PS3 blu-ray + what 5.1 setup?

[LoftyD]

All help appreciated! I know nothing!

I've got a PS3 as my dvd/blu-ray player and a Panasonic TH42-pz85b plasma currently connected via HDMI.

I'd like to find a (cheapish) surround sound set up, preferably with wireless rear speakers. I don't need anything too fancy or powerful (unless the neighbours really pi55 me off).

I was looking at the Panasonic surround sound bundles for convenience, which include an upscaling dvd player with i-pod dock on the front, sub, and 4 floor standers. They have an HDMI output but not an input from what I could see. I'm concerned I might not be getting the best sound from the blu-rays if I'm not able to run an HDMI from the PS3 into the amp. (I can run hdmi straight to the telly from the PS3, while simultaneously running sound from the PS3 via its other output - that's just a/v stereo though).

Is there a way i can plug it all in together to get full digital surround for games and movies? Or do I have to go for a separates set up?

Thanks in advance!

[clonmult]

Handy timing, I'm thinking of the same ....

My TV (LG 42PQ6000) has an optical digital output that should route any of the sound being sent in (Wii, PS3, Virgin box) to a suitable decoder/amp setup. I like the idea of getting something relatively inexpensive, either 2.1 or 5.1 with an optical input.

[LoftyD]

Sounds like I'd need to do the same - I've done a little research myself and if I'm not mistaken I can still get digital surround without an HDMI input on the amplifier by using an optical link between the PS3 and the amp. I previously thought you had to have the signal fed by HDMI. However there seems to be something specific to the Panasonic systems that may not allow one of the digital formats to be fed via Optical input. Can't remember which one though, DTS or Dolby HD I think.

Perhaps I would be better off asking for alternative suggestions for the best setup I can get for c.£400. I realise that probably isn't enough for a separate amp and speakers though....although perhaps, if I can find a second hand amp....

Edited by LoftyD on Tuesday 5th May 17:12

[headcase]

Make sure you buy a cinima kit with an optical input then you can output the sound from the ps3 via the optical instead of the HDMI, its in the audio setup menu, you then have to change the output from PCM to Bitstram (i think its that way, basically if its on bitstream now the switch it to PCM or Vice versa) that one hides in the blueray setup menu.

Both of the menus are on the PS3 not the cinima kit, both need twiddling or you just end up with stereo sound.

[phucks1976]

to take advantage of the bluray sound on the ps3 you need an amp with hdmi. The onkyo 605 is excellent and about 250 at richer. You then need to set ps3 to pcm not bitstream as the ps3 only decodes master dtshd on board and doesnt send true bitstream. Connect the amp to any speakers and it will sound amazing. Dont use the optical connection for audio as the hdmi is 10x better if you look at the info screen whilst bluray is playing look at thje amount of sound info mpbs compared to optical and you will see it is far superior. I learnt this from a lot of reading ps3 forums and I believe it to be the best setup.

[Stig]

I've got a Panasonic TH-42 hooked up to Panasonic's SC-PT870 home cinema setup, with a PS3 - it works a treat!

[clonmult]

phucks1976 said:

to take advantage of the bluray sound on the ps3 you need an amp with hdmi. The onkyo 605 is excellent and about 250 at richer. You then need to set ps3 to pcm not bitstream as the ps3 only decodes master dtshd on board and doesnt send true bitstream. Connect the amp to any speakers and it will sound amazing. Dont use the optical connection for audio as the hdmi is 10x better if you look at the info screen whilst bluray is playing look at thje amount of sound info mpbs compared to optical and you will see it is far superior. I learnt this from a lot of reading ps3 forums and I believe it to be the best setup.

HDMI would be better, but that would also mean (for me at least) having to swap sources on two devices - TV and the amp.

I've seen a Logitech Z-5500 that has an optical input, which will score quite well in convenience. That, and the fact that we've only got space for two devices in our unit undet the TV .....

• eta* - the Logitech has been THX certified as well, which used to count for something. Not sure if it still does.

Edited by clonmult on Wednesday 6th May 13:23

[allgonepetetong]

clonmult said:

phucks1976 said:

to take advantage of the bluray sound on the ps3 you need an amp with hdmi. The onkyo 605 is excellent and about 250 at richer. You then need to set ps3 to pcm not bitstream as the ps3 only decodes master dtshd on board and doesnt send true bitstream. Connect the amp to any speakers and it will sound amazing. Dont use the optical connection for audio as the hdmi is 10x better if you look at the info screen whilst bluray is playing look at thje amount of sound info mpbs compared to optical and you will see it is far superior. I learnt this from a lot of reading ps3 forums and I believe it to be the best setup.

HDMI would be better, but that would also mean (for me at least) having to swap sources on two devices - TV and the amp.

I've seen a Logitech Z-5500 that has an optical input, which will score quite well in convenience. That, and the fact that we've only got space for two devices in our unit undet the TV .....

• eta* - the Logitech has been THX certified as well, which used to count for something. Not sure if it still does.

Edited by clonmult on Wednesday 6th May 13:23

Here's an idea. Buy an AV amp with HDMI switching (they all have this now, try the Onkyo as suggest elsewhere at Richer) and plug all your scources into this. If necessary, buy a new unit to accept the extra piece of equipment.

HTH

[mackie1]

I have a Sony HT-SS1300 and it works a treat with the PS3. Will accept multichannel PCM over HDMI from the PS3.

[LoftyD]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Tempted by an Onkyo amp, but once I find a speaker package to go with it, I think I'd end up spending far more than planned. Plus being realistic for once, I doubt I really need something that special.

So around the £350 mark I see the Panasonic 860 or 870 with floorstanders, or the Sony with the tiny satellite speakers.

Do you think either would offer anything that useful in terms of convenience due to their branding. i.e Is Viera link that useful, or does the Sony do anything in particualr when used with the PS3?

[allgonepetetong]

Try ebay. For 350 I reckon you could get a Yamaha amp around and a decent speaker package. It will blow away the lifestyle systems you are looking at.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/YAMAHA-RX-V361-SURROUND-SOUN...

with perhaps

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JBL-XTi-Series-Home-Theater-...

or these

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WHAREDALE-EVO-20-x-2-evo-30-...

That's a cracking system for well under 350 pounds!