TV surround sound

amc1

I have just bought a new Panasonic
TXP 42G20B (the specs are here http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/panasonic-txp42g20-txp42g20b-20100308169.htm) and am enjoying especially the new built-in HD freeview (ITV . BBC, C4)

I have also found this on the internet :-
"Except Freeview HD does not carry Dolby digital but HE-AAC and the G20 range does not have a transcoder. Panasonic have stated that the G20 range does not support it for sending to the optical output. There is even some debate as to whether the HDMI via ARC will send multi-channel LPCM."


I am looking for a new surround sound set-up now and have a budget of £100 to £250. Can anyone on some pieces of kit please to get the best audio possible.


Many thanks for your help,

trets77

i maybe wrong here but i don't think any freeview channels ( ie channels that you watch via the arial on your roof ) carry a 5.1 signal . BBC HD had 5.1 on it's world cup broadcasts , but i watch that through Sky .

Sky movies , Sky Sports , Sky 1 carry some 5.1 encoded soundtracks . Movies more than others ,

anyway the the majority of TV does not have pure 5.1 sound even through a Sky box .

What you need is a decent amp that creates a it's own version of a 5.1 sound field from 2 channel broadcasts ect . better the Amp better the sound obviously , but most ( if not all) home cinema amps will be able to do this .the modes used are called things like Dolby Pro Logic 2 or DTS Neo 6 . some Amps will have their own individual modes , that the brand makes .

i had a Harmon Kardon Amp a few years back that had a Logic 7 mode , that blew things like Dolby Pro Logic , and DTS Neo 6 out of the water when it came to converting 2 channel TV into 5.1 surround sound . not quite as good a pure 5.1 digital , but still pretty dam good IMO

Your TV has 2 channel analogue output and Optical TOSlink digital output ( i cannot see a HDMI output) . if you get a a cheap optical lead you will be able to see if anything sends a pure 5.1 signal to your Amp . ( if it does your Amp will automatically go into Dolby Digital 5.1 mode when it gets the signal ) . if it does not the TOSlink will still be just fine for 2 channel output that your Amp can then play with and give it's version of 5.1 sound .

try something like this for optical .
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1m-Pure-Optical-TOS-Link-Cable-HQ-TOSLink-Lead-Digital-/290450287066?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item43a02fa9da#ht_1805wt_1031

my advice: head down to your local Richer Sounds and explain your needs , and your budget . they will probably have something new off the shelf that will be right for you ( or maybe something 2nd hand ) . e.g

http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/yamaha/rxv365/yama-rxv365-blk

of course the above need speakers and cables added . you can pick up a half decent speaker package there as well for good price

http://www.richersounds.com/products/home-cinema/speakers/speaker-packages


or you could go down the all in one box solution .

http://www.richersounds.com/products/home-cinema/home-cinema-separates/1-box-home-cinema-systems

Separates will probably give you more bang for your buck , but trust your own ears and decide what best for you .

if you have never had dealings with Richer Sounds , then know they are always well priced and customer service is superb . their interconnects ( e.g Toslink optical) can be bit pricey though as they only have premium products in this area

Hammyman

Another vote for Richer Sounds. I got an Onkyo model from them to replace my ageing Pioneer amp. It exceeds the Pioneer by many times even though its an entry level amp and the Pioneer was high spec when I bought it 12 years ago.

Richie-from-the-Boro

I've nothing against Richer Sounds, but when offered a £30 Toslink because they stock nothing else if you say no thanks, I don't want to spend more than a £iver a meter they will miraculously find several cheaper brands under the counter or 'out the back'

3 pavement parking places smack in the busiest part of the town, I went in [ I was in a hurry - it was there or Maplins ] for two Toslink's and exactly that did happen to me, I said no ta! mate I'll go to Maplins, and yes the rabbit came out of their hat with cheaper cables although they never show on the website and they are never on show in the shop.

This comment is for info only - ask ? - you never know !