I'm looking into my options for what to buy an 8 year old for Christmas. He just completely had his room redone, so I thought that a new TV might be a good idea. So I've been shopping around and trying to decide what to get, but think I need a little help before committing to anything.
I went to some stores to look at some TVs and of the TVs I seen, this was the one that caught my eye the most: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9252002 Size wise I think it is perfect, not too small since he has a huge bedroom, but not too big that it will be too much in a bedroom. But I'm not sure if there are better options out there. Comparing to other TVs in the store, it seemed to look the best of all of them.
Other than a TV, I'm trying to decide what to get to go with it. I'm trying to decide betweena Blu-ray player, or PS3 or a sound system, these are the options I'm looking at:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9209830 I like the idea of a PS3 because he loves video games and doesn't have one in his room right now. The PS3 is the only system he doesn't have, but he tends to play his Wii and DS the most, so I'm not sure if the PS3 would offer any titles that he would like. Also, I'm not sure if the Blu-ray player is as good since it is built into a game system.
I also like this player: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10263812#Rebate+Information It seems to be a good option and was what they used in the store and it looked amazing. I'm just not sure if I should get the PS3 since it doesn't cost much more, but may offer more for him.
Finally, I thought about this: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9239562 I like the idea of a sound system, but not sure if this would be something that he would like as much. I'm also not sure about it since the DVD player isn't blu-ray, it is an upconforting player, so I'm not sure how good the quality would be on it.
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks so much!
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Try to decide what setup to get for new TV
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otherwise, you can find better prices for the s350.
for HTIB, I only ever recommend Onkyo. Of course, I typically recommend better stuff by piecing it together, but that is invariably more money, and the kid is just 8.
Nice stuff for an 8yo. Im sure he'll be happy. Far be it from me to tell you how to raise your kid, but I'd be paying for music lessons if it was my kid. 
Of course, maybe you already do. 
So, does the PS3 have many titles for an 8 year old, and obviously titles that his parents would approve of? Like I said, he mostly enjoys the Nintendo systems and I don't personally have a PS3. I have a PSP, as does he. I don't see a ton of options on the PSP for a kid, I can't even find many games I like as I personally don't like shooting games and things like that. So I wasn't sure if the PS3 is the same way, or if there are more, and better titles available for him?
As for the s350, is that a good Blu-Ray player, or should I look elsewhere? I'm not real knowledgeable with Blu-Ray as I haven't really decided to get one for myself yet, but I'm thinking I will soon (not sure if it is really worth the upgrade or not) So, I don't really know what to look for in the best players.
Thanks for the suggestion, I will look into Onkyo. Unfortunately the only store I was able to go to was Wal-Mart and they don't even have them setup (our Wal-Mart is being refurbished and it is a mess right now) right now. I plan to head to some electronic stores this weekend to get a better idea of things. I did everything for my setup separately (well, I didn't, but the company that set it up did) but I don't think it is necessary for him, especially in a bedroom. They have a pretty decent setup for the main TVs, but in the bedroom I don't think he needs that. Plus, I'm not sure his parents would approve, not sure if they will even approve of a sound system (I'm sure he makes too much noise as it is)
No need to worry about your advice, since he's not my kid it doesn't bother me in the least! I don't have any kids But, I'm sure your advice could come in handy for most parents, since sometimes the advice coming from the outside is most useful! As far as music lessons go, he is being well taken care of in that category as well. I don't even know what all lessons he has had, off the top of my head I know piano, guitar, drums and trumpet.
Thanks again for your help, much appreciated!
when its all for an 8 yo. Shoot... when I was 8? I don't think I had anything cool at all. Probably an old school cheapo boom box. I liked legos, and those weren't cheap I suppose.
the s350 is MORE THAN ENOUGH for an 8yo. Now, if it was for a 40yo, I might recommend Panasonic products...
I have no idea on the gaming titles for ps3. Not only do I not own a ps3, I am not a video gamer.
And along the lines of a BR setup for an 8yo, even a good Onkyo htib seems extravagant. just me.
Thanks again for all your suggestions. I have been doing some more shopping and the more I think about it, the more I'm thinking I will skip the sound system (I don't think he will really need it, nor do I think his parents would appreciate the speakers being used to their full ability.) I'm leaning more toward just a good TV and the PS3. If down the road he wants/needs the sound system, it is something that can always be added.
I really appreciate your help, you have made this much easier on me!
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