Home Cinema - PC & Media Centre Connection

CrisisWolf · 31-03-2009, 4:07 PM

Hello!

Seeing as this place appears to be the fountain of knowledge I thought I would ask the question.

I have a 42" LG TV and I intend to buy a Home Cinema System (out of the box so DVD and 5.1) probably from LG. Obviously this isn't the problem I wish to address.

The issue is how do I connect the DVD player into other sources? They appear to have Aux Ins which would provide stereo audio from an iPod/MP3 player. But I would also like to connect my PC (for games) into the DVD player and get surround sound as well as a Media Centre (which has [FONT=&quot]a Composite (RCA) connection and HDMI).

At first I was thinking I could just plug the PC/Media Player into the Aux but I think I'm correct in thinking this would only provide Stereo sound.

What options are their? And more importantly what DVD players have the connections?

If all else fails I suppose the Aux In is the only option but I'm guessing an RCA Cable or similar may do the trick? But trying to find 'the back end' of the DVD player to see the connections isn't always easy.

I appreciate your help. At the moment I'm looking at the LG HT503 range as a Home Cinema 5.1 unless this doesn't offer the connectivity I require.

Cheers!

**RottenFox** · 31-03-2009, 4:47 PM

if you dont mind me asking, whats your budget, and is that all that you would be connecting, or are you planning on a games console/HD movie player,like blu-ray,etc in the future(near).
i take it the pc has an optical out?, or the media player can do audio over hdmi or also has optical audio out.?

CrisisWolf · 31-03-2009, 5:01 PM

Quote:

if you dont mind me asking, whats your budget, and is that all that you would be connecting, or are you planning on a games console/HD movie player,like blu-ray,etc in the future(near).
i take it the pc has an optical out?, or the media player can do audio over hdmi or also has optical audio out.?

To be honest I'm hoping to get the DVD Surround Sound (£200 tops) and then maybe if required by adapters/cables as needed so I guess for the DVD and 'extras' £300 maximum. I did quickly look at an AV Reciever etc which I know would provide better connectivity but to be honest not looking at spending that much or requiring that much power/quality. So looking for the cheaper option to connect everything together.

No games console or Blu Ray planned. Just the DVD Player and then movies/music on the Media Player through Surround Sound and PC games thru surround sound. The PC doesn't have an HDMI out so will be using the PC connection for video and then 'audio' from one of the rear connections.

The media player is this one: Western DigitalTV HD 1080P Media Player.

CrisisWolf · 01-04-2009, 3:31 PM

I've had a further thought to this.

Would it be possible to link up speakers that come in a 'package' - i.e. an LG DVD/5.1 system - to an AV Reciever AT a later date and I would be easily able to connect all my other components together?

How much would an AV Reciever that would have what I need set me back? I dont really understand them much.

**RottenFox** · 01-04-2009, 8:14 PM

you may be able to, but its not really advisable.
for one the sub would be useless, and the speakers are more than likely a different ohm-age, and power might be less as well, so if you turn the volume up too loud, you may blow either the amp or speakers.

for a standalone amp, you would be in the region of £150-£200, at least, possibly a bit more with speakers/more expensive amp,etc.., but there are always deals on..dependant where or when you buy.

cheekygityorks · 02-04-2009, 7:40 AM

i cant offer any advice on your technical questions but i certainly wouldnt purchase an lg home cinema. my laser broke after only 14 months and the cost to repair are far too expencive to warrent it. ive just got this week a sony dav 660 and it blows the pants off the lg, the sound quality is stunning, so much better

CrisisWolf · 02-04-2009, 12:40 PM

Thanks for the comments! I think you have generally confirmed that my idea was to ambitious! [FONT=&quot]I think for now I shall get a DVD Player and in time buy the AV Receiver & Surround Sound.[/FONT] I shall now research for a good DVD Player - was going to go LG just cause its one remote less - always a good thing in this day and age.