Newbie doing homework before I buy (1 Viewer)

[sjburkett]

I am attempting my first HT setup and have some beginner questions. First, I have an LG BD370 Blu-Ray that has only 2 RCA audio outputs, but also has a single orange "coaxial" audio ouput that looks like an RCA port, and an optical audio ouput. I had my house built with 4 ceiling drops already wired to a home run. I'd like to know if I can still get sound to whatever 4 speakers I install in the ceiling with what I have, or do I need to buy a receiver? Should I get a different Blu-Ray player? I'm open to suggestions for packages that include round ceiling speakers, but haven't had much luck finding such - only components.

Thanks for any and all help!


Stephen

 

[SethH]

A couple things:

1. Your Bluray player should also have an HDMI output which can carry both audio and video and is your best bet for both.
2. You'll want to buy a receiver. If your bluray player had a built-in decoder you could potentially get away with purchasing just a power amp, but that's really not a route I would recommend going. Spending around $300 can get you a solid receiver these days.
3. In addition to the 4 speaker locations wire is currently run to, you will almost certainly want a center channel speaker and a subwoofer as well.

 

[sjburkett]

Thanks for the help - my Blu-Ray does have an HDMI that currently goes to the TV, but only one output. How can I run HDMI out to both the TV and receiver using a single output? Out from the receiver via HDMI to the TV perhaps? That is not intuitive to me.

 

[Jeff Gatie]

Originally Posted by sjburkett

Thanks for the help - my Blu-Ray does have an HDMI that currently goes to the TV, but only one output. How can I run HDMI out to both the TV and receiver using a single output? Out from the receiver via HDMI to the TV perhaps? That is not intuitive to me.

You run HDMI from the Blu-ray to the receiver, then HDMI from the receiver to the TV.

 

[CB750]

I assume your 4 ceiling drops are for the installation of the surround and rear speakers of a 7.1 system. If it is not too late I would reconsider the option of ceiling speakers. No matter what speakers you purchase they are not going to perform very well as part of a surround system. The better option is to have the wires installed so that you can get access to them and install conventional surround speakers of your choice. You will have a far greater selection of speakers and you can take them with you if you move.

 

[sjburkett]

I have yet to choose the speakers for the ceiling - there are simply wires run to the predetemined locations for me to install speakers at, and routed through the ceiling and wall down to where the receiver will be. I had planned on getting some simple 6.5" speakers for each of the four drops - two in front and two behind. I had planned on adding a center channel and subwoofer.

 

[Adam Gregorich]

Don't use in ceiling for your front L and R channels especially if you are not doing it for your center.