Component cables + Sound

[Shozuki]

A few q's.. (in use with a Samsung LE26M51B)

1. I have unnoficial Xbox/PS2 component cables - are the official ones much better?

2. If so where can get official ones from?

3. Xbox 360, Joytech VGA cable or official?

4. lastly can someone recommend me a good 5.1 Sound system for ?80 - ?100 (im not expecting absolutely gobsmacking stuff - just something that decent..)

Thanks in advance

[Shozuki]

anyone? - realistically I just want to know where to get official cables from....

[sj33]

Just want a mention about your speaker situation.

The important thing to remember when buying 5.1 speakers for games consoles is that you HAVE to have a Dolby Digital/DTS decoder in your setup. In your case, you want a set of 5.1 speakers that have built-in Dolby Digital/DTS decoding.
Those 5.1 speakers they sell at Asda/Wollies/whatever for ?50 a pop may look like a bargin, but since they lack any Dolby Digital/DTS decoding, they're really only any good for PC's, or DVD players that have built-in decoding. Absolute no-go for games consoles.

The Creative Inspire GD580 seems to meet your needs http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...864270-2741251
Not tried it myself, but Wazmeister in these forums has a set and they seem to do the treat for him. They have all the necessary decoding stuff, including Pro Logic II for games like RE4.

I personally use the Logitech Z-5500's and love them to bits, but you might not wanna go this high http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...864270-2741251

For 5.1, you need to connect your PS2/XB/360 using optical cables, and you'll likely want an optical switcher too http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables/APRILO1.html

[Shozuki]

thanks shakey mate - your always to the rescue, on the component thing i've seen something I just cant believe:

Magic VGA box:

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-86-49-en-70-4s4.html

Would this be the way forward for those pre-Xbox 360 consoles on the Sammy TV mentioned earlier?

[Shozuki]

guys? - sorry for being pushy - but I want to prep everything so that when my TV arrives - im good to go...

[sj33]

Nah the above device isn't much cop at all.

The only really decent VGA box (as in, a box that actually makes it look better) is the XRGB2, or the XRGB3 coming in March. They'll set you back as high as ?200 mind, though I've seen them go on here for ?100. Bit of a bummer really.

I'd just get the TV, and look into improving the picture if your dis-satisifed.

For PS2/XBox/GC cables, stick to the Component cables you've got, as plenty of people on here seem to be satisifed with thrid party cables. I've got first party mind you, and I'll always go first party.
I do believe first party cables are a requirement when it comes to RGB Scart mind, but reports on here suggest it might not matter as much with Component.

[Shozuki]

kool, thanks - thats cleared that up for me!! cheers

[Shozuki]

does anyone know where I can get an XRGB2+ from? do you suspect XRGB3 to be a big difference?

[sj33]

The XRGB2+ is discontinued, you'll have a hard time finding one.

The main thing about the XRGB3 is the support for HDTV and LCD resolutions - will support 1280x720, 1280x768, 1280x1024 and 1600x1200, as well as the resolutions the XRGB2+ supported (1024x768, 640x480).
The XRGB3 also seems to have a DVI-D input, though I am unsure if this is just a passthrough for a PC or something.

[Shozuki]

ooh, nice!! - I did a search for the XRGB3 on google - cant seem to find one to order. have you had any luck pre-ordering one shakey?

[sj33]

No-ones really preordering yet. I'm waiting for NCSX to start taking preorders.

Need to get some JRGB cables first (or have my Scart ones modded to JRGB).

[Shozuki]

kool, thanks for the help mate - thats got me really excited - you've been a massive help I have even ordered the Z5500. JRGB eh? it takes component in anyway doesnt it?

[Shozuki]

ah, I see JRGB gives better picture - nice...

[sj33]

Not really, JRGB is just Scart with different pinouts. Since older consoles lack Component, JRGB is the route you will want to take, but you'll need to modify the pinouts. A pain...