I've currently got a 5 year old 68cm CRT tv, vcr, xbox and a cheapo 5 speaker sound system. I'm looking at upgrading to take advantage of digital tvs' improved picture and have a budget of about $3000 (I'm looking at keeping the sound system for the moment and upgrading that later).

What I'd like is
1) the ability to watch free to air digital tv (standard definition I think would be fine as I'm sure it's a big step up from what I'm used to)
2) the ability to record free to air digital tv
3) connect my xbox via a component connection for improved picture (I know I need an adaptor for that) and
4) the ability to have the sound output optionally sent to my existing sound unit which has (RCA?) a red and white incomming connector.

However, given my budget I'm not sure what is best to buy:

A. TV + PVR
B. TV + STB + DVD recorder
C. TV with SD tuner + DVD recorder

If it's possible to get all my wants (including any cost for adapters, cables) within my budget that would be fantastic! I'm in Perth so realise this may limit my choice/increase prices somewhat.

You could get a 32" LCD tv like an Acer/AWA that would cost you arould 2k and then you could get a good PVR for 1K or you could get a cheaper plasma for around 2K and then get a PVR as well but seeing as you are wanting to use an XBOX on it I recomend the LCD as cheaper plasma's do not handel burn-in very well.

Hi chumpy,

Id say you're a classic case of a PVR and a nice widescreen TV (I let others suggest things in that area). If you like recording stuff for watching again and again then you probably need a DVD Recorder. But by the sounds of it your probably happy recording something watching it and deleting it? You should not that DVD Recorders are not digital (the still use an analogue tuner) so they still recieve 4:3 pictures etc. Not also that sending a digital signal from the STB to an anologue DVD Recorder is fidly as you have to have BOTH boxes set to the same channel at the same time.

I would recommend doing some looking into a good SD PVR. The top of the line is the Topfield 5000 closely followed by the recent Humax Smart. Here are some links that may help you decide (Esp. read the Twin Tuner section in the Toppy link):

Humax: http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=27002
Toppy: http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=16828
Humax v Toppy: http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=27386
General PVR v DVD Recorder info: http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=29072

My personal choice was the Toppy (can't beat its user customisability). There are also cheaper versions which have a lower capability. These start from $260

Regards

Peter Gillespie

Thanks both for your replies.

I think I probably would suit a PVR as I tend to watch things I recorded once and then delete it. I had a read about PVRs and think I'd go for the Topfield 5000, However, as it is "only" SD I wasn't sure if I'd then need to spend more on a tv.

The reason I ask this is because I started having a look at the AWA and Acer tvs, but it appears that some have problems (clay face?!) when used with an SD STB.

$800 for a Toppy 5000 and $2200 for a TV. If you wanted to you could stick with a HiDef WS CRT TV (76-86cm) and get an absolute cracker of a screen (box is big though). I believe some HD STB have 'clay face' when outputing SD and of course some TVs just have problems. But do a bit of research (post some queries) and you should be able to find a pretty top notch LCD for around $2000.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

Many thanks Peter. Much appreciated.

You mention using a SD PVR with an LCD screen. Don't. Be sure to get a Hi DEf recorder for an LCD such as the Acer 32 in LCD Model AT3201W. I have the Acer with the Hi Def LG LST-5100 STB the picture is much better than with a Teac STB I bought originally. Hi Def enables better picture and more facilities for screen adjustment etc on the Acer. I have the Acer. Try it you will love picture and price. Dick Smith and retravision have them.
PVR recommendations are availble on this forum but drive the Acer or any Hi Def capable LCD with a Hi Def box or PVR.

I was originally consdiering all screen options including Hi Def CRT TV but this is way to go for size and weight of unit, picture quality and PRICE.

size (well they're both 32" so that's not really an issue. Obviously depth of the unit is a LCD win)
weight of unit (lcds are lighter (but then again I don't make a habit of relocating my TV too often)
picture quality (debatable - I would argue CRTs still give equal/better PQ than the new technologies)
PRICE. (A top notch HD CRT costs considerably less than the LCD version?)

HiDef is better but as one poster mentioned you're talking functionality and cost versus having a better picture. SD is pretty amazing but some will sacrifice the other two in the name of getting the 'perfect picture' . That's fine but not for everyone You can always upgrade the SD PVR to a HD version when prices come down considerably.

0.02

Peter Gillespie

All good points Peter.

I chose the LCD for its lesser bulk and weight than a CRT.

No doubt Hi Def CRT such as Toshiba and panasonic and Sony give a top picture but too bulky for me for screen sizes greater than 66 cm.

You are much stronger in this area than I am Peter.

I am just giving my opinion based on my own observations.