my dvd player has analog 5.1 output, i dont have money to get an amp and then a centre speaker, does anyone know of a centre speaker witha a built in amp? Right now using my TV's left speaker as FL and the Right speaker as centre, couldnt get a word of dvd movies otherwise,
is it just me or do dvd movies have lower recording volume, same movie on a vcd sounded much louder.
but that doesnt matter, does anyone know of a centre speaker with amplifier built in? not necessarliy from sony )
Joined: Aug 23, 2002
Posts: 2623
From: Houston, TX
Posted: 2004-07-29 19:39
That's not going to work, as you'll have to control volume via both the TV's volume control and the powered speakers' volume control.
You can either get a proper sound system, or if you don't want to buy anything and to just use the TV's speakers for output, then just hook up the front right and front left audio output from the DVD player to your TV, and set the DVD player's output to "STEREO" only, or to disable all the surround speakers inside the player's menu.
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9160
From: Chicago,IL, USA
Posted: 2004-07-29 20:34
rat_pool,
With what you have now I would follow Ray's advice and go with a stereo setup so that the dialog is sent to the TV's speakers. As far as a active center speaker, I believe that I read that Paradigm does make one but at the cost of $900+(USD) it would be cheaper for you to invest in a separate amplifier and speakers or even a HTIB.
Joined: Apr 30, 2004
Posts: 99
From: Tacoma, Washington
Posted: 2004-07-31 22:22
Rat_pool,
I agree with you about recorded levels on DVD's especially the dialog on the center channel. I had an ancient Dolby Surround decoder that didn't have a center channel and I had a terrible time hearing dialog over sound effects. So I bought a 5.1 system and everything was much better. So much better that I'd never go back.
My dad, on the other hand, hates spending money, so here's what he did (not my favorite setup, but hey, to each their own, right?) He split the L/R out of the DVD player to his stereo and TV, allowing him to have stereo separation and then he fiddles with the TV volume to get the dialog. I think it's silly, but it cost him a couple of RCA splitters and he's happy.
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9160
From: Chicago,IL, USA
Posted: 2004-07-31 22:40
Freeze,
You are absolutely correct, without a center channel speaker the dialog is lost. IMHO the center channel speaker is the most important speaker of them all when it comes to Home Theater. Which is why I always recommend buying the best center speaker your budget allows. As far as your dad's setup, as long as he's happy that is all that matters.
Joined: Apr 30, 2004
Posts: 99
From: Tacoma, Washington
Posted: 2004-07-31 23:02
Jittar,
I couldn't agree with you more! The center channel is key. Interestingly, my older and cheaper Sony STR DA 845 receiver had a handy dandy center speaker adjustement on the remote, so I could adjust the center speaker quickly. My STR DA 3000 ES does not, and I need to dig into the Levels menu to adjust up or down. Movies are engineered to different levels, and I find myself drilling down to that menu setting freqently. I was going to program the marco feature of the remote to get there, but the problem I don't have the IR code to get to that menu selection directly; I need to press 'main menu' anywhere from 2 to 8 times to cycle around to 'levels'. Strangly, the remote has a 'SB Decoding' direct button, which I never use. Dumb, huh?
Thanks.
----------------- Fan of the Blue Light Special
Maxxwire Moderator Premium Member Rank: Sony Adept
Joined: Aug 29, 2002
Posts: 25772
From: Portland, Oregon - USA
Posted: 2004-08-01 02:38
Freeze- Could your old RM-LJ 304 remote diectly access the ceter channel volume adjustment of your DA 3000ES?
_Maxx
----------------- A Satisfied Sony Fan Since 1974!
Joined: Apr 30, 2004
Posts: 99
From: Tacoma, Washington
Posted: 2004-08-01 12:03
Maxx,
An excellent idea, to be sure. When I picked up the 845, it was a special deal with an upgraded LP204 remote with LCD display. I had hoped to use this ugly but useful remote on the 3000ES but it does not. Too bad.
Thanks for the suggestion.
----------------- Fan of the Blue Light Special
Maxxwire Moderator Premium Member Rank: Sony Adept
Joined: Aug 29, 2002
Posts: 25772
From: Portland, Oregon - USA
Posted: 2004-08-01 13:36
Freeze- That's too bad. I know I have some older Sony remotes with individuated functions that will work on newer Sony eqipment and can get them to do things that the contemporary remotes fail to get them to do.
The equipment has the capability, but the newer remotes are too simplified to be able to get the equipment to perform those functions.
_Maxx
----------------- A Satisfied Sony Fan Since 1974!
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