Videophiles...I need your assistance
 

I am having a home built and the CEO is allowing me to upgrade all of our TVs for the new home. After pinching myself several times I decided that my best source for information is right here. My smaller TVs are not my primary concern, however, the one going up in the Family Room (see attachment for Floor Plan) has to be perfect. We are looking to mount this TV on the wall closest to the Study. Given the dimensions 21' 1" x 13' 9" and the fact that it is a 2-story family room what is the best product available for under $5,000? What size TV is suitable for this room? Is it best to have it mounted on the wall (if so at what height for a 2-story room) or should I look into have a custom media center built on that wall (in which case I must submit an expense increase to the CEO)?
Right now we have a Samsung 42-inch which is okay but I need this new TV to be perfect (nothing less will do). Let's start the discussion from here and see what happens. THANKS!!!

khitch,
-"Location"? In lieu of the opt fireplace, or on the side walls next to fp, or on one of the other 2 walls...???

-imo, doesn't matter if it's a 4 story high ceiling, if the "primary viewers" are sitting in seats on the main floor.

Tell us more.
BR,md

I also have a 2-storey family room and i had the builder put a power and HDMI outlet at 55" above floor, and a HDMI in at bottom. I prefer wall-mounted panels. For that size room you should go for 50" plasma or LCD.

Agree with LeMans on the plasma.

My .02 cents... if your room has controllable lighting (no direct bright sunlight right on the display) go with a Pioneer Elite plasma. The size would depend on how far back your primary seating will be and the available space on the wall.

Also, as MD wisely noted, placement is everything. If this will be your main TV watching area you may not want it too high up on the wall (depending on how far back your seating is). There are a lot of complaints in AV forums of watching TV at an unusually high viewing angle, such as above a fireplace, etc.

If a plasma will work in you situation, I think you will find it impossible to beat an Elite plasma. The 50" is in your budget.

If you're building a house, ever thought about getting a custom installer/designer to take care of all of that? I mean: lighting, placement, macros, etc. My future bro-in-law does that kind of thing for a firm in Baltimore and they've worked in your area. I was amazed at what he could do with setting up surround sound and calibrating the picture for my new system.

JV

Not going to happen for $5K. You can get a good display for $5K but it's not going to be perfect.

You have limited lighting control with your open floorplan so projection is not a good option. Limited choices under $5K anyway when you factor in the cost of a good screen.

Room size a consideration but more important is your seating position. Assuming the seating position is right at the opposite wall a good size is 60". You're looking at LCD or DLP rear projection in that size for $5K. You might be able to get 60" LCOS TV for around $5K but I don't know the US prices all that well. Wall mount is not an option for RPTV.

It's good that you are building rather than retrofitting as it gives you the opportunity to run all the cables in the walls. Have the electrician put your HT power on it's own breaker.

Sounds like a fun project! G/L.

Is the $5k only for the TV? Assuming you want HD, I can tell you that all the accessories that you'll need ain't cheap. I spent $5k on a Panasonic 50" plasma 2.5 years ago, so you can get a pretty decent one for that price nowadays. However, you'll probably need most, if not all, of the following: surround sound system (most TV speakers suck), good surge protector and cables, seating, installation, lighting, new satelite (if DirecTV), HD receiver/cable box, Tivo/DVR, OTA antenna, etc. Personally, I could go on and on.

I'm sure hoping that the $5K is only for the TV, b/c you could spend another $5k for the other stuff very easily!!!

Answers to questions...
 

motordavid: The TV placement will be on the wall shared by the Study. Was concerned about the 2-story ceilings as I didn't want the TV dwarfed by the ceiling height but that probably shouldn't be a concern.

LeMansX5: The builder does have the option of allowing us to place certain outlets so if I got 55" I should be okay? Got any pics of your setup?

nxc: I have heard a lot about the Pioneer Elite Plasma but will have to do more research on pricing to see if in budget. I will be visiting the home site this weekend to determine the sun's path over the home and ensure no direct sunlight. We are already considering black out shades for that room for this purpose.

JV: I have considered a custom solution, however, the home upgrades are costing more than we budgeted so that (at this time) is not an option. Since the CEO is allowing me to do this I do not wish to push my luck with that suggestion (yet).

rayxi: So what dollar range will provide me with perfection for my situation?

pseto: Yes, the $5,000 is just for the TV. I already have a surround system (Boston Acoustics speakers w/ Yamaha Receiver). I purchased all of my cables and protector from Tweeter 2 years ago so that should be okay (may need to look into upgrading). Installation will depend on what product I decide on. I agree there is much to consider that's why I am starting early...move-in date December 2006.

Keep 'em coming...and for all of those above...THANKS! You are already giving me lots to think about and consider...that's why this is the best site in the world.

You have two Tweeter locations in Wilmington... have you stopped by there? You will be able to compare many different brands and technologies side-by-side in one place in that store. I am sure there are other local stores too with a lot of choices to look at. Tweeter will match the lowest prices you can find so doing your homework can pay off. Best of luck in your search...

I purchased my last set up from Tweeter 2 years ago. Right now I am looking to do research first (get some opinions) and then actual look for the product. Besides with my move-in date 11 months away I might hit in Atlantic City to increase my budget...or I could be using my old TV.