Hello Experts In a moment of madness I have just splashed out on a Pioneer PDP-428XD and Sony PS3(much to my wifes disgust). I can now throw away all my crappy old kit and want to start afresh but need advice on connecting new stuff together..and get surround sound. I have a Starview digital box and want to connect this, my new plasma and PS3 together via some sort of surround sound system. Most of the 'out of the box' systems seem to include a DVD player which I don't need (PS3) so I guess i need some sort of amp/recevier and speakers. Can anyone give me any advise/possible solutions....both hardware and how best to connect for optimum audio and video. Budget of around £500-£600. Thanks in advance
Forgive my ignorance of the type of currency you're using, but in USD at least, $500 won't buy too much in the way of a set of speakers and a receiver. You do need a receiver with at least Dolby Digital support, a set of 5 speakers for surround, and an optional subwoofer, ie 5.1 surround. You'll definitely want a sub, as most speakers don't get down into low frequencies very well. The receiver is probably going to be at least $200. Speakers probably $1000 for a decent set of 5. Subwoofer can go from a couple hundred dollars to well over $1000. Add in the cost of wiring (you can probably figure < $100 for that). Speakers are the most important part, as they make the most difference in the overall sound of the system so try not to skimp too much there, and audition several sets if you have stores nearby that will let you do this. Don't buy Bose. Ballpark $1000+ for a decent sound system. I think you have the picture well taken care of!
Actually I just noticed that your plasma doesn't go to 1080P, so you won't be able to take advantage of BluRay resolution. Should still be decent though. I still use a CRT for what it's worth! I always say the sound is what makes the movie.
