Dr. Z. is finally getting a PS3

Make sure you add your PS ID to the sticky.

 

When you register to play games online you will create a PSN ID (gamer tag if you will) so others can find you online.

And no you dont need an HDTV to play Blu-Ray but you wont be able to appreciate the quality without one.

SERIOUS EDIT: Yes you do need it to play the Blu-Ray but dont need it to play the PS3...sorry.

 

Congrats Doc! You'll love it!

 

It needs to be at least 720p if Im not mistaken. Check the owners manual on your tv.

 

Or go to avsforums.com to confirm.

 

i just got mine last week with the MGS bundle...hopefully you get that one

 

I believe Blu-Rays can work on regular TV's. I've tried it with a 20 inch 90's model Sony before.

 

I've been waiting for my economic stimulus check but my friend told me I dont get one because i was claimed by my parents. Does anyone know if this is true?

 

Pretty sure it is true...

 

It is true, I didn't get one because of this. But my parents covered me for what I would have gotten, because their net savings was higher than my stimulus check would have been.

 

Darn. I guess no xbox 360 for me for awhile...

 

Blu-Ray movies WILL play on standard def TVs, but honestly, it kind of defeats the purpose. If you don't have an HDTV, you may as well just keep buying DVDs. (And when you get an HDTV at some point, the PS3 will automatically upscale those DVDs. Won't look as good as a native Blu-Ray disc, but it'll be a nice stopgap.)

Note that the resolution a Blu-Ray disc will output depends on what type of cable you use to connect the PS3 to your TV. For example, the only way to get 1080p output is to use an HDMI cable. The PS3's manual will detail what you can and can't use.

But my honest and earnest recommendation is to get an HDTV to go with that PS3. PS3 games are designed under the assumption you'll have an HDTV and at least a 5.1 surround sound system. I've only got a 2.1 speaker setup and the poor audio positioning is driving me nuts in GTA4 and MGS4.

 

Nice! Congrats!

Make sure you checkout www.monoprice.com for any cables you need. Best prices anywhere.

 

go with a nice panasonic plasma or samsung

 

Agreed, I love my Panasonic Plasma.

 

Not sure if this is still on sale but heard it is/was a great deal

http://shop2.frys.com/product/5525500

 

I love my Sammy DLP!

 

Good luck with that.

 

Why would I need luck?

 

You'll find out.

 

Good job, man. Remember, to watch HD programming, you need an HD source--DirecTV is preferred because they have the most HD channels. (There's also NFL Sunday Ticket and Superfan; those are DTV-exclusive. Though now that CBS is broadcasting every NFL game they cover in HD, that's probably less of an issue.)

If you want some advice on what specific TV to get, head over to avsforum.com and browse through their LCD TV subforum. The usual suspects--Sony, Samsung, Sharp, Panasonic, etc--just released the latest models, so you can head through the threads and figure out which one is best for you.

Lastly, if you have ANY money left over, it really is in your best interest to get a receiver and at least a 5.1 surround sound system. Again, if you so choose, Avsforum has a speaker subforum that can get you going on that. One thing to keep in mind is that the larger the speaker, the better the sound quality, especially in the midrange.

 

I managed to pick up the Onkyo HT-SR800 for $240ish (before shipping) the other day. I'll wait a bit to upgrade to a better receiver.

 

i swear onkyo makes the best low budget receivers...they are excellent entry level home theater systems, and the receivers are generally good enough to keep for a while and you can upgrade the speakers if you wish

hdmi passthroughs aren't really important to me at this time

 

Yea, the receiver would be perfect for me if it accepted HDMI audio or the PS3 could pass uncompressed audio (or any hd audio) through optical cable. I am just going to keep my eyes out for another receiver cheap. This system will certainly be an upgrade over the Philips system I had, and I can't wait for my Harmony One to get here either.

 

Honestly, S/PDIF output is fine for what the PS3 does. Not too many developers are worried about bitstream audio, but rather positional audio.

Hell, I wish I could use the S/PDIF port. I output video and audio from my PS3 over HDMI directly into my TV, and I have a Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 computer speaker setup plugged into the headphone jack on the side of the TV. Ghetto, anyone?

 

those are nice speakers...i just bought the logitech z2300's for my pc should come in tues/wednesday

 

Well I was going to just keep the receiver, but I found a great deal on the onkyo tx-sr606. Now my only problem is I have an extra receiver.

 

Just saw a Vizio 42" 1080P LCD at Wal-mart today for $990

 

BB had a westinghouse 42" 1080P LCD for like $890 (and you can usually find 10% off coupons to add on top of that).

 

I don't get the fascination with Westinghouse, Olevia, Vizio, etc. You're going to own the TV for a decade; why would you get an inferior product just to save $200? Caveat emptor.

 

I don't know how inferior they are (never had one), but entrance price is a major deciding factor for many people (not everyone factors in their return on investment).

 

Be sure to check out slickdeals.com for great deals on tvs.

 

I have as well. My brother in-law has had one for over a year now and its been great. Very very good picture and features.