville]

craste said:

I'd like to replace my old LG big fat old style tv with a nice new flat screen slim tv very soon and want to make sure I get the best TV set up as possible for my money.

I have a few questions first and I'd really appreciate it if some of you with knowledge of this could point me in the right direction.

1. If I install the new TV on the wall should the top of the screen be at eye height like it you do with a computer monitor?

General concensus is that the middle of the screen should be at eye height. This is what I have and it works well for me. The main problem is people mounting it too high - over the fireplace for example. This will cause neck strain over time.

craste said:

2. how do I find out the optimum screen size to get - I hear that sometimes if the screen is too big/small you are not getting the best result depending on how far you sit away from the screen - is there a handy on-line chart to advise this anywhere?

Try this size guide from Sony . It's basically a function of the definition of the sources you will be watching, the distance you sit from the TV and how much "Wow" factor you want. If you ONLY watch standard definition sources, so DVDs, Freeview and stuff, then you can have a smaller telly as large TV's will look poor with a low quality source. Same goes if you have to sit close to it. If you mainly play Blu-Ray and games at HD, and are planning on forking out for HD TV subscription services, then a bigger telly is a must to get the most of your sources.

craste said:

3. If my TV does go on the wall what's the best way of dealing with all the wires - is it a case of channeling out the wall and putting in some trunking and then plastering over it or is there a better/new way of dealing with this - as If there is a power lead, scart lead and HDMi lead etc it will be a lot of cables to hide? you see the Tv's in the brochures with no wires showing and they look fab!

Yup. Conduit within the wall is the way of getting a "clean" install. You can also get ducting that's not too intrusive. I found some semi circular section conduit that is not too obviuous running along the skirting board. Cable wise, you will probably get away with just power, HDMI, Co-Ax aerial cable for digital TV and possibly an fibre optic digital audio cable. Depending on your number of sources and how you plan on connecting them you may end up with many more, particularly HDMI cables as you could need 1 per source. Be aware you should avoid running the co-ax aerial cable and the power cable together, and ideally the HDMI should be away form power too so you might need 2 routes in to the TV. Plan your whole system before you start taking walls apart. Consider paying for a professional installer, they're not light and fitting the correct bracket in a secure way can be a bugger (and you don't want your telly falling off the wall).

craste said:

Thanks in advance
Craig.

No problem, hope it helps.

[satans worm]

[quote=WeirdNeville
General concensus is that the middle of the screen should be at eye height. This is what I have and it works well for me. The main problem is people mounting it too high - over the fireplace for example. This will cause neck strain over time.

[/quote]

Would have to strongly disagree with this, it all depends how far away from the screen you are, our 46inch is mounted above a fireplace and we sit around 4 meters away from the screen, absolutly no issues for me or the wife, at first I was concerned due to the amount of people saying you shouldn't do it, but I dont even think about it now, feels 100pct natural.

If you are unsure best just try visualising it place and see how you feel.

[mcflurry]

The answer is biggest is best. Obviously. lol.

[craste]

WeirdNeville, Satans Worm, & mcFlurry

Thanks for your comments they are a great help - its good to get feedback and do a good job first time.

I think I'll be looking at Sony, Pioneer and Panasonic TV's when I go shopping.

I can't wait for GT5 to come out - thats part of the reason i want a st hot Tv to play it on.

[PJ S]

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=7...
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=7...