Alright, the Super Bowl is fast approaching. I procrastinated about my post on the best entertainment system under $3000. I originally planned it to be only $1000 but I figured that it was best to go all out with everything. In this system, I have included a “standard” HDTV 50″ plasma, PS3, HDMI cables, surround sound receiver, speaker system, and a DirectTV HD DVR Satellite receiver. More on this after the jump.

The Big Screen

I searched and searched for a good priced, high contrast, good technology, high definition TV to fit the purpose of viewing sports. I went with a plasma as they are cheaper when it comes to larger screens, and they are automatically High Definition with their 16:9 viewing ratio. As it is the age for the end of CRTs, everyone should be moving to plasmas or LCDs.

When it comes to purchasing a plasma or LCD, what you pay for, is typically what you get. Always consider these things when purchasing your TV: size, contrast ratio, resolution, viewing angle, and your perception. Size factors in with viewing and is related to resolution as higher resolutions factor in how viewable your TV is from afar with larger or smaller screens. Contrast ratio affects details and blacks. In one of my earlier posts, I reviewed Pioneer’s Kuro Technology, which has the highest contrast ratio to date. And last but not least, your perception. Typically higher contrast ratios from 500:1 to 2000:1 are not always noticeable to the human eye due to light and dark conditions of the room.

When you see 1080p on specs of different TVs, 1080p refers to the resolution at its 1920×1080 horizontal and vertical lines. Multiply those numbers together 2076300, over the 1000000 mark to be considered HDTV.

The only TV technologies that you should consider are LCDs and plasmas. Both of them have their ups and downs.
LCD

• Expensive at larger sizes
• Typically lower response times (though if you apply WYPIWYG, you won’t have to worry about it.
• Won’t get burn-ins
• Narrow effective viewing angle (brightness changes at different angles of viewing)
• Runs on lower temperatures (less noisy)

Plasma

• Uses phosphors (susceptible to burn-ins)
• Larger size models are cheaper than LCDs at same size
• Typically 16:9 viewing ratio (HDTV)

For this setup we will be using a Vizio 50″ Plasma with a 720p resolution. Though it doesn’t have 1080p, 720p is most desirable for fast-paced content such as sports due to the faster ability to produce images on the screen. This is why news companies like ABC prefer 720p rather than 1080p in which the Discovery Channel uses for their slow moving HDTV film. The plasma also uses DCDI which eliminates jagged edges caused by interpolation. Another great attribute is its 10000:1 contrast ratio. Price: $1399.00

The Console (DVDS, Blu Ray, PS Games!)

Yes, thats right, playstation games. Though it may seem like a child’s toy (more like teen), the PS3 is a powerful component in this entertainment system. With the ability to play games, this piece of magnificent hardware can play blu ray, dvds, etc. It is HDMI capable, has internet browsing, features the cell processor, and even has a hard drive. A better review on this later. Price: $399.00

Surround Sound Receiver

For surround sound, I chose the JVC RX-D401S Surround Sound Receiver. It can deliver 110 watts per channel and also includes HDMI inputs. In case you were wondering, HDMI provides high quality uncompressed audio signals and digital video to your system. With 7.1 channel surround sound, it is a good bang for the buck at $399.00.

Speakers

To have the best all around experience, one must need good quality speakers. I have chosen a good budget speaker system that has a powered subwoofer, one center channel, and 4 surround speakers. Polk Home Theatre System, price: $341.00

Digital Video Receiver

And last but not least, the most important required component to any HDTV experience, is the actual receiver that receives the high quality content from your High Def provider, DirectTV! Now with your DirectTV service, you can watch eye poppin’, mouth waterin’, jaw breakin’ pig skin in yo face! Price: $199.00 (Service per month not included)

Final Cost: $2899.94 (Internet Price)

On a final note, installation should be a breeze with the HDMI cables. Simply hook up HDMI cables from the PS3 to the surround sound receiver, another HDMI cable from the DirectTV DVR to the surround sound receiver, and finally another cable from the surround sound receiver to the plasma. With the speakers, simply hook up connections to the back of the surround sound receiver and sit back and relax with a remote and snacks and enjoy the view.