[comtal]

Hi all,
Currently have a Panasonic plasma which although giving a superb picture does not support ARC or have a digital out.Feeding the tv is a Panny DMR-PWT420 Blu-Ray HDD/Recorder with freeview HD.Usual problem of needing to improve the sound i intend to add a soundbar which will be wall mounted above the tv.Because we are of the older generation thumping bass is not a requirement so a bar without a sub will suffice.Have tentatively decided on a Boston Acoustics TVee10.My question is if i connect to the tv by HDMI for picture and to the bar by optical will any lip sync problems arise.Or should i just connect to the tv and then RCA out to the bar.Do i lose out on anything this way.Advice much appreciated and further suggestions for soundbars also welcomed.Thanks in advance.

[bobcar]

The output from the TV is just stereo and from my own experience of a Panny plasma (you don't give the model) is not very good - I hardly ever use that as I usually take the sound from Sky+HD or blu-ray so not an issue.

I use a Yamaha soundbar (projector) that is very good but also more expensive than your choice tha I have no knowledge of but I'm sure will improve your TV sound.

Does this soundbar have HDMI inputs as that would help with any future changes or additions to your system?

[evil c]

Hi comtal, welcome to DS. Because you are of the 'older generation' is this why you have forgotten how to leave a space between sentences and construct paragraphs so as to make the reading experience more enjoyable?

You should be mounting whichever soundbar you buy below not above the TV as the sound ideally should be at ear level when you are sitting down, and not way above your head!

Boston suround sound systems and their stereo speakers have received some good reviews, but the soundbars don't seem to as well received. The TVee10 is the bottom of the range model and has 2x5 inch drivers in it (apart from the 30W RMS amp), using proprietary processing to downmix Dolby Digital surround sound into 2 channels, i.e. virtual surround sound. It has digital and optical analogue in connections and a mini stereo AUX in.

Have you seen the user reviews on Amazon.com? 4 out of 5 say there is a problem with the unit randomly switching audio channels. Also you do realise that there is no remote control. The unit learns from your existing remotes. Another point is there are no tone controls on the Boston.

I have Googled lip-sync problems but nothing that directly links to Boston units as having this.
Here's the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...earchengi40-20

When it comes to other soundbars, you have imposed restrictions by refusing 2.1 systems. Soundbars come with a separate subwoofer because the case size of the main unit imposes restrictions on lower frequency sound quality. The subwoofer's role is not to produce thumping bass but to balance the sound across the frequency range.

In some bars this restriction can be overcome to a certain extent by integrating the subwoofer and/or employing sophisticated computer delay, but in others such as the Boston, the frequency range is curtailed instead, being cut off at 70Hz in the Boston's design.

Which? have tested 20 soundbars and given 5 Best Buy status, top of which is the LG NB2520A scoring 80%. This is a single unit design with an integrated subwoofer costing about £190, and aimed at 42 inch TVs. The other 4 units are 2.1 systems which you don't want and anyway don't have the connections for your TV or are expensive.

[comtal]

hi,thanks for the interest and reply. the tv is a th42px80 and the mentioned soundbar does not have hdmi inputs. agreed yamaha units are excellently received but for my needs spending that amount is out of the question,apart from maybe the yas101 if you have any experience with that one i would appreciate your comments. . the reason i am considering the tvee10 is because apart from the sub it is identical to the tvee26 (highly regarded and more expensive). also i will only use the hd tuner in the blu-ray like yourself.

[evil c]

The Yamaha YAS101 fell just short of a Which? Best Buy scoring 71%. However they gave it 5 stars for sound quality, describing it as follows; 'Bass is fairly average; the integrated 60-watt subwoofer isn't overly powerful and it could be a little deeper. We recommend reducing the subwoofer level for a better sound. Mid frequencies lack clarity, but high frequencies - often a stumbling block for many - are smooth, detailed and handled with ease.

The 'stereo effect' is very good, while the various modes for imitating real surround sound do a decent job making what's happening on screen, such as a car whizzing past in an action-packed car chase, a little more immersive.'

It's priced at about £190, the same as the LG that I mentioned in my first post, which also scored 5 stars for sound quality.

The TVee 26 has a much more powerful amplifier, coming in at 150W RMS.

I would suggest you try and find a retailer who stocks both or all three soundbars and will let you listen to them before purchase.

[comtal]

Firstly i must apologise for the late response,i am having a little trouble with my laptop which keeps freezing after a few moments use. Thank you both for taking the time to respond it is very much appreciated. You have now given me three options to consider, (the lg yas101 and the tvee). I will try as you suggest to demo all 3. Thank you again for your input.