Quick Questions Regarding Home Theater

[DXnfiniteFX]

OK, I have some quick questions about home theater and connections between various machines. I'm gonna go straight to the point. No long explanations needed, just some answers and general suggestions/recommendations. I appreciate any and all help I can get.

1. Would it be better for me to connect my progressive scan DVD player directly to my HDTV (using component connections) or should I output it to my receiver and then output it to my HDTV. Which is a better method? Would I simply be wasting money on an additional component cable or is it better to go through the receiver first?

2. How good is the KLH brand? Their speakers, in particular? I ask this because I don't want to spend too much money. I noticed their stuff is less expensive and wanted to know if the brand is reliable and produces quality products.

I don't necesarrily care about convience, only quality and efficiency. However, if indeed going through a receiver means nothing more than wasting money on additional component cables, then I won't go that route. But if there are some benefits to it, I would strongly consider them. Should I try to connect as many machines to my HDTV and then connect the rest to the receiver or should I do it the other way around?

Please guys, I will determine my purchasing decision on your feedback. I don't want to waste my money or make a bad buying decision. My HDTV will be arriving soon and I don't want to make a bad decision. Again, I appreciate any and all responses.

[The Baron]

Receiver makes no difference, AFAIK, although I have no experience with progressive scan and HDTV in particular.

As for KLH... dunno, I'll ask my bro later. He knows all that stuff... *shudder*

[thcdru2k]

1. I assume you mean your audio receiver when you say receiver? It would best to output the video from your DVD player to the HDTV and your audio straight to your audio receiver.

2. For budget sound, KLH does a very good job. It should match up with more expensive Bose systems. I've heard the bass could be too overpowering.

I guess your audio receiver has video inputs right? If those inputs are s-video than you won't lose any noticeable quality connecting to it. But if they are component just connect all video ouputs to your TV and all audio outputs to your receiver. Same with your TV, output the sound to your receiver because you won't need to use the built in speaker.

[madthumbs]

The only reason to hook up your DVD video through your reciever is if you're going to be recording from it which isn't the best way to copy dvd's. ie; better quality/cost directly up to the tv.

Sorry thcdru2k, but there is an humongous difference between component and s-video!

[The Baron]

Component is WAY better than S-Video. About a big of a step up as s-video is to composite....

Now, don't mess around with Bose. Seriously... just go to uBid, buy some Mission speakers or some Wharfdales (believe that's the name... it's something like that)--they sound WAY better than anything Bose makes, and I think the front 3 speakers my dad just bought (Wharfdales) cost a total of $400. Still gonna need a sub, though... but there's always Tannoy. :p

[thcdru2k]

ack my bad i meant composite lol..

[DXnfiniteFX]

Well, thanks for your responses. I guess I'll save the couple dollars for extra cables. I'm gonna just buy the necesary video cables and connect them directly to the HDTV. As for sound, direct connection to the receiver. If I have a need for any extra video connections, I'll just go through the receiver.

As for KLH, they are the only things in my price range. I don't know if I should even bother with replacing my current speakers. I wouldn't consider anything other than KLH, if only for price considerations. Are there any more comments on them? As for overpowering bass, I don't mind that:D

[thcdru2k]

what is your price range anyway?

jensen makes a good 5 piece and 1 subwoofer package. it has 90w of power. it can be found online for only $160.

http://www.thedotcomsuperstore.com/viewitem.php?IndexID=1414

[DXnfiniteFX]

Well, to tell you the truth, my current setup is one of those six speakers in a box deals by KLH. I don't think their that bad at all. The bass is overall solid. The satellites aren't bad either. The current specs are 620 total wattage. Each satellite handles 100 watts of power, the subwoofer handles 120. The satellites are about 4 1/2 inches or so, the subwoofer is 8 inches. I was just wondering how much additional power I could gain by stepping up to their better models. For example, I was wondering if that 10 inch 100 watt subwoofer would be better than my current one.

With the purchase of the HDTV, I don't have as much money to spend as I would like. My current speakers are decent, but I was wondering if I should get some of KLH's better stuff.

[Nutty]

Whats the difference between component and composite?

What connectors does component use? Is component as good as true RGB signal, or do you need component from progressive scan modes?

I admit I dont know jack about this stuff.
All I currently know (or am lead to believe) is;
RGB is better than S-Video is better than composite.

I dunno where component fits in.

[thcdru2k]

component is same as RGB

[thcdru2k]

i'd stick with those speakers and subwoofer for now. they should be fine and just wait and save up some money to get something nice.

[The Baron]

Composite--RCA plugs. One for video.

S-Video--special S-Video plugs. Once again, only one.

Component--3 plugs. It's either one for each color in RGB or one for C, M, and Y and K is automagic. Can't remember off the top of my head though... I just remember they have some goofy letter descriptions.

[DXnfiniteFX]

What is more important in a speaker? Is it the size or the wattage as far as power goes? Obviously, an 80 watt speaker would produce less power than a 100 watt speaker.

But what about size? How does that factor into overall power? Will a 10 inch 100 watt subwoofer be more powerful than a 8 inch 120 watt subwoofer?

Thanks for your answers so far guys. I will take the recommendation about keeping the speakers into serious consideration. But I would like to know the answer(s) to my above question anyways.

[The Baron]

Despite what everybody thinks, that's not what's paramount. Speakers are like musical instruments (at least once you reach the high-end). You can read all the specs you want, but you MUST hear it before you make a decision. You may think, "Oh, those things won't have enough bass," but when you actually try it out in whatever configuration you use, you might find that it's absolutely perfect.

So basically, the wattage and all that really doesn't mean diddly. :p

[ringu61]

I am getting Creative Inspire 4400 4.1 Speakers tomolo.

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