Home theater wiring questions.

**Zapper2003** · 12-26-2011, 04:59 PM

Just browsing surround sound systems lately, namely the all-in-one-box systems. Samsung has a 5.1 blu-ray/surround system that I'm interested in. I've got a Samsung TV and I'm looking at the wiring of all of this and I've run into a small snag. The surround box has no HDMI Inputs, only RCA inputs and a Digital Optical audio input. My TV has 2 HDMI Inputs and a digital optical audio output, and all of the other RCA's etc. I'm currently running a set-top box for my cable, and my Xbox, both of which are connected directly to the television VIA individual HDMI cords, I just switch inputs on the TV when going from one to the other. My question is this: Obviously I will be getting surround sound through the Blu-Ray player, since thats where the original source of the audio is, however, since I can't run my Xbox or cable box through the DVD player, how will I go about getting surround sound from those? I have no problem connecting either the Xbox or the cable box with the RCA cables, however I'd like to be able to get the sound from them to come through the surround speakers. Should I keep looking for a surround box that has HDMI inputs? Will a simple digital optical audio cable from the TV back to the surround solve my issues? Any help or advice would be appreciated.

**Nowhereman** · 12-26-2011, 05:19 PM

A digital optical will take care of the problem if what you posted is the problem.

**Zapper2003** · 12-26-2011, 05:44 PM

I found another system that has one HDMI input and out. As I said, Im not entirely against hooking up the cable box with the RCA's. I'd like to keep it simplified (all of the components tie into the surround sound, then just one HDMI connects the surround to the TV).

**35th-ANV-SS** · 12-26-2011, 08:18 PM

The optical cable (TOSLink) will provide the same sound quality as the HDMI. The only benefit with HDMI is you only have to use one cord for audio/video, whereas with the optical cable you'll have to run separate wiring for your video.

You also cannot take advantage of TrueHD or HD Master Audio using a optical cable.

I have an older Kenwood 7.1 receiver and it doesn't have HDMI outputs so I am running component cables and an optical for audio for the BlueRay and TV since everything runs through my receiver.

**Zapper2003** · 12-27-2011, 02:38 AM

I guess what I'm getting at is that I'd like for the surround sound to be available for use with every componenet I hook to the TV. The other surround i found has ONE HDMI Input (for the xbox) and of course all the RCA hookups as normal. I will just use the RCA's for the cable box (cant get HD with that, no real need for HDMI then), then hook the HDMI from the surround system to the TV. That should take care of what I want to do.

**allbaugh_04** · 12-27-2011, 12:05 PM

You'd be better off with an actual receiver. I personally use the Denon AVR-590. Way better sound quality and you choose the speakers you want.

It has 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output to the TV. For example, I connect an XBOX, Computer, and a cable box via HDMI to the Receiver, the audio is processed and will be in a surround sound format if the source is. The video is then sent to TV for processing. I also can hook up other sources via component. I even do red, white, yellow for the N64 etc. The yellow goes straight to the TV and the red and white go to the receiver for sound processing.

Not all receivers process the sound and video through HDMI so keep that in mind. The receiver is the most important part of any surround sound system. JMO.

**Zinergy** · 12-27-2011, 01:34 PM

Just get a digital optical audio cable, run it from the TV to the receiver and then anything you have plugged into the TV, like cable and xbox will put the sound through the surround sound.

**Zapper2003** · 12-27-2011, 07:52 PM

I considered a coponent system as well, just out of my current budget was all. I do have 2 floor-standing Sony speakers that would work well for the front channels (3 way, 8" woofer etc). I didn't pull the trigger on a all-in-one system today just for the simple fact that nobody has what I wanted in stock. Online pricing vs. store pricing was 100$ different in the stores favor

**allbaugh_04** · 12-27-2011, 07:59 PM

I think the AVR-590 is in the 200 range on ebay.

**Zapper2003** · 12-27-2011, 08:01 PM

I really wish I could just use all of the shit I got for car audio. It'd be so much cheaper since I've already got it all.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 12-27-2011, 09:07 PM

I hear ya. I have a whole top-end car system sitting in a closet I had in my old Camaro

**allbaugh_04** · 12-28-2011, 05:28 AM

You could sell all the car audio. I remember getting 150 for my old rockford amp. Pretty good deal. The sound stage is better and much easier to achieve in home audio.

Car audio just isn't worth the time for me. I spend all my time at home.

**INMY01TA** · 12-28-2011, 04:25 PM

Those all in one systems are teh suck. No or limited HDMI inputs. Dedicated speaker terminals. Passive subwoofers. Not upgradable. Onkyo, Denon, and Yamaha have very affordable systems with actual recievers and active subwoofers. You just need to purchase the Blu Ray player seperately.

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S5400...5121977&sr=8-2 $360
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S3400...5123400&sr=1-1 $249 (cheaper version)

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YHT-395...5122080&sr=1-1 $349.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Yamaha+-...&skuId=3125285 $299.

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-DHT-1312...5122162&sr=1-1 $549. I've seen this one on there cheaper, just have to watch.

Those prices from Amazon are all tax free with free shipping.

I have last years version of the same Onkyo system above and it's been great.

**Zapper2003** · 12-28-2011, 07:39 PM

Sony STR-DH810 Home theater receiver at Crutchfield.com

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SA-W3000-.../dp/B000OL22T2

Looking at those 2 right now as they're within my budget. Opinions? I know they're both out of production, but I believe that to be a recent thing and not years ago.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 12-28-2011, 09:34 PM

I personally do not like Sony's speakers. The receiver on the other hand looks pretty solid if you can pick it up for a decent price.

For what it's worth, I have a 12" 400-watt Infinity powered sub-woofer and it sounds great. I don't think 180 would get the job done and would struggle to get those deeper bass tones/punch you would be looking for in a home theater set-up. I would wait til you saved up a little more cash if you can't swing it just yet. You'll end up buying something you'll probably regret and won't get any resale value from it used when you go to upgrade.

**Zapper2003** · 12-29-2011, 03:06 AM

I remember one time a while ago I had found the sub setup that I wanted, but it's been erased from my memory. It was a big bitch. Dual 18" woofers, ported box. Shipping weight was 430lbs

and it sat on the floor with 6 pointy-ass spikes. Free shipping though!

**Zapper2003** · 12-31-2011, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by INMY01TA

Those all in one systems are teh suck. No or limited HDMI inputs. Dedicated speaker terminals. Passive subwoofers. Not upgradable. Onkyo, Denon, and Yamaha have very affordable systems with actual recievers and active subwoofers. You just need to purchase the Blu Ray player seperately.

Amazon.com: Onkyo HT-S5400 7.1-Channel Home Theater System: Electronics $360
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S3400...5123400&sr=1-1 $249 (cheaper version)

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YHT-395...5122080&sr=1-1 $349.
Yamaha - YHT-395 5.1 3D Home Theater System - 100 W RMS - YHT-395 $299.

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-DHT-1312...5122162&sr=1-1 $549. I've seen this one on there cheaper, just have to watch.

Those prices from Amazon are all tax free with free shipping.

I have last years version of the same Onkyo system above and it's been great.

The 7.1 Onkyo system is intriguing. Are the extra 2 channels really worth the hassle, though? Is it much of a noticable difference?

**INMY01TA** · 12-31-2011, 04:34 PM

If your couch is against the back wall then no, nowhere to put the extra two behind you but if you have room for them then why not? Not really a hassle. It gives a good sound but you have to buy 3 sets of speaker stands also. The sub does a pretty damned good job for a boxed system but does have limits.

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 12-31-2011, 05:42 PM

I have that Onkyo system for my Computer. Great sounding for the price.

Originally Posted by INMY01TA

Those all in one systems are teh suck. No or limited HDMI inputs. Dedicated speaker terminals. Passive subwoofers. Not upgradable. Onkyo, Denon, and Yamaha have very affordable systems with actual recievers and active subwoofers. You just need to purchase the Blu Ray player seperately.http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S5400...5121977&sr=8-2 $360http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S3400...5123400&sr=1-1 $249 (cheaper version)http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YHT-395...5122080&sr=1-1 $349.Yamaha - YHT-395 5.1 3D Home Theater System - 100 W RMS - YHT-395 $299.Amazon.com: Denon DHT-1312BA A/V Home Theater Receiver with Boston Acoustics MCS 160 5.1 Surround Speaker System: Electronics $549. I've seen this one on there cheaper, just have to watch.Those prices from Amazon are all tax free with free shipping.I have last years version of the same Onkyo system above and it's been great.