Home cinema for new Pio screen (Noob)

[browser88]

I just bought a Pioneer 5080XD screen and I am looking to spend around £300. Max spend £400.

I will be connecting a SkyHD box and a PS3 to the TV.

I am looking for a system with DVD (Region issues with PS3) and 5.1 surround. Much preferred standing floor speakers.

Have looked at Sony DZ660 and panasonic 860. Both only have 1 HDMI input though. Could I run video from SKYHD direct to screen and onlly have the audio go through (optical) on home cinema? Since there is only 1 optical input, is there anything I can do? or do i need to look for a system with more inputs?

thanks

[Chilly Willy]

Hi mate

There is no reason why you have to run your SkyHD HDMI through the amp, IMHO just connect the cable to the TV. I have the LG HT902TB system (a 4 star What HIFI contender) which has four floor standing speakers, but only one optical digital audio socket, I purchased this and now have linked my TV, Virginmedia box and Xbox 360 to the system.

I hope this helps no matter what system you go for.

[YellowSphere]

Make sure that, whatever you get, its DVD can be made multi-region.

If you go for something with only one optical input, you'll need an optical splitter, which are cheap from somewhere like Maplin.

If you stretch your budget a little you could get this. Matches with your TV, and it actually allows you to hide the main unit away and control it from a small box with a screen that sits up with the television. Another potential advantage of this system is that it includes a DVD/HDD recorder, so you could back stuff up from Sky, though only in standard definition and it's not the easiest thing ever. You can also use it as a music server; pop in a CD and have it copy it to its hard drive. I'm pretty sure it can be made multiregion, and it offers a high quality of DVD playback in general.

Crucially, the sound quality is very good for that price, and it has two optical inputs.