AVForums

Our philosophy in our forums, reviews, podcasts and feature videos is to promote audio and visual excellence by gathering and sharing the best information and resources available.

Help

To begin please visit our help section »

Not a Member Yet?

It only takes a minute to start enjoying the benefits of AVForums membership, and it's free!

Member Log in

All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

Post Reply
Old 06-01-2009, 11:08 AM   #1
New Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Experience Points:
2,157, Level: 10
Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 6, Got 1
Posts: 15
All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

Hi folks,

My last post didn't illicit much response, but from my own research I think what I was after was wishful thinking.

I'd initially been keen on wireless speakers for ease of installation, but now think I'd best just bite the bullet and install wired speakers.

I have a limited budget of around £350 ... would prefer £300, and might stretch to £400 (max) for a great system.

What I'm after is a system with HD sound, i.e. Dolby TruHD, etc.

I also need two HDMI inputs - one for the TV, and one for the PS3. I don't envisage needing any more than this, but more would be useful.

I don't need a DVD player included, just amp (receiver?) & speakers.

I also want tallboy speakers rather than wall mounted satellites, or satellites on 3rd party stands, for aesthetic reasons.

Some all-in-ones I've looked at have limited HDMIs or spec, often include a DVD player, and are obviously aimed (as the name suggests) at giving someone a good all round starter system covering basic requirements - would that be a fair assessment.

I suspect that there may not be a good all-in-one that meets my requirements which may push me down the separates route ... whilst my initial feeling is that this may be overkill, it seems my needs may just straddle somewhere between basic & intermediate.

If I do go down the separates route can anyone suggest something that will give HD sound from TV, and PS3 via HDMI?

One AV receiver for a separates system I've been looking at is the Sony STR-DG820, which I think can be had for around £230, any good?

Going for separates means I need to consider speakers, can I generally use any speakers and don't need to match manufacturers? Could anyone suggest decent cool looking tallboy speakers?

Finally, is the cabling that comes with systems/speakers usually sufficient? I know you'll almost certainly get a better sound with upgraded cables, but I'm concerned about the cost of this - unless anyone knows of good quality speaker cable that won't blow the budget?

Which forum should I post on if I want more help on separates, I'm a little confused and it wasn't clear.

In summary:
1. Is there an all-in-one with multiple HDMIs and HD sound within my budget that you'd recommend?
2. If not, what AV receiver speaker combination would best suit my needs within my budget?

Thanks,

Chris

Last edited by iamchris; 06-01-2009 at 3:14 PM. Reason: Corrected Dolby TrueHD type to TruHD, my bad ...
  Quote
Old 06-01-2009, 11:29 AM   #2
Moderator
 
RottenFox's Avatar
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: +56°28' 10.92"/-2°59' 21.48"
Experience Points:
147,126, Level: 92
Points: 147,126, Level: 92 Points: 147,126, Level: 92 Points: 147,126, Level: 92
Activity: 57.6%
Activity: 57.6% Activity: 57.6% Activity: 57.6%
Thanks: Gave 1,394, Got 2,808
Posts: 13,530
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

All-in-Ones within you budget, that would be suitable,IMO :
Sony HT-SF 1200/1300. - slim style,tallboy speakers,features you are looking for.
Sony HT-DDWG800 - tiny step down from 820 amp, but with good speakers, and subwoofer,and features you are looking for.

both have threads in this forum.
  Quote
Thanks from:
iamchris (06-01-2009)
Old 06-01-2009, 12:11 PM   #3
New Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Experience Points:
1,958, Level: 10
Points: 1,958, Level: 10 Points: 1,958, Level: 10 Points: 1,958, Level: 10
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 0, Got 0
Posts: 1
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

I have also been looking at those two systems, but can't really decide which one to go for. Is the sound that much better in the DDWG800 that it makes up for the extra cost/work to put up wallmounts and buying stands?

To iamchris: There is a fair amount of 5.1 speaker systems on superfi.co.uk. Specifically the Q Acoustic speaker package for 411£ looks really good although it's above your (and my) budget.
  Quote
Old 06-01-2009, 12:11 PM   #4
New Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Experience Points:
2,157, Level: 10
Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 6, Got 1
Posts: 15
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

thanks RF, i'll have a look at those
  Quote
Old 06-01-2009, 12:13 PM   #5
New Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Experience Points:
2,157, Level: 10
Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 6, Got 1
Posts: 15
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

thanks sterrior, i'll have a look at superfi.co.uk, see if i find anything.
  Quote
Old 06-01-2009, 12:31 PM   #6
Moderator
 
RottenFox's Avatar
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: +56°28' 10.92"/-2°59' 21.48"
Experience Points:
147,126, Level: 92
Points: 147,126, Level: 92 Points: 147,126, Level: 92 Points: 147,126, Level: 92
Activity: 57.6%
Activity: 57.6% Activity: 57.6% Activity: 57.6%
Thanks: Gave 1,394, Got 2,808
Posts: 13,530
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

Quote:
Originally Posted by sterrior View Post
I have also been looking at those two systems, but can't really decide which one to go for. Is the sound that much better in the DDWG800 that it makes up for the extra cost/work to put up wallmounts and buying stands?
yes, it does sound a lot better than the 1200/1300,(not that they dont sound good,its just the 800/speakers, sound better),especially the power of the subwoofer,and the speakers also, sound better.
i owned the 880,thought about going for an 890,but skipped it, and went for the 800,and they all use the same speakers.
for me, it says something when they havent changed the speakers in 3 or 4 generations of a unit.(im still using the speakers i got with my 880).
  Quote
Old 06-01-2009, 1:01 PM   #7
New Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Experience Points:
2,157, Level: 10
Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 6, Got 1
Posts: 15
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

Quote:
Originally Posted by RottenFox View Post
All-in-Ones within you budget, that would be suitable,IMO :
Sony HT-SF 1200/1300. - slim style,tallboy speakers,features you are looking for.
Sony HT-DDWG800 - tiny step down from 820 amp, but with good speakers, and subwoofer,and features you are looking for.

both have threads in this forum.
according to specs on sony website neither of these systems have HD sound (e.g. Dolby TruHD), and the latter doesn't have tallboy speakers?

i have had a good dig around on the sony site, but much as i'd like the simplicity/cost of an all-in-one i think i'm leaning more towards the separates.
  Quote
Old 06-01-2009, 2:16 PM   #8
Moderator
 
RottenFox's Avatar
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: +56°28' 10.92"/-2°59' 21.48"
Experience Points:
147,126, Level: 92
Points: 147,126, Level: 92 Points: 147,126, Level: 92 Points: 147,126, Level: 92
Activity: 57.6%
Activity: 57.6% Activity: 57.6% Activity: 57.6%
Thanks: Gave 1,394, Got 2,808
Posts: 13,530
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

Quote:
Originally Posted by iamchris View Post
according to specs on sony website neither of these systems have HD sound (e.g. Dolby TruHD), and the latter doesn't have tallboy speakers?

i have had a good dig around on the sony site, but much as i'd like the simplicity/cost of an all-in-one i think i'm leaning more towards the separates.
seeing as you said you have a ps3, and dont envision any more items to add, i picked those systems..1,the 1200/1300 are slim AIO amp/tallboy speaker style setups,and the second is similar to the amp you mentioned, the 820..the HT-DDWG800 is an amp,with speakers pack.

your ps3, cannot output Tru-HD,or DTS-MA HD audio,all it does output is these pre-converted to LPCM,which both of these units will accept over hdmi,thus you will get HD audio,like you require.
and no tv in this world outputs HD audio,merely 2 channel pcm,or possibly DD if you have freesat.
skyHD is DD5.1,on a selection of material,but only through optical,as hdmi only gives stereo in sky's case,and the same with virgin media,albeit virgin media can output 5.1 through hdmi.

heres the threads for you to read up on them :

Sony HT-DDWG800 Home Theatre Sys REVIEW
Sony HT-SF1200 My review (Amp packaged with HTD-870RSF)
Sony HT-SF1300 Setup
  Quote
Thanks from:
iamchris (06-01-2009), Steeve24 (09-01-2009)
Old 06-01-2009, 2:21 PM   #9
New Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Experience Points:
2,157, Level: 10
Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 6, Got 1
Posts: 15
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

thanks for that RF, i don't really know much about how this all works, hence why i've come here, so i really appreciate your input.

looks like getting a TruHD system is a complete waste of time then? unless i plan on having a separate BD player offering such features in the future, which i doubt ... if anything happened to the PS3 i'd just replace it, and having 2 x BD players seems a waste of time - unless the prices fall dramatically and i can pick up a kickass player that knocks the spots of the PS3 for SFA.

might still be some sense in future proofing, but you've highlighted that it's far from an essential requirement.

cheers.

Last edited by iamchris; 06-01-2009 at 3:13 PM. Reason: corrected TrueHD typo to TruHD, my bad ...
  Quote
Old 06-01-2009, 2:26 PM   #10
Distinguished Member
 
serpico77's Avatar
Join Date: Aug 2007
Experience Points:
5,262, Level: 17
Points: 5,262, Level: 17 Points: 5,262, Level: 17 Points: 5,262, Level: 17
Activity: 31.8%
Activity: 31.8% Activity: 31.8% Activity: 31.8%
Thanks: Gave 884, Got 653
Posts: 13,685
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

I am a little confused.
What systems output truehd?
  Quote
Old 06-01-2009, 2:44 PM   #11
Moderator
 
RottenFox's Avatar
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: +56°28' 10.92"/-2°59' 21.48"
Experience Points:
147,126, Level: 92
Points: 147,126, Level: 92 Points: 147,126, Level: 92 Points: 147,126, Level: 92
Activity: 57.6%
Activity: 57.6% Activity: 57.6% Activity: 57.6%
Thanks: Gave 1,394, Got 2,808
Posts: 13,530
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

i think he meant from the speakers, as in they take a truHD soundtrack,and play it back..thats all,possiby a typo.
  Quote
Old 06-01-2009, 2:45 PM   #12
Moderator
 
RottenFox's Avatar
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: +56°28' 10.92"/-2°59' 21.48"
Experience Points:
147,126, Level: 92
Points: 147,126, Level: 92 Points: 147,126, Level: 92 Points: 147,126, Level: 92
Activity: 57.6%
Activity: 57.6% Activity: 57.6% Activity: 57.6%
Thanks: Gave 1,394, Got 2,808
Posts: 13,530
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

Quote:
Originally Posted by iamchris View Post
thanks for that RF, i don't really know much about how this all works, hence why i've come here, so i really appreciate your input.

looks like getting a TrueHD system is a complete waste of time then? unless i plan on having a separate BD player offering such features in the future, which i doubt ... if anything happened to the PS3 i'd just replace it, and having 2 x BD players seems a waste of time - unless the prices fall dramatically and i can pick up a kickass player that knocks the spots of the PS3 for SFA.

might still be some sense in future proofing, but you've highlighted that it's far from an essential requirement.

cheers.
as most decent kit will either convert to LPCM,you are right, its not essential, especially as you have the ps3,which isnt capable of outputting HD soundtracks, as bitstream(truHD/DTS-MA).
  Quote
Thanks from:
iamchris (06-01-2009)
Old 06-01-2009, 2:45 PM   #13
Distinguished Member
 
serpico77's Avatar
Join Date: Aug 2007
Experience Points:
5,262, Level: 17
Points: 5,262, Level: 17 Points: 5,262, Level: 17 Points: 5,262, Level: 17
Activity: 31.8%
Activity: 31.8% Activity: 31.8% Activity: 31.8%
Thanks: Gave 884, Got 653
Posts: 13,685
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

I have the 1200, am I getting truehd from my ps3?
  Quote
Old 06-01-2009, 2:55 PM   #14
Moderator
 
RottenFox's Avatar
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: +56°28' 10.92"/-2°59' 21.48"
Experience Points:
147,126, Level: 92
Points: 147,126, Level: 92 Points: 147,126, Level: 92 Points: 147,126, Level: 92
Activity: 57.6%
Activity: 57.6% Activity: 57.6% Activity: 57.6%
Thanks: Gave 1,394, Got 2,808
Posts: 13,530
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

i dont know, have you connected the ps3 with hdmi to the 1200,and carried out the audio test,selected LPCM,etc as you were informed on doing...if so, then yes, you are getting truHD pre-converted to LPCM, by the ps3(as it cant output truHD in its native form, and has to pre-convert it).
  Quote
Old 06-01-2009, 3:13 PM   #15
New Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Experience Points:
2,157, Level: 10
Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 6, Got 1
Posts: 15
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

i've done some digging into this and see what you're getting at now RF, so thanks again for the heads up.

LPCM seems like the way forward, HD audio gets unscrambled on the PS3, and output as linear PCM, these Sony all-in-ones accept LPCM which is all good ... from what I gather LPCM is what you want for a "true HD" experience (as opposed to TruHD, sorry for my earlier typo, well spotted - will amend).

Right, I seem to be getting somewhere now. Brilliant.

One other related issue maybe someone can help me with is in relation to the HDMI connections?

I was getting a bit confused by HDMI in and HDMI out ... and I'm not at home so can't look at the back of the PS3 or the TV.

I think the PS3 only has one HDMI socket, and this is HDMI out, is that correct? Currently this goes to the TV, which I'm presuming is an HDMI "in" socket that I must have chosen through dumb luck ... ergo it receives the hi def video from the PS3.

Would the idea now be to plug the PS3 HDMI "out" into the all-in-one HDMI "in", then then take an HDMI "out" cable to the TV? In that case, how does passing the signal thru the AV kit before it gets to the TV affect the quality of the picture signal ... it comes out of the PS3 as 1080p, will it hit the TV as 1080p, even if whichever all-in-one I choose doesn't do upscaling (as the signal is already max no upscaling req'd?), what happens if I watch DVD (as opposed to BD) which gets upscaled by the PS3, will the AV kit maintain this on pass thru? This seems to be mentioned in the review of the kit linked above, but wanted to confirm my understanding is correct.

Is it likely that the TV will be receiving Dolby digital surround via DVB? Do I then need to take an HDMI "out" from the TV back to the all-in-one's other HDMI "in"?

Off the top of my head I'm fairly certain the TV is a Panasonic TH-42PZ700 (bought late 2007, and I deliberately bought 700, as opposed to the 70 or 7, for the extra connections).

Sorry if that's confusing but I'm a bit lost with the connections.

Thanks,

Chris

Last edited by iamchris; 06-01-2009 at 3:49 PM.
  Quote
Old 06-01-2009, 4:14 PM   #16
Moderator
 
RottenFox's Avatar
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: +56°28' 10.92"/-2°59' 21.48"
Experience Points:
147,126, Level: 92
Points: 147,126, Level: 92 Points: 147,126, Level: 92 Points: 147,126, Level: 92
Activity: 57.6%
Activity: 57.6% Activity: 57.6% Activity: 57.6%
Thanks: Gave 1,394, Got 2,808
Posts: 13,530
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

right, the hdmi on the ps3 is an "out",and if you bought one of those,or similar system, it would be ps3 connected to 1200/1300/800 with hdmi, and a single hdmi lead from aforementioned surround systems to tv.
these systems have multiple hdmi "ins",and 1 "out" so it doubles,and/or triples your available hdmi's(useful for people with tvs with low numbers).

the systems will not touch the signal,unless it has some sort of upscaling/upconverting(turing av or component into hdmi) feature, so effectively what you put in, is exactly what you get out.

as for dvb its just plain old stereo.

and for your hdmi on the tv's, these are "in" only..you would connect the tv's audio outs,be they analogue(red/white) or digital(optical/coax) to your surround system of choice.
this will,no matter what connection you pick, be stereo only,so really, in all honesty,you might as well just connect the skybox,etc up first,and forget about the tv audio,unless you are stuck with freeview only.
  Quote
Thanks from:
iamchris (06-01-2009)
Old 06-01-2009, 5:05 PM   #17
New Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Experience Points:
2,157, Level: 10
Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 6, Got 1
Posts: 15
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

great, thanks again RF - seem to be saying that a lot today.

don't have sky (and unlikely to get it) so freeview only for me, i'm sure there's an optical out on the TV so will use that, else will use analogues.

didn't realise the TV would only be stereo, I mean I know it's only got 2 speakers, but it's got a Dolby tag I think ... it's a shame, but it'll still sound better than thru the internal speakers.
  Quote
Old 20-07-2009, 4:04 PM   #18
New Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Experience Points:
2,157, Level: 10
Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10 Points: 2,157, Level: 10
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 6, Got 1
Posts: 15
Re: All-in-one surround sound systems with HD sound and multiple HDMI

Just a wee update - finally opted for a separates system, Onkyo TX-SR507 + Jamo A102 5.1 speakers - will post properly in the appropriate place.

Thanks for all help and opinions offered
  Quote
Post Reply

Powered by  
 Latest popular product prices
Panasonic SC-XH50 
5 prices from
 £99.99 Click to show/hide the offers

Sony DAV-TZ135 
6 prices from
 £99.99 Click to show/hide the offers

Samsung HT-D350 
5 prices from
 £129.00 Click to show/hide the offers

Samsung HT-D450 
4 prices from
 £139.96 Click to show/hide the offers

Samsung HT-D5000 
7 prices from
 £143.98 Click to show/hide the offers

Logic3 Soundstage 5.1 
2 prices from
 £166.59 Click to show/hide the offers

LG BDH9000 
2 prices from
 £169.30 Click to show/hide the offers

Panasonic SC-HTB10 
4 prices from
 £186.07 Click to show/hide the offers

 Updated February 11th at 5:30pm. Prices include delivery.


Thread information and display options
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is Off
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off