Sorry, A Slightly Techy Thread

[tatz93]

Im hoping you can help me on this.

Im looking into a home cinema system but don't know what i am looking for. I want one WITHOUT a DVD player, as i have a good DVD recorder, however, i have heard that the DVD with the surround sound, acts as the AV splitter and spreads the sound to 5.1. Will my existing DVD Recorder still do this ?

Let me know if you need any more info on this

Thanks to all

Ol

 

[Brink]

Hello Tatz93,

If your DVD player output and TV input has a HDMI connection, then that would be the best audio/video connection that you can get. If not, then digital optical audio or composite would be the next best thing in that order.

For surround sound, you would want a receiver that supports at least THX or TrueHD. An example of a good one is here: Onkyo HT-S6100 - 7.1-Channel Home Theater Package with iPod® Dock | Model Information | Onkyo USA Home Theater Products

Is there anything specific that you are looking for?

Hope this helps for now,
Shawn

 

[tatz93]

Thanks for the info Shawn.

I was wondering that if I were to get a home cinema system, and the speakers are connected through the DVD and the DVD to the TV via HDMI; How the the speakers work if I were to watch Satellite TV on a different HDMI. Would the sound still come through the speakers. This is where I become confused.

Cheers
Oliver

 

[Brink]

If you have the satellite HDMI connected to the DVD input, then it should pass on through from the DVD HDMI output to the speakers and TV input.

 

[tatz93]

Many thanks. Will let you know if i need anything else Brink

Cheers
Oliver

 

[Brink]

You're welcome Oliver.

Kick back and enjoy your system.

 

[tatz93]

Brink, your infinite wisdom; I call upon :D
I have this sound system:
LG Home Cinema System | HT303SU : LG UK
As I am in the UK, not everything is broadcast in 5.1 surround sound. Because of this, as i watch tele, I only end up with the 2.1 surround sound, and my rear speakers not being used. It's connected to the tele through SCART as I haven't received my HDTV yet; next Saturday.
I was wondering if there is an option somewhere that make it always use all 6 speakers or will this change when I receive my HDTV?
It doesn't have an optical connection, but it does have SPDIF I believe. What is this, and is it related to optical ?

Thanks in advance buddy
Oliver

 

[Brink]

Oliver,

You can read more about SPDIF here: S/PDIF - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Your sound system should have a option to set to play all speakers, but you will need to flip through the manual to find it though. I left mine set on auto detect so that it will automatically detect and assign the proper type of audio format based on the incoming signal. That would be best to avoid manually changing it all the time. However, you may have a option on your remote to flip back and forth between these audio modes by a press of a single button. Again, you will need to consult your sound system manual to see for sure.

 

[tatz93]

I still can't seem to get 5.1 working all the time. Only with compatible DVD's which is a huge shame. I hope this changes with my new TV. I was wondering if anyone had had the same problem?

LG Home Cinema System | HT303SU : LG UK

Are SPDIF and Optical conpletely different wires ? As optical was mentioned in the above article which perplexed me somewhat.

Cheers to all
Oliver

 

[Brink]

SPDIF had two types of digital cables, coaxial (BNC,RCA) or fiber optics (Toslink), with fiber optic being the better of the two type. Of course HDMI beats both of them.

What are Digital Audio Cables?

 

[SIW2]

Hi tatz,

I'm sure your LG will turn a stereo feed into Dolby Prologic II , or the DTS equivalent.

They do pretty good job of mimicking a full surround signal.

There is likely just one button on the remote to switch between those and stereo. You may need to look in the manual to find out how.

SIW2

 

[tatz93]

Thanks for the reply both Brink and SIW2. It is appreciated.

I still can't seem to get 5.1 all the time, only on a compatible movie. I have played around with the buttons and nothing seems to change. What may the button say ? I am new to this surround sound age so i'm sorry for my lack of knowledge!

It is connected to my TV through the Red and White sockets for the audio.

Thank you
Oliver

 

[tatz93]

I found the solution. As you said, it was a simple button. "VSM"

Thank you so much for the help and comments.

Oliver

 

[SIW2]

Hi,

Not surprised you didn't spot it earlier - VSM is not very intuitive labelling.

Glad you got it going:D

SIW2

 

[Brink]

Oliver,

I'm happy to hear that you got it working the way you wanted.

I agree with SIW2. VSM is not very apparent for what that is.