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Ask Engadget HD: A good & cheap 1080p projector?
We've had a few projector related questions before, but this one comes from a commenter on a previous post interested in upgrading his cinematic experience, lakersin2025 take it away: "Can anyone recommend a decent 1080p projector that won't break the bank? Mainly for movies at night." Not a whole lot to go one, with no particular desired technology or info on room size, but for someone trying to pick up a 1080p projector nowadays while spending something less than a million dollars, or perhaps something more resembling a couple grand at most, what's your pick? Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best mainstream Blu-ray player?
It's been some time since CES 2009 and the requisite flood of brand new Blu-ray hardware flooding store shelves. Now that most of them are for sale, Scott has the same question I'm sure many of us are wondering - which one is the best? "I'm finally ready to jump on the Blu-ray bandwagon and move up from DVDs, but I have no idea which player to buy. I'm not really looking for a universal player like the BDP-83, and I'm not sold on streaming services just yet and I'm not in need of discrete analog outs. I just want a high quality picture, support for all the audio codecs and fast load times. With a budget of around $300, where should I turn for the Blu-ray player that fits me, or should I just grab a PS3?" You have your mission if you choose to accept it, now that many of us have some hands on time with the latest and greatest hardware so let him know which one you like.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best digital TV converter box?
As we can tell, not everyone is the type of person that gets ready for things ahead of time, there's always one guy waiting until the very end of the deadline to get things done and for once, it's not us. Enter Sam, owner of an older analog HDTV that isn't currently hooked up to satellite or cable. With a DTV converter coupon burning through his pocket, his question is simple, what's the best DTV tuner out there? "I bought a brand new HDTV before the holidays and moved my old Toshiba down to the basement, right now there's just an antenna and an old DVD player connected to it. I figure a second Blu-ray player wouldn't hurt, and at least until I get another satellite receiver hooked up I'll just use an antenna to watch the game on Sunday. Of course, I didn't think of picking up a digital TV tuner until now and I'm already missing a few local stations, but there's so many to pick from, any suggestions?" Alright, we know a few of you are still kicking it old school with strictly antenna setups and have been ready for the analog shutoff for quite some time, so you probably have plenty of experience with different digital TV converter boxes by now. Give Sam (and everyone else) the benefit of your knowledge before it's too late.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: Which in-wall speakers for under $1,000?
No two ways about it, we'd all like to have unlimited space and unlimited funds to get our home theater space together, but that isn't always the case. We've dealt with space constraints before, but it looks like Dan has a slightly different consideration: "I recently moved into a new home and space is limited in my new home theater room so i was wondering if you guys could tell me what you think are the best in-wall speakers for under 1000 bucks for the front three. (all ready have rears) little background i have a Onkyo TX-805, PS3, DirecTV HD-DVR, and a 58" Samsung plasma." We've covered a variety of in-wall audio components that might fit his price range, but we want to know which ones you would choose, let us know in the comments. Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best demo material to show off my new home theater?
It's a proven fact: one of the main things pushing Blu-ray to the forefront is our need to show off the latest and greatest in home theater tech. Our boy Thomas has a related question that we've surely all faced, once everything is picked out, plugged in and calibrated, what do you watch? As he puts it: "I've finally finished piecing together the best home theater (my) money can buy. Plasma display, Denon receiver, brand new 5.1 speaker setup and even some new furniture. My friends want to come by and see the new setup, but even with my satellite DVR, a large DVD library and a few Blu-ray discs I don't know what to show 'em to put my system to the test properly." We've got you Thomas, one of the greatest pleasures of getting new equipment is blowing the minds of friends / neighbors / random people off the street. We're sure you have a disc, favorite channel or one DVR program stored away just for that purpose - let us in on the secret. Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: Best power and line conditioners for a big home theater?
Alright, this one will separate the serious home theater heads from the rest. While a dedicated mains and UPS may be the way to go for some, a need for clean power distribution should make James' question a consideration for any high end setup: "What do you recommend for power and line conditioners for large home theater systems? Monster units are the only ones I'm familiar with, but i know they're not the most liked company around these parts. Suggestions?" James, we hear you. You need a solution where better cabling might provide actual benefit and don't want to finance next weeks crush-the-little-guy lawsuit, we've all been there. We haven't covered a lot of power conditioners around these parts so why don't you let him know what's providing controlled AC to your system?
Ask Engadget HD: Best home theater setup for small spaces?
Let's face it, not everyone has $60k to drop on a dream home theater, and even they did, might not have a place to put it. If space is your major constraint, like our guy Geoff, achieving the best setup can be quite trying: "In a previous lifetime circa early 2000s, I had a dedicated media room and the latest in technology. I'm closer to the city now and square-footage is a premium. Knowing that I'll likely be in an apartment/townhome/condo for the foreseeable future, should I try to use some of my old components (listed below) or just sell them and start new? Keep in mind that I doubt I'll be able to mount any rear channels, so I'm thinking the setup with either have to include rear satellites or be a 2.1 system. I don't require a movie theater-like experience, rather something that's extremely solid for movies, music and gaming. -- Sony STR-DE945 receiver from 2000 (i.e., no HDMI)-- Klipsch Quintet 5.1 Home Theater circa 2000-- No Blu Ray player-- Xbox 360 Elite and, sadly, HD DVD add-on -- Samsung 42-inch LCD (perfectly fine)I've been following the new HTIB offerings from Sony and LG, thinking those might be the answer since my budget is probably around $600, not including whatever I can make on the sale of the above. The Sony system seemed attractive since Blu Ray was incorporated." There it is, we know your palatial estate is covered with inflatable screens and the like, but condo and apartment dwellers need love too, and not at too high of a price. Let us know what you'd put in that type of space. Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the cheapest setup with Netflix, Hulu & Blu-ray?
We've had a few media streaming queries as of late, but our friend Mike's concern in this area is strictly economical: "What is the most cost effective way to stream video from sources such as my computer and Hulu to an HDMI device? I would love to also have Netflix and Blu-ray support, but don't know if there is a device out there yet that will do all this cost effectively. I have a PS3 in the living room, but this additional device would be for the bedroom. I'm looking to go as inexpensive as possible. I did consider an Xbox 360 Arcade and that would just eliminate the ability to play Blu-ray, or a Popcorn Hour, eliminating the ability to play Blu-ray or Netflix. Help me! I don't think the device I'm looking for exists!" We know how it is, you want everything, but you don't want to spend every last dollar getting it. So for all the cheapskates out there, we know who you are, what do you recommend? Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best upscaling receiver?
Alright, we've delved into receivers a couple of times recently, based on price and best for a 2.1 setup, but Justin has a slightly different situation that you might be able to help with:"What's the cheapest A/V receiver with 3+ HDMI inputs that does upconversion/upscaling to 1080? I'm looking at the H/K AVR-254, Yamaha RX-V565 and the Onkyo TX-SR606 so far. The Yamaha is a newer model and I was also wondering if there is anything on the horizon that might mean a cheaper/better value for the above mentioned features."Luckily, Justin came to the right place. We're sure you have just the box in mind that fits these specs - go.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best large LCD (42-inches and up) for the buck?
It looks like the time is right to pick up some the best HDTVs 2008 had to offer on the cheap and Louis has the same question as most of us, which one to pick? "My old CRT is on its last legs and I've decided my next HDTV is an LCD for my TV watching and Blu-ray needs, but with all the options I'm having trouble telling the difference. I'm not worried about any extra features unless they affect picture quality, and I want to go bigger than my last (40-inch) TV. Samsung, Sharp, Sony or ?????? -- which one should I be checking the sales pages for?" We've done this on the plasma side recently, but surely some of you are among the many rocking brand new LCD sets. Let us know which of the outgoing models made your eyes happiest in the last year.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: Which wall mount should I choose?
We don't dabble too heavily in HD furniture and the like here, but this question just seemed to far-reaching to pass up. Take it away, Lester:"I'm thinking of buying a 42-inch LCD TV soon, and I'm looking at wall mount options. I'd love something that can move left / right / up / down at least a little if possible, and I want one that's relatively easy to install. Cost is a concern, so I'm trying to get one that won't kill my savings. Does anyone have recommendations?"For you brave few out there that have overlooked the traditional TV stand in order to slap your flat-panel upside the wall, what apparatus did you use? A DIY contraption? A pre-built unit? How was the experience? Sound off below!Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: Best 30- to 35-inch HDTV?
Typically, we avoid these small size range requests, but given our own frustration in finding a legitimately awesome 30- to 35-inch HDTV, we felt this one needed to be blasted out to all of you fine readers."I'm having the hardest time finding a decent 30- to 35-inch HDTV. Due to the size, I'm looking LCD, but there just seems to be so few options. Has anyone picked up a set of this size for their apartment or bedroom that proved to be good? Any opinions would be great, I'm running out of patience here!"Stay calm, Paul. It's all going to be alright. We're just certain these readers will hook you up with a fine response -- right, folks?Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: HTPC or HD media streamer?
Just last week we threw out the question of which HD media streamer was simplest to use and operate, and this week we're being met with a slightly different, although equally important inquiry. Thomas, the floor's yours: "I'm really struggling with this one. Should I spring for a full blown HTPC to record OTA shows, play back Blu-ray Discs, etc., or should I save some dough and just get a nice HD media streamer while continuing to use my lackluster cable HD DVR to record TV content? Has anyone else made this decision and been happy or remorseful with the outcome? What are some really compelling reasons to buy an HTPC over just a streamer? Save my sanity!" You heard the man -- this one's an emergency. What things can be done with your HTPC that you'd miss out on with a simple HD media streamer? Is it worth the difference in cost? Feel free to chat it up in comments below.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: Easiest-to-use HD media streamer?
There's no shortage of HD media streamer options out there, but the list of possibilities shrinks up when looking for one that even your mum could use. Have you found one that's notoriously ease to setup and operate? Have a gander at Chris' question: "I've heard various HD media streamers proclaimed as being "the best," but of those great ones, which is easiest to use? I can imagine things getting complicated quick when trying to find media on various connected PCs and hard drives, and I'm not looking to frustrate myself with yet another box that doesn't really work. What HD media streamer is simplest to setup and use? I want things to be as pain free as possible." Ah, pain free. Isn't that what we all strive for? If you've found your own streamer to be remarkably simple to use, speak up. And moreover, if you've found yours to be incredibly difficult to use, speak up even louder.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: Any streaming options for Canadians?
Seeing as this editor isn't from Canada, we figured it best to shoot this question out to the masses tuning in from the Great North in order to get their opinions. While America enjoys a rather large selection of streaming options, it seems that Canada (and much of the world) gets left out. We'll let Lawrence explain:"Listening to the Engadget Podcast, I am constantly bombarded with news and exciting tidbits about the TV set top movie streaming options available in the US of A. What, if any, option do we Canadians have available to us for streaming pictures shows to our televisions? I've searched, but can't seem to come up with anything, Netflix definitely doesn't do Canada."So, Canada -- what gives? Is this fellow missing something, or is all of Canada just missing out?Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: Netflix or Blockbuster -- best by-mail rental service?
Ah, the question we've been waiting for has finally arrived. With the economy leading more and more individuals to search for entertainment at home, many are wondering which movie rental service to sink their hard-earned dollars into. Take it away, Brandon: "I'm looking to subscribe to either Netflix or Blockbuster for movie rentals, but I wanted some input from current users first. Which service is superior? Has anyone used both? I'm talking about the by-mail option, there aren't enough new releases available online for me to worry about. A little guidance, please?" We know, it'll be difficult to quell your fanboyism here, but let's try to stick with facts and figures, okay? Has Blockbuster and / or Netflix treated you right / wrong? Let's hear it!Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best mid-range AV receiver?
We're keeping it short and sweet this week, but you can feel free to test your dissertation writing skills in comments below should you feel compelled to answer. And you know you're eager to help Dave out here, right? "My old receiver is starting to crap out on me and I'm looking to replace it soon. I don't know a lot about receivers but I'm looking at something in the $500 to $700 range. Any suggestions?"Like we said, brief and beautiful, and tons of wiggle room. Show this guy what kind of knowledge you've got, and make sure you point him out a solid deal, too.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: Can a projector really serve as my main HDTV?
Okay, so we've had the HDTV vs. HD projector talk before, but this is different. We're talking about your main set -- the one that everyone gathers around each and every night to enjoy. The one that your spouse and kids have to like. Yeah, that one."So, I'm considering something pretty crazy. I'm thinking of getting rid of my big 65-inch HDTV and just using an HD projector with a 70-inch screen instead. Would this work? I can control the lighting in my den just fine, but I'm not sure if I'd go crazy with my room mostly dark the majority of the time. Are there any HD projectors out there that can also operate nicely in dimly lit rooms without costing me a fortune? Help!"Yeah Tyler, "crazy" is a good description here. We can't say we'd wholeheartedly recommend it, but maybe we haven't seen the perfect projector to make your scenario feasible. Any tips, readers?Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: Best multi-zone music server under $2,000?
We've got a wide-open one for you this week, so be sure and simmer on it for an extra long while before contributing."I just got into a new home and I'm hoping to procure a multi-zone music server. I'm really new to the field, so I'm pretty overwhelmed by all the options. I need at least three zones and 250GB of hard drive space. Other than that, I'd just like general advice about good units under $2,000. Help!"George is right -- there are darn near an infinite amount of options out there, but the money cap does narrow things down a bit. What's streaming audio throughout your house right now? Got something simple and sweet? Share it!Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: Is the Apple TV worth it?
The Apple TV has had some time to mature since hitting the scene years ago, and while its functionality has certainly grown, it's still one of the most low-key products to ever emerge from Cupertino. Marvin's Ask Engadget HD question is about this very product, and given that quite a few of you probably own one by now, why not take a look and contribute? "The Apple TV seems like a pretty good choice for my living room now that HD content is available and boxee can be added on. Still, I'd be buying into a mostly proprietary ecosystem, so I'm curious if it's really the best choice for a movie set-top-box / home media server. Do your readers have any suggestions one way or the other? Is it really the best, or are there better alternatives that do most of the same tasks?" Give it some thought and chime in below. Don't worry, we won't call you a fanboy -- promise.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
