More TV stuff

[SideShowCecil]

I found the HDTV thread helpful. I’ll be looking for a 42” flat screen for the basement after Christmas. There are still a few things that puzzle me though.

Why are the wall mount brackets so stupid expensive?!? $400 to $600 for a bracket suitable for the size of TV I’m looking at! :shock: :???:

Does anybody have experience using HDMI, DVI, or Component video cables in lengths of 35 to 50 feet? Does the excessive cable length have an effect on the image quality?

I want to mount a TV over the fireplace. The closest suitable location for the video components will require a 40 foot video cable run through the walls and ceiling to reach the TV.

[Don-Dad]

I don't have experience but when I had my house wired they ran some high quality cables for my future flat screen tv in my living room. These cable run to my basement and are probably 40-50 from where the tv would be. I would think you could run hdmi and not lose video quality though the cables might cost a fortune.

[Hockeyfan]

I would buy high quality cables to ensure a good connection. I would go with component video and fibre optic audio. That is what I use and it works great. Most people I know tend to run with that. I have heard good and bad things with HDMI. One bad thing is the timing of the audio and the video. I have heard (at least in this local area) that the sound and video are out of sync when using HDMI. This is other people's first had experience. Really don't know why though...sorry. Somethign to do with the Time warner system, feed or whatever. My 42 " LCD wouldn't mount to a wall so I don't have much to say there. Just remember this. My friend has a 60 or 65 inch wall mounted HDTV. I am pretty sure its an LCD, but this setup has issues for viewing angle. His fireplace is high enough and that puts the TV even higher. Its hard to watch the TV at this angle and if your spending the $$ to get HD it don't look that good from that angle. You pretty much have to stand to watch the TV. I would try to mount it on a downward angle to enable a more pleasurable viewing experience. Good luck.

Andrew

[sao95]

Why are the wall mount brackets so stupid expensive?!? $400 to $600 for a bracket suitable for the size of TV I’m looking at! :shock: :???:


screw that, I'd wrap a wood frame around it and hinge it to the wall so it would swing easy to get to the cables :wink:

[Hockeyfan]

sao,

Thats a nifty idea. I may do that if I ever get a flat wall-mountable TV. That would be slick. I do like those ambilite ones. Thats sweet.

[Don-Dad]

Why are the wall mount brackets so stupid expensive?!? $400 to $600 for a bracket suitable for the size of TV I’m looking at! :shock: :???:


screw that, I'd wrap a wood frame around it and hinge it to the wall so it would swing easy to get to the cables :wink:

I think you just found yourself a nice side business idea.

[sao95]

I think you just found yourself a nice side business idea
:shock: never even thought of it :oops: good idea :D if anyone wants to explore the idea and the cost pm me :D

[SideShowCecil]

Just remember this. My friend has a 60 or 65 inch wall mounted HDTV. I am pretty sure its an LCD, but this setup has issues for viewing angle. His fireplace is high enough and that puts the TV even higher. Its hard to watch the TV at this angle and if your spending the $$ to get HD it don't look that good from that angle. You pretty much have to stand to watch the TV. I would try to mount it on a downward angle to enable a more pleasurable viewing experience. Good luck.

Andrew


Yah, the height of the screen over the fireplace is a concern to me too. I’m thinking it might be worth the money for a few consultations with a professional about set-up and design before I start actually building the room or purchasing any hardware. There are plenty of companies in town that offer the service.

My intention is to have the entire home theatre system built in and pre wired. I’ll be building built-in custom cabinetry for the media components and pre wiring the room for 7.1 surround sound and stereo loudspeakers. Any mistakes I make will be difficult to resolve after the room is finished.

I’m on a bit of schedule too. My in-laws and my mother are all staying with us for Christmas. This was just decided last week. We want to have the family room finished by then. We don’t necessarily need an HT system installed but we do want the room finished enough to use over the holidays.

[Hockeyfan]

That should be badass. I don't have 7.1. I only wired mine for 5.1. My receiver can do it, but I didn't want to have to run more wire for the additional two channels. Besides my wall jacks for speakers are full up already with what I have. I wired my front left and right speakers through the wall behind the receiver and then I have a red/black post that is about a foot off the ground where each floor standing speaker goes. Then I don't have the wires drapped all over.

If you have the $$ to burn on a proffessional.go for it. Otherwise when you install the TV, check it at each viewing area and see how it is before you do a final installation. It would be dissapointing if you do all this work and buy nice stuff and not get the results you wish. Get good speakers too. Well worth it.