How do I get surround sound from my PS3?

Question

I know it puts out up to 7.1 surround sound from an HDMI lead, but if I buy a DVD player/amp combined with cinema surround sound in it, will it have an HDMI input to connect the PS3 to, or would I have to buy an external amp that could inputs from 2 or 3 external sources? I am considering doing away with my DVD player and using the PS3 as a 'do it all'.

Answer 1

Get a surround sound system whether it be a HTiB (Home Theater in a Box) or a build your own and use a optical toslink cable from your PS3 to you receiver.

Answer 2

You do not need to use an HDMI cable to get DD or DTS from a PS3.  you will, however, need an optical digital cable and a surround receiver with an optical input (most do).  Most DVD surround combos do not have digital inputs and very few even have an HDMI output (for HDTV).The PS3 is an excellent choice for the centerpiece of a home theater system because it not only up-converts standard DVDs to 1080p, but is also a fine Bluray player.  You've got a very nice game console/Bluray player, don't cheap out now and just get a Home Theater In a Box...

Answer 3

i suggest do away, and use your ps3. thats what ive done. it upconverts all your old dvd's and it has blu-ray. perfect.

and if you buy an amp, i assume you will only need to connect the ps3 to it. and then the amp to your tv/speakers.

Answer 4

You need a receiver with HDMI 1.3 input that supports decoding of Dolby True HD and DTS MA.

Answer 5

Not positive if the PS3 sends out Dolby Digital through HDMI but even if it does I would suggest still getting a home theater that offers three or more optical inputs because optical is more widely used for dolby digital.   For instance one optical will be used by a cable or satellite box to send dolby digital programming to your home theater.  The second will be used by the PS3 for surround sound and the third could be used by a CD changer/player or a XBOX360 or another DVD player/changer for surround sound.

I would keep the DVD for movies unless you need the space.    The ps3 plays dvd's great but less wear and tear on your ps3 by using your dvd player still.

Answer 6

The PS3 could indeed be used as a perfectly good substitute for your DVD player. You will need a home cinema surround system that has HDMI input - a lot of them DON'T support this (the HTIB systems) so be very careful - Wharfedale systems particularly seem a bit sparse on inputs.

Far better (though more expensive) to get a decent amplifier receiver, as many modern home cinema amps will support HDMI, and then connect that to as many speakers as you want, either 2.1, 5.1 or 7.1. Make sure the amp/receiver supports 7.1 too of course!