Educate me on surround sound systems!
 

Right, I have a Panasonic Viera Plasma and I want to add a surround sound system. I don't really want to spend more than £250. Will this limit me to an all-in-one system? If this is the case, would I be able to add me xbox to it?

Like I said, no idea whatsoever! :D

The easiest fix will be to stick with Panasonic, you will then find it easier to use all the features. Budget is your biggest variable.

There are a huge variety of formats, but that's a bit "anoraky"...

HTH

dunx

P.S. Don't end up with six "boxes" like mine.... :lol1:

For that money the onkyo htx 22hd is a good solution. It's only 2.1 but you can buy an optional speaker kit to make it 5.1 or pick up some 2nd hand speakers to make 5.1. The main advantage to an all in one system is you're not having to buy the dvd or bluray player they invariably come with so you know your money is going on the amp and speakers. The other good thing about that little box is it's HD audio compatible.

http://www.trustedreviews.com/home-c...ound-System/p1

I agree that an all in one system would limit me, so i would prefer a separate amp and speaker set for the money if I could.

Could I connect something like this to my xbox?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Panasonic-1000...item35a64ba8df

I have a better version of that i would be willing to sell. The SCPT860. I had it for my crash pad when working away, hooked up to my spare viera and used the xbox on it. Is an excellent setup. Let me know if interested. It's all boxed etc, just sitting here as have moved out of crash pad and already have a setup at home.

See here:
Panasonic SC-PT860 - 5.1 ch - Tallboy - DVD Home Cinema: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Panasonic SC-PT860 Home Cinema in a Box review - from the experts at whathifi.com

Not sure what the model is, but my M+D had a Sony 2.1 system when they bought a new bravia. Having heard many 5.1 systems I have to say I'd never bother with all the hassle of 5.1 wires and speakers..:)

Their system is so simple, just a sub, which has two small front speakers and a fantastic volume/on-off controller- no rc, imho it's not needed..!

OK you can't adjust the sound EQ, but the sub level is adjustable and the overall sound quality/effects are excellent..:)

Lol, I can imagine the audiophiles out there pulling teeth out right now..:D

I have a sony 5.1 for sale chris.

The missus bought me a Samsung 5.1 dolby/DTS setup a few years back for christmas, i think it was clearance stock, matches the TV perfectly and even has the same nice blue led lighting on it :D

The best bit about it, was that

1. it was only 150quid for some reason....
2. it did not have a gash "built in" dvd player with it.

I hate it when people have loads of random ****e, non matching boxes slung under a TV, i only wanted the black X360 to sit under mine, the amp is built into the sub woofer and hidden behind the sofa out of sight and connected to the Xbox via an optical lead.

The rear speakers are hidden away, and the 2 big floor standing ones sit either side of the TV, it looks the part, and does me fine to be honest, especially when you play a DVD with DTS sound.

I had to turn the sub down a few notches as i thought it was going to blow the neighbours away :lol1:

Doubtful you will find one for that price now though.

Hell, it even has a remote that matches the tv one :D

Know what you mean Sticky, I am geared towards the panasonic SC-PT860 as it will match. I am not looking for out of this world audio equipment, just something that will give me a bit of bass and utilise the 5.1 of the sky and my xbox.
My parents bought a Daewoo TV home setup well over 15 years ago and it was amazing.
Yes, it had a separate amp but boy was it good. The whole setup including a 32 inch tv and video recorder was just £499!

This is the one i think...

Samsung HT-AS1T Home Theatre Kit: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo
IIRC it came from amazon as well, i am at work so guessing the model numbers, but it looks the same to me :D

Gears of War 2 on this thing makes the windows vibrate :D

Don't "diss" the mess, a Cyrus AV + KEF set-up is as good at 5.1 as it is at stereo....

LOL

dunx

Chris, i'm taking the assumption that you already have a DVD or blu-ray so although this is over your budget slightly, i think it may be a nice wee buy for your needs.
https://www.richersounds.ie/asp/prod...rue&keys=onkyo