Blu-Ray or Bust

My Guide to Going High-Def on a Budget

So it's that time. You've gone to your friend's place and have witnessed the awesome-sauce that is his entertainment center. You watched Australia on Blu-Ray... and  actually liked it. Not because of Hugh Jackman's bulging biceps or Nicole Kidman's... pastiness, but because of the pretty colors and loud noises. You know if you liked that epic mediocrity that it's time for a high definition set-up of your own. The only problem: You don't have your friend's job and don't think you can afford a 55-inch TV, PS3 and 7.1 home theater system with wireless rear speakers and Wi-Fi built in.

Well I'm here to tell you not to worry, because you can go high-def on a budget and still compare favorably to any pad around. (Besides that couch... you should really get rid of that thing. That stain that used to be on the top of the cushion you've since flipped? It's still there. And it's still nasty.)

The Centerpiece

Obviously when we're talking entertainment centers it starts in one place: The TV. The centerpiece of your entertaining, you can't miss on this shot. Picking the right size, brand, type, and most effectively equipped can make or break your fun. So keep to a few guidelines when picking a TV. First, know the brand. Dynex may be cheap, but they're also... cheap. Don't expect it to last more than a few years, where it will certainly be out of warranty, putting you right back at Best Buy picking out another one. Sony (best all-around tech), Samsung (so pretty and almost as good), and Sharp (gorgeous but pricey) sets are your top of the line. You may pay some extra cash for the name, but they're ultimately dependable and look fantastic, and since they're all over the place, it ensures you'll be able to find a deal on the one you want. Underneath that is Toshiba, LG, Vizio, Westinghouse, and various other familiar brands. These names are at least known and can compare favorably with some of the big boys without the hefty price tag. Anything other than those names... be wary. Most of it's recycled parts from other sets slapped into one cheap frame.

What else do you need to know before buying a TV? Know your space. Keeping the TV stand you already own or even getting a new one? Make sure it can support the weight of a decently-sized picture box. Want to wall-mount? Make sure you get the proper mount and know where a stud is in your wall. Check the set's outputs and inputs. HDMI is the wave of the future, so seeing how many possible connections it has can avoid wrenches in the works later. Size-wise? Don't go with anything under 32", especially if it's for your living room. Sets 40" and up are the best bets are don't cost the arm and a leg they did three or four years ago. As for the type? Go LED-LCD or LCD, in that order. Don't go plasma. They're a dying breed.

Now, some go overboard on the television when they don't have to and fail to compliment it with the proper equipment. All that leaves them with is a giantly awesome TV with a crap DVD player and no extra speakers. FAIL. If there's a place to spend a little extra dough, it's on the TV, but you certainly don't have to in order to have a wicked awesome set-up. For a purchase that's going to last, look good and not break your bank, the (retail) price tag will likely fall somewhere between $700 and $900.

The Media Player

So you're got your TV picked out, but now what to do with it? Aside from the antenna/cable/satellite, you're going to want to watch flicks where things blow up. But what to watch them on? Blu-Ray players are cheaper than ever with low-end models around 100 bucks. Now these won't have all the bells and whistles (Netflix streaming, Wifi-Ready out of the box), but they can get you started until you can afford something better. As far as brands go, stick with Sony or Samsung. After that you could be at risk of crapitude. If you have extra money to throw at one, pick Sony's new Blu-Ray machine with Google TV built in. Though if you feel like you'd ever want to pick up a controller and blow stuff up yourself, get a PS3. It's got a great Netflix app and a library of video games that can wonderfully waste your free time.

Lovely.

The Aural Enhancer

Knock it off perv, I said "aural." You're such a child. After picking out a TV and perhaps a media player, you're two-thirds of the way towards your goal. What's left? Making sure you go deaf of course! It's time to pick out a sound system. This is typically where so many people lose their minds and completely give up. Sounds systems come in all different sizes and price points, from already put-together receiver/speaker sets to packages with Blu-Ray players built in to the horribly expensive "build it yourself" varieties. Unless you're a rich sound geek (or just a rich person who has a sound geek for a buddy), I'd avoid the last one.

Sound systems serve two purposes nowadays. Not only do they obviously supplant your TV's tiny speakers, but they're typically designed to be a plug-hub for all your equipment. So you could end up running your cable/satellite box into your Blu-Ray player or receiver, which will then run into your TV. If your TV has multiple HDMIBlu-Rays/video games all have surround sound. Nothing bothers me more than untapped sound potential.

What some of you will see when looking at sound systems is a set of numbers that applies to them. Usually ranging from 2.1 to 5.1 to 7.1. This refers to the number or speakers or "channels" that the system employs, with the ".1" being a sub-woofer for that bassy goodness. You probably want that. 7.1 packers are ungodly expensive, clocking in at over $600. They're easily recognizable because they feature a set of dual front speakers that are a great deal taller than the rest, most often on a thin stand. While those extra speakers are nice, the systems aren't worth you spending the extra $200 (at least.) Already owning a PS3, I snagged a decent 5.1 Sony receiver/speaker combo for (at the time) $350. I recently picked out a Samsung Blu-Ray player / speaker set-up at the same price for my father as a Christmas gift, which he's entirely happy with. I mean, he's old and likes things loud, so it works for him.

If you have a smaller room, then a sound bar is a safe, cheap alternative to a high-priced package. Sound bars are exactly what you'd think they are, like this Sony Sound Bar over at Amazon. They typically range from $150 to $250 (but can get cheaper) and produce a healthy amount of sound for the price. Most come with a sub-woofer and simulate 2.1 through 5.1 surround sound without the multiple speakers but still feature enough inputs to compete. (Though HDMI will probably be your only connection option.)

What Makes it All Work

HDMI cables are the new revolution of cables. Just plug it in and go. So make sure you don't forget about them. Nothing is more disappointing than setting up all of your equipment and finding out you forgot the little bit of rubber and wire that connects them. Still, that doesn't mean you need to drop $90 bucks on some behemoth of an HDMI cable at Best Buy. So unnecessary. A quick search on Amazon or eBay will find you plenty of HDMI's on the cheap. (In fact, I bought three cables at a cheaper price than it took to ship them.) Spending more than $15 bucks on a cable is sheer lunacy. Don't do it.

Finally, here are a few extra tips. Never buy a TV unless it's on sale. You'll steer clear of the eventual frustration you'll feel when you see it for $100 less only a week after you bought it. Keep an eye out for package deals as well. Start saving now. The earlier you start putting some money aside, the better technology you can buy. This will keep you from needing to upgrade in the near future. Finally, buy a few choice 'splodey or special effects filled Blu-Rays to show off your new system. I know you love Superbad, but it can wait.

Sorry fellas.

After all is bought and paid for, you should be able to easily and completely overhaul your in-house entertainment experience for under $1500. Have at it!

Have any experiences/comments? Leave them below!

And before you say it, I'm not a Sony fanboy. I just happen to have a ton of experience with their products.