Surround sound for lounge tv - this any good?

swebb

I'm thinking of getting something like this for the tv in my living room:

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/605883/SAMSUNG-HT-Z120T-XEU?cm_sp=FeatureEnd-_-DVD_Home_Cinema_Systems-_-position

Will this only play only on the surround speakers via the DVD player? I want to connect it to my Sky HD and blue ray player. No good if the surround sound will only work on just the DVD player.

I've seen this as it's quite cheap. Am I barking up the wrong tree here i.e. I want something that will play surround sound via tv, sky HD and blue ray?

cheers

Taffybiker

It has Dolby Pro Logic 2, which should produce surround sound from a standard stereo input, albeit not true surround.

Update: That may be just the signal from the DVD though, I can't see any separate inputs for external equipment.

McKneff

Just be sure before you buy that it is going to do all that you want.

We bought a Panasonic about 5 years ago for around £200 and when we set it up all five speakers would only work with the sound system itself, ie CDs when we wired it to the TV it would only come through 3 speakers Plus ofcourse the TV speaker). Went back to Currys and they said that thats normal and we couldnt do anything about it.
We have a prologic button but nothing happens when we press it, so we have just learned to live with it.

Like I say, ask before you buy.

Diesel44

We have been out this afternnon to Comet looking at this home cinema with our son.
I think he's a bit disappointed with this unit, it does not have an HDMI connection, only scart.
Also does not have an optical connection which will give you the surround sound you need.
He ended up thinking about http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/531570/SAMSUNG-HT-TZ222R
This do have HDMI and optical, but with having to purchase the cables you need, it put it over what he wanted to spend.
Mind you I'm only a novice on Home Cinema systems, so hope someone can put you right.

CHR15

Diesel44 wrote: »

This do have HDMI and optical, but with having to purchase the cables you need, it put it over what he wanted to spend.
.

Unless you are really into this stuff (in which case you would already know what you wanted), there is no reason the cables should cost much at all (certainly not the comical prices you see in the stores)

HDMI 1.5M £2.95
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GOLD-PLATED-HDMI-to-HDMI-CABLE-LEAD-FOR-PS3-HDTV-HD-DVD_W0QQitemZ370300074484QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL?hash=item56379ab9f4

Optical Cable 1M £1.73
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1m-Pure-Optical-TOS-Link-Cable-TOSLink-Lead-Digital-UK_W0QQitemZ150383854053QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_3?hash=item23039381e5

custardy

swebb wrote: »

I'm thinking of getting something like this for the tv in my living room:

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/605883/SAMSUNG-HT-Z120T-XEU?cm_sp=FeatureEnd-_-DVD_Home_Cinema_Systems-_-position

Will this only play only on the surround speakers via the DVD player? I want to connect it to my Sky HD and blue ray player. No good if the surround sound will only work on just the DVD player.

I've seen this as it's quite cheap. Am I barking up the wrong tree here i.e. I want something that will play surround sound via tv, sky HD and blue ray?

cheers

do you have space to place the speakers around you?
TBH with only scart its not what i would go for

c00kiemonster_2

That unit will only give you surround sound in dolby digital when playing a dvd as it has no other inputs available;)

keith1950

These are really budget systems but as long as you understand their limitations you should be ok. You really need to find a retailer who can demostrate something like this alongside a decent system. When I built my system nearly 9 years ago the reciever cost £500, the subwoofer £300 and the other speakers £600. The sound is unbelievable and by buying quality items it is still going strong. I used to repair tv's,video's, dvd's and home cinema kits and it's all about knowing what you really want. Don't buy a budget system and expect anything more than a budget sound.

marvic31

This is a budget cinema system which has no optical or digital inputs, not ideal in this digital age. You will really need to up your budget or buy an AV receiver. Although you will probably need to purchase separate speakers. Try Richer Sounds. They do a budget Sony AV receiver.

If you want to future proof your purchase make sure it has digital or optical inputs and HDMI.

custardy

i have posted before but i went for an all in one speaker stand for my TV
not proper surround but i dont have space for speakers anyway

aliEnRIK

custardy wrote: »

i have posted before but i went for an all in one speaker stand for my TV
not proper surround but i dont have space for speakers anyway

I assume you mean a 'soundbar'?