Power Supply for HT Electronics

[ZoomZoom71]

Being that I'm the family guru on HT stuff (which isn't saying much), my mom called me last night to tell me which LCD TV she decided to get. She was shopping at BB, and is now comparing prices with other places. While she was at BB, they introduced her to one of the Monster Power things, while giving her their spiel about power fluctuations wearing down the electronics prematurely. My initial reaction was "don't buy anything like that from BB". I told her I'd check with my "network" here at PGL.

So, here I am. What sort of power conditioners, surge protectors, etc, if any, does an old lady need to have to protect a 46" Samsung LCD from any sort of electrical issues? I've actually read that you're better off just buying a $10 surge protector that has an equipment guarantee, instead of spending $200 on an overkill unit.

[Jon Liu]

Zoom, the point of a power conditioner like Monster is to clean the power and if it’s a good enough power conditioner it will regulate the spikes and dips in the power going to your electronics, which you already likely explained to your mom. That said I still believe that Monster products are very overpriced for what they are. If you want a better bargain I can suggest Belkin’s PureAV power conditioners. I personally use a Panamax branded Power Conditioner, but they are likely a bit more on the expensive side. I’ve seen and heard the difference in my system. It’s easy for me to tell the difference because my area and my location specifically has really ‘dirty’ power with fluctuations. So that’s a major dependency for if the difference is noticeable. I say better safe than sorry.

Belkin Power Conditioner

There is a Belkin model for $200. The Belkins seem to be more popular because of their less-expensive price point for what you get compared to Monster or even Panamax. They have others that look more like the surge-protector type deals, too, if that’s what you are more looking for.

[lovekeiiy]

The question to ask, what is your mother looking to accomplish in the purchase of a power conditioner? The other part, how good is the equipment and so forth.

I would assume she just needs a good surge protector, which is all about how quick they will react. If she's actually concern about the power going to her equipment, I would go with the companies like APC and so forth as you see in the PC area. Most also venture into the home theater area, but you don't know the HT specific equipment. Plus, then you can get battery back up. And for $200 plus dollars, I would want some battery back up. It'll help a lot when the power flickers.

I have an old Monster Power conditioner. I got mine off the net years ago. It works well for what it is. Unfortunately, some of the stuff on it went out such as the phone line protection. Next time I get another power conditioner, I'm more than likely looking in the PC area for power condition and surge protection with battery back up.

I also think Monster's products are pricey for what they offer compared to companies.

[namehater]

how can a person tell if their power is 'dirty'?

[lovekeiiy]

I'm not quite sure on that one. Usually the voltage fluctuates more than it should, but quite enough to make the equipment not function. It just doesn't function as well as it could.

In my opinion, for the general consumer, a good surge protector is sufficient for their needs and wants. There are probably voltage regulators that can be purchased for way less than $200 if she's really that concerned about it.

I've watched some of those home theater shows on the DIY networks or HGTV or whatever channel, and I don't usually see any Monster power conditions. Most just use better surge protectors. Heck, I got a home theater magazine, and most of the people in those don't use them either.

[ZoomZoom71]

One would think that with today's technology, HDTV manufacturers would build VR into their power supplies, instead of relying on the end-user to do it. On my own HT gear, I don't use anything but a $10 surge protector. I've never had any issues with any of my stuff.

[Jon Liu]

One of the easiest ways I can tell I have crummy power is even when I turn on my microwave, if the oven fan is on, the fan will slow down slightly. Also, when turning on my television or my receiver, the lights flicker once. That’s why a power conditioner is a must in my case. All my electronics, computers have surge protectors or power conditioners. Your conditions will very drastically from my experience, but if yours is anything like mine, the phrase “better safe than sorry” really applies.

[namehater]

ah i gotcha

[ZoomZoom71]

I checked the FAQ's on Samsung's website for power conditioners, and I guess this sums up their position: "You can use a surge protector if you want to. They are especially useful in areas where the electric current fluctuates or areas subject to frequent lightning strikes. However, we neither recommend using one nor recommend against using one."

Real helpful, Samsung. Ugh!

[alter_ego_trip]

There is a difference between a surge protector and power conditioner. At the risk of stating the obvious, surge protectors do nothing more than limit huge voltage spikes from damaging your equipment. They don't regulate voltage. Power conditioners do the same thing as a surge protector with the added benefit of using a 3-5 stage filter to isolate AC noise that has been introduced to your system. Voltage Stabilizers are primarily designed to prevent any voltage fluctuation from affecting your system. This comes in handy in areas with insufficient power supplies to keep up with the demand. Most hardcore HT nuts actually pair a power conditioner and voltage stabilizer for maximum benefit. You also have a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) which will continue to deliver power to your components in the event of a power loss. This comes in handy with FP users where shutting off the projector without the proper cool down can damage the bulb.

I do agree with Jon that Monster Power is generally overpriced. I would never purchase any of their cables when there are equal products being sold for much less. That being said I really do like their power conditioners. I have used them for years and have been extremely satisfied with their performance. As stated, Belkin as well as Panamax, makes a very nice product also.

[ZoomZoom71]

Yeah, when I searched Samsung's site for 'power conditioner', the only thing that came up was the supplied 'surge protector'. I do indeed know the difference between the two. I just found their stance on it to be funny and useless, at the same time.

[alter_ego_trip]

Well that's the; "we claim no responsibility should your TV blow up, regardless of not using or not not using, the aforementioned surge protector that we have not not recommended to not recommend to you about not not using, should you choose to not use the product we have not deemed necessary nor authorized to safely not not use".