DVD/VCR Combo, Surround SOund hook up?

Question

Okay so I have a Panasonic flat screen with a generic surround saound (that I think I want to pitch) and a Sony DVR/Video combo that is suppose to play surround sound. Do I buy speakers to go with the DVR/Video combo and throw out the old surround sound system? What do I need to tie it in with the TV because I've never been able to get the suurround sound to work with the TV. What cables do I need to purchase to make this work in any? Thanks for any thoughts!

Answer 1

Not knowing what you are getting except a DVR/Video combo, I don't know what you can hook up to it by way of speakers.  If you are able too, see what the max output is on the DVR/Video combo and then look at your speakers to find out what they can handle (it should be labeled in watts).  If your speakers can only handle up to 50w and your DVR/Video puts out a max of 100w per channel, the speaker can blow if you turn it up too high.  

More likely you may need a receiver to support speakers.  In this case depending on your budget there is two routes you can take.  To get surround sound you'll need to look for a 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 system.  The first number indicates the number of speakers and the .1 represents the sub (ie a 5.1 system includes a 1 center speaker, 2 front speakers and 2 rear {though they are put to the side} speakers and a sub for the low frequencies).  

HTIB (home theater in a box) or buying individual components.  Depending on your needs or should I say wants a HTIB may be sufficient.  This is a complete system receiver, speakers and a sub all packaged together.  Onkyo has a HTIB that I recommend, I can get you the product ID later.

If you purchase individual components will be easier to expand later and with more options.  This also cost more than a HTIB.  

Cables to use depends on what your output options are.  They typical are the red and white RCA audio cables.  Better options are optical or HDMI.