Winnie says:

Alrighty then... I /still/ don't have a PS3 (soon...) but I'm planning ahead with how to set everything up.

I have a 5.1 surround sound system, but it's a bit ****. It only has standard audio input (don't know what it's called, but there's no HDMI and no optical).

The PS3 can output audio through HDMI and/or optical, correct?

Well I've got a TV with optical output, and a DVD player with 5.1 input which the surround sound can plug into. The DVD player's optical is listed as output, though.

So what can I do to get surround sound working with PS3?

All help appreciated.

And if you need more information (the post is quite confusing... to me anyway) feel free to ask.

20 May 2007 - 19:16 Melbourne

tommy94 says:

no optical! or HDMI! you poor thing... yes the PS3 can output HDMI video and audio and optical audio.

20 May 2007 - 21:08 tommy_94@optusnet.com.au - feel free to send me emails :D

WiiMan says:

Sounds like you probably need a new amp. I got one of these Yamaha's a few weeks ago, it's awesome.

www.yamaha.com.au/

20 May 2007 - 22:09 Sydney, New South Wales

Winnie says:

$2000 is a bit steep for me. Any cheaper options?

So I guess I can't do anything with what I have at the moment, right? *sigh*

20 May 2007 - 22:32 Melbourne

WiiMan says:

I got mine for $1300.

Panasonic have a couple of good ones, like this one: panasonic.com.au/

Look at some of the newer Onkyo ones, the TX-SR604 & 674 are about the same as the Yamaha but cheaper.

And if you get one that has HDMI I recommend getting one that can decode sound via HDMI as alot of them will only switch the HDMI signal.

20 May 2007 - 22:41 Sydney, New South Wales

Adnama says:

If your amp's 5.1 then it should still decode the dolby signal coming out of the ordinary red and white connectors, you won't get the quality of optical though, but it's still surround. I did this for my brother-in-law when I set up his PS3 since his receiver was already using its only optical input for DVD. Doesn't sound as good as what I'm getting through HDMI but it still sounds great. If you're looking at new receivers the Yamahas and Onkyos are the go, they're both pretty much the same but I reckon the Onkyos start to pull in front as you go up the scale. I had Yamaha, now I've got Onkyo and it's just a slightly tighter and neater package overall. But there's still very little difference, it really comes down to the best price you can get.

21 May 2007 - 11:03 Melbourne

Winnie says:

I don't want insane quality, I just want to be able to use my surround sound with the PS3.

And just a general question, why are receivers and amplifiers more expensive than entire home theatre systems?

21 May 2007 - 17:59 Melbourne

Adnama says:

Because the quality of those stand alone home theatre systems is pretty low compared with receivers. Usually they're just a DVD player with one small amp in the back that runs the speakers and aren't capable of taking any other inputs (occasionally they'll have one extra input or something). You're much better off running your whole set up through your receiver, video included. Then instead of having to switch your inputs at the TV, which usually takes heaps of button pressing, you just press one button on your receiver's remote. You do however have to have the sort of video inputs on your receiver that you want to use eg. S-Video, Component or HDMI. For most people out there Component will give pictures just as good as HDMI.

22 May 2007 - 20:24 Melbourne

Winnie says:

Hmm, alright thanks.

I'll see what I can do, but I doubt I'll have the money for a receiver.

22 May 2007 - 21:06 Melbourne

Adnama says:

Are you saying in your original post that you've got one of those all-in-one home theatre systems or that you've got a separate amp with 5.1 plugged into your DVD? If it's an all-in-one then have a look at the back and see if there's another input on there, usually they'll let you plug a VCR or something else in as well. Also you don't need to spend a fortune on receivers if you decide to go down that road, they've all got optical and component inputs on the base models now.

23 May 2007 - 11:05 Melbourne

Winnie says:

Unfortunately, it's not an all in one. It's just the subwoofer and the 5 speakers which are plugged into a DVD player.

I'll take a look at some cheap receivers when I get the chance.

23 May 2007 - 18:08 Melbourne

Gaylo says:  

Adnama said: If your amp's 5.1 then it should still decode the dolby signal coming out of the ordinary red and white connectors, you won't get the quality of optical though, but it's still surround. I did this for my brother-in-law when I set up his PS3 since his receiver was already using its only optical input for DVD. Doesn't sound as good as what I'm getting through HDMI but it still sounds great. If you're looking at new receivers the Yamahas and Onkyos are the go, they're both pretty much the same but I reckon the Onkyos start to pull in front as you go up the scale. I had Yamaha, now I've got Onkyo and it's just a slightly tighter and neater package overall. But there's still very little difference, it really comes down to the best price you can get.

23 May 2007 - 18:17 Heaven

Winnie says:

Reviving this thread.

If I get a receiver, will I be able to use my old speakers? (I don't know what the plugs are called, but they are similar to those in composite cables)

Also, are receivers/home theatre systems compatible with normal TV as well, or do they only work for PS3, DVD player, etc.?

And do you have any recommendations? My price range is up to $500.

28 Jun 2007 - 21:14 Melbourne