Home Cinema System with No DVD Needed

hogpog · 17-12-2009, 22:00

Hi

I'm a complete novice when it comes to home cinema - I currently use a Home Computer Speaker system with subwoofer plugged into the headphone jack of TV !!

What I'd like is a sound system for my TV that doesn't need a DVD player involved.

Ideally I'd like to use the audio out jacks (L&R) or optical audio out socket of the TV straight into some sort of amp, and speakers connected to the amp.

The TV is a Samsung 40" LCD. At the moment I have a PC connected to the TV too; I connect the audio out of the PC to the PC Audio IN.

I just want the sound from whatever is on the TV, be it Virgin Media TV, Freeview, Wii, PC to come out of the speakers.

Can anyone recommend a budget-ish priced "one box" solution?

Thanks
hogpog

hardylane · 18-12-2009, 00:43

It's quite difficult to find them without DVDs these days. They expect people to hop up to AV amps and multi speaker packages, costing hundreds more.

I'd look for one which DOES have a DVD player, but ALSO has an optical/aux input.

I use an Aiwa unit for just this purpose in the bedroom.

Willie Wontie · 18-12-2009, 09:32

You won't get a home cinema system without a DVD player - because that's what a home cinema system is. A DVD player that comes with its own 5.1 surround sound system.

But you don't want a home cinema - you want an AV amp/receiver and speakers, which will allow you to connect your TV, your satellite receiver, your cable receiver, your DVD player/recorder, your Blu-Ray player, your Freeview receiver, your VCR, your games consoles etc etc etc to it. Prices range from less than a hundred to several thousands.

Hundreds to choose from on Amazon and Richer Sounds. You can either buy combined packages, which include both amp and speakers by the same manufacturer, or you can pick and mix to get the best amp, the best centre speaker, the best front stereo speakers, the best surround speakers and the best sub-woofer for your budget.

paulr2006 · 18-12-2009, 09:57

I would usually advocate separates, however If you just want to improve the sound (significantly) but are not bothered about full HD 5.1 then one of these 2.1 systems will do the trick.

Willie Wontie · 18-12-2009, 10:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulr2006

I would usually advocate separates, however If you just want to improve the sound (significantly) but are not bothered about full HD 5.1

He definitely isn't bothered about 5.1 surround sound if he's only going to feed his external sound system from his TV - as no TV has a DD encoder built into it, and if it did it wouldn't be able to output digital audio via RCA stereo cables.

paulr2006 · 18-12-2009, 10:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Wontie

He definitely isn't bothered about 5.1 surround sound if he's only going to feed his external sound system from his TV - as no TV has a DD encoder built into it, and if it did it wouldn't be able to output digital audio via RCA stereo cables.

Agreed not through RCA Stereo output but I have my TV optical out sending DD from HD programs on my Freesat TV to my Amp.

boozer3 · 18-12-2009, 10:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulr2006

I would usually advocate separates, however If you just want to improve the sound (significantly) but are not bothered about full HD 5.1 then one of these 2.1 systems will do the trick.

Is this really any good?

I have a blu ray player and V+HD but don't want a surround sound system as the room is fairly small and all the wires would do my head in. But I am finding that HD volume from my TV just too low.

paulr2006 · 18-12-2009, 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by boozer3

Is this really any good?

I have a blu ray player and V+HD but don't want a surround sound system as the room is fairly small and all the wires would do my head in. But I am finding that HD volume from my TV just too low.

Yes for the money I reckon it's very good value, if you pop into RS they should be able to give you a Demo to decide for yourself, however it sounds just what you need.

bobcar · 18-12-2009, 10:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by boozer3

Is this really any good?

I have a blu ray player and V+HD but don't want a surround sound system as the room is fairly small and all the wires would do my head in. But I am finding that HD volume from my TV just too low.

You cound go for a sound projector such as the Yamaha YSP-600 together with a sub woofer. This will not give such accurate spacial effects as a proper 5.1) speaker system (though still gives good ones depending upon your room shape) but will give all the low frequency effects and does not have any speakers or cables (apart from a couple to the sub).

boozer3 · 18-12-2009, 10:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulr2006

Yes for the money I reckon it's very good value, if you pop into RS they should be able to give you a Demo to decide for yourself, however it sounds just what you need.

Yeah I just looked on their site and see there's a store about 7 miles away. Might pop in there next week.

late8 · 18-12-2009, 11:25

If you want a system with excellent sound and no wires the Yamaha sound bars are fantastic. Couple it with a Subwoofer too for that quake effect.

Best choice is a av reciever and 5.1 speakers- have a look at Richer Sounds. Yamaha agin and sony have some good low price amps.

Deacon1972 · 18-12-2009, 14:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by boozer3

Is this really any good?

I have a blu ray player and V+HD but don't want a surround sound system as the room is fairly small and all the wires would do my head in. But I am finding that HD volume from my TV just too low.

By all accounts it's a cracking system. One member here bought one and was thrilled to bits with it.

It's easily made into a 5.1 system too, the additional speakers are under £100 if you wanted to upgrade to DD5.1/DTS and HD audio from Bluray in the future.

boozer3 · 19-12-2009, 20:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deacon1972

By all accounts it's a cracking system. One member here bought one and was thrilled to bits with it.

It's easily made into a 5.1 system too, the additional speakers are under £100 if you wanted to upgrade to DD5.1/DTS and HD audio from Bluray in the future.

Looks like it'll be the new year when I can get down to their store to have a look. Really interested in it. Could you point me on the direction of the additional speakers please mate, I can only see packages with a Sub.

boozer3 · 19-12-2009, 20:18

Sorry, found them but not on Richer Sounds site.

paulr2006 · 21-12-2009, 16:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by boozer3

Sorry, found them but not on Richer Sounds site.

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...paign=december

17-12-2009, 22:00	#1
hogpog Guest Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 911	Home Cinema System with No DVD Needed Hi I'm a complete novice when it comes to home cinema - I currently use a Home Computer Speaker system with subwoofer plugged into the headphone jack of TV !! What I'd like is a sound system for my TV that doesn't need a DVD player involved. Ideally I'd like to use the audio out jacks (L&R) or optical audio out socket of the TV straight into some sort of amp, and speakers connected to the amp. The TV is a Samsung 40" LCD. At the moment I have a PC connected to the TV too; I connect the audio out of the PC to the PC Audio IN. I just want the sound from whatever is on the TV, be it Virgin Media TV, Freeview, Wii, PC to come out of the speakers. Can anyone recommend a budget-ish priced "one box" solution? Thanks hogpog

18-12-2009, 00:43	#2
hardylane Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 2,945	It's quite difficult to find them without DVDs these days. They expect people to hop up to AV amps and multi speaker packages, costing hundreds more. I'd look for one which DOES have a DVD player, but ALSO has an optical/aux input. I use an Aiwa unit for just this purpose in the bedroom.

18-12-2009, 09:32	#3
Willie Wontie Inactive Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2,847	You won't get a home cinema system without a DVD player - because that's what a home cinema system is. A DVD player that comes with its own 5.1 surround sound system. But you don't want a home cinema - you want an AV amp/receiver and speakers, which will allow you to connect your TV, your satellite receiver, your cable receiver, your DVD player/recorder, your Blu-Ray player, your Freeview receiver, your VCR, your games consoles etc etc etc to it. Prices range from less than a hundred to several thousands. Hundreds to choose from on Amazon and Richer Sounds. You can either buy combined packages, which include both amp and speakers by the same manufacturer, or you can pick and mix to get the best amp, the best centre speaker, the best front stereo speakers, the best surround speakers and the best sub-woofer for your budget.

18-12-2009, 09:57	#4
paulr2006 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 1,098	I would usually advocate separates, however If you just want to improve the sound (significantly) but are not bothered about full HD 5.1 then one of these 2.1 systems will do the trick.

18-12-2009, 10:05	#5
Willie Wontie Inactive Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2,847	Quote: Originally Posted by paulr2006 I would usually advocate separates, however If you just want to improve the sound (significantly) but are not bothered about full HD 5.1 He definitely isn't bothered about 5.1 surround sound if he's only going to feed his external sound system from his TV - as no TV has a DD encoder built into it, and if it did it wouldn't be able to output digital audio via RCA stereo cables.

18-12-2009, 10:09	#6
paulr2006 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 1,098	Quote: Originally Posted by Willie Wontie He definitely isn't bothered about 5.1 surround sound if he's only going to feed his external sound system from his TV - as no TV has a DD encoder built into it, and if it did it wouldn't be able to output digital audio via RCA stereo cables. Agreed not through RCA Stereo output but I have my TV optical out sending DD from HD programs on my Freesat TV to my Amp.

18-12-2009, 10:31	#7
boozer3 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 2,360	Quote: Originally Posted by paulr2006 I would usually advocate separates, however If you just want to improve the sound (significantly) but are not bothered about full HD 5.1 then one of these 2.1 systems will do the trick. Is this really any good? I have a blu ray player and V+HD but don't want a surround sound system as the room is fairly small and all the wires would do my head in. But I am finding that HD volume from my TV just too low.

18-12-2009, 10:41	#8
paulr2006 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 1,098	Quote: Originally Posted by boozer3 Is this really any good? I have a blu ray player and V+HD but don't want a surround sound system as the room is fairly small and all the wires would do my head in. But I am finding that HD volume from my TV just too low. Yes for the money I reckon it's very good value, if you pop into RS they should be able to give you a Demo to decide for yourself, however it sounds just what you need.

18-12-2009, 10:49	#9
bobcar Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 14,718	Quote: Originally Posted by boozer3 Is this really any good? I have a blu ray player and V+HD but don't want a surround sound system as the room is fairly small and all the wires would do my head in. But I am finding that HD volume from my TV just too low. You cound go for a sound projector such as the Yamaha YSP-600 together with a sub woofer. This will not give such accurate spacial effects as a proper 5.1) speaker system (though still gives good ones depending upon your room shape) but will give all the low frequency effects and does not have any speakers or cables (apart from a couple to the sub).

18-12-2009, 10:58	#10
boozer3 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 2,360	Quote: Originally Posted by paulr2006 Yes for the money I reckon it's very good value, if you pop into RS they should be able to give you a Demo to decide for yourself, however it sounds just what you need. Yeah I just looked on their site and see there's a store about 7 miles away. Might pop in there next week.

18-12-2009, 11:25	#11
late8 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 7,052	If you want a system with excellent sound and no wires the Yamaha sound bars are fantastic. Couple it with a Subwoofer too for that quake effect. Best choice is a av reciever and 5.1 speakers- have a look at Richer Sounds. Yamaha agin and sony have some good low price amps.

18-12-2009, 14:58	#12
Deacon1972 Guest Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 8,103	Quote: Originally Posted by boozer3 Is this really any good? I have a blu ray player and V+HD but don't want a surround sound system as the room is fairly small and all the wires would do my head in. But I am finding that HD volume from my TV just too low. By all accounts it's a cracking system. One member here bought one and was thrilled to bits with it. It's easily made into a 5.1 system too, the additional speakers are under £100 if you wanted to upgrade to DD5.1/DTS and HD audio from Bluray in the future.

19-12-2009, 20:15	#13
boozer3 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 2,360	Quote: Originally Posted by Deacon1972 By all accounts it's a cracking system. One member here bought one and was thrilled to bits with it. It's easily made into a 5.1 system too, the additional speakers are under £100 if you wanted to upgrade to DD5.1/DTS and HD audio from Bluray in the future. Looks like it'll be the new year when I can get down to their store to have a look. Really interested in it. Could you point me on the direction of the additional speakers please mate, I can only see packages with a Sub.

19-12-2009, 20:18	#14
boozer3 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 2,360	Sorry, found them but not on Richer Sounds site.

21-12-2009, 16:40	#15
paulr2006 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 1,098	Quote: Originally Posted by boozer3 Sorry, found them but not on Richer Sounds site. http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...paign=december

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Home Cinema System with No DVD Needed