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Question

Surround sound system help?

Jan 13, 2015 11:46PM PST

I've got a Sky box, a PS4 and I'd like both of which to play 5.1 with no problems? I previously brought a 5.1 system which didn't support Optical out/in and this caused me to ONLY get 5.1 when playing a Bluray. Not happy. Now thats all over with, I'm ready to give this another shot. I don't know what I need to make them both work with no messing around with unplugging cables and whatnot.

Choosing a system should be no problem but if anyone has any to recommend, and I'm not looking to spend a fortune, please let me know. Ideally from Argos!

Slight addition. Soundbars? Worth investing?

Discuss!

Thanks.
Mike.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Budget?
Jan 13, 2015 11:49PM PST

I didn't see any surround systems for sale on the Argos (as in the UK retailer?) site. Everything is a 'micro' 2.1 setup. See if you can find one.

Otherwise, Amazon UK will have some decent system if you can first provide a relative budget figure to work with Wink

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Budget: £150
Jan 13, 2015 11:52PM PST
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Got it
Jan 14, 2015 12:48AM PST

Thanks. That helps.

Now, your task is finding a rig that permits adequate digital inputs for all the devices you require. In other words, the Skybox will likely need at minimum, HDMI directly into the HDTV, then either digital optical or digital coaxial into any 5.1 system you acquire. Ditto for the PS4. I will have to check the specs for the few you linked to above. Your task may ultimately require an AV receiver though. YMMV.

Since the PS4 can play back blu ray already, you may want to buy this as separates (AV receiver & 5.1 speakers/sub).

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Okay...
Jan 14, 2015 12:57AM PST

Thanks! If you do manage to find anything on Currys, Amazon, Argos etc. Please forward me some links as you're right I don't need the bluray player at all. It's just a sound system I'm after.

Thanks.

Mike.

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You might be able to rig up something @ Argos
Jan 14, 2015 2:19AM PST

At that price point however, you won't be getting much in the way of a rig w/ ample inputs, and it won't be much of a dedicated AV unit either, since it's combined with either DVD or Blu Ray player, crammed into the same case. I don't see much in the sub-150 point anyway. They either have a single optical input or none usually. So in this respect, you would have to use an optical switch, that combines two digital optical outputs into one input.

That said, you could do it with a couple of the units @ Argos, but with the headache of the digital optical switch (~$10-20?). HDMI cables from both PS4 & Skybox receiver would be connected directly to your HDTV, with each having a separate digital optical cable running into a switch, than onwards to the HT unit.

If you could wait a little longer and budget a little more, you could do better with a budget surround receiver that has more inputs (including HDMI), and inexpensive speakers such as Monoprice 5.1 & sub. Amazon UK might have something if you can check.

Examples:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ricco-Channel-Bluetooth-Amplifier-Receiver/dp/B00MHVJYBG/ref=pd_sim_sbs_ce_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=1B8QP55886EA5CACKDE6

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AD6CRY8?psc=1

The speakers remind me of a generic Bose system.

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Answer
Multi input adapter
Jan 14, 2015 6:38AM PST

You can go with multi input adapter. It gives an option of selecting the source without unplugging the cables

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Yes, that's what I said above
Jan 14, 2015 10:20PM PST

He could employ a switch.