Audio Question 5.1 Surround

berriman · 01-09-2006, 08:23 AM

ok, I know this is a very basic question, but please bear with me.

I am preparing to buy a plasma...and really like the look, features, and performance of the Panasonic TH-42PWD8UK, but it doesn't have built-in speakers.

I don't reckon this is a problem because I do have a surround sound system, albeit not a state of the art one.....the Pioneer HTD-540DV.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...124090,00.html

But right now I use it mainly just for DVDs (with my CRT TV).

In "TV" mode, I find that I must have the volume turned WAY up on the surround system, AND the TV itself must have volume. The more volume I generate from the TV itself, the less I have to "pump" the surround system volume to hear the audio. If I have the volume all the way down on the TV, then I cannot hear anything from the surround system either.

Will it work the same way with a panel without speakers? That is, it will still have a "volume" button that will dictate "output" level to the surround system?

Or do you have to run the configuration differently?

thanks much.

DB

sl7vk · 01-09-2006, 08:36 AM

Run your satellite or cable receiver directly through the receiver, and you shouldn't have this problem. Your receiver should have the ability to run audio directly to your receiver on one line, and the TV on the other. So to answer your question, this shouldn't be an issue.
Getting your receiver to pick up Dolby 5.1 is more difficult, but that is a different thread.

berriman · 01-09-2006, 09:21 AM

thanks for responding.

hmmmm.... so you bring up a good point...one of the big reasons for going to HD. that is, enjoying 5.1 sound with HD broadcasts.

So to pick up HD 5.1 sound, what will have to be done? (in a nutshell).

sl7vk · 01-09-2006, 09:38 AM

Normally nothing. But I had to turn off the PCM on both my Directv box and my DVD player and switch it to Dolby Digital only. After that it was perfect crystal clear...... except, when I tried to get audio through my TV only. I got a high pitched buzzing sound, but only if I used HDMI cables. Consequently I now use component cables, and everything is fine.

You'll love the 5.1 on NFL games, it's like sitting in the 3rd row.

plasmalvr · 01-09-2006, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sl7vk

Normally nothing. But I had to turn off the PCM on both my Directv box and my DVD player and switch it to Dolby Digital only. After that it was perfect crystal clear...... except, when I tried to get audio through my TV only. I got a high pitched buzzing sound, but only if I used HDMI cables. Consequently I now use component cables, and everything is fine.

You'll love the 5.1 on NFL games, it's like sitting in the 3rd row.

Great advice here. Just have your finger on the mute button when they go to a commercial. It will be at least 20% louder and the sound tracks they use are phenominal, so it sounds twice as loud as the programming through 5.1 surround.

01-09-2006, 08:23 AM	#1
berriman High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2005 Age: 41 Posts: 78	Audio Question 5.1 Surround ok, I know this is a very basic question, but please bear with me. I am preparing to buy a plasma...and really like the look, features, and performance of the Panasonic TH-42PWD8UK, but it doesn't have built-in speakers. I don't reckon this is a problem because I do have a surround sound system, albeit not a state of the art one.....the Pioneer HTD-540DV. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...124090,00.html But right now I use it mainly just for DVDs (with my CRT TV). In "TV" mode, I find that I must have the volume turned WAY up on the surround system, AND the TV itself must have volume. The more volume I generate from the TV itself, the less I have to "pump" the surround system volume to hear the audio. If I have the volume all the way down on the TV, then I cannot hear anything from the surround system either. Will it work the same way with a panel without speakers? That is, it will still have a "volume" button that will dictate "output" level to the surround system? Or do you have to run the configuration differently? thanks much. DB

01-09-2006, 08:36 AM	#2
sl7vk Panasonic Plasma Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 603	Run your satellite or cable receiver directly through the receiver, and you shouldn't have this problem. Your receiver should have the ability to run audio directly to your receiver on one line, and the TV on the other. So to answer your question, this shouldn't be an issue. Getting your receiver to pick up Dolby 5.1 is more difficult, but that is a different thread.

01-09-2006, 09:21 AM	#3
berriman High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2005 Age: 41 Posts: 78	thanks for responding. hmmmm.... so you bring up a good point...one of the big reasons for going to HD. that is, enjoying 5.1 sound with HD broadcasts. So to pick up HD 5.1 sound, what will have to be done? (in a nutshell).

01-09-2006, 09:38 AM	#4
sl7vk Panasonic Plasma Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 603	Normally nothing. But I had to turn off the PCM on both my Directv box and my DVD player and switch it to Dolby Digital only. After that it was perfect crystal clear...... except, when I tried to get audio through my TV only. I got a high pitched buzzing sound, but only if I used HDMI cables. Consequently I now use component cables, and everything is fine. You'll love the 5.1 on NFL games, it's like sitting in the 3rd row.