HDMI or component

[Holland]

Iam going to buy a 42inch plasma with HDMU input, but for the moment I want to save some money on my audio so will go for a cheap surround (all in 1 or 2) system. These nromaly don't come with an HDMI output. So my question does HDMI give a real improvement of the picture so making it worth buy a seperate DVD player with HDMI (entry level denon?), or doesn't it make to much difference in this price range?

Also does anyone know a good and cheap (<$600) mini system (all in one or two). I listend to a couple but I don't know to much about their picture quality since there normaly not hooked up to an tv. Also normaly they put the sub way to loud.

[aud19]

Really it depends on the display, some look better with HDMI, some look better with component. HDMI does have some capacity for an increase in quality/detail and convenience but largely the connections main reason for being is digital rights management. In general, fixed pixel (ie: your plasma) "should" have slightly more detail over HDMI than a with component connection.

As for the stereo/DVD player, I'd suggest a seperate post in the Home Theatre section.

Otherwise...You can get some pretty inexpensive DVD players now with HDMI output ($200 and up) so I say why not...?

As for the stereo, my advice would be to get $400-$500 receiver and a pair of decent bookshelves around $200 if that's all the budget will allow. Buy sale/clearance items to stretch the money further. Then build from there as you save money buy buying a centre, sub and surrounds as you can afford them. Maybe even get larger mains and move the bookshelves to surround duty down the line. IMO you're better off starting with a good system you can add to rather than a crappy HTIB that you'll just end up turfing

[Holland]

The plasma in question is de 42inch ED from panny.

About the sound, I would like to start builing the system now, thats how I did it with my old system (in holland) but my girlfriend finds that already to expensive. So its gonna be an el cheapo solution.

[aud19]

Well I still say spending "X"-dollars on decent receiver and bookshelves will give you better results than a not upgradeable, tinny sounding, el cheapo HTIB

Being an ED plasma, you may notice less of a difference between component/HDMI than if the set was HD.

[Snap]

:agree: ED Panny save the money go component.

[DLA]

What I have learned and am still paying for it is to spend my pwn money for what I like.

I don't think it is necessary to but everything or maybe even anything other then your display. In only 6 months since I purchased my new Mits. I have learned a lot and have found some of my earlier investments where not in my best interests.

Unless your getting a smacking bundle deal take your time enjoy your investment, come here and go to other forums and learn. Follow members who have similar equip. and other that have what you want. I guarantee each investment you make from then on will be what you want.

SKIP

[Holland]

I agree, just building it slowely is a good way. But right now I don't really have the money for it since I just moved to the USA. So Iam thinking of just getting some 'disposable set' (which I could move the bedroom later) of around $400 and then start building when I do have the money.