Home Cinema advice

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Hello, I'd like advice please on a surround sound set-up. I've just got a Panasonic TH42PX80 (John Lewis price matched S&V Bolton ) and I'm about to get an Onkyo SR505, Tannoy SFX 5.1 and Panasonic DMR E77.

Two things - Is this a good set up or should I consider something else? and secondly I was going to connect the DVD recorder to the TV with HDMI, DVD to the receiver with optical lead and the TV to the receiver via phono leads (for getting surround sound from TV when recording a different programme on DVD recorder) am I on the right track or is there a better way?

Thanks in advance from a newbie.

 

[Anonymous]

What is your budget for the amp and speakers? Don't forget the speaker wire and interconnects when considering this. HDMI from DVD to TV would be fine. Some people would suggest that digital coaxial would be best interconnect between DVD and receiver instead of optical, but looking at the player you have, i think it only has the optical out. The only way you have to connect TV to the amp is through the phono out, but you could always watch tv through the DVD player if you think the optical sounds better than the phono. I have the Onkyo SR605 with the Monitor audio BR2AV, which I am happy with. I have just ordered the Panny 42PX80.... what do you think of it so far??

 

[professorhat]

Are you looking to go to a Blu-Ray player at any time? If so, take a look at the Onkyo 605 (or the 606 coming out soon) as this can handle the Hi-Def sound formats whereas the 505 can't.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies.

Tom83cat

I've got a deal from Richer Sounds for the DVD, Receiver, Speakers & HDMI+optical cable for £700. As for the TV it's very, very good. I am so glad I found What HiFi and this forum because I wasn't even considering a plasma before.

Professorhat

Blu-Ray isn't part of my short term plans because I didn't think it was worth it on a panel of this size (but I stand to be corrected) although I wouldn't rule it out in the future.

 

[professorhat]

I'd say it was personally. I have a TH-42PX600 and use my PS3 for Blu-Ray - very very good picture even compared to upscaled DVD. Even if it's not in short term, might be worth looking at the 605 / 606 as if you do decide to go Hi-Def in the future, you'd have to upgrade your amp again to get the new formats...

 

[Anonymous]

Hmmm, I'll see if a can beg/steal/borrow a PS3 or a Blu-Ray player before making a final decision. When I looked at the difference between HD & SD in the Panasonic shop I wasn't convinced although that is probably not the best test.

 

[Anonymous]

Just checking if I've got this right....if I added a Blu-Ray player to the Onk SR505 I would'nt get HD sound?

Thanks again.

 

[professorhat]

Correct, as the HDMI input on the 505 is only for video switching. You need the 605 / 606 to accept the HDMI sound coming from the Blu-Ray player.