I purchased a new tv - LG 37" LH40, looking to get a new home theater system as this wont work with my current, but very old stereo (panasonic SC-DK10) I am not looking to spend a ton of money on it, as I live in a small apt. I was looking at the LG LHT854, but I have read that it wont output 5.1 for anything but dvds. I run HDMI for everything, DVD, xbox and cable & want surround sound for all as well. $250 is my price range, any suggestions?
The biggest problem with HTIB (home theater in a box) systems, is that they don't usually have enough inputs, especially HDMI inputs. That's why you can only get surround from dvds, with the LG system you mentioned. To get enough inputs, you need to get an HTIB system that gives you a real receiver in it, instead of the receiver with built-in dvd player. Onkyo is a brand that gives real receivers with theirs. They give a lot of bang for the buck.
You didn't mention blu ray, but if you're ever going to get into blu ray, you want the minimum system of the Onkyo HTS 6200. It has plenty of inputs. It decodes the HD audio formats from blu ray movies. It does the auto speaker calibration with Audyssey, which works very well. And it sounds great. It is also upgradable, as funds allow, which most HTIBs are not. First thing most people want to upgrade is speakers. HTIBs can't give you real good speakers at an HTIB price. Just not going to happen. The ones with the Onkyo are better than most HTIBs. Most HTIBs give you speakers with proprietary connectors, that won't work with a regular receiver. Plus a lot of them are 2 or 3 ohm, which won't work with regular receivers. So, most HTIBs are a complete waste of money.
See the 6200 here: http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S6200-7-1...64509110&sr=1-1 Even though it's a 7.1 system, you can use it as a 5.1 if that's what you prefer, and use the two extra speakers in another room. This system is more than you want to pay though. I don't believe you'll find anything that you'll be happy with for $250. Especially something with enough inputs.
Good luck!
thanks, ill check it out. Is it true that I cant just hook it up all through the TV & use the optical out from the TV to the HT?
Oh, & i dont need blue ray. I stream all hd through my xbox & i dont think blue ray will be around for very long.
