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Ask the Editors Live! Home audio live chat event with CNET senior editor John Falcone starts Thursday June 28th at 11 a.m. to noon PT / 2 p.m to 3 p.m ET. Where John will be answering your home audio questions ranging from home theater systems to AV receivers to surround sound speakers, and everything in between.
So stay tune and don't miss out!
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John Falcone here, ready to answer all of your home audio and home theater questions for the next hour. Thanks for joining us. Fire away!
I have a Playstation 3, the Blu-Ray movies look great, but the sound isn't quite what I think it could be. I have a Sony Surround System with 5.1 Dolby, what would you suggest for audio setup or system that would allow me get the most out of Blu-Ray without forcing me into a life of crime (and possible male prostitution) to pay for it?
The PS3's Blu-ray audio capabilities still aren't fully formed (Sony tweaks it with firmware upgrades), but you should be able to get uncompressed PCM audio via HDMI--try the audio setup menu. (And I'm assuming you have an HDMI AV receiver.)
Hey. I have a SDTV with component inputs. I am not sure if it supports 480p. Should I buy the cables, and is the improvement of sound and picture worth it?
If it wasn't billed as an EDTV (enhanced definition), it probably can't support 480p. Using component inputs at 480i could still give you a better picture than S-video, especially on next-gen game consoles and DVD.
If it wasn't billed as an EDTV (enhanced definition), it probably can't support 480p. Using component inputs at 480i could still give you a better picture than S-video, especially on next-gen game consoles and DVD.
In your review of Onkyo receiver 2007 line-up, you mention "2 HDMI 1.3a
inputs, with HDMI conversion of analog video" for for TX-SR605 but you
describe "3 HDMI 1.3a inputs, with HDMI upconversion" for other higher
models such as TX-SR705. (1) Is there a difference between just "conversion"
and "upconversion" between these models? (2) Upconversion is what
resolutions? Thanks.
Good question. On those models, it's basically just analog to digital video conversion--the picture from 480i is not being upscaled to HD resolutions. BTW, the 605 review is coming next week.
Wil upconversion work on ALL analog video inputs? (S-Video and Composite Video)
The 605 can convert any analog (composite/S-video) input to HDMI output. It can also deinterlace those signals (convert 480i to 480p output via HDMI).
Do you see any compelling reasons to go with a Denon 4308 over the Onkyo 905?
The Denon 4308 hasn't officially been announced yet, although it's almost certain to be announced in July. Until we get real specs, though, we can't make a judgment on a comparison.
I'm looking for a cheap 5.1 setup, and it looks like I'm leaning towards a HTIB system. I've done some research and it seems like all you can get are these HTIB's with a million different inputs. All I want it to do is output my PS3/Blu-Ray/PS2/Gamecube, while maintaining the Hi-Def signal. Since my TV is a Sony Bravia KDL42XBR2, and has an audio output, would it work to simply run an audio output from my TV (which has it) into a cheap HTIB system? I suppose I'm not so much into fidelity as I am into being immersed in the game/movie.
This newly announced JVC system has great connectivity, and it's only $300. We'll have a full review in July. Your plan would work, but the TV's digital audio outputs don't always pass surround signals very well, so you might lose the surround bitstream w/o a direct connection from source to HTIB.
So why the difference in terms describing SR605 and SR705 and up? Is it just a typo or a real difference?
Thanks.
That and THX certification--not much else is different.
I have Boston ceiling mount fronts and rear chanel speakers, is there an inwall sub that mathes the quality of a stand alone sub? If so, any suggestions, from what i have heard you have to do a lot of work within the wall with framing? Is this the case?
Do you see a future in the Home Theather PC, it doesn't seem to have found an audience?
HTPCs have a lot to offer for advanced users, but they still have a setup and learning curve that frustrates many, especially in the living room. Also, until the CableCard issues get sorted out, I think most people will gravitate towards dedicated components instead (AV receivers, disc players, game consoles, Apple TV, etc.) rather than PCs.
I know you do alot with home theater, but I would like you to help me with on the go, as it still has to do with Audio. Is the Bass freq a good choice? Cnet gave it a Editors choice, but what about the quality of the cables.What is your opinion on it. Is Noise canceling good?
... I suspect they fall into the category of "good for the money" (only $40 or less). Personally, I prefer less bass, so I'd probably steer clear--just a personal preference issue. I'm also leery of noise cancelling headphones, because the extra pressure tends to hurt my ears (again, a personal preference).
Generally, A/V receivers mention THD but HTIB units don't. Is their THD so bad they hide it?
I find that in otherwise similar units, the prices jump sharply for THD of less than 0.1%.
So, how important is THD spec and what is a good number to look for an average listener?
While lower THD is better, it's very hard to verify many of those manufacturer claims. A real-world listener will very often not be able to tell the difference. If you're a true audiophile, I'd definitely recommend going w/ a full AV receiver and dedicated speakers over an HTIB, though--as a rule, AV receivers are going to deliver better sound quality overall than all-in-one home theater units, which are geared towards convenience, design, and ease of use.
... which delivered better than average quality without sucking up too much of my disk space. In a perfect world, I'd love to go lossless (FLAC), but I prefer the guaranteed compatibility that you get with true MP3s.
You just mentioned in your answer that "TV's digital audio outputs don't always pass surround signals very well, so you might lose the surround bitstream w/o a direct connection from source to HTIB"
Wow - I was counting on it!
Is this also true for LCD HDTVs?
Does this apply to matrix surrond or discrete channels like in DolbyDigital 5.1?
Unfortunately, we don't routinely test this issue on the TVs we look at, since we assume folks will be using an AV receiver for the switching tasks. But I know my brother's 40-inch Samsung LCD TV couldn't take the surround bitstream (from HDMI) and pass it to the receiver (via optical out). So, instead, he ended up with the Dolby Digital getting dumbed down to stereo, then matrixed back up to Dolby Pro Logic II. Annoying, to say the least.
The iMac G5's speakers are pitifully weak. What's your suggestion on a high quality speaker (works with Macs) that lasts long and doesn't hurt the wallet?
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