Need inexpensive Home Theater System with HDMI inputs

Finally got a flat screen TV (Samsung LN37A550). Great TV - terrible speakers...

I was investigating various Home Theater Systems with wireless rear speakers. At first it seemed to be an easy task - a big selection in the range of up to $600 (my budget).

Then I realized that none of these have HDMI inputs - they only have HDMI output.

Why is it important to me? I have put together a multi media computer with HDMI port, which I plan to use for online TV broadcasts.

My Dish Network DVR 722 broadcasts currently at 1080i and plans to go 1080p. It connects to the TV with a HDMI port.

I also may get a Blue-Ray player.

Bottom line - I need a system with at least one or more HDMI inputs.

The rear wireless speakers are a must if I want to stay married... :)

I looked into a “component” solutions, but all seem complex and well beyond my budget.

Any ideas what to do?

Summary of what I need:

* Theater System with DVD, with up conversion
* Wireless rear speakers
* One or more full HDMI inputs
* Budget not much more than $600

Thank you for your help.

P.S. - Will consider 2.1 speaker system to eliminate the rear wireless requirement, as long it can simulate surround sound.

Need inexpensive Home Theater System with HDMI inputsI'll be interested in reading the replies. As far as I've see, "inexpensive" and "with HDMI inputs" are mutually-exclusive.

How about this - http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTS6100/Onkyo/HT-S6100-7.1-Channel-Receiver/-Speaker-Package-BLACK/1.html

Doesn't look like it has Wireless rear speakers.

No it doesn't. Any inexpensive system I have seen does not have wireless speakers. The ones that do sound pretty crappy. I have not heard any wireless speakers that sound good save very expensive ones (more that $300 for the pair).



There is a wireless adapter system you can use if it is an absolute must. It has a transmitter you place near the receiver and receiver that has wires running to both of the rear or surround speakers. Link - http://www.rocketfishproducts.com/pc-36-5-rocketfish-wireless-rear-speaker-kit.aspx

What about the idea of 2.1 speakers instead of 5.1 or 7.1? I could leave with two speakers + sub woofer if it simulates surround sound. That would eliminate the need for wireless. Any such inexpensive speakers?

What about the idea of 2.1 speakers instead of 5.1 or 7.1? I could leave with two speakers + sub woofer if it simulates surround sound. That would eliminate the need for wireless. Any such inexpensive speakers?

Sure but I would recommend 3.1 as the center channel is the most important of all the speakers. And with the HTiB I recommended you would be able to configure it as 3.1.

Sure but I would recommend 3.1 as the center channel is the most important of all the speakers. And with the HTiB I recommended you would be able to configure it as 3.1.Can you think of some specific models/vendors?

Check my link above.

Check my link above.Thanks, I did learn something I didn't know.
I was asking, however, whether there is a speaker set - 2.1 or 3.1 where I would not need rear speaker, thus eliminate the need for the Rocketfish unit.

Thanks, I did learn something I didn't know.
I was asking, however, whether there is a speaker set - 2.1 or 3.1 where I would not need rear speaker, thus eliminate the need for the Rocketfish unit.

Re read my response in post #7 above. No extra speakers or anything else needed just use what is there and eliminate the 4 surround speakers for now. The receiver will let you set it up that way.

I really appreciate your input, Loves2Watch! I am learning a lot and I believe I am getting closer to finding a solution.
May I ask one more question please: what is the feature on the receiver that I have to look for in order to verify that the receiver will let me use only 3 speakers out of the 7 (or 5)? I may want to shop around for other systems and want to make sure I'll have that option.

Thanks again.

There is no name for that feature per se but when you calibrate the audio and speakers using the Audssey room EQ it will sense the number and placement of speakers and adjust things accordingly.

No it doesn't. Any inexpensive system I have seen does not have wireless speakers. The ones that do sound pretty crappy. I have not heard any wireless speakers that sound good save very expensive ones (more that $300 for the pair).

I must say that I completely agree with Loves2Watch. I have a very odd shaped room that made wiring up rear surround speakers a real challenge. When I was upgrading my system, I tried a couple different sets of wireless speakers and was not happy with any of them. It was about 6 mos. ago so I don't remember brands/models. But I tried 5 sets from $100-$300 and all were unsatisfactory. Needless to say, I bit the bullet and did what I had to do in order to wire rear speakers. I really wanted rear speakers so I didn't try any 2.1 or 3.1 setups.

Just my :2cents

DeadHead68

I must say that I completely agree with Loves2Watch. I have a very odd shaped room that made wiring up rear surround speakers a real challenge. When I was upgrading my system, I tried a couple different sets of wireless speakers and was not happy with any of them. It was about 6 mos. ago so I don't remember brands/models. But I tried 5 sets from $100-$300 and all were unsatisfactory. Needless to say, I bit the bullet and did what I had to do in order to wire rear speakers. I really wanted rear speakers so I didn't try any 2.1 or 3.1 setups.

Just my :2cents

DeadHead68
Did you try the "Rocketfish Wireless Rear Speaker Kit" that Loves2Watch recommended and if yes, what you didn't like about it?

Did you try the "Rocketfish Wireless Rear Speaker Kit" that Loves2Watch recommended and if yes, what you didn't like about it?

I don't believe I tried that exact kit. I had a bunch of interference issues with all of the kits I did try. I would hear a pop in the rear speakers about every 20 seconds or so. If I turned off my wireless router it would stop. And when I was on the phone (2.4 ghz wireless) there was constant static. Also constant static whenever the microwave was turned on. It's worth a shot for you to try it and then return it if it doesn't work. If Loves2Watch recommends it, I would definitely try it.

DeadHead68

After investigating and reinvestigating various options, I keep coming back to Loves2Watch's recommendations... They seem the most reasonable within my budget.

As I think about it, I really do not need 7.1 speakers - 5.1 would do, which brings me back to ask the following question of Loves2Watch or anyone else:

If I wanted same equipment (Onkyo or similar receiver - 4 HDMI inputs are important) but would rather buy the speakers separately, what equipment would you recommend.
I truly value this forum and it's member's help, as I am learning here a lot.

After investigating and reinvestigating various options, I keep coming back to Loves2Watch's recommendations... They seem the most reasonable within my budget.

As I think about it, I really do not need 7.1 speakers - 5.1 would do, which brings me back to ask the following question of Loves2Watch or anyone else:

If I wanted same equipment (Onkyo or similar receiver - 4 HDMI inputs are important) but would rather buy the speakers separately, what equipment would you recommend.
I truly value this forum and it's member's help, as I am learning here a lot.

Then I think this would be your best option - http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR606/Onkyo/TX-SR606-7.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Receiver-BLACK/1.html

Receiver looks similar, but what about speakers? There are so many different manufacturers, which brand or which specific 5.1 speakers would fit this system?

Receiver looks similar, but what about speakers? There are so many different manufacturers, which brand or which specific 5.1 speakers would fit this system?

Just about any. It all depends on your price range. BTW although the receivers look similar they are not. The one I just referenced is a much better unit.

For speaker systems, take a look at this - http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/KEFKHT10052GB/KEF/KHT1005.2-5.1-Sattelite-Subwoofer-Speaker-Package-GLOSS-BLACK-/1.html

Well, I went with your original recommendation and ordered the Onkyo HT-S6100 - from http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/501799052/onkyo-ht-s6100 (accessories4less.com didn't have it in stock). I thank you, Loves2Watch, and everyone else who participated in this thread.
On a partially related note, I am also planning on getting the Sony Playstation 3 to use as a Blu-ray player - comments welcome...

Well, I went with your original recommendation and ordered the Onkyo HT-S6100 - from http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/501799052/onkyo-ht-s6100 (accessories4less.com didn't have it in stock). I thank you, Loves2Watch, and everyone else who participated in this thread.
On a partially related note, I am also planning on getting the Sony Playstation 3 to use as a Blu-ray player - comments welcome...

I believe the Playstation3 to be one of the best choices for a Blu ray player. Good luck and most of all, have fun...

Hi: I am a total novice to home theater but I LOVE my audio/stereo setup with my Harmon Kardon receiver and speakers. (My snells blew up and my NAD receiver is in heaven). We are looking at buying a panasonic blu-ray player, perhaps the BD 55 or maybe the old BD 35? We can't afford to replace our stereo amplifier with a home theater amp. at this time and I am a real stickler for wonderful music sounds on my NAD cd player so I won't be using the blu-ray for music. Although I realize some people now dock an i-pod to the home theater receiver and cd's are not so popular? All this is alot of information for me as I have become out of the loop with things. So...how to I get a nice home theater set-up for a reasonable budget even though I don't want to replace my stereo setup. I am also VERY concerned about having so many components in our living room considering it is the only main room of the house. So it is both formal entertaining room and family room. Please offer advice..I am open to help and suggestions. Thanks in advance .
Sharon

Hi: I am a total novice to home theater but I LOVE my audio/stereo setup with my Harmon Kardon receiver and speakers. (My snells blew up and my NAD receiver is in heaven). We are looking at buying a panasonic blu-ray player, perhaps the BD 55 or maybe the old BD 35? We can't afford to replace our stereo amplifier with a home theater amp. at this time and I am a real stickler for wonderful music sounds on my NAD cd player so I won't be using the blu-ray for music. Although I realize some people now dock an i-pod to the home theater receiver and cd's are not so popular? All this is alot of information for me as I have become out of the loop with things. So...how to I get a nice home theater set-up for a reasonable budget even though I don't want to replace my stereo setup. I am also VERY concerned about having so many components in our living room considering it is the only main room of the house. So it is both formal entertaining room and family room. Please offer advice..I am open to help and suggestions. Thanks in advance .
Sharon

This should fill all of your needs at a very affordable price. http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR606/Onkyo/TX-SR606-7.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Receiver-BLACK/1.html