5.1 sound on the cheap?

[andrewfee]

Actually most of the latest TVs have multiple HDMIs, but in Europe there's very few (if any) that have multiple component ports, so component switching may be more ideal.

What I meant is that more and more devices are using HDMI now. Currently I use Component for the Wii, VGA on my 360, and HDMI for my PS3. I've got a WLT68 so it's got 3x HDMI ports (should be plenty) but if you get an upscaling DVD player, that's HDMI. HD-DVD player? HDMI too. Same goes for a 360 Elite, Sky HD, hooking up a computer etc.

One Component port is usually enough for most people these days, but as more and more things use HDMI, you might find that even if your set has three ports like mine you could be running out.

I should point out that the Sony amp only does HDMI switching, it doesn't decode HDMI audio. (I doubt you'll find that in this kind of price-range)

[Lyris]

Actually most of the latest TVs have multiple HDMIs, but in Europe there's very few (if any) that have multiple component ports, so component switching may be more ideal.

That was also my thinking, although the Elite 360 changes that a little.

[themanwithapc]

What I meant is that more and more devices are using HDMI now. Currently I use Component for the Wii, VGA on my 360, and HDMI for my PS3. I've got a WLT68 so it's got 3x HDMI ports (should be plenty) but if you get an upscaling DVD player, that's HDMI. HD-DVD player? HDMI too. Same goes for a 360 Elite, Sky HD, hooking up a computer etc.

One Component port is usually enough for most people these days, but as more and more things use HDMI, you might find that even if your set has three ports like mine you could be running out.

I should point out that the Sony amp only does HDMI switching, it doesn't decode HDMI audio. (I doubt you'll find that in this kind of price-range)

Thing is, you could say the same for component. What about those playing their PS2, Xbox and GCs and Wii? What I'm trying to say is, on average there's usually less component ports available, so it might be nice to expand those.

We are going very Ot though, so I'll just be quiet.

[JohnMcL7]

It's component ports I need, the 360(the PCs have the VGA port), Wii, Gamecube, PS2 and Archos are all currently sharing a single component port however none of the systems I've been looking at feature component switching.

John

[hudson]

Only meeeee

Thinking of getting the Sony DAVDZ830W home cinema system. Anybody had experience with this system?

[Baseley09]

I know someone who has that system, before i had been snobbish to these all in wonder set ups but i have to say it was very good on a brief showcase with modern King Kong.

[reektan]

I bought the Yamaha AV59 package about 3-4 weeks ago.
You get a Yamaha RX-V359 amp: http://www.yamaha-uk.com/av_amps_rec...product_id=135

And some Yamaha speakers and a subwoofer. It can be had for around 200-230 pounds on most sites. The amp has 3 Component video inputs, 2 optical audio inputs, 1 digital coaxial audio in. I'm no audiophile by any means, and can only say "It sounds good to me".

Picture: http://www.lyris-lite.net/2007/03/my...f_is_here.html

i would also recommend this setup to anyone.

http://www.petertyson.co.uk/ebuttonz/ebz_product_pages/yamaha_av61.shtml

is where i got mine

[hudson]

Can someone tell me what extra cables I will need to get set up? I've got a Sony Home Cinema system on order from work and I've read that they don't come with an optical lead/HDMI lead. I'm a TV nub, so excuse me.

I have a Bravia LCD TV and I'd like to know what extra cables I should get for the best quality between it and the Sound system.

Also, I'd like to be able to put my consoles (PS3/360/Wii) through it. Not at the same time, obviously.

[Baseley09]

You dont really wanna plug the tv into it, unless you want sound from freeview, you just wanna connect your ps3 & xbox360 via the optical socket. Plug Wii in with its standard white/red phono leads as supplied (might need an extension cable for this?).

[hudson]

Should I get 2 optical leads you think? Will there be just one optical input to the Amp/DVD thing?

[Baseley09]

I had a look and it appears there is 1 optical toslink in and 1 digital coax on your system, both HD consoles use the former so you will need a splitter/switcher by the looks of it

[hudson]

if you don't mind, link me to such gubbins? and thanks for helping.

[Baseley09]

Here you go somethin like this, allows 3 optical sources into one socket

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3-way-optical-TOS-link-selector-switch-switcher-box_W0QQitemZ350013928694QQihZ022QQcategoryZ295QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

If you need the optical cables for PS3/360 the same seller does 1.5m ones for a few quids, should be fine.

[hudson]

Thanks, Baseley09.

Will there be any loss of quality going through such a gubbin?

[Baseley09]

Nah with digital sound the general thought is it either gets from A to B or it doesnt, so if it gets there it will be pretty perfect, should have no problems.