LCD & Home Entertainment System reccommendations

Blue-ray, DIVx, dvd, upscaling, music, Pic viewing (i love this), storage, wifi, heck u can even play games on it (remember an HD tv is like a normal tv unless u have or plan to get HD input).
Blue ray is stunning, but it has to be on TV >= 40 (unlike CNA & look&listen who use a 32" and i dont see a big diff).

Hi,

Looking at getting a 42" Full HD LCD

Then something like a 6.2 Home Entertainment system or whichever supports the HDMI
 
Ok

Now that we have established a tough budget and what to look for in the product, where is a good place to purchase and likely where should one not go

Candidates are

Trade Centre
Hi-Fi Corporation
Makro
Dions/Game
Cats Digital
Sounds Great
 
Ok

Now that we have established a tough budget and what to look for in the product, where is a good place to purchase and likely where should one not go

Candidates are

Trade Centre
Hi-Fi Corporation
Makro
Dions/Game
Cats Digital
Sounds Great

Ive had good service from Dion Wired... they even matched the competitors pricing... also keep in mind the size of the room where you will keep the TV, 46" is quite big. You dont want to sit very close to it.
 
I posted them because I have the 6.2 system without the HDMI/Bravia. The sound is damn good for the price (Not the best but damn good). I want to upgrade to the 7.1 system but need to sell the older unit first (or donate it to my son).

Regards to LCD TV look at the Full HD 100/120/200 HR'z models. More costly but you will be impressed. Else the Plasma's are a better bet. I hate that spectator or fast movement blurr in the cheaper LCD's. That alone will make ma spend another 5-10K for quality.

I am guessing that the HDMI was then added to the 6.2 System as according to this link it has it:

http://www.sony.co.za/product/ht-ddw5500
 
I am guessing that the HDMI was then added to the 6.2 System as according to this link it has it:

http://www.sony.co.za/product/ht-ddw5500

Yeo, thats the new version. It also have the auto speaker setup facility with mic which works wonders. My friend have the better version than mine (also without hdmi) and the effect is great. The new version also have much better subs. Also the Bravia's have via HDMI the sync controls that will automatically start, if configured, the AMP/LCD/ PS3 Slim when any unit is swicthed on. No more fiddling to select the correct channels for sound etc.

Re the Two sub to one sub issue. Its not an issue at all. The one sub system in the 7.2 can be extended by using a simple parralel signal as the Subs is active units, that means they have their own power and amp thus only need the signal input. Also I would rather purchase a dedicated sepperate Sony sub which is much better in sound and quality.
 
I thought I'd add my 2c on your system. Try not to focus on LCD and LCD only. You can find plasma TVs at very good prices nowadays. I'm looking at getting the Samsung PS50B650 50" 6 series Full HD plasma at the beginning of next year. I can pick this up for R20k - this TV retails at R23 to R25k. The 5 series and even the 4 series 50" are even lower, not to mention the 42" sets. So, take a peek at plasmas as well. Although I think LCD as a technology is progressing well, like LED backlit, etc, the good stuff is VERY expensive!!! Waay out of my price range personally.

As for receivers, look at Yamaha as well. I've owned one for 10 years now and I've never looked back. Nowadays the Yamaha RX-V565 and RX-V665 come jam packed with all the goodies you need, including 4 v1.3 HDMI ports. I really enjoy the sound of the Yamaha.

Speakers. Don't fall short on this as your speakers is one of the most important components of your home theatre system. Audition them well at the store and if you're a serious buyer, you can get the sales person to hook up different sets for you. I cannot really recommend any brands as of late since I haven't bought speakers in years, but look at Mission, Polk Audio, Celestion, Jamo, but to name a few. I have a set of Missions and owned Celesions which I was / am very happy with.

As for where you can buy, it is a pity that you don't have a Tafelberg Furnishers in Gauteng. They always have good deals and willing to negotiate. I've bought many stuff there before. I somehow don't think they'll be able to match the 20k I'm going to be paying for the TV I wanna get since it is coming from Frontosa. :) But hey, it doesn't help trying 'eh?

Good luck and let us know what you decide.
 
I paid R6300 for the Sony 6.2 HT-DDW5000 at Game a few weeks ago. Its excellent value for money. As far as the TV goes I am planning on getting either the 50" Samsung Plasma which is HD Ready and has a 100Hz processor (PS50B430) which Game had on special last weekend for R12999, or the 42" version was R7999 a few weeks before that.
 
I paid R6300 for the Sony 6.2 HT-DDW5000 at Game a few weeks ago. Its excellent value for money. As far as the TV goes I am planning on getting either the 50" Samsung Plasma which is HD Ready and has a 100Hz processor (PS50B430) which Game had on special last weekend for R12999, or the 42" version was R7999 a few weeks before that.

Yeah, the Sony 6.2 HT-DDW5000 seems to be the best bet. I will shop around for the best price, no problem in waiting for it to go on special either

Then it will more than likely be the 40" Sony Bravia S Series
 
Do you guys play full blast on these 6.2 Sony's?
I have 2.1 Creative speakers for R300 and they are perfect for my place. :)
 
Do you guys play full blast on these 6.2 Sony's?
I have 2.1 Creative speakers for R300 and they are perfect for my place. :)

If I want the other half to moan yeah, But you cannot compare 2,1 channel with 6.2. ITS NOT ABOUT THE VOLUME it about the sound quality and presentation/direction/staging.
 
Yeah, the Sony 6.2 HT-DDW5000 seems to be the best bet. I will shop around for the best price, no problem in waiting for it to go on special either

Then it will more than likely be the 40" Sony Bravia S Series

Just saw a advert pamphlet they are going for R5999.00 at HiFi corp. Also try Makro and Dionswired

Make sure what it is the DDW5500 or DDW5000 is different as you loose the DVD and component 3/1 inputs etc.

See comparison here
http://www.sony.co.za/product/Compa...p_en_ZA_i&models=HT-DDW5500&models=MG-DDW5000

Ask for one without the DVD player if possible at a better price. Then get a PS3 slim with BluRay player

PS: The one at HiFi corp is the DDW5000 it seems? Best to check the unit.

here is the differences:

Specifications for DDW5000
http://www.sony.co.za/product/mg-ddw5000
28758
28759

Digital AssignSW Pre Out Yes (x4)
Display 8 Seg. FL
Subwoofer size 25cm
Front Speaker size for L,R 16cm x 2 + 2.5cm Horn Tweeter
Speaker Connection: Subwoofer RCA Jack
Weight & Dimension (Speakers)Front Speaker Size (W x H x D) 305 x 1000 x 325 mm
Center Speaker Weight 4.8kg
Surround Speaker Size (W x H x D) 174 x 220 x 166 mm
Surround Speaker Weight 1.4kg
Subwoofer Size (W x H x D) 335 x 420 x 430 mm
Subwoofer Weight 11kg


Specifications DDW5500
http://www.sony.co.za/product/ht-ddw5500

71848
71851
71856

71859

Power Output - Sub Woofer 200W
Component Video In/Out 3 / 1
Digital AssignSW Pre Out Yes (x1)
Decoding FormatDolby Digital/DTS Yes / Yes
Dolby Prologic Yes
Dolby Prologic II Yes
Dolby Prologic IIx Yes
Dolby Digital EX Yes
Display 9 DIG dot matrix FL
Dimensions (W x H x D) 430 x 158 x 342 mm
Mass 7.6kg
Subwoofer Unit 2
Front Speaker size for L,R 20cm x 2, Horn Tweeter
Speaker Connection: Subwoofer Push Terminal
Weight & Dimension (Speakers)Front Speaker Size (W x H x D) 325 x 1000 x 340 mm (with foot)
Center Speaker Weight 4.6kg
Surround Speaker Size (W x H x D) 174 x 220 x 175 mm (with foot)
Surround Speaker Weight 1.5kg
Subwoofer Size (W x H x D) 335 x 420 x 325 mm (with foot)
Subwoofer Weight 7.5kg
 
Last edited:
Went to have look at Hi-fi Corporation tonight. Really impressed with the Sony Range and much to my surprise like some people commented earlier Sony is not necessarily more expensive than LG, Phillips and Samsung

So I am definately thinking of the the following

For the Home Entertainment System one of the following


For the LCD:

40" BRAVIA™ LCD TV - S Series (http://www.sony.co.za/product/klv-40s400a)

Now its just finding the best price. Hi-Fi Corporation currently have these two items on special until Sunday with a combined saving of R3000 with the Home Entertainment system costing R6000 and the LCD R10400

Will see if I can find anyone tomorrow who can beat that price. Will try Cats Digital in ERM
 
I thought I'd add my 2c on your system. Try not to focus on LCD and LCD only. You can find plasma TVs at very good prices nowadays. I'm looking at getting the Samsung PS50B650 50" 6 series Full HD plasma at the beginning of next year. I can pick this up for R20k - this TV retails at R23 to R25k. The 5 series and even the 4 series 50" are even lower, not to mention the 42" sets. So, take a peek at plasmas as well. Although I think LCD as a technology is progressing well, like LED backlit, etc, the good stuff is VERY expensive!!! Waay out of my price range personally.

As for receivers, look at Yamaha as well. I've owned one for 10 years now and I've never looked back. Nowadays the Yamaha RX-V565 and RX-V665 come jam packed with all the goodies you need, including 4 v1.3 HDMI ports. I really enjoy the sound of the Yamaha.

Speakers. Don't fall short on this as your speakers is one of the most important components of your home theatre system. Audition them well at the store and if you're a serious buyer, you can get the sales person to hook up different sets for you. I cannot really recommend any brands as of late since I haven't bought speakers in years, but look at Mission, Polk Audio, Celestion, Jamo, but to name a few. I have a set of Missions and owned Celesions which I was / am very happy with.

As for where you can buy, it is a pity that you don't have a Tafelberg Furnishers in Gauteng. They always have good deals and willing to negotiate. I've bought many stuff there before. I somehow don't think they'll be able to match the 20k I'm going to be paying for the TV I wanna get since it is coming from Frontosa. :) But hey, it doesn't help trying 'eh?

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Who is Frontosa? I have been trying to order the same model of tv for about a month now but am being quoted ridiculous prices. I have finally found someone at a reasonable price but they don't offer extended warranties. I dont think I want to spend 24000 on a tv and have it break after 13 months.

Anybody know where I can get this with an extended warranty?
 
Went to have look at Hi-fi Corporation tonight. Really impressed with the Sony Range and much to my surprise like some people commented earlier Sony is not necessarily more expensive than LG, Phillips and Samsung

So I am definately thinking of the the following

For the Home Entertainment System one of the following


For the LCD:

40" BRAVIA™ LCD TV - S Series (http://www.sony.co.za/product/klv-40s400a)

Now its just finding the best price. Hi-Fi Corporation currently have these two items on special until Sunday with a combined saving of R3000 with the Home Entertainment system costing R6000 and the LCD R10400

Will see if I can find anyone tomorrow who can beat that price. Will try Cats Digital in ERM

Look at this You will not find much better at the price. W series is good.
KLV-40W450 15999.00 This is currently running at 17999.00 @ Dionwired, R16500.00 at Cats.
SONY Model: KLV-40W450 40" Full HD 1080 BRAVIA LCD TV
Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
10 bit panel
BRAVIA™ ENGINE 2 processing.
IB Reduction.
HDMI ™ inputs 3x.
HDMI ™ for PC-signal.
DM port
Photo TV HD
With Motion flow (100Hz)
Smoother, sharper fast-moving action.
12 month guarantee + you may buy extended warrantee
New 'draw the LINE' design concept.
Enjoy digital music & photos from networked DLNA devices
 
Last edited:
Look at this You will not find much better at the price. W series is good.
KLV-40W450 15999.00 This is currently running at 17999.00 @ Dionwired, R16500.00 at Cats.
SONY Model: KLV-40W450 40" Full HD 1080 BRAVIA LCD TV
Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
10 bit panel
BRAVIA™ ENGINE 2 processing.
IB Reduction.
HDMI ™ inputs 3x.
HDMI ™ for PC-signal.
DM port
Photo TV HD
With Motion flow (100Hz)
Smoother, sharper fast-moving action.
12 month guarantee + you may buy extended warrantee
New 'draw the LINE' design concept.
Enjoy digital music & photos from networked DLNA devices

Hi,

R16K for an LCD is a bit much for what I am wanting to spend on the TV. I went to look at the Sony 40" LCD - S Series and was happy with that

As for the MG-DDW5000 (on special @ Hi-Fi Corp for R5999) vs the HT-DDW5500 (R7999 @ furniture city) what is the main advantage of the DDW5500 over the DDW5000 that would make me spend the extra R2000

I had a look at the Sony comparison but still cant see any considerable difference. Both seem to have HDMI, 2 Sub-woofers, same Watts etc

Thanks
 
Just saw a advert pamphlet they are going for R5999.00 at HiFi corp. Also try Makro and Dionswired

Make sure what it is the DDW5500 or DDW5000 is different as you loose the DVD and component 3/1 inputs etc.

See comparison here
http://www.sony.co.za/product/Compa...p_en_ZA_i&models=HT-DDW5500&models=MG-DDW5000

Ask for one without the DVD player if possible at a better price. Then get a PS3 slim with BluRay player

PS: The one at HiFi corp is the DDW5000 it seems? Best to check the unit.

here is the differences:

Specifications for DDW5000
http://www.sony.co.za/product/mg-ddw5000
28758
28759

Digital AssignSW Pre Out Yes (x4)
Display 8 Seg. FL
Subwoofer size 25cm
Front Speaker size for L,R 16cm x 2 + 2.5cm Horn Tweeter
Speaker Connection: Subwoofer RCA Jack
Weight & Dimension (Speakers)Front Speaker Size (W x H x D) 305 x 1000 x 325 mm
Center Speaker Weight 4.8kg
Surround Speaker Size (W x H x D) 174 x 220 x 166 mm
Surround Speaker Weight 1.4kg
Subwoofer Size (W x H x D) 335 x 420 x 430 mm
Subwoofer Weight 11kg


Specifications DDW5500
http://www.sony.co.za/product/ht-ddw5500

71848
71851
71856

71859

Power Output - Sub Woofer 200W
Component Video In/Out 3 / 1
Digital AssignSW Pre Out Yes (x1)
Decoding FormatDolby Digital/DTS Yes / Yes
Dolby Prologic Yes
Dolby Prologic II Yes
Dolby Prologic IIx Yes
Dolby Digital EX Yes
Display 9 DIG dot matrix FL
Dimensions (W x H x D) 430 x 158 x 342 mm
Mass 7.6kg
Subwoofer Unit 2
Front Speaker size for L,R 20cm x 2, Horn Tweeter
Speaker Connection: Subwoofer Push Terminal
Weight & Dimension (Speakers)Front Speaker Size (W x H x D) 325 x 1000 x 340 mm (with foot)
Center Speaker Weight 4.6kg
Surround Speaker Size (W x H x D) 174 x 220 x 175 mm (with foot)
Surround Speaker Weight 1.5kg
Subwoofer Size (W x H x D) 335 x 420 x 325 mm (with foot)
Subwoofer Weight 7.5kg

Hi,

Does the Sony DVD player have HDMI output (if there is such a thing). Just thinking I have an existing DVD player which is old though and doesn't have HDMI. I guess I should get the DVD player or as you say exclude it and get a PS3 instead

What is the "component 3/1 inputs" used for? Right now the R2K difference between the DDW5000 and DDW5500 is making me favor the DDW5000

I see the DDW5500 has this sub-woofer controller:

http://sp.sony-asia.com/media/144/71856

Both the DDW5000 and DDW5500 come with 2 sub-woofers so I am just wondering does the DDW5000 have some other way of controlling the sub-woofer volume?

Sorry for all the questions. Just want to make sure I am happy with my purchase and get the right thing (budget dependent of course). Don't want to be setting in a couple months unhappy with my purchase. I really appreciate all the advice

Thanks
 
Just saw a advert pamphlet they are going for R5999.00 at HiFi corp. Also try Makro and Dionswired

Make sure what it is the DDW5500 or DDW5000 is different as you loose the DVD and component 3/1 inputs etc.

See comparison here
http://www.sony.co.za/product/Compa...p_en_ZA_i&models=HT-DDW5500&models=MG-DDW5000

Ask for one without the DVD player if possible at a better price. Then get a PS3 slim with BluRay player

PS: The one at HiFi corp is the DDW5000 it seems? Best to check the unit.

here is the differences:

Specifications for DDW5000
http://www.sony.co.za/product/mg-ddw5000
28758
28759

Digital AssignSW Pre Out Yes (x4)
Display 8 Seg. FL
Subwoofer size 25cm
Front Speaker size for L,R 16cm x 2 + 2.5cm Horn Tweeter
Speaker Connection: Subwoofer RCA Jack
Weight & Dimension (Speakers)Front Speaker Size (W x H x D) 305 x 1000 x 325 mm
Center Speaker Weight 4.8kg
Surround Speaker Size (W x H x D) 174 x 220 x 166 mm
Surround Speaker Weight 1.4kg
Subwoofer Size (W x H x D) 335 x 420 x 430 mm
Subwoofer Weight 11kg


Specifications DDW5500
http://www.sony.co.za/product/ht-ddw5500

71848
71851
71856

71859

Power Output - Sub Woofer 200W
Component Video In/Out 3 / 1
Digital AssignSW Pre Out Yes (x1)
Decoding FormatDolby Digital/DTS Yes / Yes
Dolby Prologic Yes
Dolby Prologic II Yes
Dolby Prologic IIx Yes
Dolby Digital EX Yes
Display 9 DIG dot matrix FL
Dimensions (W x H x D) 430 x 158 x 342 mm
Mass 7.6kg
Subwoofer Unit 2
Front Speaker size for L,R 20cm x 2, Horn Tweeter
Speaker Connection: Subwoofer Push Terminal
Weight & Dimension (Speakers)Front Speaker Size (W x H x D) 325 x 1000 x 340 mm (with foot)
Center Speaker Weight 4.6kg
Surround Speaker Size (W x H x D) 174 x 220 x 175 mm (with foot)
Surround Speaker Weight 1.5kg
Subwoofer Size (W x H x D) 335 x 420 x 325 mm (with foot)
Subwoofer Weight 7.5kg

Ok,

Google'd component video a bit.

Let me see if I got the just of this, correct me if I am wrong. Component video refers to the quality of the picture (signal) and is currently the green, blue and red cables

Component video also fully supports HDMI where as the next best S-Video does not

Seems that if I want to buy something that will last a while in terms of technology then the DDW5500 with component video is a good option

I assume then that the Sony DVD Player outputs signal in component video format?
 
Another thing that I have noticed between the DDW5000 and DDW5500 is that the DDW5500 does not appear to come with a DVD player whereas the DDW5000 does

Am I correct in saying this

I know it it recommended to exclude the DVD player and replace this with a Sony PS3 but in terms of budget I think the PS3 will have to wait a bit so I thinking about the interim

Will a normal DVD player still work fine I guess, just not as good picture quality?
 
The DDW5000 also has the 3 in / 1 out components. The difference between the two is that with the DDW5500 you get 2 amps & with the DDW5000 you get 1. The Subs on the DDW5000 are active (each has its own amp connected to the rear of the sub) and the DDW5500 has passive subs.

The DVD you get with the DDW5000 is supposed to be a free gift and is just a basic DVD player with component out. No HDMI, not HD upscaling, etc. If HiFi Corp gives you a discount by not taking the DVD Player then get yourself a better one.
 
Now that I think about it...

I have to switch on the subs individually when I want to use them. Each sub also has a volume control at the back of each amp. I suppose with the DDW5500 you can switch on the Sub amp andd contol the volume with the remote. I am totally happy with switching the subs on by hand. I only use it when I'm watching a movie or when I want to listen to load music.

Another thing to consider is the space needed to put both amps. My plasma unit can only house 4 components: 1 Amp, 1 DSTV decoder, 1 DVD player & 1 Xbox.
 
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