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Old 21-12-2004, 15:38
Layby
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A bit of advice please!
I currently have a Panasonic TV with pro-logic sound (Front speakers built in to TV, Sub built into stand and 2 rear external speakers), a slimline Panasonic DVD (one year old) and Sky Digital.

I am currently considering purchasing a Home cinema kit, I have looked at both Panasonic SCHT05 (keeping existing DVD player) or the SCHT87 (which would require DVD player to be relocated).

Firstly considering my living room is of a standard size will I notice much difference from the improved sound system when watching TV through SKY. I’m guessing the difference will be obvious when watching DVD’s but I mainly use the TV to watch SKY. Would the sound improve if I purchased SKY+ (something I am also considering).

Secondly any comments about the two Panasonic systems mentioned above. Is there an advantage to having a separate AMP and DVD player (SCHT05)?

Any comments would be appreciated as I am a bit new to all this.
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Old 21-12-2004, 19:02
wicket
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Yes you will notice a difference if you upgrade to a 5.1 system definitely, especially if you get one which also has a dts decoder on board. However as you state this will be more obvious when watching dvds or if you bought Sky+ and subscribed to their movie channels (some transmit in 5.1 sound). Though your normal tv sound should improve too because it will be processed digitally when viewing via Sky+ and connected via an optical cable.

I have always believed buying separates is best. One big advantage is that if you want to upgrade it is easier. However, I have just bought the Denon 500 all in one system (it won Product of the Year for All In One's 2004 in the What Hifi mag and various other awards) and have not regretted going down the all in one track this time. I would recommend you consider it because it has the added advantage of being able to upgrade easily to a 7.1 system in the future. It also has a lot of decoders on board that can take your sound input and make it sound like a 7.1 (if you have added the extra two speakers). It looks fantastic and sounds fantastic too.
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Old 21-12-2004, 22:38
Layby
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Thanks for the advice, I have investigated a little more into the two Panny systems I was looking at and neither appear to have optical outputs. Should I stay away from these if I am going to get SKY+??

The Denon system you mentioned, did you purchase it off the web and what sort of price did you pay for it.

I didn't really want to spend more than £300 quid, anyone have any suggestions??
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Old 22-12-2004, 16:18
wicket
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Either for a separate amp or an all in one system it is advisable to have an optical input on this, this will allow you to connect Sky+ to it in the future.

I purchased my Denon system on the web from Peter Tyson, it cost £411 including next day delivery, I also got a free multiregion upgrade which I didn't know about till it arrived. I can thoroughly recommend the site and company. I had to ring them up and they were very helpful. They also do a collection at their cost if it needs repairing which is rare on the net.

To get some good recommendations go out and buy What Hifi Sound and Vision, it will give you a good idea on how systems perform.
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Old 22-12-2004, 17:36
Layby
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Cheers for your help, just one more thing...

I take it you can still connect your SKY+ box to a system without optical inputs so will there be a big difference if I don't?
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Old 23-12-2004, 13:24
Scorpio
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You have the choice of converting the Sky+ digital out from optical to coaxial (with a purchased converter) and then feeding it into an amp with coaxial inputs.

OR getting a multiway optical switch to route more than one optical signal to a single optical destination.

OR connect using phonos........a real waste if you have Sky+ and the movie channels


.........Rgds,
Scorp
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Old 23-12-2004, 14:12
hornydragon
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how about the SCHT25R from panny???
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