Looking for a home theater setup for <$500

[ddrueding]

I know, it's not much of a budget, but it's not for me.

I need a single unit DVD Player/Reciever/Amp and all the speakers.

Ideally with component video out, but that is a bit of a strech I know.

Last year I got my GF a Pioneer model, the HTD-330 (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_2047433_35378,00.html) or the HTD-510DV (http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_product_details.jsp?cid=847), I can't remember.

It's ok, but the speakers aren't very good.

I'm also looking at Sony models, the HT-C800DP (http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_product_details.jsp?cid=4574) on the low end and the HT-6600DP (http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_product_details.jsp?cid=4740) on the high end.

Although the price could go that high, they'd really like one for <$400.

Thoughts?

[Howell]

You can find quite a few here:
http://www.circuitcity.com/searchresults.jsp?c=0&b=g&BV_SessionID=@@@@1081762387.1072478434@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdkadckfhghefecfngcfkmdffhdffl.0&department=Home+Audio&category=Home+Theater+Systems

A friend of mine has this one (http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=0&b=g&BV_SessionID=@@@@1081762387.1072478434@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdkadckfhghefecfngcfkmdffhdffl.0&catoid=-10041&qp=0&bookmark=bookmark_14&oid=72367) and it seems to be fine.

Undoubtedly, you can find prices cheaper elsewhere.

[Mercutio]

Ebay for your speakers, man. You can probably get away with $200 for five mains. I'm not sure about the sub, but if you buy decent front speakers it isn't an issue anyway. If new is a requirement, Best Buy sells low-end ($150) speaker sets from Yamaha and KLH; a $100 center channel would probably cure those sets of being "whimpy".

I'd suggest something like an Onkyo TXDS-494 for a receiver. Those are maybe $150. My local Circuit City has them on its clearance rack.

I'm sure you can come up with a decent low-cost DVD player. I think the Lite-On settops that play divx 5 .AVI discs are around $80.

[ddrueding]

Great, thanks guys. The parent's not-quite-in-law just blew all their money on a 65" widescreen HDTV and have no cash for the rest of the components...

[e_dawg]

DLP RPTV?

[blakerwry]

I'm sure you can come up with a decent low-cost DVD player. I think the Lite-On settops that play divx 5 .AVI discs are around $80.

what lite-on settops?

[Handruin]

DLP RPTV?

I would like one of these (http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?BV_EngineID=cceiadckfjdkfhhcfngcfkmdffh dffg.0&b=g&oid=71921&BV_SessionID=%40%40%40%401336118889.1072639615%40% 40%40%40&sourceid=qDTeP%408umThgAmM8dwwe&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes&affiliateid=40057975&goTo=detail&c=1&b=g)!

Digital Light Processing Rear Projection Television

[Handruin]

(Now) Me thinks you were asking if ddrueding bought a DLP, and not what one was. Sorry bought that.

[Mercutio]

I'm sure you can come up with a decent low-cost DVD player. I think the Lite-On settops that play divx 5 .AVI discs are around $80.

what lite-on settops?

LVD2002. They are over $100. The 2001, which doesn't do divx, is the cheap one.

[ddrueding]

DLP RPTV?

Yes

[Pradeep]

DLP RPTV?

I would like one of these (http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?BV_EngineID=cceiadckfjdkfhhcfngcfkmdffh dffg.0&b=g&oid=71921&BV_SessionID=%40%40%40%401336118889.1072639615%40% 40%40%40&sourceid=qDTeP%408umThgAmM8dwwe&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes&affiliateid=40057975&goTo=detail&c=1&b=g)!

Digital Light Processing Rear Projection Television

I'm looking at this one. (http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&catoid=-8041&qp=0&bookmark=bookmark_18&oid=74888)

Tho the wife acceptance factor is better with the 51" for $2099. Actually I got her distracted and I think she gave me the nod :D

[ddrueding]

Best of luck Pradeep ;)

There's no way I'd get something that didn't have a DVI (or at least VGA) plug on it.

Still not sold on RPTV beating a full-blown projection system. $2k will get you a nice system and a motorized screen.