What do I need for 5.1 surround sound?

Question

I have a 1080i tv with a PS3 and 1 hmdi output. Can anyone help? why do I need a reciever etc?

Answer 1

in the simplest terms i can think of ,you need an amp with hdmi, the digital 5.1 signal needs to be decoded and routed out to the appropriate speakers through the amp.

Answer 2

well how else would you get the sound to the speakers, you can't just shove the speaker wire into the base of the tv.

Answer 3

The question of surround sound from your PS3.You will need a reciever with an optical input as the surround sound from the PS3 is via an optical out.Mine is a Panasonic cinema system cost around £350.

Answer 4

You need a receiver to amplify the audio and get it out to the speakers from whatever source you happen to be using.

A surround sound SYSTEM consists of some way to get the sound from your source (DVD player, PS3, I-pod, TV, whatever) through an amplifier, and to your speakers, the speakers themselves, and a powered sub-woofer. It is called 5.1 sound because you have 5 speakers, and a sub-woofer equaling 6 channels of audio. A receiver contains both the switching part and an amplifier. Sub-woofers usually have their own amps built in since subs need much more power than the other speakers. Read up on some of the AV (audio, video) forums and learn about home theater systems. Home Theater Shack and AVS are two good ones, links below. Do some homework so you can talk about equipment knowledgeably.

Answer 5

You don't need a "receiver" which is basically a radio. But you do need a surround sound amplifier. Many of them come with a DVD player installed (or Blu-Ray now) to cut down on the number of components you need.

Anyway, you need a surround sound amplifier with the appropriate audio inputs and then the following speakers:

Center channel

Left front channel

Right front channel

Left rear channel

Right rear channel

Subwoofer

The 5.1 designation comes from the fact that you have five speakers that carry audio information and one (.1) that primarily carries sub-auditory bass for a rumble effect.

For what it's worth, PS3 games sound GREAT in surround sound. It really makes the experience come alive. I think shooters (war games) are particularly effective. If you take the plunge, you'll like it.

Hope this helps.