PS3 - Surround Sound - How?

[Hallaby]

Ok, I'm a bit confused.

I have a brand new Samsung 5.1 Sound system (comes with front/rear/sub/center/dvd player).

Is there anyway I can hook it up to my ps3?

Looking at the back of the unit, it appears it only has an hdmi out, which goes to the tv...so how would I go about getting surround sound on this?

Thanks.

[Hunter]

you have options.....

run a optical out cable to your reciever
run HDMI to receiver~HDMI from receiver to TV
or analog cable to tv/receiver

you have to tell the PS3 what your doing with the sound (optical, HDMI, ect) under settings-sound settings

need more help LMK

[Hallaby]

got it, thanks, please close threat.

[billm0066]

I hope your using optical.

[sonyfan6]

Run an digital optical audio cable to the receiver from the back of the ps3 and change the audio settings on the ps3 to let it know about the connection. Do not use analog stereo cable. It is incapable of carrying dolby digital sound tracks. Some receivers can be set on neocinema that will 'simulate' surround sound using a stereo cable. Be warned, this is not the same thing. It is very, very different in fact.

You're in for a real treat. I just played the motorstorm demo with my new subwoofer. Don't miss rumble at all.

[pacific808]

I bought one of these 5.1 sony surround for about $220 this past summer. I say a lot of people are amazed that a system like that sounds so good for that price. I know so many people who listen to the same quality but never use the full power of their system. That is why I got my 300 watt system instead of pushing another 80 bucks to get the 500 watt system. But I gotta say even with the subwoofer lvl at -10 there is a lot of boom when playing games or music. I can always tell when my stereo is on downstairs when I am upstairs.

[sonyfan6]

I also started with a really cheap system, just to basically fill the room and see how I like it. Volume isn't everything. I've recently started upgrading my system to ascend acoustic speakers. The sound is much cleaner. My older, cheap speakers would conceal a lot of midrange sounds. Also, sounds at different frequencies would come in at different volumes. Volume was essentially zero for anything under 200 Hz and the subwoofer didn't kick in until around 100 Hz. The subwoofer was loud, but it also reverberated. The new one, has distinct peaks. I was watching lord of the rings and when a horse ran, I could hear the individual thuds from each hoof. On my old sub it was a just a single, longer smack.

Basically, just a case of getting what you pay for. The low end stuff, the extra cost is just extra volume. The systems are very good for simply seeing if you like having home theater for a cheap price. However, if you decide you like it, then it is well worth upgrading to midpriced speakers where you'll get a lot more clarity, not just volume. No more rewinding movies three or four times to catch a line of dialogue for me!

[akkkmed]

I have a similar question.
I have a Sony 55" LCD TV, PS3 and new Sony surround sound system.
The reciever has only HDMI OUT and analog AV inputs. Right now, I am using the PS3 video through HDMI to the TV and the sound to the reciever with the AV cables.
My TV has the Optical Audio inputs, but if I use one of those cables from the PS3 to the TV, WILL I GET SURRROUND SOUND? Becuase the TV audio is going through to the reciever...
Help, I'm lost. I only want the best sound I can get!

[sonyfan6]

If I am understanding what you are describing then you are not getting surround sound currently. If you tell me what receiver (or surround system package) you have I can make a recommendation. Rule of thumb...if you ever use the red/white stereo cables between the ps3 and the receiver (or ps3->tv->receiver) then you do not have surround sound.

There are a few basic set ups to get what you want:

1) The 'best' set up is to send sound and video to your receiver and then send video from your receiver to your tv (while the sound is sent to the speakers). This can be done by sending hdmi from the ps3 to the receiver input and hdmi from the receiver output to the tv input. If your receiver does not have hdmi and you want to get the most out of your tv you cannot do this option. Advantage of this option is that your receiver can output menus to your tv and you can use the receiver to switch between signals (say tv and ps3).

2) This is the next best option but it is only available if your tv has a digital audio output. Hook your ps3 up to your tv using the hdmi cable. Next, send the audio signal from your tv's digital audio out to your receiver's digital audio in. Turn the sound all the way down on your tv. Now you can use your tv controller to switch between incoming signals. Your receiver controller will only be used for volume control. If your receiver is also a dvd player then you will need to run a lot of wires back and forth between the two to get it working properly with this set up.

3) This is a 'last resort option' as it will leave you needing to use a lot of remote controllers. Hook your ps3 to your tv using the hdmi cable. Let the ps3 know you are using hdmi to output video. Hook your ps3 to your receiver using an optical digital cable. Set the ps3 to output audio over the optical line. In order to use the ps3 you will need to set your tv input to the hdmi in that the ps3 is connected to using the tv remote. You will also need to switch the receiver input to the audio in that the ps3 is connected to.

[Vizion]

is quality of an optical cable an issue? or can i just get mine off monoprice.com and still have the same thing as the name brands?

[sonyfan6]

Generally speaking, quality shouldn't be a big issue for optical cables. It's digital so the signal either gets through or it doesn't. Furthermore, fiber optics over short distances don't need to be that transparent (while over long distances, say miles, a few fractions of a percent might make a big difference). Really all that matters is that the light gets into the cable and gets out again so any optical audio cable should do.

[akkkmed]

Sony fan6---Thanks for the comment, but none of them will work. My tv has optical audio input, but my reciever does not. The model of the surround sound is DAV-375.
My reciever does NOT have hdmi input, only output...
Any more advice???

[ff81]

My parents have a similar setup in their bedroom. They bought a cheap $400 Panasonic surround sound system, and while it sounds great (to them, sounds like ***** to me) they are left with almost no options for expansion. That's the problem with alot of these "Home Theater In A Box" systems, they don't have many input options.

Your only option is to connect your sound from the PS3 with the red/white audio cables. You won't get true Dolby Digital or DTS, but you will still get Dolby Surround (think back to the days of Pro Logic). You will still get sound coming from each of your speakers, although the rears will be in mono.

Another option you have is to ditch the DVD/Receiver unit that came with it, and get a real receiver. You can get an entry level digital receiver for $150, or an HDMI switching receiver for $250. This will give you ALOT more input options, and then you can connect up a PS3, 360, DVD player, etc, etc, all at the same time.

[sonyfan6]

Sony fan6---Thanks for the comment, but none of them will work. My tv has optical audio input, but my reciever does not. The model of the surround sound is DAV-375.
My reciever does NOT have hdmi input, only output...
Any more advice???

Read the above post by ff81. He's got it exactly right. With your current set up the best you can get is simulated surround sound, not actual surround. The difference can be quite large, especially for games. For example, when I play a game in dolby digital surround sound and an enemy is approaching from the right I hear the enemy approach from the right speaker. Simulated surround would send that sound out to all of your surround speakers.

The main problem with home theater in a box systems is that they don't really have a receiver. The dvd player 'receivers' that they come with don't have enough inputs/outputs. You need a receiver with enough connectivity for it to be useful. It sounds like your set up would be best if you had a receiver with hdmi inputs and outputs. If you have the money to spend, you could also get one with upconversion. I have my ps3 connected to an onkyo 674. If you don't care about upconversion, then you can easily get one of their cheaper models that just has hdmi switching and not upconverting. I highly recommend the onkyo receivers to people that are looking for video and audio. (cnet rates them a bit above the Sony's in the same price range.) If you only care about audio, then harmon karmon is a better receiver. They currently don't have much hdmi options until you get to their much higher priced models. So I don't really recommend harmon karmon for people looking to get surround out of their ps3.

Just to give you an idea. I do not currently have a hdtv (I will get one probably in a year or two). I purchased a onkyo 674 receiver and attached my cable/dvr to video 1 using component video and optical audio, my ps2 to video 2 using component video and optical audio and my ps3 to video 3 using component video and optical audio. It also has room for a video 4 as well as dedicated dvd and cd ins. I run component video to my television and no audio cables to the tv. When I want to watch tv I press video 1, when I want to play ps2 I press video 2 and when I want to play ps3 I press video 3. I can easily go back and forth between them (for example, watch tv while the ps3 is downloading) or play ps3 while a show is being recorded on the dvr. I also noticed that my tv tends to be a lower volume than my playstations. So I set the onkyo to increase the volume of the tv, so when I switch between them the sound level stays roughly the same. When I get a hdtv my set up won't change much. The dvr and ps3s will end up getting the hdmi connections to the receiver and I'll run a hdmi cable to the tv. The upconversion feature will let any analog signals go to the hdtv over the hdmi cable.

[Pez_555]

is quality of an optical cable an issue? or can i just get mine off monoprice.com and still have the same thing as the name brands?

no, generally its not an issue as light travels at the same speed.

[sailordude1]

ok so i have a question... my family is getting basicly the klipsch RF-82 surround system and a 600W denon reciever. so whats a better connection the optical cable or just using HDMI. if i didnt use HDMI what would i use for video?

[billm0066]

You can either run an hdmi from the ps3 to the reciever and another hdmi from your reciever to your tv. Make sure the reciever has a hdmi input.

Or you can run an hdmi from the ps3 to your tv, and an optical cable from your ps3 to the reviever. Either way your getting true surround sound.

As far as the best audio connection. I dont think there is a big difference between hdmi and optical. I use optical on mine and it sounds amazing. My reciever didnt have an hdmi input because its a few years old.

[sailordude1]

ok ok. thanks. ya iv you spend that much money on tv and ps3 and surround might as well get the best damn cord huh!

[sonyfan6]

HDMI doesn't make a big difference for audio unless you plan on using your ps3 for SACD or DVD-A. If you intend to play DVD-As on your ps3 then your receiver must have at least HDMI 1.1 and it requires at least HDMI 1.2 for SACDs. If you have no idea what SACD and DVD-A are don't worry about it.

[ff81]

Well that's true, but not completely true. Optical does not have the bandwith to stream uncompressed PCM (lossless) audio. So by using optical you are still getting a higher bitrate Dolby Digital, but you are not getting the best audio on the game disc/movie.

Most receivers can't process uncompressed PCM audio right now anyways. I think my Denon 2307CI is the cheapest in the Denon line that can process it and even it has an $800 MSRP.

You can still use HDMI for video and audio, however if your receiver doesn't support all audio formats, you'll still get Dolby Digital/DTS regardless.

[teachtim]

I have a different problem with hdmi. My receiver has two hdmi inputs and one output, but my tv doesn't have an hdmi input anywhere. We bought it 4 years ago, it is an HD Tv, but just realized that it doesn't have an hdmi input after learning what hdmi is from these forums. I am wondering if there is any point in running the ps3 and my directv receiver via HDMI into the reciever and then running component cables from the receiver to the tv for video of ps3 and satelite and then optical for sound for both? Or just stick with component for both like I have and optical for sound?
Thanks in advance.

[lilsadcrazyboy]

Hi everyone,
Well I am a new member and for some reason I cannot post a new thread but I hope someone answers my question that I have right now. I have an HDMI reciver but I choose not to put the video through the reciever because I hear that it may or may not downgrade some picture quality. Regularly with TV audio, i have an optical out on my TV and I send it to my reciever. So I figured that if i plug my PS3 to my tv via hdmi, the audio signal will be sent to the reciever via optical. However, it isn't working i dont know why but i need help. I bought my PS3 on launch day and I finally got time around in opening the box two days ago. ( I am 20 with a one year old baby with a *****y wife that gets pissed enough already cause i waited for 3 days for the PS3 lol) The excitement is killing me and i cannot wait any longer i dont know why there is no sound but there isn't someone please help. Just in case there is any confustion, my PS3 is connevted via HDMI to my TV. My TV is connected via optical cable to reciever for sound. Only problem is that there is no sound. Thanks in advance

[lilsadcrazyboy]

i reallly need the help please

[Trowa]

If you are buying a surround system and plan to upgrade I would suggest starting with speakers and a mid priced receiver. The most important speaker is subwoofer followed by the center speaker, that is where most of the sound comes from. If you can afford a good 12' sub go for it, but a quality 10" is plenty in most rooms. Satellite front and rear do a decent job but you are going to want to upgrade to some solid floor standing speakers/towers in front eventually. Like I said about the receiver, a mid priced Onkyo or Denon are way better sound wise then a sony or samsung, and they Onkyo has packed a lot of features in there lower end models for a good price (around $200). But you dont want to put too much into a receiver right now if you plan to upgrade a few years down the line. With electronics always getting cheaper, you will pay top dollar for a receiver that has HDMI switching and Lossless sound, but wait a few years and it will be standard on most receivers and you can get the most out of you PS3 and by then there will be games and movies that utilize the technology.


I started with some Energy Take 5 ($199) surround speakers, a Onkyo 5.1 Receiver ($199), and a Valodyne 12” subwoofer ($499). Have since upgraded the front L/R to Energy C-9, Center to an Energy C-3. and Receiver to an Onkyo 7.1 still use the Take 5 for the surround middle L/R & rear L/R and the Valodyne 12’ sub.

[bigdaddydb]

I just went over this in my head...HDMI to receiver to tv but no sound? Two things to try...obvious one, make sure you have the audio output set up in the PS3 menu. Not so obvious, if you have a cheaper receiver that is a pass through and not a true upconvert on the HDMI circuit, then you will not get the audio. Before someone blasts me for the technicalities of this post, I had this same problem with a cheaper sony (@$350) specifically to run the HDMI from PS3 and DVR to receiver and then only have 2 cords (power and hdmi) to plasma tv. I ended up not having sound, researching, and running optical from PS3 to receiver to alleviate the problem. First, check the setup menu, then, just run optical audio.

[lilsadcrazyboy]

Noooooo lol, if I pass the HDMI through the receiver i get both video and audio. However, I dont want to pass it through because I HEARD rumors that passing and sort of hi definition video through a receiver will downgrade the video quaility. I am not sure is it true and i am too lazy to actually try it. The problem was that I would connect the PS3 directly to my TV and then I have an optical out from my TV to my receiver. For TV audio this works fine but for my xbox and my PS3 i get no audio. I dont know why. I am just thinking about plugging the PS3 to my TV and also connecting an optical to my receiver any tips or reasons of why this is happening is greatly appreciated thanks

[lilsadcrazyboy]

Sorry, but does anyone know why i cant even make a new thread?? I just registered yesterday and I clicked the link on my email.... sorry i know it's off topic

[akkkmed]

With the Sony DAV-375 system I have, can I buy a new additional reciever? Will all of my speakers be able to hook up to that?
Thanks.
(PS-I have the same question as above, too.)

[sonyfan6]

Some receivers, especially cheaper ones, will process the video signal instead of just passing it through. I haven't really done comparisons for myself though so I can't tell you how significant it is. Check it out on your own model to see if you notice a difference. Get a friend to help you do a blind test if possible.

As far as starting a new thread, you can't until you have a certain number of posts. Check out the forum rules.

All speakers can hook up to all receivers. You can get a new receiver and it will be compatible with your current speakers.

For the person without hdmi on their hdtv. Stick with component and digital optical as you said. Unless you have dvi input on your tv, in which case you can grab a hdmi/dvi adaptor to send video from the hdmi output on your receiver to the dvi input on your tv.

[cactuspete]

Sorry, but does anyone know why i cant even make a new thread?? I just registered yesterday and I clicked the link on my email.... sorry i know it's off topic

You need to make a certain number of posts before you can make a thread,. can't recall the number but it is probably in a thread about this very topic. probably a good place to look.

[cactuspete]

I love reading these audiophile, techno jargon, cable hookup, stereo receiver posts...I feel knowledgeable when I think I know more than 75% of the posters, then realize I'm not that smart when I only understand 75% of the really technical posts....need to keep on top of the constantly changing electronics industry to follow this stuff,, ,,,I kind of use to do this back in the days before 5.1 sound...

[Str8heated]

Ok guys I am having trouble getting surround sound as well. I currently have my PS3 connected to the my Onkyo receiver through hdmi. Then I have the receiver connected to my tv through hdmi. The weird thing is I can get surround when the receiver is on DSP while I'm in the DVD menu. However, the receiver automatically changes to PCM multichannel when I start a DVD. I really dont know what to do. Please someone help me. Do I need bluray to make this work in surround? Is that why its not surround sound when the movie is playing? I currently am trying to play Pirate of the Carribean 2 DVD. Like I said when its on the main menu I can get surround and my receiver says DSP. However, when I start the movie the receiver switches over to multichannel PCM. Someone please help me I am getting really frustrated that I cant make it work.

[dcderek]

Heres my question. The current set up i have is a 27" LCD HDTV, I have it connected to my ps3 through monster ps3 component cables. My audio is through a optical cable connected to my 5.1 surround sound system. My surround sound system is a sony STR-K700. Now I recently bought The Descent on blu ray and all i hear is how great it looks and how the audio is great...but I want to make sure I have it set up correctly with the proper settings so I have optimal sounds. Picture is fine, I have it at 720p. My audio is what i need help on. Like the movie has two choices for audio...5.1 dolby and 7.1 PCM or something which one should I play with what i have? I have the ps3 set to the optical cable in audio settings but there is also other options in audio settings such as it lets you check mark Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, AAC, Linear PCM 2ch 44.1 khz, and Linear PCM 2ch 48 khz. What all should I check? Also in the BD/DVD settings under BD Audio output format should it be Bitstream or Linear PCM? And lastly if any of you have the surround sound system I have what setting on it do you like best for movies? Thanks a lot guys.

[REFLEX]

Optical will give you all that has been around since DVD started.


HDMI .... NOW and not when 1.3 comes out can give you TrueHD and Uncompressed MPCM. There is a big difference.

[ff81]

Ok guys I am having trouble getting surround sound as well. I currently have my PS3 connected to the my Onkyo receiver through hdmi. Then I have the receiver connected to my tv through hdmi. The weird thing is I can get surround when the receiver is on DSP while I'm in the DVD menu. However, the receiver automatically changes to PCM multichannel when I start a DVD. I really dont know what to do. Please someone help me. Do I need bluray to make this work in surround? Is that why its not surround sound when the movie is playing? I currently am trying to play Pirate of the Carribean 2 DVD. Like I said when its on the main menu I can get surround and my receiver says DSP. However, when I start the movie the receiver switches over to multichannel PCM. Someone please help me I am getting really frustrated that I cant make it work.

So you are getting no sound at all once the movie starts playing? Have you tried changing the DSP setting once the movie starts. You are missing something very simple I'm sure, it's just with the description you gave, I can't figure it out.


eres my question. The current set up i have is a 27" LCD HDTV, I have it connected to my ps3 through monster ps3 component cables. My audio is through a optical cable connected to my 5.1 surround sound system. My surround sound system is a sony STR-K700. Now I recently bought The Descent on blu ray and all i hear is how great it looks and how the audio is great...but I want to make sure I have it set up correctly with the proper settings so I have optimal sounds. Picture is fine, I have it at 720p. My audio is what i need help on. Like the movie has two choices for audio...5.1 dolby and 7.1 PCM or something which one should I play with what i have? I have the ps3 set to the optical cable in audio settings but there is also other options in audio settings such as it lets you check mark Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, AAC, Linear PCM 2ch 44.1 khz, and Linear PCM 2ch 48 khz. What all should I check? Also in the BD/DVD settings under BD Audio output format should it be Bitstream or Linear PCM? And lastly if any of you have the surround sound system I have what setting on it do you like best for movies? Thanks a lot guys.

You need to have it set to Bitstream since you have it connected through optical, and you will want to select 5.1 Dolby because the system you have cannot process an uncompressed audio signal. In the options select all of the audio formats.

[whoismikevick137]

I have a Sony STR-DE475 Receiver and a 56 inch DLP TV with HDMI and Digital Audio Out slot. The Receiver also has a Digital Audio In Slot for DVD and satellite, both which are used and both which produce incredible surround sound. Currently I have my PS3 hooked up to the TV with the HDMI cable and am pushing audio and video through it, so I am getting just the volume through the TV. What would be the best way to get surround sound for my PS3?

[SillyHatMafia]

Run an digital optical audio cable to the receiver from the back of the ps3 and change the audio settings on the ps3 to let it know about the connection. Do not use analog stereo cable. It is incapable of carrying dolby digital sound tracks. Some receivers can be set on neocinema that will 'simulate' surround sound using a stereo cable. Be warned, this is not the same thing. It is very, very different in fact.

You're in for a real treat. I just played the motorstorm demo with my new subwoofer. Don't miss rumble at all.
Man youcan get much better rumble from a sub :p

[Pong]

I have a Sony STR-DE475 Receiver and a 56 inch DLP TV with HDMI and Digital Audio Out slot. The Receiver also has a Digital Audio In Slot for DVD and satellite, both which are used and both which produce incredible surround sound. Currently I have my PS3 hooked up to the TV with the HDMI cable and am pushing audio and video through it, so I am getting just the volume through the TV. What would be the best way to get surround sound for my PS3?If I were you I would eliminate the DVD player and just use the PS3. Connect the PS3 to your receiver via Toslink.

[Beodude123]

You could use the HDMI out to the receiver, then do stereo in to your TV (or not). You could use the receiver to send whichever video connection you use to the TV. I'm sure you would be able to have an HDMI in, then switch to a component or whatever out to your TV. Then you would be set!

[Pong]

His receiver (STR-DE475) does not have HDMI.

[jkryznowski]

I guess this isn't perfectly on topic, but this thread seems as close as any.

Right now I'm running my PS3 into my television via HDMI and into my Onkyo TX-SR804 receiver via digital optical. My receiver does have HDMI inputs, but since upgrading my television to a Sony Bravia 1080p LCD, I keep getting a flicker on the PS3's main menu whenever I connect my PS3 to the receiver via HDMI and the receiver to my television via HDMI. I've checked both cables and they work fine when connected straight into the television. The HDMI connections on the receiver are supposed to support 1080p. I believe they are version 1.1. Any ideas what the problem might be?

Also--and I'm sure this has already been covered, but all this techno-jargon is a little intimidating--can someone tell me exactly what I'm losing by using digital optical for my audio and not HDMI?

Thanks.

[ex nihilo7]

I guess this isn't perfectly on topic, but this thread seems as close as any.

Right now I'm running my PS3 into my television via HDMI and into my Onkyo TX-SR804 receiver via digital optical. My receiver does have HDMI inputs, but since upgrading my television to a Sony Bravia 1080p LCD, I keep getting a flicker on the PS3's main menu whenever I connect my PS3 to the receiver via HDMI and the receiver to my television via HDMI. I've checked both cables and they work fine when connected straight into the television. The HDMI connections on the receiver are supposed to support 1080p. I believe they are version 1.1. Any ideas what the problem might be?

Also--and I'm sure this has already been covered, but all this techno-jargon is a little intimidating--can someone tell me exactly what I'm losing by using digital optical for my audio and not HDMI?

Thanks.

I'm using the optical cable right now for my setup. The only thing you are missing or losing by using optical is it only supports up to 5.1 while hdmi supports up to 7.1 fully umcompressed surround sound, which "HDMI 1.3 supports output of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio streams for external decoding by A/V receivers. TrueHD and DTS-HD are lossless audio codec formats used on HD DVDs and Blu-ray discs.." Also optical won't carry full audio from say dvd-audio disks. However, I think digital optical still sounds great! Also maybe the flickering on the tv has something to do with an hdmi-handshaking issue? I'm not sure what that issue consists of.

[fazeAHM3D]

I have a Panasonic surround sound system and the reciever/DVD player has an HDMI but no digital optical audio or whatever its called would i be able to play in surround sound if i have an HDMI cable from the reciever to the tv and another HDMI from the PS3 to the tv?

[ex nihilo7]

I have a Panasonic surround sound system and the reciever/DVD player has an HDMI but no digital optical audio or whatever its called would i be able to play in surround sound if i have an HDMI cable from the reciever to the tv and another HDMI from the PS3 to the tv?

I think you can. If the tv sound goes from an output to an input into the reciever and then the output on the ps3 goes into the input of the tv. For sound, then turn the reciever onto tv. I did this for my ps2 with the analog stereo cables before i bought an optical cable.

[fazeAHM3D]

I think you can. If the tv sound goes from an output to an input into the reciever and then the output on the ps3 goes into the input of the tv. For sound, then turn the reciever onto tv. I did this for my ps2 with the analog stereo cables before i bought an optical cable.


Thanks ill give that a try. Three more days till i get my PS3!!:)

[RichMacca]

Help!
I'm connecting my ps3 to my TV with a HDMI cable and connecting my Ps3 to my dvd player via optical hoping to get surround sound. Problem is not a thing can be heard, it doesn't make any noise. Surround sound plays dvd's fine but i cant figure out which setting is used for it to play whats on ps3. please help.

[lazzabagshaw]

Sorry if this dumb question but

I have connected my PS3 using Optical to a Samsung 5.1 Home Theatre System

Optical to Optical

Does that mean I will get true 5.1 surround sound and not simulated surround sound.

[TAGPriest]

You get what you pay for, walmart stereos are garbage, anything in a package deal other than something from Best Buy or Cir. City is garbo too. I can def tell a difference between my 3500$ setup and a 500$ setup. Build it peice by peice and take your time dont buy package deals.

[whoismikevick137]

Im wondering if I would be able to hook up my Ps3 to my STR-DE475 using this cable:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/B0002MQGOK/sr=8-1/qid=1181952042/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_recent/102-6879894-5680162?ie=UTF8&n=172282&qid=1181952042&sr=8-1#customerReviews
and just putting it in the place of the DVD cable and turning on the receiver to DVD

[Amon Amarth]

since a lot of people in this thread are using optical cables maybe someone could help me out. Is it normal for it to be very hard to plug and optical cable in? I don't want to break anything. (this is for my satellite receiver).

[REFLEX]

since a lot of people in this thread are using optical cables maybe someone could help me out. Is it normal for it to be very hard to plug and optical cable in? I don't want to break anything. (this is for my satellite receiver).


an optical (toslink) cable is not perfectly square for the connecting part..

just take a closer look and go for it.

[csshank]

OK, so I have read most of these posts and have gotten some pretty good info. Here is a question directly related to my situation and am curious what the best route to take to get quality sound.

I purchased a Panasonic PT-53TW53 in 2004 and have been pretty happy with it. Here is a link to view all the conectors the TV has, http://www3.shopping.com/xGS-panasonic_pt53tw53.

I want surround sound for my PS3 games, and as the PS3 will be main main DVD player I would like it for movies too. Currently I just have the PS3 connected to the TV using a HDMI to DVI cable, and your standard analog plugs for sound using the TV's built in 'Surround Sound"

I'm looking to upgrade...What should I do? I'm willing to buy a new surround sound system in the $400 to $800 range but I am curious as to what inputs I need on the receiver and the proper set up for best possible sound using the tools (Limited Inputs) I have on my older TV.

Thanks so much for your help!!

[REFLEX]

OK, so I have read most of these posts and have gotten some pretty good info. Here is a question directly related to my situation and am curious what the best route to take to get quality sound.

I purchased a Panasonic PT-53TW53 in 2004 and have been pretty happy with it. Here is a link to view all the conectors the TV has, http://www3.shopping.com/xGS-panasonic_pt53tw53.

I want surround sound for my PS3 games, and as the PS3 will be main main DVD player I would like it for movies too. Currently I just have the PS3 connected to the TV using a HDMI to DVI cable, and your standard analog plugs for sound using the TV's built in 'Surround Sound"

I'm looking to upgrade...What should I do? I'm willing to buy a new surround sound system in the $400 to $800 range but I am curious as to what inputs I need on the receiver and the proper set up for best possible sound using the tools (Limited Inputs) I have on my older TV.

Thanks so much for your help!!



Well for your budget just get something nice and close to your budget that has multiple hook ups for various cables, stuff like optical, coax and composite and component. HDMI might be nice too because you said you had HDMI/DVI..... at least you get get it for pass through. Your budget will limit you a bit, but you can easily get good surround sound for that budget.

[E46 Addict]

I would have started a new post but I do not have enough posts yet. My question is why can't the 60GB PS3 ouput 7.1 audio with a fiber optic cable? My DVD player does this fine. Also, I don't know if it is a setting in the PS3 menu, and my receiver decodes the PS3 games correctly, however when I play a blu-ray disc it does not. I know this because when it is decoding an audio signal it switches to the optimal Dolby setting and displays which speakers the signal is being sent to. However, when I play a blu-ray movie the receiver does not change at all and the sound is just kind of lifeless. Any ideas here?

[badz_ps3]

wowzers... december of 06.

what are your audio settings both in the PS3 and on your br movies when u try to play them? to try and answer your question before you reply, if u are trying to play 7.1 LPCM through fiber optic, it wont work (properly). if its PLIIx you are trying to do (5.1 audio matrixed to 7.1) then it should work as long as the ps3 is set to bitstream.

regardless, nothing can support lossless 7.1 over fiber optic, there just isnt enough bandwidth. I assume you are talking about lossy audio tho as you said your reg dvd player can do it, and dvd players obviously dont have support for lossless audio

[REFLEX]

I would have started a new post but I do not have enough posts yet. My question is why can't the 60GB PS3 ouput 7.1 audio with a fiber optic cable? My DVD player does this fine. Also, I don't know if it is a setting in the PS3 menu, and my receiver decodes the PS3 games correctly, however when I play a blu-ray disc it does not. I know this because when it is decoding an audio signal it switches to the optimal Dolby setting and displays which speakers the signal is being sent to. However, when I play a blu-ray movie the receiver does not change at all and the sound is just kind of lifeless. Any ideas here?

As my friend badz pointed out, you cannot get a real 7.1 signal through fiber optic. What your DVD player is doing is actually sending a 5.1 signal that your receiver takes and splits the rear 2 channels and makes a "fake" 7.1, its not real 7.1 surround sound.

Real 7.1 needs real 7.1 material, almost no Blu-ray, HD DVD or regular DVD have 6.1, let a lone 7.1, a lot of PS3 games do have 7.1, but you need HDMI for that, and not just any HDMI unit will do either.

[Falidus]

As my friend badz pointed out, you cannot get a real 7.1 signal through fiber optic. What your DVD player is doing is actually sending a 5.1 signal that your receiver takes and splits the rear 2 channels and makes a "fake" 7.1, its not real 7.1 surround sound.

Real 7.1 needs real 7.1 material, almost no Blu-ray, HD DVD or regular DVD have 6.1, let a lone 7.1, a lot of PS3 games do have 7.1, but you need HDMI for that, and not just any HDMI unit will do either.

When I bought min ps3 I bought a $100 hdmi cable with it, this thing is supposed to be hydro cool and it is really thick, I have had it for almost 6-7 months and have had no probloms with it so far.

Plus when I get get my tax return and bonus, it is going into a good surround sound system and a TV.

Any recomendations?

[sonyfan6]

When I bought min ps3 I bought a $100 hdmi cable with it, this thing is supposed to be hydro cool and it is really thick, I have had it for almost 6-7 months and have had no probloms with it so far.

Plus when I get get my tax return and bonus, it is going into a good surround sound system and a TV.

Any recomendations?

Never pay 100 dollars for a cable again. That's the best advice you can be given. You got completely suckered.

How much money are you looking to spend on the tv/sound system? That's very important for figuring out recommendations.

[badz_ps3]

Never pay 100 dollars for a cable again. That's the best advice you can be given. You got completely suckered.

How much money are you looking to spend on the tv/sound system? That's very important for figuring out recommendations.

as many times as people back your argument, i still say those expensive cables have their perks..

as for the question at hand, this isnt really the palce for it. i suggest we let this thread die out once again and head on over to the br section stickies

[REFLEX]

When I bought min ps3 I bought a $100 hdmi cable with it, this thing is supposed to be hydro cool and it is really thick, I have had it for almost 6-7 months and have had no probloms with it so far.

Plus when I get get my tax return and bonus, it is going into a good surround sound system and a TV.

Any recomendations?


Expensive cables are only really good in long runs, like 50ft or more. WideScreen Review and a few other places like Gizmodo and Cnet ran extensive HDMI testing, over long runs cheaper cables can break down the signal a bit, but even Monoprice (very cheap, but good quality) ran perfectly upwards of 35-50ft!!

Yeah, they do have perks, but not at most consumers distances I believe. Regardless, 100$ for a short cable is SOOOO expensive.

Having said that I think you should look into specific HDMI units, as not all can do what you want (real 7.1 with high quality or high definition audio), but many can now. Onkyo, Yamaha, Denon, those are pretty good names to check out.

[Falidus]

Any good bose units that do hdmi? I do so love me some bose.

[weskurtz81]

Sony fan6---Thanks for the comment, but none of them will work. My tv has optical audio input, but my reciever does not. The model of the surround sound is DAV-375.
My reciever does NOT have hdmi input, only output...
Any more advice???

If your receiver does not have and HDMI input, but it does have an output, it sounds like it might up-convert to hdmi. I honestly don't think it will since it's el-cheapo, but it sounds like it might with that input/output scheme.

What you could do it hook up component(not composite), then output to tv and speakers respectively.

Does your receiver up-convert analog to digital?

Any good bose units that do hdmi? I do so love me some bose.

While Bose systems are pretty slick, they are way overpriced when compared to other systems that deliver similar sound quality. And, when it gets up to that high of quality, some people think Bose sounds better, while others think some of the competition sounds better. Don't get me wrong, Bose systems are very nice, but I just don't think they are worth the premium for the name.

[posidon]

guys..im just bought my ps3 today..and i dun think im getting surround..my hts is a very old one..bought in 2004..so it doenst have the hdmi in/outputs..instate it only have the red and white inputs..im currently connecting my ps3 to my ht using the red and white cable sony gave in the box..What should i do inorder to get surround?
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/skeletdragon/DSC00182.jpg
this is the back of my ht

[sonyfan6]

guys..im just bought my ps3 today..and i dun think im getting surround..my hts is a very old one..bought in 2004..so it doenst have the hdmi in/outputs..instate it only have the red and white inputs..im currently connecting my ps3 to my ht using the red and white cable sony gave in the box..What should i do inorder to get surround?

If the receiver has an optical input use that, otherwise you won't get surround unless you upgrade your receiver to a unit that has an optical input or an hdmi input.

[MagicMarker]

Any good bose units that do hdmi? I do so love me some bose.

Yes and no. Previous and current Bose Lifestyle Systems don't have any HDMI capability. What you need to purchase is the new VS-2 video addition. It's something in the $250 range. You get three HDMI's and other options.

I have a Lifestyle 28 connected to my HDTV and PS3. Looks and sounds great! We chose to go with the Bose system b/c of the small speakers and reputation. We've never had a typical home theatre, so I have no true comparison, but we love it. It was an ez setup, looks and sounds great.

[Sheridan]

I have my PS3 hooked in to my AV receiver with HDMI cable and then from the AV receiver to my tv with a HDMI cable however I only get sound out of my TV speakers and nothing from my surround sound. I have enabled the different channels in my PS3 and still get nothing.

[REFLEX]

What are your PS3 settings for Audio output?

[Blazeboy420]

cant wait to invest in one hehehehe

[leukoplast]

I have my PS3 hooked in to my AV receiver with HDMI cable and then from the AV receiver to my tv with a HDMI cable however I only get sound out of my TV speakers and nothing from my surround sound. I have enabled the different channels in my PS3 and still get nothing.

You probably have to enable HDMI audio in your receivers settings. I have the Onkyo SR-TX605 and I had to manually go into the settings and enable HDMI audio, and I disabled HDMI audio out to my TV.

[domin8r]

I have my ps3 connected to an onkyo 674. If you don't care about upconversion, then you can easily get one of their cheaper models that just has hdmi switching and not upconverting. I highly recommend the onkyo receivers to people that are looking for video and audio. (cnet rates them a bit above the Sony's in the same price range.).

Even the cheaper Onkyo has upconverting which you can access by using the SECRET MENU, hold AUX and Press the POWER Button(On Reciever). This takes you to a secret menu where you can choose Upscaling.

Onkyo are excellent recievers that can handle all the new audio formats.

[bashmore52]

Hi,

I am trying to get surround sound from my 80g PS3. I have it hooked to my TV with HDMI cable. TV is a Samsung sp-r4212. The optical output will not do dolby digital, only PCM. I don't understand this, so I went with optical from ps3 to reciever. My reciever is a Kenwood vr-605. It is a few years old, but when I hooked up my ps2 via optical, surround sound worked fine. Not so with ps3.

When I change the sound options to optical output, I get no sound through my reciever, when it is set for HDMI, the sound only comes through TV speakers.

Am I missing something extremely simple?

[Murdoch2711]

Hi everyone, i'm thinking about buying a Sony DAV-HDX500/i but i'm not sure if its going to let me experience my ps3's surround sound at its best. On the official sony site the specifications say there is a HDMI input , here is the link:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665186455

(Just click on specifications)

but on the following website it says this model doesnt have HDMI inputs:
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=158HDX500I&tp=6419&tab=features_and_specs

I was wondering does anyone know which one is correct?

Also could anyone tell me would this unit allow me to use the ps3's surround function to its full ability (for instance SACD and blu-ray) and if not can anyone recommend a system that would for roughly the same price??

any help would be much appreciated thank you.

[T0PGUN]

hi.
i have the ps3 via hdmi to my 1080p tv,my 5.1 home cinema via hdmi to my tv, but there is only 1 hdmi output on my receiver and NO optical input on said receiver!
i currently run an audio cable from my tv to my receiver but i know the ps3 isn't sounding as good as it shoul.
is there any way to get proper 5.1 from my ps3?
ps the home cinema is only 2 weeks old

[ToiletDuck]

While Bose systems are pretty slick, they are way overpriced when compared to other systems that deliver similar sound quality. And, when it gets up to that high of quality, some people think Bose sounds better, while others think some of the competition sounds better. Don't get me wrong, Bose systems are very nice, but I just don't think they are worth the premium for the name.

Everyone looking into a Stereo or surround system should read the above quote. Bose is arguably the most advertised and overpriced audio equipment on the market. Yamaha, Onkyo and Pioneer make great systems that can be hundreds less than comparable Bose systems. Most audiophiles would tell you to avoid Bose. Bose is for the uninformed consumer who wants to go high end but has no knowledge except for what Bose infomercials say.

[sonyfan6]

Everyone looking into a Stereo or surround system should read the above quote. Bose is arguably the most advertised and overpriced audio equipment on the market. Yamaha, Onkyo and Pioneer make great systems that can be hundreds less than comparable Bose systems. Most audiophiles would tell you to avoid Bose. Bose is for the uninformed consumer who wants to go high end but has no knowledge except for what Bose infomercials say.

This is absolutely correct.

hi.
i have the ps3 via hdmi to my 1080p tv,my 5.1 home cinema via hdmi to my tv, but there is only 1 hdmi output on my receiver and NO optical input on said receiver!
i currently run an audio cable from my tv to my receiver but i know the ps3 isn't sounding as good as it shoul.
is there any way to get proper 5.1 from my ps3?
ps the home cinema is only 2 weeks old

Do you have an hdmi input on your receiver? If so run hdmi from the ps3 to the receiver. Then run hdmi from the receiver to the tv. This will take care of both video and audio.

Otherwise, run hdmi from the ps3 to the tv (video) and optical from the ps3 to the receiver (audio).

Alternatively, if you prefer loseless sund, you can run hdmi from the ps3 to the receiver (audio) and component from the ps3 to the tv (video). Note that component is not the red/white/yellow wires that come with the ps3. It's a five cable system with red/blue/green video and red/white audio.

hi.
i have the ps3 via hdmi to my 1080p tv,my 5.1 home cinema via hdmi to my tv, but there is only 1 hdmi output on my receiver and NO optical input on said receiver!
i currently run an audio cable from my tv to my receiver but i know the ps3 isn't sounding as good as it shoul.
is there any way to get proper 5.1 from my ps3?
ps the home cinema is only 2 weeks old

I don't recommend home theater's in a box. They generally give you stuff you don't need/want (like a receiver with a built in dvd player) and don't give you stuff you need (like enough inputs to hook in your dvd player to the receiver). Sony, while a great company, isn't very competitive in the sound market. That's not to say it won't work, but you can do better.

[Yip-Man]

hi.
i have the ps3 via hdmi to my 1080p tv,my 5.1 home cinema via hdmi to my tv, but there is only 1 hdmi output on my receiver and NO optical input on said receiver!
i currently run an audio cable from my tv to my receiver but i know the ps3 isn't sounding as good as it shoul.
is there any way to get proper 5.1 from my ps3?
ps the home cinema is only 2 weeks old


have you Tried PS3 - 5.1 - TV . . hopefully that should work. give it a go

[T0PGUN]

if i used the component cable from my ps3 to the home cinema and then the hdmi lead from the home cinema to my tv would i still get 1080p running from the ps3? And 5.1 surround?

[REFLEX]

You could get 1080p sure, but you won't get real 5.1 at all.

[danfoley]

Forgive me for asking this question, but is it possible to have the PS3 output an audio signal via HDMI & Optical at the same time? I have a HDMI from PS3 to a Samsung LN-T5271, and the PS3 optical going to my Sony STR-DE925 Receiver (NO HDMI input). I would like to be able to only operate the PS3 and TV without the Receiver sometimes. The TV does have a optical output. Thanks in advance.

[sonyfan6]

When you want to operate the tv without the receiver just switch the sound output from optical to hdmi.

[Rugenstat]

Hi everyone, i'm thinking about buying a Sony DAV-HDX500/i but i'm not sure if its going to let me experience my ps3's surround sound at its best. On the official sony site the specifications say there is a HDMI input , here is the link:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665186455

(Just click on specifications)

but on the following website it says this model doesnt have HDMI inputs:
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=158HDX500I&tp=6419&tab=features_and_specs

I was wondering does anyone know which one is correct?

Also could anyone tell me would this unit allow me to use the ps3's surround function to its full ability (for instance SACD and blu-ray) and if not can anyone recommend a system that would for roughly the same price??

any help would be much appreciated thank you.


Murdoch....I have this exact HTIB, and no it does NOT have HDMI inputs. It has an HDMI output but it is for DVD playback only (for upscaling purposes). For me I connected my PS3 to my tv via HDMI (you could use component if your tv doesn't support 1080P), and then Optical Audio to the receiver/DVD system. I watch blu-ray movies and everything comes through in true surround. Just make sure that you change the audio properties for the PS3 to Optical.

On a side note, I also have a motorola cable box connected to the receiver via COAX on the same audio in (labeled SAT/CABLE on unit). I am able to get surround from both as long as the not in use device is turned off. I believe the Optical takes priority if both are on.


Also, I would recommend this unit for affordability purposes only....it's not bad, but it's not great. You can never go wrong with a real reciever that has HDMI Ins and Outs. It'll just cost alot more.

[RB26DET]

If I am understanding what you are describing then you are not getting surround sound currently. If you tell me what receiver (or surround system package) you have I can make a recommendation. Rule of thumb...if you ever use the red/white stereo cables between the ps3 and the receiver (or ps3->tv->receiver) then you do not have surround sound.

There are a few basic set ups to get what you want:

1) The 'best' set up is to send sound and video to your receiver and then send video from your receiver to your tv (while the sound is sent to the speakers). This can be done by sending hdmi from the ps3 to the receiver input and hdmi from the receiver output to the tv input. If your receiver does not have hdmi and you want to get the most out of your tv you cannot do this option. Advantage of this option is that your receiver can output menus to your tv and you can use the receiver to switch between signals (say tv and ps3).

2) This is the next best option but it is only available if your tv has a digital audio output. Hook your ps3 up to your tv using the hdmi cable. Next, send the audio signal from your tv's digital audio out to your receiver's digital audio in. Turn the sound all the way down on your tv. Now you can use your tv controller to switch between incoming signals. Your receiver controller will only be used for volume control. If your receiver is also a dvd player then you will need to run a lot of wires back and forth between the two to get it working properly with this set up.

3) This is a 'last resort option' as it will leave you needing to use a lot of remote controllers. Hook your ps3 to your tv using the hdmi cable. Let the ps3 know you are using hdmi to output video. Hook your ps3 to your receiver using an optical digital cable. Set the ps3 to output audio over the optical line. In order to use the ps3 you will need to set your tv input to the hdmi in that the ps3 is connected to using the tv remote. You will also need to switch the receiver input to the audio in that the ps3 is connected to.

I have just finished installing my Panasonic SC-PT850 5:1 surround system.
It does not have HDMI in but does have optical in.

I have the PS3 linked via HDMI to my Samsung LE40M87BDX, an HD Virgin cable box linked to the Samsung TV via HDMI and the Panasonic reciever/DVD linked to the Samsung TV via HDMI. I want surround sound from all sources so I have linked the tv's optical out to the Panasonic reciever opitcal in.

Is this the best option for my set up?

[sonyfan6]

I have just finished installing my Panasonic SC-PT850 5:1 surround system.
It does not have HDMI in but does have optical in.

I have the PS3 linked via HDMI to my Samsung LE40M87BDX, an HD Virgin cable box linked to the Samsung TV via HDMI and the Panasonic reciever/DVD linked to the Samsung TV via HDMI. I want surround sound from all sources so I have linked the tv's optical out to the Panasonic reciever opitcal in.

Is this the best option for my set up?

Okay, so if I'm reading this correctly you have a receiver that has a hdmi out but not a hdmi in? (As a side note this is why I don't recommend home theater in a box to anyone.)

I'm going to recommend that you keep all the devices hooked up to your Samsung tv by hdmi as you currently have them.

How many optical inputs does your receiver have? If it has two then I'd recommend running opticals from the ps3 and cable box to the receiver. When you want to use the ps3 you set the tv to the ps3 hdmi input and the receiver to the ps3 optical input. When you want to watch cable you set the tv to the the cable hdmi input and the receiver to the cable optical input. When you want to watch a dvd you set the tv to the receiver hdmi input and the receiver to output dvd.

The reason I'm making the above recommendation is because I have no idea what your tv is going to do to convert the hdmi audio signal it is receiving to the optical output (or even if it is capable of this function). There's certainly no sound quality advantage to the extra processing and might even induce audio lag. Your best off letting your ps3 and cable box know that the sound is going to the receiver over an optical cable and doing it directly.

Of course your best possible sound would be to buy a new receiver with 3 hdmi inputs and one hdmi output. Then you could attach a dvd player, ps3 and cable box to the receiver via hdmi and then the receiver to the tv via hdmi for the best possible sound. However the extra benefit of this option (other than less fiddling with remotes) is mainly for audio options like Dolby TrueHD, DTS-MA and lossless PCM. Essentially the difference would be most apparent while watching blu-rays or playing ps3 games (which utilize lossless PCM). For many people, especially those who don't have at least midpriced speakers, the difference will not be obvious, so I wouldn't worry about this too much unless you decide you want something extra from your system.

Hope this helps.

[RB26DET]

Okay, so if I'm reading this correctly you have a receiver that has a hdmi out but not a hdmi in? (As a side note this is why I don't recommend home theater in a box to anyone.)

I'm going to recommend that you keep all the devices hooked up to your Samsung tv by hdmi as you currently have them.

How many optical inputs does your receiver have? If it has two then I'd recommend running opticals from the ps3 and cable box to the receiver. When you want to use the ps3 you set the tv to the ps3 hdmi input and the receiver to the ps3 optical input. When you want to watch cable you set the tv to the the cable hdmi input and the receiver to the cable optical input. When you want to watch a dvd you set the tv to the receiver hdmi input and the receiver to output dvd.

The reason I'm making the above recommendation is because I have no idea what your tv is going to do to convert the hdmi audio signal it is receiving to the optical output (or even if it is capable of this function). There's certainly no sound quality advantage to the extra processing and might even induce audio lag. Your best off letting your ps3 and cable box know that the sound is going to the receiver over an optical cable and doing it directly.

Of course your best possible sound would be to buy a new receiver with 3 hdmi inputs and one hdmi output. Then you could attach a dvd player, ps3 and cable box to the receiver via hdmi and then the receiver to the tv via hdmi for the best possible sound. However the extra benefit of this option (other than less fiddling with remotes) is mainly for audio options like Dolby TrueHD, DTS-MA and lossless PCM. Essentially the difference would be most apparent while watching blu-rays or playing ps3 games (which utilize lossless PCM). For many people, especially those who don't have at least midpriced speakers, the difference will not be obvious, so I wouldn't worry about this too much unless you decide you want something extra from your system.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for your advice. Unfortunately my reciever only has one opitical input. Which is a shame as I now understand the benefits of having two running from my cable box and PS3. nevermind I will know next time, but hopefully I can afford a reciever with 3 x HDMI inputs.....

[sonyfan6]

Thanks for your advice. Unfortunately my reciever only has one opitical input. Which is a shame as I now understand the benefits of having two running from my cable box and PS3. nevermind I will know next time, but hopefully I can afford a reciever with 3 x HDMI inputs.....

The other option is to get one with 2 hdmi inputs and use your ps3 as your dvd/bd player. That's what I currently do which isn't bad at all with the ps3 remote.

[bizquick]

Ok, I'm a bit confused.

I have a brand new Samsung 5.1 Sound system (comes with front/rear/sub/center/dvd player).

Is there anyway I can hook it up to my ps3?

Looking at the back of the unit, it appears it only has an hdmi out, which goes to the tv...so how would I go about getting surround sound on this?

Thanks.

What model is the Samsung you bought? I recently bought a Samsung HT-X40 800 Watt 5.1 system for about $300 CAD on sale. I can honestly say it is one of the best sounding lower level systems out there, so I'm curious to know the model you bought. Its definitely in your best interest to use optical for this system, but as others have mentioned you will need to set it up in the Sound settings for your PS3. Any Samsung model supports all of the optical options available on the PS3, so what I ended up doing was manually selecting all of the sound options (DTS, Dolby, AAC, 2CH PCM 192Khz, etc.). For anyone looking at buying a low to mid end surround system I highly recommend checking out some of the Samsung stuff.

[zag]

Ok, I'm a bit confused.

I have a brand new Samsung 5.1 Sound system (comes with front/rear/sub/center/dvd player).

Is there anyway I can hook it up to my ps3?

Looking at the back of the unit, it appears it only has an hdmi out, which goes to the tv...so how would I go about getting surround sound on this?

Thanks.

The PS3 can run multiple outputs at the same time.

So you can have HDMI going to the TV.

and use a component cable going to the surround sound system.

Or use the optical output to the surround sound system.

As for the different surround sound formats.

Go into the video settings cable selector select HDMi then once the video side is setup you then select all the surround sound formats you want to output select all the ones your surround sound can handle.

There's about 40 surround sound formats to select from on the PS3.

[DaTong]

Just a quick question.
I purchased some logitect z-4500 today 5.1 speakers with a receiver.

I plugged the receiver to the PS3 via optical cable. I ticked all the PS3 sound so it enabled 5.1 DTS etc...

When I play a movie or listen to music. The big bass sound and the left and right front speakers work.

However the 2 rear speakers and the center front speaker does not sound....
I'm sure I connected them up properly.... what gives?

[sonyfan6]

Just a quick question.
I purchased some logitect z-4500 today 5.1 speakers with a receiver.

I plugged the receiver to the PS3 via optical cable. I ticked all the PS3 sound so it enabled 5.1 DTS etc...

When I play a movie or listen to music. The big bass sound and the left and right front speakers work.

However the 2 rear speakers and the center front speaker does not sound....
I'm sure I connected them up properly.... what gives?

You're listening to a stereo recording that's why only the front left and front right speakers are playing along with the subwoofer.

Music is generally recorded in stereo. Most movies have a dolby digital or dts track. Sometimes you need to select this in the movie's menu. Note that if it's a movie downloaded from the internet you probably only have a stereo track.

If you've verified that your source is actually a surround format (ie not stereo or mono) the next thing to look at is your receiver. Most have a button that will toggle between stereo and surround on the remote. There should also be a way to toggle through different surround options. What options are available depend heavily on your receiver. Dolby Prologic II will distribute a stereo source across your surround speakers, although this will not sound as good as listening to an actual surround recording, such as Dolby Digital or DTS.

Also, I recommend putting the audio out option to bitstream under the bd/dvd settings, unless it's a very new and high end receiver.

[DaTong]

Wow quick reply.

I just tested the speakers on Black Hawk down Blu ray.
Was listening closely and sound actually did come out of all those speakers :)

Gonna start watching my Blu movies now then :)

Thanks for the info man. Thought my music could play in surround sound. O well :)

+ Rep man. Thanks for the info.

[T0PGUN]

im now thinking of buying the sony htss1100 5.1 upgrade system to replace my 3 week old panasonic!
is this a good choice?
2 x hdmi input
1 x hdmi output
plus many other holes to put things in

[REFLEX]

For connects that is OK.... nothing too crazy. For a frame of reference the Denon 4308 I ordered has 4 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs.

But for most peoples needs what you want for connections is fine! Also, to judge a system more accurately we need to see specs and look at some other information.

[danfoley]

The PS3 can run multiple outputs at the same time.

So you can have HDMI going to the TV.

and use a component cable going to the surround sound system.

Or use the optical output to the surround sound system.

As for the different surround sound formats.

Go into the video settings cable selector select HDMi then once the video side is setup you then select all the surround sound formats you want to output select all the ones your surround sound can handle.

There's about 40 surround sound formats to select from on the PS3.



You can run multiple (audio) outputs from the PS3 at the same time?

[REFLEX]

Well... not running audio all at the same time, but you can use various different things to get audio from the PS3.

[danfoley]

I was hoping it could be done. I have the PS3 inputing to TV via HDMI, and to Receiver with Optical. Thank you.

[avi047]

i have a PS3 and a bose lifestyle system. its all connected with an optical cable, and the settings are set to optical, but still i am only getting sound out of 2 of the 5 speakers. does anyone know how to fix this? thanks
-avi

[sonyfan6]

i have a PS3 and a bose lifestyle system. its all connected with an optical cable, and the settings are set to optical, but still i am only getting sound out of 2 of the 5 speakers. does anyone know how to fix this? thanks
-avi

Check your audio settings on the ps3, check whether the source material has 5 channel audio options of a type you have selected on the ps3 and your receiver can handle and finally check the receiver to see how it is set to handle incoming signals. Many receivers have a switch that toggles them between stereo and surround and your problem could be as simple as that.

[machii83]

i just bought a sony 52 inch bravia xbr 4 and a sony DAV-HDX501W htib to compliment it. Now i know that htib are not the best option for surround sound but that is what i got so please bear with me. My surround sound does not have any hdmi inputs just one output for the dvd player. is there any way i can get the 5.1 surround out of both my ps3 and my satillite reciever. i currenty have my ps3, satillite reciever, and my surround sound dvd player connected to my tv via hdmi for all three. What i really need to know is if i can run hdmi from all my electronics to my tv then run an optical audio cable to my reciever and still get true surround from all?

[Annihilaton]

Hey all. I have a quick question as well for ps3 surround sound. Anyways I have a hdtv with no optical or hdmi inputs or outputs and a receiver with 2 optical slots and an hdmi in and out slot. So how would i get surround sound with those options? Also can i only get 1080 i from the component cables that would be hooked up to the ps3 and tv?

[kendrid]

Hey all. I have a quick question as well for ps3 surround sound. Anyways I have a hdtv with no optical or hdmi inputs or outputs and a receiver with 2 optical slots and an hdmi in and out slot. So how would i get surround sound with those options? Also can i only get 1080 i from the component cables that would be hooked up to the ps3 and tv?

Plug the optical output from the PS3 into an optical input on your receiver. It's as simple as that.