Can someone tell me if these receiver+speaker packages will work for my set up?

Question

I'm going to buy a 42 inch plazma Samsung and want to buy a receiver+speaker package to go with it.

I want a receiver+speaker package that will allow me to plug in multiple devices and switch between them. (I want to hook up a DVD player, a PS3 and my HD Tuner thing from from my cable company to allow me watch regular TV using the speakers).

In case it's relevant, I plan to not use the rear speakers (because I don't want to have wires all around my place).

Will any of these options work for me:

1) Sony STRDG710. It is $699. This is the link: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=BDL10002558&logon=&langid=EN

2) Yamaha YHT280. This is only $399. Here is a link: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10085832&catid=19701&logon=&langid=EN

3) Sony Home Theatre System With HDMI (HTDDW990). This is only $299. Here is the link: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10087296&catid=19701&logon=&langid=EN#

Thanks

Answer 1

Well, they'll all technically work in some fashion or another.

If what your saying is you want to switch between different audio/video inputs with the reciever... then I don't know if any of them have the best options.. but they'll all do it.  For Blu-Ray/PS3 the best connection is via HDMI though and I didn't notice any of the systems mentioning HDMI input and output.

HOWEVER, one option is to plug all the devices directly into you TV and using your TV's audio output (if it has one). This'll ensure the best video quality and if you use digital audio connections to your TV (HDMI, Toslink/Spdif) the audio should still be full quality as well. For instance, my 1080i Panasonic has a TOSLINK (optical) digital audio output, that I can use to connect to my reciever. Then, all I need to do is change channels/inputs on my TV and whatever I'm watching will automatically have sound routed to the reciever.

The only limitation in using a setup with TOSLINK is I do believe there are some Blu-Ray audio standards that will not bitstream over TOSLINK (HDMI only). However you'd likely only need to worry about that if you had a very new and very expensive surround sound system that supports/decodes those standards anyway.

Also... you know the PS3 plays DVDs... just as well as any DVD player I think... you could maybe remove it from your setup and use it on another TV.  Just make sure the PS3 is setup using HDMI cables.