I have a Westinghouse 42" HDTV that I've heard does not support 5.1 surround sound through its audio output. As a result, I'm looking for a reciever/surround sound system that I can run my PS3 audio through (bypassing the TV). I was wondering a) If I can just run the HDMI to the TV and an optical audio cable to the reciever and b) a recommendation for a solid system. I've been looking at this from BB http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8715679&productCategoryId=abcat0203000&type=product&id=1200702389126

Here's the TV I have:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889234011&Tpk=westinghouse%201080p%2042%22

I'm using an old Shelf Stereo system in lieu of a surround sound system at the moment:
http://www.epinions.com/specs/Aiwa_NSX_D60_Mini_System__Bookshelf_Systems_NSX_D60

I've also contemplated just buying a reciever like this
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8640465&productCategoryId=abcat0202003&type=product&id=1195598242555 and hooking up my PC surround sound system to that. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121121)

Suggestions for 2.1-5.1 systems, advice on how to best setup a surround sound system that bypasses the TV, and criticism of what I just posted is what I'm looking for. My price range is preferably $200 or less, but I'm willing to spring a bit more for a nice quality boost. Thanks for any help.

I have a Westinghouse 42" HDTV that I've heard does not support 5.1 surround sound through its audio output. As a result, I'm looking for a reciever/surround sound system that I can run my PS3 audio through (bypassing the TV). I was wondering a) If I can just run the HDMI to the TV and an optical audio cable to the reciever and b) a recommendation for a solid system. I've been looking at this from BB http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8715679&productCategoryId=abcat0203000&type=product&id=1200702389126

Here's the TV I have:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889234011&Tpk=westinghouse%201080p%2042%22

I'm using an old Shelf Stereo system in lieu of a surround sound system at the moment:
http://www.epinions.com/specs/Aiwa_NSX_D60_Mini_System__Bookshelf_Systems_NSX_D60

I've also contemplated just buying a reciever like this
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8640465&productCategoryId=abcat0202003&type=product&id=1195598242555 and hooking up my PC surround sound system to that. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121121)

Suggestions for 2.1-5.1 systems, advice on how to best setup a surround sound system that bypasses the TV, and criticism of what I just posted is what I'm looking for. My price range is preferably $200 or less, but I'm willing to spring a bit more for a nice quality boost. Thanks for any help.

Staryoshi87

Onkyo HT-S6100

It decodes TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Don't sell yourself short of what your PS3 is capable of.

Make sure that receiver you are buying have HDMI inputs and outputs.

Then is easy, connect PS3 with HDMI cable with receiver and with other HDMI cable connect receiver with your TV.

Definitely go for 5.1 vs 2.1

Onkyo HT-S6100

It decodes TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Don't sell yourself short of what your PS3 is capable of.

GioVela2010

In that case wouldn't you just get an HDMI receiver that can handle LPCM instead of one that can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA?

(the PS3 decodes both codecs)

[QUOTE="GioVela2010"]

Onkyo HT-S6100

It decodes TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Don't sell yourself short of what your PS3 is capable of.

virtual-human

In that case wouldn't you just get an HDMI receiver that can handle LPCM instead of one that can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA?

(the PS3 decodes both codecs)

[QUOTE="virtual-human"][QUOTE="GioVela2010"]

Onkyo HT-S6100

It decodes TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Don't sell yourself short of what your PS3 is capable of.

GioVela2010

In that case wouldn't you just get an HDMI receiver that can handle LPCM instead of one that can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA?

(the PS3 decodes both codecs)

OK, but my point was that using TrueHD and DTS-HD MA decoding in a receiver as a selling point for taking full advantage of the PS3 isn't fully accurate or appropriate when instead all that is necessary is ability to handle the decoded PCM from the PS3, which may allow more leeway in choosing another product that is otherwise comparable.

Furthermore, in the strictest sense, if you don't want to sell the capabilities of the PS3 short, then you'd want it to do the decoding anyway (although in a more practical sense it doesn't matter what does the decoding as lossless audio is... lossless).

If your sticking point was only that I used the word 'receiver', well, then substitute 'HTiB'. The electronic part of the HTiB is still just an integrated audio/video receiver (although probably not as good as one you could buy separately). It just comes bundled with speakers, probably cables, and maybe has some non-standard connectors so you can't swap in other brands of gear.

[QUOTE="GioVela2010"][QUOTE="virtual-human"][QUOTE="GioVela2010"]

Onkyo HT-S6100

It decodes TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Don't sell yourself short of what your PS3 is capable of.

virtual-human

In that case wouldn't you just get an HDMI receiver that can handle LPCM instead of one that can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA?

(the PS3 decodes both codecs)

OK, but my point was that using TrueHD and DTS-HD MA decoding in a receiver as a selling point for taking full advantage of the PS3 isn't fully accurate or appropriate when instead all that is necessary is ability to handle the decoded PCM from the PS3, which may allow more leeway in choosing another product that is otherwise comparable.

Furthermore, in the strictest sense, if you don't want to sell the capabilities of the PS3 short, then you'd want it to do the decoding anyway (although in a more practical sense it doesn't matter what does the decoding as lossless audio is... lossless).

If your sticking point was only that I used the word 'receiver', well, then substitute 'HTiB'. The electronic part of the HTiB is still just an integrated audio/video receiver (although probably not as good as one you could buy separately). It just comes bundled with speakers, probably cables, and maybe has some non-standard connectors so you can't swap in other brands of gear.

Blah blah blah, I just looked for the cheapest HTIB i could find that could output LPCM Audio, and this was it. You can quit your crying or you can simply point out a better speaker/receiver combination for the money.

Blah blah blah, I just looked for the cheapest HTIB i could find that could output LPCM Audio, and this was it. You can quit your crying or you can simply point out a better speaker/receiver combination for the money.

GioVela2010

"Blah blah blah"? "Crying"? Nice.

IMO the returns on HD audio with such cheap speakers are so minimal anyway that personally, I think it's pointless to even worry about lossless audio in a bare-bones budget system where there's so much coloration and distortion by cheap speakers anyway. My initial point was only to point out a fundamental flaw in the logic that your processor, whether it's in the electronics of a HTiB, an AVR, or a part of true separates, need not decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA - just accept the PCM - to be fully optimized for lossless audio. This may or may not open up more options. I don't care to go do the research for anybody, frankly. But in terms of anyone reading a post on this forum looking for information, it is more correct.

[QUOTE="GioVela2010"]

Blah blah blah, I just looked for the cheapest HTIB i could find that could output LPCM Audio, and this was it. You can quit your crying or you can simply point out a better speaker/receiver combination for the money.

virtual-human

"Blah blah blah"? "Crying"? Nice.

IMO the returns on HD audio with such cheap speakers are so minimal anyway that personally, I think it's pointless to even worry about lossless audio in a bare-bones budget system where there's so much coloration and distortion by cheap speakers anyway. My initial point was only to point out a fundamental flaw in the logic that your processor, whether it's in the electronics of a HTiB, an AVR, or a part of true separates, need not decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA - just accept the PCM - to be fully optimized for lossless audio. This may or may not open up more options. I don't care to go do the research for anybody, frankly. But in terms of anyone reading a post on this forum looking for information, it is more correct.

Excuse me for not looking up model numbers of 2 year old receivers that can't decode DTS HD Master Audio or DD TrueHD.

And excuse me for not looking up a HTiB that can output LPCM Audio (Not Decode DTS-MA or DD TrueHD) when it probably doesn't even exist..

The guy is obviously on a budget

For $500, I think the HT-S6100 is a good deal

It's a popular HTiB at avsforum.com (No I don't own it)

HTIB are mostly junk compared to a true 5.1 set with a hdmi reciever it was a huge difference to me, and I didn't have to spend that much to get the 5.1 system.

Polk, Infintiy, JBL, and others that Bestbuy, Circuit City, and Frys all sell these brands for a reasonable price with sales, and reciver you can find a good deal in a store or online. These brands sound as great as any over priced audiophile brands. Boxcutters

What's your setup?

http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Classic-Entertainment-System-Black/dp/B001202C44

Energy 5.1 Take Home Entertainment System

with YAMAHA HDMI reciever

Both have great reviews on avsforums.com

Got very good deals are both! LOL! Bought from somewhere else.

http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Classic-Entertainment-System-Black/dp/B001202C44

Energy 5.1 Take Home Entertainment System

with YAMAHA HDMI reciever

Both have great reviews on avsforums.com

Boxcutters

Not bad.

Which Yamaha receiver?

Yamaha RX-V661BL Receiver

Yamaha RX-V661BL Receiver

Boxcutters

I think $1000 for speakers + Receiver is a bit out of his price range