Surround sound Question from a Dummy!

madcal87

Hi, Sorry I am a real novice when it comes to this sort of thing.

First off, I have a OLD style PS3 - with optical output sound.

Second, I have a Sky + HD box!

I want surround sound - Cheapest possible price!

i'm hoping to use a DVD Home cinema system that can be bought from any shop.

Do I need to go say from the ps3.

Sound : PS3 -> (OPTIC CABLE) -> DVD Home Cinema System (Set to say an AUX input setting) -> that then does the sound for ps3

Picture: PS3 -> (HDMI) -> straight into the TV (Which i will need to put the sound on Mute)

And then same deal with the SKY box ?

OR

is it say a HMDI cable from ps3 to dvd surround sound system which then has an output which goes to the tv ? ?

Sorry if that makes no sense CHEERS

scheming_gypsy

First thing you'll need to do is make sure that the surround sound box has optical in... otherwise you'll only get surround sound from the DVD player.

Although Sky+ HD is a completely different issue so it might not work for you. For Sky+ HD you need to go HDMI and optical into the surround sound (took me ages of fannying about before I found out).

But if your TV has optical out and the surround sound has optical in, then you may be able to get away with everything into the TV and then the TV out to the surround sound.

madcal87

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

But if your TV has optical out and the surround sound has optical in, then you may be able to get away with everything into the TV and then the TV out to the surround sound.

I can't check at the moment (at work) but if my tv has optical out - then all I need to do is connect that to the back of the DVD HOME CINEMA SYSTEM ?!

Thanks

scheming_gypsy

you 'should' be able to and then tell your TV to use that channel for sound. Your best option would be to nip into Richer Sounds and let them know what you're after, they're usually cheap enough to buy from if you do decide to go with their option.

I was in a similar position a few years ago but couldn't find a way to do it, so i ended up going down the full AV receiver, but then Sky+ HD killed that off when i couldn't go HDMI to TV and optical to receiver, so if you can go TV to surround sound you could be on a winner.

madcal87

Cheers Pal!

Got a recommendation for a Home Cinema system / what I should be looking for to get the most for my money....about £200(ish) could probably stretch a bit more if its worth it

Found this one: http://www.dixons.co.uk/gbuk/samsung-ht-d550-5-1ch-home-cinema-system-10096474-pdt.html

And the discription is:
A/V inputs 2 Audio Input, Optical Input
A/V outputs HDMI Out, Composite Output, Component Output, SCART Out

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> i assume that means I does what i am after?!

spike7451

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

First thing you'll need to do is make sure that the surround sound box has optical in... otherwise you'll only get surround sound from the DVD player.

Although Sky+ HD is a completely different issue so it might not work for you. For Sky+ HD you need to go HDMI and optical into the surround sound (took me ages of fannying about before I found out).

But if your TV has optical out and the surround sound has optical in, then you may be able to get away with everything into the TV and then the TV out to the surround sound.

That's how I've ran mine,the TV on 2,VCR on 1 & DVD on 3 on the Surround Sound,By running the optical for the Sky thru the TV (Sky connected via HDMI) I can also have my external HD,connected to the TV us USB, running in Surround Sound as well.
VCR & DVD are rarely used which is why I have them on different outputs on the Surround Sound.

madcal87

I hope my TV has optical out - as this seem like the simple option - is about a 3 year old LG LCD 32". :-S

scheming_gypsy

madcal87 wrote: »

Cheers Pal!

Got a recommendation for a Home Cinema system / what I should be looking for to get the most for my money....about £200(ish) could probably stretch a bit more if its worth it

A/V inputs 2 Audio Input, Optical Input

---

> i assume that means I does what i am after?!

yep, the 2 audio input will be stereo and the optical input will give you the 5.1

Although with a £200+ budget you might even be able to go for a full AV receiver setup in the sales.

madcal87

I though AV receivers were £200 ish and thats not including the speaker and sub woof etc

scheming_gypsy

You can pick them up cheaper, i think Richer sounds have some at around £130 and about £100 for speakers, but prices may drop in the sales and they often have reduced priced stock on their website.

madcal87

What about this: http://www.richersounds.com/showclearanceproduct/PHIL-HTS6515/Philips+Hts6515.html
However has no input by the looks of things....shame...its a right bargain !