Hangon, i'm not trying to put you off the SC8 but if you do want an active sub then maybe consider a different system (non sony) if you want to save money.
I am satisfied with my passive sub. Generally active subs arte better at drawing less attention to themselves during music (say on a film) but creating a use explosion effect when necessary, where as a passive can be less efficient at orivding a real boom.
Having said that how often are you intending to use your system and for what purposes. I think the SC8 has component out but you can forget about as you probably wouldn't use that. the SC5 has rgb scart out.
The thing is if you haven't heard the difference between a passive and active sub then you don't know what to choose. Some passive subs are extrememly efficient but other makes offer some punchy bass systems for a lot lot less. You could take the separates route and buy a DVD player, optical cable and surround kit.
I would reccoment the Acoustic solutions
http://www.acousticsolutions.net/product.asp?ID=56
I know two people who own this, one bought from comet the other Argos. Argos sell it for £180 i think, the DS 1033. The subwoofer is PHENOMENAL and with the speakers on stands it saves shelling out £35 per pair! Sound quality from it is second to none and i would have bought one if i hadn't bought my all in one! You could then buy a DVD player and optical cable which connects the sound output from the DVD player to the surround kit for full 5.1 Surround.
The thing is i guess you want an easy route (all in ones) with being new to it but if you are interested in separates that surround kit is great! Especially for bass. And you could do it all for £300 ish depending whether you wanted a DVD player with SACD and progressive out but i won't go there at the mo!
Hope that helps
