Thread: newbie home theater question.

I Am looking at getting a Sony HT system fo my HDTV thru a vip722, Xbox, DVD, playstation2 and Wii. Right now the 722 uses hdmi,the dvd player uses component,xbox uses component, and the playstation/Wii uses the AV (they hook up to a switch) all to my TV. My 722, dvd, TV and xbox have optical outs. Do all these have to hook up to the HT system directly or can I just use the light coming from my TV and get 5.1 from everything hooked thru the TV. At first I thought I could, but after some research I think I was sadly mistaken. I was just looking for a simply setup without having to buy a bunch of new cables. My TV is a Samsung DLP with only 1 hdmi, 2 comp, 3av, 1dvi, and the standard coax stuff. Just point me in the right direction. There may be no way without going high dollar. Thanks.

I would think you would want to run everything audio straight to your new HT receiver and forgo connecting them to the TV. Any decent receiver will have more inputs than your tv anyway. The video should still go straight to the TV but the audio should to to the receiver. The only extra cable you might need would be an optical audio to go from the 722 to the receiver.

Also, when you say component you are talking about video. Your choice of receiver may depend on what you are using for audio on the xbox and dvd player.

What kind of budget are we talking about here and we can be of more use.

I was thinking about 300 dollars for starters. I would like to go optical on the TV and dvd at least, I am not a huge gamer so the xbox can still be on copper. I have seen decent HT systems (without dvd player )for about 300 that where I am getting my starting point. I am looking more for easy setup and willing to pay for that, if needed.

Ar you looking for a receiver and speakers or just a receiver?

Speakers and receiver. I do not want to a dvd type, due to an upgrade to blu ray could be forth coming and will be stuck with a dvd player that will not be used.

Most $300 HT systems are going to be sorely lacking in connection options. From what you're saying, you need at least three optical inputs and an assortment of other inputs so that you don't have to dink with an AV switch.

Since your TV is short on HDMI inputs you're going to have to invest in something that can switch HDMI inputs for when you get your Blu-ray player or similar. Might as well invest that money in a more flexible receiver so again, you don't have to use an external switch to make it all work.

If you've got your heart set on Sony, you've got only one choice: HT-DDW990

It features two HDMI pass-through inputs as well as two optical and one coaxial digital inputs.

Once you move to a Blu-ray player may allow you to play your discs over the HDMI connection, you should have a couple of optical ports free for gaming devices.


I would suggest you assemble a list of specifications that don't include a manufacturer and think about how you can make the whole system a lot less fuss. Having to use a half-dozen remotes and manual switches to make everything work may seem like an accomplishment, but you'll not get much support from those who have to figure out how to use it.


One final comment: for someone who isn't into gaming, you sure have a large number of gaming consoles hooked up to your TV.

There is no such thing as a great sounding system at that price. That also includes the Sony dream machine all in ones. This would be a good choice for your investment.

Amazon.com: Onkyo HT-SR600S 5.1 Home Theater Entertainment System (Silver): Electronics

You need something with 2 optical inputs minimum for the 722 and the DVD player.

Thanks this will helped me with the setup options as well as a budget for a system. as far as the gaming systems, I do have a few but I have mostly due to my boy. neither of us are fanitical about them but enjoy them none the less. My heart is set on a Sony that will open up more options.The main question I had was with inputs, which you all answered for me. Now begins the hunt for the right one. I will post some chooses to bounce off you guys, again thanks.