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Trying to setup Philips HDTV to a RCA home theater system with cable box and ps3

post #1 of 10
7/1/09 at 8:30am
Thread Starter 
I recently just purchased this Philips tv from Walmart http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10965944 and I am trying to find a cheap home theater system to hook up to it for surround sound for my motorola hd cable box and my ps3 for gaming. I was in Walmart again yesterday and seen this http://salestores.com/rcartd31.html surround sound for $98. I asked the guy in electronics would I be able to hook up my ps3 and cable tv to it and how and he didn't know. I was wondering if anyone could give me insight on this. Any help would be great, thanks!
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post #2 of 10
7/1/09 at 10:29am
I would suggest staying away from rca. I have an onkyo 605 receiver. I got it for 399. there is also a 606 and 607. i think that a receiver like onkyo would be a better bet for you. I also have a philips HDTV from sams club.

Jacob
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post #3 of 10
7/1/09 at 10:32am
I don't see any digital audio inputs on that RCA system.  That is the problem with the cheaper HTiB systems.  You will need a system with at least two digital inputs and preferable the type that corresponds to the PS3 and cable box.  If you want to use the OTA tuner of your TV, then you will need a 3rd digital input.

-Robert
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post #4 of 10
7/1/09 at 10:35am
Thread Starter 
I am a newbie and heard of receivers but never new what one actually did. If I were to go with a receiver what else would I have to purchase?
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post #5 of 10
7/1/09 at 10:41am
Receivers perform source switching, signal processing and amplify your signal to your speakers.  You would need to purchase a set of speakers.  Your PS3 can act as your DVD/BluRay player.

-Robert
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post #6 of 10
7/1/09 at 11:50am
Thread Starter 
So would a receiver like this do the trick http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Shop/AV-Receivers/Models/ci.VSX-519V-K.Shop?tab=B
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post #7 of 10
7/1/09 at 2:55pm

Yes, that Pioneer will work but does it do everything you want?  I don't think it will decode the HD sound formats via the HDMI connection.  Is that important to you?  It does have the MCACC speaker calibration built into it and that is great.  I have it on my Pioneer VSX-1014.

 

-Robert

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post #8 of 10
7/1/09 at 5:05pm
Thread Starter 
I think I may just go with the Vizio sound bar without the subwoofer for now because I don't have the money to spend for a receiver and speakers. What's your thoughts on this http://www.walmart.com/catalog/allReviews.do?product_id=11046520. I know I am all over the place with setting this up but I just want to get the most bang for my buck without having lots of bucks...lol! I would love surround sound without all the speaker wires running around the place and I think the sound bar would do it. Then in time I can get the subwoofer. Thoughts?
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post #9 of 10
7/1/09 at 6:11pm
That Vizio only has one digital input, and doesn't decode Dolby digital.  I think it's probably a little better than most TV speakers, but not really a great long term solution.  It's the cheapest way to go now, but then that's money you don't have later down the road to get something good.

My thoughts are use TV speakers for now, and save money until you have at least ~$350, (or more, giving options for much better speakers).  You are much better off in long run with receiver based system, the Pioneer 519 or the Sony DH700 are the cheapest good picks in the $220 or so range. 

If you hunt around you can get speakers as low as $110, like this Yamaha package, not the best but comparable/better to most HTiB.
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post #10 of 10
7/1/09 at 10:33pm
I suggest buying a home theater system from tiger direct or amazon.  You can get ripped from any of the local retail stores, these major internet stores have the best prices.  I suggest getting a onkyo receiver with a nice set of surround sound speakers from sony.  Amazon has some great honest reviews on their site, I suggest doing research on there.
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