Hi Def TV Question

[1ntCobra]

DVD players cannot play Blu-ray disks, it is a different color/wavelength laser technology (blue laser?).

Blu-ray players play DVDs and CDs. I've had a blu-ray player for over a year now, it was the cheapest model available at the time, its called a Sony PS3 (which is a game system with harddrive, wireless internet access and uses blu-tooth accessories). It may still be the cheapest and most capable of blu-ray players.

One thing that I would recommend is getting a TV supports 1080p with that as the native resolution (1920x1080). The reason why I say that is the native resolution of all blu-ray discs that I have seen. You will need to get an HDMI cable to get the 1080p signal to the TV.

I think you said you have a vhs/dvd player. Well just use the blu-ray player to play dvds. A standard VHS does not even record standard television resolution. I used to have an S-VHS deck that could. I think there was an obscure variant of VHS called D-VHS that could record high def, but it seems people recording high-def these days use a DVR. I have not used bothered with recording shows in years, but I have a VHS (and beta) hooked up to a normal TV in a different room in case I want to watch an old tape.

I have DirecTv satellite and upgraded to a HD receiver when they first started offering local channels in HD, which may have been over 2 years ago. I got the receiver for -1 dollars after rebate, but had to pay for the installation of a 5 LNB dish. I think it depends on which satellites you need to get your local channels, you may need a 5 LNB dish or multiple dishes. I don't know what the current pricing deal is.

I also recommend getting something to switch between satellite, the blu-ray player, and the VHS (if you want to keep that), which is either a Home Theater Receiver or the TV itself.

I use a Home Theater Receiver for switching (and one of these days I'll buy the additional surround sound speakers, as I'm just using my old stereo speakers for now). And keep in mind for 1080p you'll want something that can switch HDMI (and perhaps convert your satellite (component video in my case) and VHS (composite or S-video) to HMDI.

If you don't think you will want surround sound with your TV, then just make sure your TV has enough inputs on the back for your blu-ray, satellite and VHS. Then you can just use your TV to switch devices. Make sure you have an HDMI for the blu-ray and whatever the best connection type is for satellite and the VHS.