How do i hook to things to surround sound?

[-GoBengals-]

ok, i know that question SOUNDS silly, but here is my concern/question..

I currently have my led on the wall...

coming out of the LED, are 4 HDMI cables, the 4 cables go into the wall, down through the wall into the basement, across the basement ceiling, up into the wall again, and out of the wall into the book case that holds my bluray/directv/xbox360... and i ahve one spare hdmi, i figured i might as well wire the 4th one in case i get something else later, etc..

so im probably gonna grab a basic all in one home theater system, i know i can get much more bang for my buck doing it a la cart and so on.. but PROBABLY not gonna go that route.. unless convinced otherwise...

sooo.... how do i connect all the things to the surround sound? all of the devices, minus the xbox, have digital optical audio outputs, but the surround sounds seem to only have one input... id like for all 3 things to be going into the surround sound obviously for tv, movies and games...etc..

i realize most receivers have several hdmi,... i dont want to use thesurround sound ALL the time....

is there like 4 inputs for hdmi and 1 output hdmi? if so that kinda wastes all the work i just did wiring through the wall... or is there perhaps an optical audio output on the tv i can wire to the surround sound so just anything going to the tv plays through? that would be ideal i think..

never really hased a surround sound recently... my last one was brand new with COMPONENT cables! so its been like 8 years...

[Tigris]

What kind of system do you have? I can't help... I'm just curious.

[-GoBengals-]

[quote name='Tigris' date='08 June 2010 - 03:37 PM' timestamp='1276033028' post='892164']
What kind of system do you have? I can't help... I'm just curious.
[/quote]

none yet.. im likely grabbing the samsung blu ray all in one from best buy with some coupons i got..

[The Entertainer]

Your best bet is to not get an "all-in-one" system. The majority of those systems aren't going to give you what you want. You should get the receiver that best fits what you want to do. Possible one of these by Yamaha (a basic system)[url="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Yamaha+-+500W+5.1-Ch.+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver/9785037.p?id=1218173778853&skuId=9785037"]My link[/url], a better system by Panasonic [url="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+550W+5.1-Ch.+3D+Pass+Through+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver/9846526.p?id=1218199620702&skuId=9846526"]My link[/url] or a more advanced system by Sony [url="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+700W+7.1-Ch.+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver/9749385.p?id=1218166513419&skuId=9749385"]My link[/url]. Then, go for a speaker system. You'll definitely get more "bang" for the buck.

[Tigris]

[quote name='GoBengals' date='08 June 2010 - 05:51 PM' timestamp='1276033900' post='892174']
none yet.. im likely grabbing the samsung blu ray all in one from best buy with some coupons i got..
[/quote]
http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/tv-video/home-theater/home-theater-systems/HT-BD1250T/XAA/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail

This one?

How does it sound? What made you choose this one?

For BR player... I liked the BD-C6500. It has a touch-like screen on the front and it has a slick black finish. It was $225 with built in Wi-Fi at the store... seem to be able to pick it up for around $200 online.

[|Bengal Migration|]

[quote name='The Entertainer' date='09 June 2010 - 06:30 AM' timestamp='1276036244' post='892182']
Your best bet is to not get an "all-in-one" system. The majority of those systems aren't going to give you what you want. You should get the receiver that best fits what you want to do. Possible one of these by Yamaha (a basic system)[url="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Yamaha+-+500W+5.1-Ch.+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver/9785037.p?id=1218173778853&skuId=9785037"]My link[/url], a better system by Panasonic [url="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+550W+5.1-Ch.+3D+Pass+Through+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver/9846526.p?id=1218199620702&skuId=9846526"]My link[/url] or a more advanced system by Sony [url="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+700W+7.1-Ch.+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver/9749385.p?id=1218166513419&skuId=9749385"]My link[/url]. Then, go for a speaker system. You'll definitely get more "bang" for the buck.
[/quote]
Yamaha smokes both Peniseer (as we used to call them) and Sony. By a mile. Dollar for dollar, you might look like you're getting more power from the other two, but the amp quality and sound quality of the Yamaha would smoke the crap out of them. The only reason I would consider Sony or Pioneer over Yamaha for a receiver is if there was an absolute must that you needed in terms of connectivity (# of HDMI connections, etc) and the Yamaha with those specs was out of reach. And even then, I'd likely tell you to save your money until you could afford the better option.




As for your question GO, If you get that Samsung system, you're likely only going to need a single HDMI to connect to your TV. The problem I see with it immediately is this, however. It offers limited inputs for connecting outside components. No HDMI inputs, no composite inputs. But it does offer two optical and one standard audio input. So, I guess you could potentially run your audio feed from your XBOX straight into the system, and run the video to the TV.

Or, better yet, your TV likely has an audio out that you could run to the system, and you could connect your XBOX to the TV via HDMI. You won't get digital sound (unless your TV has a toslink out, which I highly doubt) but you will be able to switch what audio is playing through the surround sound simply by changing the input on your TV. So this seems like the way to go, imo.

[The Entertainer]

[quote name='Bengal Migration' date='08 June 2010 - 08:43 PM' timestamp='1276047806' post='892211']
Yamaha smokes both Peniseer (as we used to call them) and Sony. By a mile. Dollar for dollar, you might look like you're getting more power from the other two, but the amp quality and sound quality of the Yamaha would smoke the crap out of them. The only reason I would consider Sony or Pioneer over Yamaha for a receiver is if there was an absolute must that you needed in terms of connectivity (# of HDMI connections, etc) and the Yamaha with those specs was out of reach. And even then, I'd likely tell you to save your money until you could afford the better option.

As for your question GO, If you get that Samsung system, you're likely only going to need a single HDMI to connect to your TV. The problem I see with it immediately is this, however. It offers limited inputs for connecting outside components. No HDMI inputs, no composite inputs. But it does offer two optical and one standard audio input. So, I guess you could potentially run your audio feed from your XBOX straight into the system, and run the video to the TV.

Or, better yet, your TV likely has an audio out that you could run to the system, and you could connect your XBOX to the TV via HDMI. You won't get digital sound (unless your TV has a toslink out, which I highly doubt) but you will be able to switch what audio is playing through the surround sound simply by changing the input on your TV. So this seems like the way to go, imo.
[/quote]


Totally agree with the Peniseer, lol

An all-in-one will work, but Go, do you plan on adding anything additional to this area anytime soon (satellite radio, Tivo, media player (from your computer)? An all-in-one typically doesn't allow any room for add-ons.

[|Bengal Migration|]

[quote name='The Entertainer' date='09 June 2010 - 09:50 AM' timestamp='1276048204' post='892212']
Totally agree with the Peniseer, lol

An all-in-one will work, but Go, do you plan on adding anything additional to this area anytime soon (satellite radio, Tivo, media player (from your computer)? An all-in-one typically doesn't allow any room for add-ons.
[/quote]
His only saving grace is that his TV has 4 HDMI inputs. As long as his additional components have HDMI outputs, he should be able to run them to the TV, and use the audio output on the TV to send the signal to the surround system.

Other than that, he'll be limited to two additional audio sources based on what I can determine from the specs.

[-GoBengals-]

[quote name='The Entertainer' date='08 June 2010 - 04:30 PM' timestamp='1276036244' post='892182']
Your best bet is to not get an "all-in-one" system. The majority of those systems aren't going to give you what you want. You should get the receiver that best fits what you want to do. Possible one of these by Yamaha (a basic system)[url="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Yamaha+-+500W+5.1-Ch.+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver/9785037.p?id=1218173778853&skuId=9785037"]My link[/url], a better system by Panasonic [url="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+550W+5.1-Ch.+3D+Pass+Through+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver/9846526.p?id=1218199620702&skuId=9846526"]My link[/url] or a more advanced system by Sony [url="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+700W+7.1-Ch.+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver/9749385.p?id=1218166513419&skuId=9749385"]My link[/url]. Then, go for a speaker system. You'll definitely get more "bang" for the buck.
[/quote]

yea, this is likely where i will end up at some point, when i do in wall speakers, etc.. i need to "get by" with something in the meantime, and if i can get digital audio out of the tv into the receiver the all in one will do exactly what i want, i would hate to have just wasted all the time and money feeding 4 HDMI's through the walls and floors, but im not going to short myself for that reason alone. but an all in one grants me a good blu ray to use and move my other decent blu ray to other room and there down, so each room will have a blu ray..... and then i can move the all in one into the basement when its done or the guest room or master bedroom, etc... the main reason i want the all in one is to get by for now and move it later to use elsewhere....

[quote name='Tigris' date='08 June 2010 - 06:06 PM' timestamp='1276041992' post='892194']
[url="http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/tv-video/home-theater/home-theater-systems/HT-BD1250T/XAA/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail"]http://www.samsung.c...type=prd_detail[/url]

This one?

How does it sound? What made you choose this one?

For BR player... I liked the BD-C6500. It has a touch-like screen on the front and it has a slick black finish. It was $225 with built in Wi-Fi at the store... seem to be able to pick it up for around $200 online.
[/quote]

probably something like this one http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/tv-video/home-theater/home-theater-systems/HT-C7530W/XAA/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail&returnurl=

i can probably find it for $700-ish online, or a similar one cheaper yet, i was looking at one listed at $699 i think at best buy with the taller speakers, so i can probably find THAT one for $550-ish...

[quote name='Bengal Migration' date='08 June 2010 - 07:43 PM' timestamp='1276047806' post='892211']

As for your question GO, If you get that Samsung system, you're likely only going to need a single HDMI to connect to your TV. The problem I see with it immediately is this, however. It offers limited inputs for connecting outside components. No HDMI inputs, no composite inputs. But it does offer two optical and one standard audio input. So, I guess you could potentially run your audio feed from your XBOX straight into the system, and run the video to the TV.

Or, better yet, your TV likely has an audio out that you could run to the system, and you could connect your XBOX to the TV via HDMI. You won't get digital sound (unless your TV has a toslink out, which I highly doubt) but you will be able to switch what audio is playing through the surround sound simply by changing the input on your TV. So this seems like the way to go, imo.
[/quote]

it LOOKS like a TOSLINK output... is that abnormal to have? its a 2009/2010 model LED... in the manual it calls it "Digital Audio Out (Optical)"and looks like this:

this pic is from my TV manual...

[attachment=721:tvmanual.jpg]

is that TOSLINK? looks like it is.. but i have no idea.... *shruggs*

[quote name='Bengal Migration' date='08 June 2010 - 07:58 PM' timestamp='1276048702' post='892213']
His only saving grace is that his TV has 4 HDMI inputs. As long as his additional components have HDMI outputs, he should be able to run them to the TV, and use the audio output on the TV to send the signal to the surround system.

Other than that, he'll be limited to two additional audio sources based on what I can determine from the specs.
[/quote]


this is what i want to do ideally... i dont really wanna mess with changing the receiver to the right component, my sister has hers set up this way.. and its super annoying...mostly because their remote broke.. but still..

i basically just want to turn the thing on.. and play whatever audio is being palyed from whatever i am currently doing on the TV...

[|Bengal Migration|]

It is a toslink. Just another (probably outdated ) term for an optical digital out. Awesome. Connect your peripherals to the TV with HDMI, and feed the toslink cable to the surround system, and you should be good to go.

[-GoBengals-]

[quote name='Bengal Migration' date='08 June 2010 - 08:36 PM' timestamp='1276050977' post='892216']
It is a toslink. Just another (probably outdated ) term for an optical digital out. Awesome. Connect your peripherals to the TV with HDMI, and feed the toslink cable to the surround system, and you should be good to go.
[/quote]

thanks!

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[BengalsOwn]

[quote name='Bengal Migration' date='08 June 2010 - 10:36 PM' timestamp='1276050977' post='892216']
It is a toslink. Just another (probably outdated ) term for an optical digital out. Awesome. Connect your peripherals to the TV with HDMI, and feed the toslink cable to the surround system, and you should be good to go.
[/quote]

Correct.

You're crazy for going with a home theater in a box.

Get a decent receiver, and then install some in-wall speakers.

(that's my old TV in the picture. and yes, my dog is weird)

[img]http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/9271/inwalls.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5959/inwalls2.jpg[/img]

I've got two 8", and six 6 1/2" (had to use two for the center channel so they would be centered under the TV) plus two 10" subs. And shame on you for not wanting to have the surround sound on at all times. I can't watch my tv without it.

[-GoBengals-]

[quote name='BengalsOwn' date='08 June 2010 - 09:27 PM' timestamp='1276054076' post='892226']
Correct.

You're crazy for going with a home theater in a box.

Get a decent receiver, and then install some in-wall speakers.

(that's my old TV in the picture. and yes, my dog is weird)

[img]http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/9271/inwalls.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5959/inwalls2.jpg[/img]
[/quote]

i have explained the reasoning a few times... when i have the time and money to do my wall speakers and better quality, i can move the in-a-box system to kids movie room or master bedroom for use there..i just need to get by for 9-18 months and potentially add another blu ray to the house...as we can use it....

[-GoBengals-]

i think ill just get this...

[img]http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/9464/9464714_sa.jpg[/img]

[Tigris]

I saw a 7' speaker the other with a mic attached to the side... it had enough power to engulf the entire store. $999. It'd be great for a party.

[BengalsOwn]

[quote name='GoBengals' date='09 June 2010 - 12:36 AM' timestamp='1276058189' post='892233']
i think ill just get this...

[img]http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/9464/9464714_sa.jpg[/img]
[/quote]

A boombox with an iPod dock? That plays video on a small screen?

I don't get it

[-GoBengals-]

[quote name='BengalsOwn' date='09 June 2010 - 08:24 PM' timestamp='1276136658' post='892413']
A boombox with an iPod dock? That plays video on a small screen?

I don't get it
[/quote]

it was a joke..

but i also dont get why such a thing exists...

[BengalsOwn]

[quote name='GoBengals' date='11 June 2010 - 12:00 PM' timestamp='1276272010' post='892689']
it was a joke..

but i also dont get why such a thing exists...
[/quote]

Because of the enormous knob. It's a bragging rights thing...

You have to admit, it would be nice to be able to stand by your dresser, and watch a 2 hour movie on that screen, all without having to sit on the couch or lay in bed.

[-GoBengals-]

[quote name='BengalsOwn' date='13 June 2010 - 10:33 PM' timestamp='1276489993' post='892905']
Because of the enormous knob. It's a bragging rights thing...

You have to admit, it would be nice to be able to[b] stand by your dresser, and watch a 2 hour movie on that screen, all without having to sit on the couch or lay in bed.[/b]
[/quote]

i lol'd

[CatScratchFever]

Go, first thing I noticed was the way you're running your cable and it reminded me that HDMI has a fairly short maximum length. Might want to read up on it if you haven't already. Make sure the cable you use has heavier gauge wire, probably 24 or 22.
[url="http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/how-long-can-hdmi-run.htm"]http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/how-long-can-hdmi-run.htm[/url]
[url="http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-design-construction/6998-hdmi-length-limit.html"]http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-design-construction/6998-hdmi-length-limit.html[/url]

[-GoBengals-]

[quote name='CatScratchFever' date='19 June 2010 - 09:15 AM' timestamp='1276960541' post='893861']
Go, first thing I noticed was the way you're running your cable and it reminded me that HDMI has a fairly short maximum length. Might want to read up on it if you haven't already. Make sure the cable you use has heavier gauge wire, probably 24 or 22.
[url="http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/how-long-can-hdmi-run.htm"]http://www.bluejeans...an-hdmi-run.htm[/url]
[url="http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-design-construction/6998-hdmi-length-limit.html"]http://www.hometheat...ngth-limit.html[/url]
[/quote]

good info, thanks

all the cables i used were 28..

they are working great tho. mine are only 15 foot cables.. probably coulda done 10 footers but it woulda been close... 28 was my only option in the flat cables at 15 feet..

[CatScratchFever]

[quote name='GoBengals' date='19 June 2010 - 08:15 PM' timestamp='1276992903' post='893891']
good info, thanks

all the cables i used were 28..

they are working great tho. mine are only 15 foot cables.. probably coulda done 10 footers but it woulda been close... 28 was my only option in the flat cables at 15 feet..
[/quote]
If it works, it works... glad to hear it.

[-GoBengals-]

[quote name='CatScratchFever' date='19 June 2010 - 06:44 PM' timestamp='1276994679' post='893893']
If it works, it works... glad to hear it.
[/quote]

actually turns out they are 24... the 3 footers i got were 28... looked at the wrong receipt...

[BengalsOwn]

[quote name='CatScratchFever' date='19 June 2010 - 11:15 AM' timestamp='1276960541' post='893861']
Go, first thing I noticed was the way you're running your cable and it reminded me that HDMI has a fairly short maximum length. Might want to read up on it if you haven't already. Make sure the cable you use has heavier gauge wire, probably 24 or 22.
[url="http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/how-long-can-hdmi-run.htm"]http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/how-long-can-hdmi-run.htm[/url]
[url="http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-design-construction/6998-hdmi-length-limit.html"]http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-design-construction/6998-hdmi-length-limit.html[/url]
[/quote]

How is a thicker gauge wire going to transmit data quicker? Can you buy CAT5E cable in thicker gauges, and have a faster transfer rate?

HDMI has a maximum length, but in order to make it longer you either use a set of Baluns and run CAT5e, or you use an in-line amplifier.

[CatScratchFever]

[quote name='BengalsOwn' date='20 June 2010 - 01:48 AM' timestamp='1277012903' post='893918']
How is a thicker gauge wire going to transmit data quicker? Can you buy CAT5E cable in thicker gauges, and have a faster transfer rate?

HDMI has a maximum length, but in order to make it longer you either use a set of Baluns and run CAT5e, or you use an in-line amplifier.
[/quote]
It doesn't. The issue is wire resistance and noise. HDMI protocol is very sensistive to signal level (voltage) of the digital transmission. If the resistance is too high in the wire, it drags down the voltage seen at the other end of the cable. The result being that the receiver can't distinguish between a 1 and a 0. Hence the need for the amplifier you mentioned. High resistance can also cause signal reflection that basically looks like noise to the reciever.
CAT5 is less resistant to these things because its a twisted pair. HDMI is not, and that's one of the biggest criticisms of it. Had the standard designated a more noise-resistant cable design, the transmission limitation would not be an issue.
This is not one of those bullshit made-up performance issues from Monster Cable. Its a result of HDMI being designed by committee... a committee of idiots.