theblackdragon
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Posts posted by theblackdragon
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Do you think that the Vizio's at Sams is a good buy?
42" 1080p, 120 hz - $698 (no shipping cost). The BF ad does not have a 42" advertised. Thanks for the help
Yes it looks great if it is the one I saw. I was there last Friday and my wife wants one for the bed room.
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=437813&pCatg=13308
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=427448&pCatg=13308
I like the one with the I-Pod built into the front. But that is just me.
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WOW, that was almost a fight.
It doesn't really matter that much either way.
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any chance we'll get the bst buy ad tonight?
None what so ever:(
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So far this seems to be the best deal.
Sears
Sony 32" Class LCD HDTV (Model KDL-32L504) - $379.99
Sylvania 37" LC370SS9 LCD HDTV - $399.99
VIZIO 32" ECO HDTV (Model VO320E) - $349.99
AOC 32" Full HD LCD TV - $379.99
K-Mart
Element 26" LCD HDTV (Model # 26LE30Q) - $249.99
Sony Bravia L Series 32" Class 720p LCD HDTV (Model # KDL32L504) - $379.99
More to come I'm sure
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I wanted to post this just in case some people were interested in a really big TV that do not care about how thin it is, and are on a budget. This is a rear projection LCD TV that has a great price tag for the size. Here is something else to keep in mind this holiday season.
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I'd look hard at the Samsung HT-BD1250. Lots of nice reviews including this recent one.
I have been studying them both for months. I do understand that rear wireless speaker are easier, but they lose a bit in the sound transfer, plus any time I put my cell phone or laptop near them that make an annoying "humming" noise. I already have a 5 disk changer HTiB, I am looking for a Blue Ray player and I don't want a PS3. The reason I considered a separate receiver was to be able to integrate everything into one, but my wife said that she doesn't want the cable on the home theater system. It is too noisy for watching the news.
Thanks for the advise, but I know what I am going after.
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Just an update for you, Dragon. The PS3 is now selling for $250 and Netflix support is rolling out in November. Right now, I am using a trial of Playon to watch Netflix (also a trial) on my PS3 -- thanks for stirring my interest. I see why you put ondemand movies on your list of features. For $9/month you get as many DVDs as you can ship back and forth and while you're waiting for the next DVD to arrive, you can stream 12,000 'instant' movies from their library. Not sure I'll buy Playon, but Netflix looks like a keeper.
Mostly I am start to look more for a home theater in a box. The Playstation 3 is cool, but I really don't play games anymore. I still think that a separate receiver is the best sound, but I also needed to think that I am only there on the weekends and a HTB is a better price saver.
Here are the 2 that I am looking for,
I am leaning towards the LG just because of price and the built in I-Pod cradle.
Sears BF add has the Samsung for $397 which is about $50 off. But I expect that the LG will just drop even more because the reviews put it just below the Samsung. I saw it last weekend for $331 and am now kicking myself for not just buying it. I also checked to see when the new models come out. Looks like Feb is going to be the time to shop if I miss it on BF.
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I have seen these for $600-$700 on a regular basis on bargain sites. I got one with a 1200w 5.1 htib for $930 *last* September. Panasonic and Samsung look great, Sonys look great too, but are more expensive, and Pioneer Kuros look best but are *much* more expensive. You don't need 1080p on a 50" tv unless you are going to use it as a computer screen.
My experience, lots of links, and lots of reviews (mostly from last year but still valid especially for 720p) here.
I would agree about 720p TV's unless you are going to Blue Ray. Then needing a 1080i TV is a must. But that is just my opinion.
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Just a little thought, every new tech item becomes an old tech item at some point. After reading the news about the OLCD, I may look into buying a flat panel for the bedroom.
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My tv came with a 1200w 5.1 speaker system with a five disc upconverting player. It is paired with the tv, so the back speakers power on when a program is encoded to use them. The rear satellites are small and wireless. It sounds good. I'm happy.
But I'm not an expert and recommend you read through buyers guides...
Always a sound idea. LOL:yup:
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Thank you, theimage13, len_mullen, and theblackdragon!
Great research and advice!!!!
I am "hoping" to buy a Samsung 46" LED and Home theatre(wireless) and Blu-Ray for Hubby for Christmas\Anniversary\Bday
Any advice on the speaker system?
Maybe this will be helpful:
Home theater in a box
A home theater in a box is where the audio receiver is built into the player. It could be a DVD player or a Blue Ray Player but everything is in one box, the speakers the player/receiver and the wires. We have a Panasonic 5 disk DVD changer with wireless rear speakers and so far the sound is concerned it is just decent. On a scale of 1-10 ours is about a 6. There are some sets that have wired rear speakers and some that are "wireless". The "wireless rear speakers" is really deceptive in the wording. There is a box that both rear speakers connect to that is wireless, but you still will have wires running between them. The box is about 6" wide by 6" long by 4" tall. It took me a while to figure out where to put it so that the receiver/DVD could find it, and so it wasn't just in front of the couch. Be careful about buying a wireless speaker system. The sound can get kinda jumpy at times. The sound isn't bad, but every now and then just stops for about a 1/2 second. Just long enough to distract you. There are also some connection issues in this method. I have a PS2, a Wii, a cable box, and another DVD player that I can not connect to this system. There is no input to the system in most HTiaB! If you want surround sound on anything other than DVD/Blue Ray player your out of luck with this system.
Receiver and speakers with separate player
This is the old fashioned way that people have done for years. The receiver is a stand alone box that does nothing but control sound. The device (Game system, DVD/Blue Ray, cable box, etc) is connected to the receiver, as well as the speakers and the receiver is then connected to the TV. There is a lot more money involved in this one, and there are even some compatibility issues that can come up. Does this receiver work with that type of TV? Most of these question can be answered buy looking at the connection types you have or want, HDMI, Coaxial, RCA, etc are the normal connection types. Make sure that you know what types of connections that you have, what the devices you want have, and make sure that the receiver has enough open connection ports to connect to everything you need it to. Almost everything is switching over to the HDMI connection. This is already the preferred connection for Blue Ray and PS3. There are wireless speakers with this option as with the other, but they have the same problems. Sorry.
I recommend a stand alone receiver system. I really don't have anything against a theater in a box (I actually do own a home theater in a box), but for the best sound, a stand alone system is just better. It is a lot more stuff to buy, and it is a lot more work, and it does cost a lot more, but that is about the best sound you can get.
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Thank you, theimage13, len_mullen, and theblackdragon!
You have all been INCREDIBLY helpful and I really appreciate it!!! Before reading your info, I know I would have paid too much for a tv that was too big and, for what we'll use it for, unnecessary.
Your welcome
i used to work at ps3 tech support and commonly, when people used them solely for bd movies they would brick (become useless without repair) shortly. i always felt bad so i warn people as much as possible. sorry, slightly ot.
I have heard about this, I like to pay games, but in recent years, I just don't have that much time. But, in truth, I think that buying a system like this for a cheap Blue Ray player, you could go a lot cheaper. I have been seeing them for as little $129. I chose that model because it is a wireless system that has all the right features.
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I think that the lack of competition will make BB quite a bit higher than they have been in recent years. HH Gregg is a nice store, but they are mostly furniture and are not geared toward just electronics BB. Although looking at their site, I think that may change very soon.
Nerd Heaven!
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You may want to consider a PS3 as your blu-ray player. With prices coming down, it's a viable alternative even for people who will never play games. Besides the player function and internet connectivity, you can use a pc to stream content to it. Kids are always watching content stored on their PCs.
Samsung BD-P3600 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player
In addition, the stylish BD-P3600 boasts cutting edge features like support for Netflix and Pandora movie/music streaming; wireless capability with the included USB dongle; BD-Live support; and two USB connections for updating firmware or playing back digital media files. Watch your favorite DVDs and Blu-ray Discs, listen to CDs with the highest-quality audio, stream internet content and plenty more with this sleek and powerful player.
PS3 is a fine system, but, I would prefer something that has all the features I want, and none of the extras I don't. There is also a pretty big price difference in the two.
Samsung BD-P3600= $279 off sale
PS3 = $299 off sale
Plus the PS3 isn't likely to go down much more than it is, it is too popular. The Samsung I am hoping will drop to maybe $199 or if I am really lucky $150.
Thanks for the advise though.:)
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I'm considering a new TV set for the master bedroom for DH, but I'm completely clueless about tvs.
In our living room we have a 42" Panasonic Plasma 1080p (at least I think that's what it is) that we LOVE. It was purchased when Plasmas had just recently been released from Best Buy for $2500 (which makes me SICK when I see people posting prices like $399).
I'm assuming that 1080p is better than 720p...? So is 1080i better than 1080p? Is it worth the extra money?
As far as the resolution on the TV is concerned the thing you need to look at is what are you watching?
If you have ever noticed what they are playing on those nice TV's it is almost always either sports or movies. You will also notice at places like Best Buy that the lights in that part of the building are lowered. There are reason for these things.
TV
If your going to watch mostly television shows like House, Lost, or the local news, then it really doesn't matter if you have a 720p or 1080i TV. Most TV shows are shot using the same cameras that they were using in the early 90's. So even if you have HD through your cable or satellite provider you are not getting true HD. Mostly because the resolution on most service providers is at best just 850 to 900 Dots Per Inch (DPI) and the show was filmed in 720 DPI. Now it would look a little cleaner because the resolution is better, but from personal experience I can tell you it isn't really any better than the old CRT TV's. It doesn't matter if your TV is Progressive (p) or Interlaced (i) at this point because you are not seeing the true HD that you are looking for. This is starting to change though and some shows are actually filmed in a higher resolution, but still, it usually isn't even close 1080 DPI and it will be quite some years before it is as good as Blue Ray.
SPORTS & MOVIES
Sports like MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, and the Olympics actually have upgraded their cameras to the higher resolutions so they can take fuller advantage of the 1080p format. Which means that it is a progressive DPI like your DVD player is. That is also why if you have watch a sports event on an HDTV every now and then will give you a little jump in the picture. The progressive is where it just anticipates next row of pixels according to a pixel map and doesn't get it just right. Your eyes just barely pick up on it, but that is what your seeing.
Blue Ray is the absolute best that you can want and it is the thing that you are seeing in the stores that are trying to sell you an HDTV. They do this because unlike most things that are coming thought the cable or satellite providers, it is true HD. The picture is clean and crisp, not to mention just flawless.
Now, I know what your thinking, "I go into Best Buy and they are playing sports on some TV's and Blue Ray on others". Well, if you pay attention to the resolution on the TV's you will notice why. The TV's that are not 1080i are always playing sports or if they are 720p they are playing just local news or a sitcom. The one that are playing Blue Ray movies are always 1080i. They want you to see how good it is and convince you to buy it. If you also notice that the lights are lowered in the TV section it is because you are focused on the picture and not on the distance that you are from the TV. The isle in Best Buy are even more narrow so you can't get 7 to 10' back like you would at home. So the picture looks even better. Sneaky huh?
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If for some reason you do not get the TV that you want of BF, check in the first weeks of next year at most electronic stores.
I waited in line from 6PM until 5:30AM 2 years ago for an LCD TV that was on sale for BF. I didn't get it and me and my wife were really disappointed that we didn't get it. After the first of the year, we were reading the Best Buy add and saw a 56" LCD 1080i TV for only $959
. We were at the doors when they opened. Bought it and have had noting but bliss ever since. The guy at Best Buy told us that they get rid of the older models in the beginning of the year for a song, just to make room for the new models.This year, I am going after a Samsung BD-P3600 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player. YEAH BABY!!
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I dont know much about laptops but I am starting school again soon and I need to have one. I wanted one from Office Depot but I didnt get there in time and I missed it. I wanted one with 3-4 GB memory and 250GB or more processor. Where online or in store do I go now. I didnt want to spend more than 600 dollars. Do you think there will be more sales beofre Christmas??
I am right there with you. I was going to camp out at Best Buy for that same computer until I saw it in the Office Depot add. I thought, why would I sit in front of BB for 15 hours when I could get the same thing at OD for 10 buck more and none of the stuff I didn't care about anyway. I like you missed out on the OD computer. I came home and started hitting every store add figuring that I could find something close, I ended up finding it online. Bought this beauty that is just a little higher priced than I wanted, but, well, you decided.
http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=223182
Stats
Specifications
HP G60-120US 15.6" Widescreen Laptop
Price
Price was:$779.99
You save:-$130.00
You pay:$649.99
Mail-in rebate(s):-$50.00 (I am not crazy about this part either but EHH)
Price after
rebate:$599.99
Processor
Processor brand AMD
Processor type Turion 64 X2
Processor speed 2.0GHz
Level 2 cache 1MB
Memory
RAM 3GB
RAM expandable to: 4GB
Memory type (RAM) Info unavailable
Expansion slots 2
Available expansion slots 0
Storage/Drives
Hard drive speed 5400RPM
Hard drive size 250GB
Burns DVDs Yes (Can you say LightScribe)
Graphics and sound
Screen size (diagonal) 15.6"
Maximum screen resolution 1366 x 768
Video memory 1407MB (NVIDIA GeForce 8200M)
Video memory type Shared
Ports
TV tuner No
Express card No
S-video out No
Media card slot Yes
VGA Yes
USB 2.0 3
Firewire 0
Infrared port No
PC card No
HDMI slots Yes
Internet/networking
Dial-up modem Included
Ethernet Yes
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n
Bluetooth No
Built-in webcam Yes
General features
Operating system Windows® Vista Home Premium (64 bit BABY!)
Fingerprint reader No
Battery life 2.5 hours
UPC 884420402145
Manufacturer's part number G60-120US
Dimensions
Height 9.9 inches
Width 14.9 inches
Depth 1.6 inches
Weight 6.1 lbs.
Plus I got MS Office 2007 Home & Student for FREE!!!
Sorry about the add ons, I am a little excited.
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That's why they don't come in the entrance they have the customers line up at, lol. They come in through the mall at an undisclosed entrance where they are met by security. Even when they do open the doors to start handing out the tickets they are escorted by security and most of the time the police sends at least 1 car over and has one come by all night about every 20 minutes or so jus to make sure there are no problems. Thanksgiving the police just go from store to store almost all night making sure no one on the lines get into a fight.
Good God man, do you live in the hood or what!?!?
I am not as seasoned as...well.... almost everyone here, but the store I was at there was no security, no police, no fights and the employees just came to the front door and the manager let them in. Where ever you are, I am not sure I would go, not without my "piece" anyway.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/theblackdragon02/Smilies/War%20Smilies/14_6_12.gif
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Well, considering I can buy just about everything BB has at a lower priceon Newegg.com, I am not shocked.
After I built my new pc (parts from Newegg), I went into BB to see how much I had saved and it was close to $900 in savings... and this is not even a "top of the line" pc... wow !
If you already had the operating system then I can tell you why. When you are looking at new PC's in the store as compared to one that you build yourself, it is labor & the operating system cost you so much. Anytime that you buy a system in the store you are paying about 20% for the parts, 30% for the labor, and 50% for the operating system. That makes up for about 80% of the cost in store. This is also one of the reasons that laptops are so much higher than desktops. Although this is starting to change with a few barebone kits for laptops, still too rich for my blood though (About $500-$750 with no parts
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You could always ask the other people what they are getting if you wind up being number 25. Most people don't mind telling you, but watch out that no one tries cutting in front of you before they give out the tickets.
Last year wasn't as bad as 2006 here in :::location left out to avoid additional competition, lol:::. Besides, where I go if you get there early enough there is a covered awning and the wind is blocked on 3 sides. The year before I was a little late and froze on the line rather than in a semi-sheltered area.
Only 500 people on line? Dang, I should go to that location, lol. The line here stretched from the entrance through the entire parking lot and around past other stores that didn't have any lines (TARGET, lol). Like I said though, not nearly as bad as other locations. Besides, if you stand there all night, have a backup plan of a second computer you are interested in getting. I'm planning to get the $379 or more likely the $479, but I'll take either (or both) and I'll get the $150 laptop (rumored to be announced Thanksgiving Day) and possibly the Sony (also rumored to sell at $300 but not announced yet). You really can't go wrong with any of those deals.
Last year, me and my "crew" made our own tent with an pop up awning and 4 tarps. lol
My wife's uncle brought a recliner and just kicked back for the night.
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GRAB THEM THEY WORK AT BEST BUY!!!
We can beat the information out of them!!!
Just kidding:gdbusted:
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Depending on the location you might have to get there the night before (Wednesday night) or try finding a less popular location. Last year I got on line at 3:30pm and I got what I wanted (barely) but the year before the line was empty at that time. You look like you're in Nashville Tn which is a larger city, maybe try another location a little further from the city if you want to have better luck. Last year I was hearing about the Best Buy 25 minutes away that had a line much larger than where I was because it was a bigger city. Actually there was another Best Buy about 40 minutes away that there were news reports of a 5 miles line of traffic trying to get to that location. It's all about location, it could be worthwhile to drive 30 minutes out of the city for shorter lines (BY NO MEANS WOULD I SAY SHORT LINES since a short line, the short line where I was last year had about 5000 people and stretched for almost 1/4 mile byt the time they let people in)
Thanks, I am going to try a different area this time. Last year, they had 21 of each item in stock, so I know that if I get there at 3 and there is already 25 or more, I am going home.
For the record though, there was only about 500 people in line at our store, so it really wasn't all that bad as far as the line went. My major gripe last year was; every single day that month the high temp. in the day was about 65 or 70 degrees and the nights were between 40 and 50 degrees. That night, 24 degrees and 30 mph wind.
The next night, calm winds and 45 degrees. I am just looking for a decent laptop, but, I know that is a big ticket item. I need a printer and a camcorder as well, so it really just breaks down to what they have have this go around.
I guess I will just have to wait till the 24th just like everyone else.
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As I said, I was at the one in Antioch last year. We didn't have any trouble and we never saw the police. I think that while it isn't the best neck-of-the-woods, so to speak, it would not be a good idea for anyone to start any trouble. They are libel to get beaten to death.
The next night, calm winds and 45 degrees. 
>>> Official Black Friday 2009 HDTV Discussion Thread <<<
in 2009
Posted