N00b TV Help

[Shozuki]

Im looking for a really nice Plasma TV that gives me great picture.

I really have no clue what I need (tv, boxes, cables etc..)

Need to plug in:
Dreamcast NTSC (I have a VGA cable, dunno if it can be used with the TV)
PS2
Xbox
GC
Sony DAV-SC5 (DVD player)

So if some could give me a run down on the best TV, Cables, and extra's that im gonna need to get the most out of the TV.

thanks

[007]

What plasmas have you looked at? What kind of price range too?

The Panasonic PW6 and 7 series are a good bet, but you would need to buy seperate input boards, as it only cames with a VGA input.

[Shozuki]

I was looking at:

http://www.av-sales.com/plasma/html/panasonic_th-42pwd7bs.html

i guess i dont really wanna spend more then that...

[in5ane]

1) I would check avforum.co.uk very frequently
2) I would wait til the summer when there are more HD options

After a lot of research, I'm planning on getting a new HD Panasonic when they are released in about 3-4 months (if it lives up to the expectations!)

If you've got the cash, getting a decent amp with video switching with tons of inputs, and an RGB cabable scart switcher means it doesn't really matter what telly you get cos you've already got the hook ups sorted. After much planning, I have 4 consoles, 2 DVD players, VHS, Sky+ all available on just one scart socket if necessary

[roobarb]

which amp out of interest ?

[in5ane]

I personally have a big silver Sony 6.1 something or other (dunno the model number- and i call myself a geek!) - offers tons of audio inputs, plus S-video switching which i use for my projector.

[roobarb]

so no RGB scart inputs on the amp then?

in that case I guess you are using a separate RGB switch box, and this amp just for the beamer S-Video inputs - same as me in fact

[007]

My Denon 2905 has 3 component Ins and ****e loads of S-video inputs. Great amp too.

[ph@tboy]

I don't think there are any amps that have scart switching, probably due to the size of the plugs/sockets. Most newer medium to high-end amps now have component switching, and the top of the range Yamaha even scales the picture too.

Vivanco have just released a rather nice looking Scart switcher that can accept something like 5 or 6 inputs. Remote control too, looks to be better than the B-tech Quintro.

To be honest if you are going to get a Plasma/LCD screen you would probably want to get a scaler to convert your RGB/S-Video/Composite (interlaced) sources to a progressive signal. Keep an eye out at avforums they pop up for sale quite regularly, something like the iScan series would be fine.