PromoTheRobot Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 (edited) I know may around a computer but I have no experience with home theater systems, etc. Right now I have a HDTV with a soundbar and subwoofer. But I would like to get true surround sound. I see systems in a wide range of prices in Best Buy, etc. They all come with a Blu-Ray DVD player. My big question is why? Why do I need a DVD when I'm looking just for sound? I already have a Blu-ray DVD player built into the computer I have hooked up to my TV. Are there surround sound systems without a Blu-ray? So where does the 5.1 audio information come from? Are there discreet 5 jacks in the back of the TV or is the 5.1 signal decoded somehow and split into channels? Let me guess. it's the Blu-ray DVD, right? PTR Edited January 15, 2013 by PromoTheRobot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob's House Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 If you're looking for a surround sound system for your computer you may be looking in the wrong section. Try here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007679%20600010685&IsNodeId=1&name=5.1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted January 15, 2013 Author Share Posted January 15, 2013 (edited) If you're looking for a surround sound system for your computer you may be looking in the wrong section. Try here: http://www.newegg.co...deId=1&name=5.1 Not necessarily. The computer is there to watch streaming video (i.e Netflix). I have Direct TV too. Does the 5.1 SS signal come from the TV or the device I am watching? I looked at that link and that would work if I knew where to hook it up. PTR Edited January 15, 2013 by PromoTheRobot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBillsForever Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 I know may around a computer but I have no experience with home theater systems, etc. Right now I have a HDTV with a soundbar and subwoofer. But I would like to get true surround sound. I see systems in a wide range of prices in Best Buy, etc. They all come with a Blu-Ray DVD player. My big question is why? Why do I need a DVD when I'm looking just for sound? I already have a Blu-ray DVD player built into the computer I have hooked up to my TV. Are there surround sound systems without a Blu-ray? So where does the 5.1 audio information come from? Are there discreet 5 jacks in the back of the TV or is the 5.1 signal decoded somehow and split into channels? Let me guess. it's the Blu-ray DVD, right? PTR 5.1 audio is processed in the receiver. Thinink of it as the central hub. A terrific starter system for you would be a Pioneer speaker system (designed by Andrew Jones). Receiver: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Onkyo+-+300W+5.1-Ch.+3D+Pass-Through+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver/7078305.p?id=1218828709381&skuId=7078305 Speakers: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+5-1/4%26%2334%3B+Floor+Speaker+%28Each%29/5086937.p?id=1218610014331&skuId=5086937 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+4%26%2334%3B+Bookshelf+Speakers+%28Pair%29/5086955.p?id=1218610014045&skuId=5086955 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+Dual+4%26%2334%3B+Center-Channel+Speaker/5086891.p?id=1218610015437&skuId=5086891 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+Subwoofer/5086873.p?id=1218610014537&skuId=5086873 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted January 15, 2013 Author Share Posted January 15, 2013 5.1 audio is processed in the receiver. Thinink of it as the central hub. A terrific starter system for you would be a Pioneer speaker system (designed by Andrew Jones). Receiver: http://www.bestbuy.c...1&skuId=7078305 Speakers: http://www.bestbuy.c...1&skuId=5086937 http://www.bestbuy.c...5&skuId=5086955 http://www.bestbuy.c...7&skuId=5086891 http://www.bestbuy.c...7&skuId=5086873 Okay. So let's say I had this set up. Where does the the input to the Onkyo come from. Out the TV or out the Direct TV receiver? If it's out the TV then anything I'm watching off the computer will go through the Onkyo. PTR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob's House Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Not necessarily. The computer is there to watch streaming video (i.e Netflix). I have Direct TV too. Does the 5.1 SS signal come from the TV or the device I am watching? I looked at that link and that would work if I knew where to hook it up. PTR Typically you'd set it up through the computer, although if you'd prefer you could run it from the TV. Depending on the audio outputs on your TV, positioning in your room, and equipment you're looking to buy this may be more or less convenient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBillsForever Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Okay. So let's say I had this set up. Where does the the input to the Onkyo come from. Out the TV or out the Direct TV receiver? If it's out the TV then anything I'm watching off the computer will go through the Onkyo. PTR Each speaker is wired with speaker cable to the corresponding input on the receiver. The subwoofer is wired with a subwoofer cable running from the input on the subwoofer the subwoofer output on the receiver. A HDMI cable is hooked up to the Blu-ray player to an in HDMI input on the receiver. Another HDMI cable is hooked up to the HDMI output on the receiver to the television. For the Direct TV hook up either use a coaxial digital cable or optical/toslink cable (whatever connection the Direct TV receiver supports) from the Direct TV receiver to the input on the receiver. Plug in receiver and subwoofer into electrical outlet. I can't explain how to hook up your computer to the system without knowing its connections Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WotAGuy Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Okay. So let's say I had this set up. Where does the the input to the Onkyo come from. Out the TV or out the Direct TV receiver? If it's out the TV then anything I'm watching off the computer will go through the Onkyo. PTR I have an older Onkyo 1000W 7-channel receiver and it has been a great buy and has served me well. You'll have multiple inputs, so you can plug your computer, TV, satellite receiver, DVD and probably a few other sources into the Onkyo. The method you use for the connection will affect the sound quality (optical cables are the best for my system). The Onkyo will accept the surround (5.1) signal from your TV, DVD or Direct TV receiver and turn it into kick-ass sound, if you have placed the speakers correctly and set it up correctly. I have a couple dozen concert DVDs that sound awesome. I occasionally watch the start of NASCAR races, just for the surround sound. The guys at Best Buy will hook you up, but if you can figure out computers and satellite stuff, you'll be able to set this up too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Caveman Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Generally all of your sources (DirecTV receiver, Blu Ray Player, Roku box, etc....) will go to the receiver, the receiver will send one output to the TV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dickleyjones Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 As other posters suggested, try to get a receiver only. You'll have many more inputs and outputs to play with than with a blueray/reciever combo. The computer is a special case. You will either use HDMI , optical audio, or 6 separate analogue outputs from your computer...you'll likely have HDMI or optical. Most recievers accept these as inputs. As for software, you need to setup your operating system to use the appropriate output (HDMI, optical or analogue) for 5.1. You will likely be able to test each speaker separately from the software, which can be handy. It may be necessary to configure each media player you use (netflix, vlc, etc) to use the proper output as well. Of course this all depends on your computer's components. If you don't have the appropriate outputs for 5.1, adding a piece of hardware might be necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in Chicago Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 Not necessarily. The computer is there to watch streaming video (i.e Netflix). I have Direct TV too. Does the 5.1 SS signal come from the TV or the device I am watching? I looked at that link and that would work if I knew where to hook it up. PTR Maybe I am repeating some information already posted but: - Sound originates from the 'device'. Typically, a DVD/Blu Ray/CD player, DirecTV box, Roku box etc. The TV itself can originate sound if you have hooked up an antenna and don't get feed from any cable/DTV boxes - I would highly recommend a discreet system and not a hybrid. You can create a combination for a wide range of budgets. Key always is to first decide on a budget. - I haven't played with soundbars much but don't have a favorable opinion of them. Get a true system to experience surround sound. Frankly, there is nothing like having 5 separate speakers + 1 sub woofer for true surround sound. Everything else is just make believe - Don't buy Bose - Depending on how much effort (time) you want to spend on your searches, this is an excellent source of information and discussion: http://www.avsforum.com/ Basics are explained here: http://www.avsforum.com/t/968859/avr-faq - Analog output can originate from a DVD/Blu Ray player where the separation of channels is done at source. Six separate wires go from this device to your receiver. The receiver does minimal to zero processing of sound Lot more to explain if you have specific questions. Good luck and do spend some extra time researching - it is very rewarding and will give you years of listening pleasure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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