New LCD, Home Theatre Setup

[I am Penguin]

TV - 32" LG HD Ready LCD TV with 2 x HDMI inputs (32LG30)
HTS - Phillips HTS 3565 with 1 X HDMI output (for DVD/USB playback)
PS3 - New PS3 Slim (2 months old) - 1 X HDMI output

Ok, checked it out. I do not see optical in but there is only Coax digital in *2 on the receiver. Thus from the PS3 to the HT receiver you have a problem as the PS3 slim have Optical out but your receiver only have Digital coaxial in. Please confirm this as it depends on your model. Maybe you have an Optical in looking the same as the optical out on the PS3 slim.

Connectivity

•Rear Connections: HDMI output, Component Video output, S-Video out, Composite video (CVBS) output, Digital coaxial in 2x, AUX in, FM Antenna, Easy-Fit speaker connectors.

I also note there is a software/firmware update for your HTS system.

This upgrade is applicable for the following models: HTS3565D/37 HTS3565/98 HTS3568/51 HTS3568DW/98 HTS3568DW/75 HTS3568W/93 HTS3569/98 HTS3568/12

Firmware upgrade history
Version
Description
Version: V00.22.00 MCU: V10.08
 Fix OSD Language Auto not working.
 Improve Karaoke scoring
 Improve overall HDMI CEC behavior
 Improve system stability when playing certain JPEG files.
Version: V00.27.03
 Improve HDMI CEC behavior
 Improve overall system stability
Version: V00.32.00 MCU: V10.08
 Improves optical-in sensitivity
Version: V00.34.04
 Improve Audio performance for COAXIAL IN connection

Now there they say "Improves optical-in sensitivity" so in the model is there is differences. Please check if your Receiver have a optical in.

 

[InTheCube]

You definatley get them. Most component systems have got a few HDMI in/out, but I think even the more expensive/advanced 'all in one systems' will have a few HDMI's in.

So assume all HDMI like this : PS3 > HTS > TV.

Your PS3 is sending both audio/video to the HTS (which it process, amplifiers, send to speakers etc) and the video section goes untouched THROUGH the amplifier and onto the TV.

Hope it makes more sense :/

That makes sense. So basically, my all in one HTS rather sucks, since it only has one HDMI out, and no HDMI in. What I really need is to get rid of my current HTS, and buy an AMP that has multiple HDMI IN and OUT. Then the AMP is almost like a router - accepting mutliple signals (audio or video), and sending them wherever they need to go, as per diagram below. Right?

Check this out http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php/photo/7984/title/av/cat/all

Everything goes to amplifier and to the TV.

What my amplifier doesn't do is upconvert sources from component, so (for example) my media streamer didn't have HDMI and needed to be component. The amplifier wouldn't output the component signal via HDMI.

If that paragraph confuses you more, ignore it

Makes sense. Thanks for the diagram. It clears things up quite a bit.

 

[Dolby]

Bingo

I really wouldn't say your system sucks though. Many now still don't have them and those that do, are rather pricey.

 

[InTheCube]

Bingo

I really wouldn't say your system sucks though. Many now still don't have them and those that do, are rather pricey.

Cool.. thanks for the explanations. Now it all makes sense.

I guess my HTS wasn't designed for the configuration we have in mind. It's meant to be mostly a DVD player / USB AVI player with surround sound, and a few extras.

So what AMP do you have? Can you recommend one for me, taking into account our previous discussion?

 

[stevenv]

A PS3 does have optical, right? Why not take the optical to your HTS? So you'll have PS3 HDMI > TV (for video) and PS3 OPTICAL > OPTICAL IN ON HTS.

This particular Sony HTS doesn't have optical in, have checked it out as an upgrade path for me. Just bought my own Sony Bravia 32" and have hooked up optical audio from PS3 to current HTS which has optical in. All working sweetly. I've found that 99% of these all-in-one HTS packages don't sport anything other than stereo audio inputs, many of the newer and pricier ones have HDMI output but that doesn't help.

 

[Dolby]

Ah. Ok.

I've got a Marantz SR5002 amplifier. I'm slightly out of touch with features and amps available though, but I know IAP knows his Sony products very well. Maybe he can recommend one?

 

[I am Penguin]

Ah. Ok.

I've got a Marantz SR5002 amplifier. I'm slightly out of touch with features and amps available though, but I know IAP knows his Sony products very well. Maybe he can recommend one?

Depends on the budget. The ones I prefer is the full surround 6.2/7.2/8.2 channel systems (The Budget,Poor mans HT) between R6000.00 and R8000.00 But we know those systems are "tuned" to their speakers (6ohm). If Toxic want only an amp and use the same speakers then that is a complete different avenue and the market is wide open. If I was Toxic I would wait for the newer HDMI 1.4 spec systems to hit the market. See comparison here! http://www.sony.co.za/product/Compa...T-DDW5500&models=MG-DDW5000&models=HT-DDW7000

Obviously those amps do not compete with this:

Like these specs for the STR-DA5400ES

Maybe just list the Important features to look for in an Amp/System

Faroudja® DCDi Cinema™ Chipset for Upscaling to 1080p
HDMI 1.3a/1.4 Inputs 3+
HDMI 1.3/1.4 Outputs 2 minimum.
LPCM (2CH/5.1CH/7.1CH) thru HDMI for BD
Bitstreaming pass-through ie (HDMI repeater NOT Switcher)
Optical in/out
Coax in
Composite in
HDMI CEC
DTS,ES, DD EX, DTS HD master, Dolby true HD decoding


See the guys listed in this addy than can give a good demo like Sounds Great in the East Rand mall.
http://www.sony.co.za/microsite/esclub/

 

[I am Penguin]

That makes sense. So basically, my all in one HTS rather sucks, since it only has one HDMI out, and no HDMI in. What I really need is to get rid of my current HTS, and buy an AMP that has multiple HDMI IN and OUT. Then the AMP is almost like a router - accepting mutliple signals (audio or video), and sending them wherever they need to go, as per diagram below. Right?



Makes sense. Thanks for the diagram. It clears things up quite a bit.

Yep but there is hope

Here is a large HT/AV setup diagram

See these links for possible solutions depending on what inputs your amplifier got or discuss with HDcabling.

http://www.hdcabling.co.za/4-x-1-hd...log-audio-output-hdmi-v13-hdcp-v12-p-187.html

This switch has 4 x HDMI inputs, 1 x HDMI output, 1 x Optical audio output, 1 x Digital Coax output and 1 x 3.5mm stereo output jack. It features a built in audio converter that will convert the HDMI audio from any of the 4 HDMI inputs and convert it to simultaneous audio output in HDMI, Optical, Digital Coax and 3.5mm Stereo. That way you can integrate any type of sound system, even if it doesn't directly support HDMI audio.

http://www.hdcabling.co.za/dvi-spdi...-converter-combine-signals-to-hdmi-p-114.html

http://www.jump.co.za/product/toslink-optical-to-digital-coaxial-rca-converter-15601990.htm

PS: Due to too many changes jumped to the last post!

 

[InTheCube]

Depends on the budget. The ones I prefer is the full surround 6.2/7.2/8.2 channel systems (The Budget,Poor mans HT) between R6000.00 and R8000.00

Jislaaaiik! If 6 - 8K is a poor man's budget, then I'm a peasant! Don't have that kind of cash to spend on sound alone. I found it hard to depart with 2K for my Philips HTS (which I now realise is a bit sucky). At the moment my current setup works. I don't live in front of my TV or console, so it's not worth the investment. I only watch TV and play PS3 about 1-2 hours a day during the week, and maybe double that on weekends.

In any case, I'm not looking to purchase something new. I was mostly trying to understand how all this fits together. There's definitely alot more to learn about all this technology. At least when I plan to upgrade sometime in the distant future, I will be more clued up.

Thanks Dolby and IAP for enlightening me.

To the OP, sorry for hijacking your thread, but I'm sure all this info will be useful to you too.

 

[I am Penguin]

Jislaaaiik! If 6 - 8K is a poor man's budget, then I'm a peasant! Don't have that kind of cash to spend on sound alone. I found it hard to depart with 2K for my Philips HTS (which I now realise is a bit sucky). At the moment my current setup works. I don't live in front of my TV or console, so it's not worth the investment. I only watch TV and play PS3 about 1-2 hours a day during the week, and maybe double that on weekends.

In any case, I'm not looking to purchase something new. I was mostly trying to understand how all this fits together. There's definitely alot more to learn about all this technology. At least when I plan to upgrade sometime in the distant future, I will be more clued up.

Thanks Dolby and IAP for enlightening me.

To the OP, sorry for hijacking your thread, but I'm sure all this info will be useful to you too.

Nah, thats what Dolby thinks of my setup. His is a bit "more expensive"

IF' your systems receiver does not have the optical input then there is the cheaper R250+ odd fix in that "optical to coax converter". Your HTS is actually a good unit and worth the investment. Then the PS3 optical out will convert to Digital coax and connect straight to the receiver and Bobs your uncle for complete 5.1 surround sound. Now you just seem to get a standard stereo output.

http://www.jump.co.za/product/toslink-optical-to-digital-coaxial-rca-converter-15601990.htm

 

[Diver]

Wow, thanks for all the input and for high jacking me post, it is a lot of info.

After reading some more and listening to all you guys, I released that buying a 32” Full HD (1080p) will not give me more quality then a 32” HD-Ready (720p), considering the screen size and especially on the DSTV witch broadcast 720p in any case. So I decided to rather buy a 32” HD-Ready (720p) and spend more money on the HTS then. I cannot go bigger on the screen at this stage or at least for the next few years and when I can in a few years time I will rather buy a bigger and better screen. So for now because I am more of a sports watcher and will be looking at a screen with a good refresh rate or 100hz if I understand this correctly. So my question now is what is the best 32” HD-Ready (720p) 100Hz screen to buy?

 

[Dolby]

Nah, thats what Dolby thinks of my setup. His is a bit "more expensive" ]

Nah! It's only when you knock other members about money, quality of components that I get a little irked

So for now because I am more of a sports watcher and will be looking at a screen with a good refresh rate or 100hz if I understand this correctly. So my question now is what is the best 32” HD-Ready (720p) 100Hz screen to buy?

Do you get 100hz 32" screens?

It's not only for spots though ; just about everything loks better to me.

 

[Diver]

Yes there are 100Hz LCD's I know the whole Sony W series is 100Hz.

Another sugestion I got was rather buying a 32" 720p plasma, then there is not a Refresg rate issue.

What do you guys think? Is there a differince between 32" 720p plasma and a 32" 720p LCD?

 

[I am Penguin]

It's not only for spots though ; just about everything loks better to me.

So what is your Hz again? Model?

I am a strong believer that the frequency does make a huge difference. I note the latest Panasonic plasmas are running at 600 hz sub field. Wonder what difference that would make in sports viewing. Specially panning over the spectators!

 

[Dolby]

So what is your Hz again? Model?

I am a strong believer that the frequency does make a huge difference. I note the latest Panasonic plasmas are running at 600 hz sub field. Wonder what difference that would make in sports viewing. Specially panning over the spectators!

Some list at 100hz and others list at 120hz *shrug*

Samsung LA46B650 http://www.samsung.com/za/consumer/...RXXA/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail&returnurl=

All I'm saying is some people say it's meant for a certain type of programming - but I prefer to use the motion plus as often as possible, as I pick up the jagged reasonably easy.

No stabs at you, from what I see?

 

[I am Penguin]

Some list at 100hz and others list at 120hz *shrug*

Samsung LA46B650 http://www.samsung.com/za/consumer/...RXXA/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail&returnurl=

All I'm saying is some people say it's meant for a certain type of programming - but I prefer to use the motion plus as often as possible, as I pick up the jagged reasonably easy.

No stabs at you, from what I see?

Yeah. That's a nice screen. Anyway whenever I am in a shop and I look at a program running on the Promo displays, when i look at anything 100Hz+ that shudder/jerk motion seems so much less. Does the 100/120 hz only activate when using motion+ to reduce that motion jerks or does it improve general viewing? Meaning does the display always run at 100Hz?

 

[dotVIBE]

It depends. If your main application is sport, then a plasma will definitely serve you better than a LCD. Actually, any TV watching is normally better on plasma, while I prefer LCD for Blu-Ray & gaming.

LG makes a good 37" 720p plasma that goes for about R7000.00. I'd look into that and spend the extra bucks on getting a decent sound system, something like a Sony HT-DDWG800

 

[mbeylis]

Hi, this is my first post on this site although I have been reading a lot of the posts, so I know these items have been discussed a lot already, so please don’t shoot me for asking. But I would like your guys input, opinion, comments, critic or suggestions. I am looking at a new LCD, Home Theatre Setup for my home. This will be my first upgrade to the HD age. Because of the Budget constraint (R16 000) I am looking at the following setup:

Sony 32” FULL HD LCD (32W550) – R8 500
I am going for the 32” because the TV stil needs to fit inside my current wall unit and I am going for the W series and not the V series because of the 100Hz motion flow for beter sport viewing. I will also link my PS3 and WII to this TV.
http://www.sony.co.za/product/klv-32w550a

Sony 5.1ch DVD Home Theatre System (DAV-TZ200) – R2 600
I am going for this because it has HD and is cheap
http://www.sony.co.za/product/dav-tz200

HD PVR (plus current SD PVR thru extra view) – R5 500
I need to get this to make the HD TV worthwhile and make it look beter on the HD TV. I am going to link it to my current SD PVR via extra view so that I can still use the other 2 TV’s (3 in total) with PVR capabilities. 1 Will be the HD TV in the lounge, 1 will be SD PVR in the main bedroom and 1 will be SD PVR in the kids play room.

The total is R16 600. R600 over budget but I think I can manage that without selling a kidney.

Would definitely agree with rather saving up for at least a 40" and above. If it means replacing your wall unit for a LCD friendly one then do it. The difference is well worth it. That's what I did and don't regret it at all

In my personal opinion the HD PVR is definitely worth it especially now since Multichoice have announced there plans for the Soccer World Cup including at least one HD Channel. Soccer in HD is soooooooo worth it

Good choice with Sony too, you got a PS3 so these items work very well together as expected coming form the same company. Blue Ray Movies are stunning

Enjoy

 

[Dolby]

Yeah. That's a nice screen. Anyway whenever I am in a shop and I look at a program running on the Promo displays, when i look at anything 100Hz+ that shudder/jerk motion seems so much less. Does the 100/120 hz only activate when using motion+ to reduce that motion jerks or does it improve general viewing? Meaning does the display always run at 100Hz?

Thanks.

As I mentioned, I didn't think 50hz/100hz made much difference - until I was told what to watch for on a 50hz and 100hz screen side by side and the difference was pretty huge and persuaded me to part with more cash :/

It's not always on - I have a few settings (off, clear, standard, smooth or custom) With custom I can set judder and blur reduction. However I contantly run mine on 'smooth'

The set has quite a few settings - check this link http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/Samsung-LE40B650/Operation.htm