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receiver question

#1
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I'm new to audio as it relates to using it for video surround sound, etc. I'm looking for a simple surround receiver that decodes the common surround encoding and works with a play station 3.

So what do I need to know about picking out a receiver. Some of the things I'm unsure about is:

Do I have to use hdmi inputs for surround decoding? If not, why is it important?

Is upscaling important if the ps3 does it?


If I get a 7.1 receiver and only have 5.1 speakers will it stll sound correctly (Will the setup software for the receiver work with just the 5.1 speakers)?

 

Thanks,

 

Rut

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#2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rutledj View Post
Do I have to use hdmi inputs for surround decoding? If not, why is it important?
Yes, with the ps3, if you want to listen to the HD audio soundtracks from blu ray movies. If you don't care about the HD audio, then no, the optical output will give you regular Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound.

It's not possible to get the HD audio from optical or digital coax. That's one reason that HDMI is important. The other reason is to cut down on the number of cables.
Quote:
Is upscaling important if the ps3 does it?
No.
Quote:
If I get a 7.1 receiver and only have 5.1 speakers will it stll sound correctly (Will the setup software for the receiver work with just the 5.1 speakers)?
Yes, you can setup for just 5.1 surround, and it will sound great.

Samsung HL61A750 (LED DLP)            Onkyo TX-SR805
Oppo BDP-83 Blu ray                                  Polk Audio LSi9
Polk Audio LSiC                                  Sony SS-MB100H
JBL PSW1200 (Sub)                        ...
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#3
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One more question. If the receiver is a 7.1 does that indicate it will power the subwoofer or do you need a separate amp for that?
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#4
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The .1 is the subwoofer. On the newer receivers, and even most of the older ones, the sub needs to be a powered subwoofer. So, the amp is built-in the sub. About any 5.1 or 7.1 receiver can handle a powered sub. Here's an example of a very good sub: http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pc12_nsd.cfm
Samsung HL61A750 (LED DLP)            Onkyo TX-SR805
Oppo BDP-83 Blu ray                                  Polk Audio LSi9
Polk Audio LSiC                                  Sony SS-MB100H
JBL PSW1200 (Sub)                        ...
Export to Wiki