Looking for surround sound system with hdmi input and output

[CJS234]

OK. I have a dilemma. I have had my PS3 since early February along with my 32" Sharp Aquos HDTV (1080i). I had bought a cheap ($80) surround system at best buy just because it WAS cheap. Now I am looking to buy something better and I need your help. O know that HDMI is the best way, for now, to get true surround sound. I am looking for a surround sound system that has an HDMI input. I have seen many with HDMI outputs and I'm not sure if it is the same thing as input. For example could I connect my Ps3 to the system with only an output and still have the sound routed to the surround sound system?

I know it ounds confusing but I really dont know how to explain it too well.

If anybody has any suggestions I would be very appreciative.

Also I would prefer if the surround system wasnt more than $300, preferable less than $250

Thanks for your help guys.

[IamNhobdy]

first off...you know input and output are completely different. What you need is something with HDMI pass thru. This just means connect your PS3 HDMI output to the receivers HDMI input. Then connect the receivers HDMI output to your TV HDMI input. Connect your surround speakers to your receiver and that's it. The receiver will pass the video through to your display while sending the audio to your speakers.

Sony.com has a few complete systems like this, but they start about $100 above your price range. Do some recearch and you may find others with the HDMI passthru feature. I never did because I'm just gonna keep it all sony to go with my PS3...when I can afford it of course.
Hope this was helpful.

[CJS234]

Would you recommend this one? I know you might not own it, but I think you could be a better judge than me. I'm more of a computer and video guy, not audio.

I am a hardcore Sony guy so if I have the choice of a Sony I will take it!

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HT-DDW900...ews/B000ES8C2G

I think it looks good and it has 3 HDMI ports 2 for inputs and one for the output to the TV.

Thanks for your help.

CJS

[hpman247]

You also want to make sure that it can decode all of the future audio codecs like DTSHD MA, DTSHD, and Dolby TrueHD. Make sure that it will be able to decode all fo these before you buy anything.

[hpman247]

And btw IamNhbody got it exactly right with your output input question. You plug your PS3 into the input, and you will need a second HDMI to pulg from the output to your TV. The video will go to your TV along with the audio most likely, but the audio will also go thru you surround system. So in effect you will be able to listen thru your TV if you have the desire to do so as well as thru the surround sound which obviously will be your better option.

[HDJK]

Originally Posted by hpman247

You also want to make sure that it can decode all of the future audio codecs like DTSHD MA, DTSHD, and Dolby TrueHD. Make sure that it will be able to decode all fo these before you buy anything.

With a PS3 decoding of DTSHD-MA in the receiver won't matter, since (by spec) it cannot pass the DTS bitstream over its HDMI port. It might be able to decode it internally with an upgrade. Check out the Insiders thread for more info.

[Footloose301]

Originally Posted by IamNhobdy

first off...you know input and output are completely different. What you need is something with HDMI pass thru. This just means connect your PS3 HDMI output to the receivers HDMI input. Then connect the receivers HDMI output to your TV HDMI input. Connect your surround speakers to your receiver and that's it. The receiver will pass the video through to your display while sending the audio to your speakers.

Sony.com has a few complete systems like this, but they start about $100 above your price range. Do some recearch and you may find others with the HDMI passthru feature. I never did because I'm just gonna keep it all sony to go with my PS3...when I can afford it of course.
Hope this was helpful.

I have an Onkyo with HDMI pass thru and it does exactly what it says- "PASS THROUGH". Your surround sound will NOT pick up the audio. The HDMI pass thru will pass audio and video to the tv. Which means you'll have to connect the optical output on the ps3 to your receiver for audio to go to the surround sound. If you want a receiver to grab the audio thru the HDMI then you need a receiver that has HDMI switching.

[PBJblu-ray alltheway]

I agree with Footloose301, a receiver with "PASS-THROUGH" will not decode an audio signal just pass it through. You will be looking for a receiver with HDMI switching or decoding.

[Footloose301]

Originally Posted by PBJblu-ray alltheway

I agree with Footloose301, a receiver with "PASS-THROUGH" will not decode an audio signal just pass it through. You will be looking for a receiver with HDMI swithching or decoding.

Thats how I know, lol. I made the mistake when I bought mine, not knowing the difference between Pass Thru and Switching/Decoding. Thats also why I'm buy the Onkyo TX-SR805 as soon as its available in the next couple weeks

[WriteSimply]

You have to wait a while. Maybe like two years, especially for that budget.

I remember when the first HTiB came out. It was expensive. Then it got cheaper and cheaper. So it'll be the same with HDMI HTiBs.

A few HTiBs have good sound. Most are crap.


fuad

[Footloose301]

Exactly. For under $250 you're not going to get a whole lot. Definetly something better than the $80 one you have, but most likely nothing with HDMI connections. Mine was $499.99 at Circuit City and has HDMI Pass Thru, 7.1ch with 230watt subwoofer and 1000watts total. Nothing too impressive but sounds really good IMHO. I would suggest just buying a receiver with the stuff you want first and then upgrade the speakers and go from there.

Good luck