AV Solution for new TV

Putting out this little 'feeler' thread to get my head around the terminology and kit!

I'm upgrading my lounge TV to a wall mounted 47" LG, and I'm looking for an audio solution that covers off three main features

1). Needs to be buyable in one kit (no multiple separates, should come with it's own speakers)

2). 5 (or more) speakers

3). Needs to take in multiple inputs, Sky/BlueRay/Wii etc and output a single HDMI cable to the TV.

I think I'm searching for a home cinema receiver of some kind, but I'm not going to be that bothered about 100% top quality so I don't want cutting edge/wallet smashing cost.

It just needs to be in the range of a standard DVD/Speaker set, but allowing external inputs as well.

I'm also not looking to spend much more than 250, or 300 absolute max.

Any unit suggestions welcome!

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My personal recommendation doesn't quite match all your requirements - but it's good kit. I have three sets of the Logitech Z-5500 kits in my house (lounge, office and bedroom) and they absolutely deliver.

There are three inputs: analogue, digital coax and digital optical so you can connect if you're clever about your inputs - a cheap switch box can easily handle this for you, and if you have an all in one remote you won't have to deal with any of it yourself after initial setup. There's no HDMI output but you can just mute your TV and run everything through the speakers anyway. There's no DVD either but as is often said, you don't want a DVD kit in case the drive or speakers fuck up you've lost the whole kit while you get it repaired.

Like I said it's not within your remit but it's in the price range - if you're lucky you can get it from somewhere like Scan or Pixmania for less than £200.

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Dont have any ideas of a kit that does all that in that price range, but for a little more, Yamaha has a Home Theater in a box, and it comes with 5 speakers a sub and a receiver that upconverts to HDMI, i think it runs 5-6 hundred tho. ill try to find a link and post it for you

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I've looked at all in one box systems but really for something like home entertainment you should reconsider the idea of putting seperate components that meet you're requirements/budget together even if it takes a little time. Don't skimp on quality just to save a few bucks if you're really going to use your home entertainment on a regular basis. I for one plan on adding a home media computer system in the near future.

Having said that, what exactly is your price range? Also, are you located in the states or somewhere else?

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agree with candyman, and the HTIB i was referring to was a limited run promo, they have others but as far as i know not with hdmi upscale. May i reccomend this receiver

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/...57&CTID=5000300

Yamaha RX-v665, great receiver from personal experience (AV installer) and maybe not the cheapest, but not too bad priced. You can get in ceiling or in wall speakers for cheap and good from froogle look for Audiosource they are about $10-15 a pair and unless you are a true audiophile, which if you are you shouldent even be thinking about a box kit, they are good.

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quote:

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Originally posted by The CandyMan
I've looked at all in one box systems but really for something like home entertainment you should reconsider the idea of putting seperate components that meet you're requirements/budget together even if it takes a little time. Don't skimp on quality just to save a few bucks if you're really going to use your home entertainment on a regular basis. I for one plan on adding a home media computer system in the near future.

Having said that, what exactly is your price range? Also, are you located in the states or somewhere else?

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Av forums is your best bet m8

reg on there and ask the question you will get 100 replys with the pros/cons of each one

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It's funny how people invest into 47" TVs but don't wanna spend some money on a decent surround amplifier/speakers combination.

Save up some cash and get something proper.

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Or wait for the next Richer Sounds sale?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Xero
It's funny how people invest into 47" TVs but don't wanna spend some money on a decent surround amplifier/speakers combination.

Save up some cash and get something proper.

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Ah, uk sorry not much of an idea about what/where to get over there.

300 pounds is about 450ish dollars?

If so you may get a decent setup, but as far as you wanting basic features, the hdmi upconvert (all out the hdmi) is a pretty new technology and only comes with all the other bells and whistles. Drop that feature and im sure you will find a decent setup at that price

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quote:

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Originally posted by cobalt
does what I have described have a general name or term I could ask about?

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I'm in the exact same position... I moved from CRT to LCD recently and the drop in sound quality (particularly bass) is depressing (even though it was expected).

If you do get any good recommendations from the AV forums, post them back here.

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Well if you wanted to look at it: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Logi...ecoder-500W-RMS

It's a PC system but works just as well in a home AV setup. I use this with a B-Tech AV switcher (http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/t...deo-switch.html) and a Logitech 885 remote. Works perfectly, never had any problems at all.

I don't run audio through HDMI but I think you're going to be hard pressed to find a receiver that does for your budget unless you really want to spend out for separates. If you want audio through HDMI for DTS-HD etc then it's going to cost even more.

Check the reviews and awards for the Logitech set, it gets them for good reason. The bass on this thing literally shakes the house even far from maximum volume.

The set goes for around £200, £69 for the switch and £100 for the remote does put it a bit over your budget. You could forego the switch and use a TOSLink switch for £13 but it means having to manually switch it over each time - not that it matters much if you have a PS3 without a remote anyway since you'll have to get up and switch that on manually.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Fuckmonkey
Well if you wanted to look at it: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Logi...ecoder-500W-RMS

It's a PC system but works just as well in a home AV setup. I use this with a B-Tech AV switcher (http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/t...deo-switch.html) and a Logitech 885 remote. Works perfectly, never had any problems at all.

I don't run audio through HDMI but I think you're going to be hard pressed to find a receiver that does for your budget unless you really want to spend out for separates. If you want audio through HDMI for DTS-HD etc then it's going to cost even more.

Check the reviews and awards for the Logitech set, it gets them for good reason. The bass on this thing literally shakes the house even far from maximum volume.

The set goes for around £200, £69 for the switch and £100 for the remote does put it a bit over your budget. You could forego the switch and use a TOSLink switch for £13 but it means having to manually switch it over each time - not that it matters much if you have a PS3 without a remote anyway since you'll have to get up and switch that on manually.

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There are savings to be had, as I say if you don't mind manually switching opticals then the £13 switch will do it and you don't need a Harmony if you already have/don't want an all-in-one. If you never change the volume you won't need the remote anyway.

Only reason I mention the Logitech is that I've had plenty of setups in my time and this one has by far had the best sound quality of them all and is very configurable, which is why I have three now Beats the old Creative Labs systems I used to use by far - definitely enough for a basic home setup.

If you also wanted a receiver to give you more HDMI ports though you might want to consider the £25 auto-switch from HD Junction which will give you three auto-switching ports and apparently works well with Sky HD, PS3 and 360.

The point is you could spend out on the speakers and get the other bits later if you don't mind occasionally moving cables around in the meantime. The smaller purchases are also easier to hide

If you end up getting anything from R/Sounds then don't forget to take out the warranty too, it's very good value. I think it's 10% of purchase price for three years replacement to a current product. I have it on my plasma and got an upgrade from a 6th gen to 8th gen model when the screen started to look a bit crap once turned off, no arguments.

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