Home Theatre Discussion

Need advice on the topic of Home Cinema?

2,479 topics in this forum

  1. Digital utio transportation & conversion

    by DrScouse
    • 3 replies
    • 1.8k views

    I read a lot on audiio forums about audio quality, and how the use of the right connecitons, cables etc must be used to maintain the quality etc.. I dont want to start another speaker wire debate, but when people start to talk about digital, I cant help but think, how can using a different cable, connector improve the quality? After all, in its basic form, digital, or rather, binary, is just a load of 0's and 1's, isnt it? I can sort of see the argument where analogue is concerned (but dont get me wrong, I still dont think ?100 cable is going to sound any better than the ?10 stuff, maybe to sensitive specialised sound measuring euqipment, but not your ears!), but not w…

    Last reply by goji,

  3. Best HDTV- money is no object. 1 2

    by McCordRm
    • 28 replies
    • 7.1k views

    My current HDTV- now that's it calibrated, ARG- has got to go. The wife has decided that she wants bigger and better. (Yea, yea... I know.) SO, she want's a 55+ television with "a screen so clear I'll feel like I'm actually there". As for me, I just want an RJ-45 jack (no wireless, I hate wireless). Anything else is just gravy. I don't console game, EVER, and could care less about the aesthetics. As an example, the Sony Bravia series comes with or without the clear border thing... I could care less. I just need to get a HUGE T.V. with an absolutely astounding screen that I can plug directly into my home network for streaming movies, netfilix, and so forth. Cost is…

    Last reply by FiB3R,

  4. Terrible Looking Connection

    by hobblyhoy
    • 7 replies
    • 1.9k views

    I have 3 HDTV's which I have connected to my computer in all. The first was a Westinghouse via VGA; the second was a Sony via VGA; and the third is a Sharp via HDMI. I always assumed VGA would be a more difficult connection to work with but the first two TV's I hooked this computer into I had no issue getting the proper 1920x1080 resolution to display and in its proper place. However, this third TV which I've connected with HDMI is just not working with me! When I connect the picture comes out very blocky and not clean. It looks just like when you have a cheap monitor not running at the native resolution. The problem is it is a very expensive TV and it IS running at 1920…

    Last reply by hobblyhoy,

  5. New HTPC Build

    by Silver47
    • 3 replies
    • 2.5k views

    Ok, I built my current HTPC over 3 years ago on a tight budget. Its specs are: Intel E2180 2.0Ghz 2GB DDR2 Gigabyte P31 DS3 Mobo Nvidia 8500GT Nova 500-T Duel tuner card WD 160GB HDD WD 250GB HDD LG Bluray Drive And all stuffed into a Gigiabyte ATX case Anyway, at the moment the case is lying on its side as it hasnt much room to where its been moved so started thinking about moving it into a Micro ATX case and seeing as I would have to change the Mobo I might as well change everything else :D Was thinking of using the Antec NSK 2480 http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=MTE0Nw== and use an AMD Althon II 245e processor and a MATX …

    Last reply by Saint Shiv,

  6. Which formats/connectors can I convert a VGA connector to?

    by Elliot B.
    • 2 replies
    • 1.3k views

    I have an official "Apple iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter" which I use to successfully connect my iPhone 4 to my monitor via. VGA. I have a 42" plasma TV that does not feature a VGA port. The TV offers the following: RCA/Phono/cinch (Composite - red/white/yellow) S-Video/Y/C/ Component (YPbPr - red/blue/green) HDMI Can something go between the VGA connector and one of the above to make it work with the TV?

    Last reply by Elliot B.,

  7. Software for calibrating an HDTV?

    by McCordRm
    • 5 replies
    • 2.8k views

    Suggestions? I've Googled and most sites say to just hire a "professional" to come in and do it... but I'd prefer not to dish out that kind of cash. So I'm looking for suggestions on a decent software package to do it myself with.

    Last reply by Sir Topham Hatt,

  8. Floorstanding vs Mounted

    by OrangeFTW
    • 2 replies
    • 1.8k views

    So I'm about to revamp my entertainment by getting my first Home Theater system. Problem is....screwing holes isn't really "allowed" in my house (rental). So I've been looking into two choices for speakers: Fluance SXHTB+ 5 speaker system or Onkyo's HT-S3300. I'd still have to get a receiver (probably Onkyo or similar) for the Fluance set, but from what I've read, their speakers are AMAZING, especially at that price. And I am a huge fan of wooden speakers for the superb quality they put out. And Onkyo has an excellent reputation in my books as well. My biggest problem though is deciding whether I really want to screw several holes in the ceiling that I'll just have to …

    Last reply by Sir Topham Hatt,

  9. Apple TV and Netflix

    by Ironman273
    • 5 replies
    • 2.6k views

    I'm having a problem with my Apple TV and Netflix. Whenever I find a movie I want to watch I press play, get a black screen with the loading roundel spinning, then it goes back to the movie page. Everything else works, YouTube, iTunes connection, and it logs into my Netflix account because I can see my queue and recently watched. I've reset the Apple TV, even an update has been released since I've got it. Always have had and still have this problem with Netflix.

    Last reply by Ironman273,

  10. HDMI passthrough

    by spikey_richie
    • 3 replies
    • 2.1k views

    We bought a new receiver in the summer and it doesn't have HDMI pass-through, so if we want to watch Sky we HAVE to have the full surround sound system on. Is there a way I can switch the signal from the Sky box, and save have setting 1 go to the receiver for surround sound and setting 2 go straight to the TV?

    Last reply by spikey_richie,

  11. Any experiance with NAD products?

    by goodcase
    • 3 replies
    • 2.2k views

    Hello all! In the past few months I've become interested in HI-FI sound rather than LOUD sound. So I've recently purchased a set of Paradigm Atom V6 monitor speakers and my buddies old Denon AVR-1603 receiver. But I'm looking for even better sound. So I've looked into getting an integrated stereo amplifier. I've checked out what Cambridge Audio has to offer and was almost set with the Azur 650a integrated amp, however I've started to shop around and have come across the NAD brand. I went to a local shop and they had the NAD c326BEE integrated amp on display. I must tell you that I was blown away, for two reasons 1) the price was where i wanted to be and 2) the sound qual…

    Last reply by +Fahim S.,

  12. VGA 15-pin to SCART cradle? Also VGA-15 to HDMI maybe?

    by Glassed Silver
    • 1 reply
    • 2.5k views

    Heya guys! I'm looking for ways to actually connect my netbook from time to time to either an old SDTV with a SCART(/component) cable (my netbook has a 15-pin VGA connector, as well as line-out for the left/right sound), and maybe even to an HDTV (HDMI or composite is fine) Any ideas? I've been searching eBay, but I usually just come up with stuff like SCART to VGA (connect a projector) and I'm not entirely sure those let the signal pass two-way, as I have a component-to-SCART adaptor lying around that has a switch for input/output, so I guess no switch might mean a one-way road? Could you guys provide me with links to eBay or dealextreme? shipping to Germany, please…

    Last reply by Glassed Silver,

  13. Question about transformers and current conversion

    by russellc
    • 11 replies
    • 2.7k views

    Hey all, Don't usually ask for help, but this time I'm really stumped. I have the Logitech Z5500 5.1 speakers which I bought in Canada, so they are rated for 110 V. However, I moved to to Hong Kong recently where the voltage rating is 220 V. I bought a transformer a few days ago that is for converting 110 V to 220 V current, but I'm wary about trying it at all because now I'm reading that it needs a transformer rated for 500 W, but the one I bought is only for 300 W. However, is it possible to simply make do with the 300 W transformer for now until I decide to buy a 500 W transformer? Or is it gonna break my speakers permanently? I will not be cranking it up full blast a…

    Last reply by russellc,

  14. Buying a new TV

    by Rudy
    • 2 replies
    • 1.9k views

    I'm thinking of maybe buying a new TV, not because I want to but because my current one is dying :( I currently have a 46" Samsung LN-T4661F that I bought 3 years ago (and does everything I need great), but unfortunately last night when I turned it on there was a yellow vertical line on the left side :/ (1px wide), the line goes away after the TV is on for a bit (5-15min) but this morning I got another symptom (clicking when turning on and it took about 2x longer than usual to turn on). I read online that Samsung was using cheap capacitors and they are fairly easy to replace, I might look into that but I'm not very good with anything that involves soldering :blush:. …

    Last reply by Rudy,

  15. T-Amp Gen 2 Amplifier only in 5.1?

    by 1nteresting
    • 2 replies
    • 2.5k views

    I really like this, only it's for a 2 channel set-up. Is there something this compact and small and this simple available for 5.1 surround sound? Please don't say I should just get a cheap receiver, I don't like our huge and complicated they are. I'm just doing all my audio and video through my computer into my stereo. I'm willing to pay a max of about $150 for this.

    Last reply by 1nteresting,

  16. Jittery playback of Divx/xviD videos in Windows 7 and WMC

    by hyde+
    • 6 replies
    • 2.8k views

    What is the first step in checking what causes jitter in video playback? I have no problem with DVD or broadcast recorded HD playback. Think about it, some of those HD recordings are over 10GB in size with commercials, yet WMC can play them without breaking a sweat. On the other hand, when I try to watch a simple 500MB Divx clip, or Xvid movie, I can easily see that it is dropping frames, or skipping frames, easily every other two frames. I already have k.lite codec in place. (Mega Pack 6.0.0) Processor is only at %10 to %25 at most while watching divx, and the memory used is only 900MB out of 2GB. Again, I would like to stress that there is no problem with higher qu…

    Last reply by hyde+,

  17. Samsung 50" Plasma?

    by BAW
    • 5 replies
    • 2.1k views

    Hello All, I currently have a Samsung 42" Plasma 720p TV and mainly use this for SkyHD, Blu-Ray and to connect to my computer. I am looking to upgrade to a 50", I want to keep with Samsung as it has been a brilliant TV and of course want the new TV to be 1080p. I have been shopping around and have found two; http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-PS50C580-50-inch-Widescreen-Freeview/dp/B003RRY3AQ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-PS50C550-Widescreen-AllShare-Freeview/dp/B003DNSJCW/ref=pd_cp_ce_2 Does anyone have either of these? Or, which would you suggest is the best to go with. When shopping around, they are more or less the same price, and I cannot find a major difference…

    Last reply by shakey,

  18. HDMI Switcher + FIOS DVR

    by James Rose
    • 0 replies
    • 2.4k views

    I have purchased two different HDMI switch boxes and I get the same issue with either. The problem seems to be that the Verizon FIOS DVR still sends a signal even when the power (from the remote) has been shut down. When I pull the power plug the switcher changes to the Western Digital box, and when I plug the power back into the DVR it switches back again. I can't find a way to switch the DVR off in any of the settings. I COULD call Verizon.... but tech support people are usually so .... what's the word..... oh yea, HORRIBLE. eg: A few months back audio stopped coming in from the DVR box (via HDMI) and the Verizon rep suggested using RGB cables... He didn't under…

    Last reply by James Rose,

  19. Could I hook these up together?

    by tom01
    • 9 replies
    • 2.3k views

    This and This? If not, how?

    Last reply by shakey,

  20. Stream blu-ray to xbox

    by I am Reid
    • 9 replies
    • 15k views

    I have bought an internal blu-ray driver and my plan was to stream the movies from my PC to my xbox through windows media center. Now I know its possible to play blu-ray movies in Windows Media Center, but what I need to know is am I going to run into a problem streaming them to my xbox.

    Last reply by giantpotato,

  21. 5.1 speakers for an htpc

    by Rudonja
    • 0 replies
    • 1.9k views

    I am planning to make a htpc setup in my living room. I have a good pc but I can't decide on speakers - I need something thats not too expensive but has long cables and if possible ability to extend that cable somehow. I'm not sure if i should go with something like logitech x-540 (not sure if those cables can be extended) or try to find some cheaper home theater with optical input and by some dedicated sound card (my mb doesnt have optical output) like asus xonar which has optic output. I am not sure if 5.1 sound can be outputted to home theater via spdif connector or is there some other way (maybe convert those 3 analog cables with 3.5mm -> RCA). pls help

    Last reply by Rudonja,

  22. Connecting A TV To A Home Theater Receiver

    by +Mystic
    • 3 replies
    • 1.6k views

    My friend came to me with an interesting question the other day. He is trying to connect a Magnavox TV to an older receiver they have. A link to the TV can be found here and a link to the receiver here. I haven't ever had to do a setup like this where I didn't have HDMI or optical to work with. Can the SPD/IF connector on his TV output to the plain "Coax" port on the receiver (page 6 six of the link above)? Is there any other way to hook everything up?

    Last reply by +Mud W1ggle,

  23. Sound Bars

    by mrchetsteadman
    • 2 replies
    • 2k views

    Hey everyone. I just picked up a nice LED TV and I was looking for a decent set as far as home theater. I am considering going the sound bar route but figured the experts here at Neowin would have some valuable insight. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!!

    Last reply by bangbang023,

  24. Looking for a new 5.1 speaker set for my computer

    by CGar
    • 0 replies
    • 1.4k views

    Background: So I'm currently using a really old (10+ years) Klipsch 5.1 set that has served me very well, but I think the receiver in the subwoofer is starting to go out, and the channels will randomly swap sometimes, or all audio will cut out except the subwoofer's base. My cousin got me a 5.1 set and receiver from Pinnacle about 2-3 years back for my TV setup, so I hooked up those 5 satellite speakers to my current computer woofer (troubleshooting to isolate the problem as the subwoofer) and the problem persisted... I also noticed that they sounded WAY better than my old set. Let's just say my TV is now using my old Klipsch satellite speakers haha. I reformatted and…

    Last reply by CGar,

  25. HDMI Extender

    by bguy_1986
    • 0 replies
    • 1.5k views

    I've been looking at HDMI extenders. I'm sure there was already a thread about this, but technology moves so fast there could be something better out now. I've been considering these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882750045 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882804157 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882750043 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812797004 I'm not sure which one is better. I can't find much on most the Tripp-lite ones and the other have mixed reviews. I'm not sure what to believe. I need to run about 35 feet. I have heard that some have gone the whole legth with an…

    Last reply by bguy_1986,

  26. Really Need Help - Building an HD Home Theatre PC

    by Sir Topham Hatt
    • 0 replies
    • 1.4k views

    So I was looking on a website about building an HD Home Theatre PC. I have an alright TV and surround sound PC speakers. Current Setup: 37" LG LH3000 TV 1 x 2Tb Western Digital external HDD 1 x 1Tb Western Digital external HDD Western Digital TV Obviously this isn't very future or growth proof. Having three or four hard drives all with their own power supply isn't really practical and I don't really want to be faffing about with plugging in different things. The new set up will ONLY be used for playing digital movies (M2TS, MKV, possibly VOB files). Unfortunately I can't remember (or even find!) the site I looked at, but it recommended getting the following comp…

    Last reply by Sir Topham Hatt,

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