Audio

[vinbon63]

Hello, I am looking into purchasing a Sony DAVHDZ284 5.1 HTIB.  I realize it is most likely the bottom of the line set in Sony's line-up but I just want a little something extra, over the built in tv speakers.  I also want it since my television is a Sony LCD.  My question is, if I buy this HTIB, will I be able to connect it to my TV as well as my blu-ray player and XBOX 360?  I might be hoping for too much considering the price of this HTIB, but would there be any way of connecting everything together so I can have surround sound when watching a blu-ray movie, playing an XBOX 360 game, and watching HD cable on my Rogers HDPVR?  Im not sure exactly how Bravia Sync works but since my TV is a Sony LCD, my Blu-ray player is a Sony BDP-S560, and the HTIB would be a Sony, will they all somehow be able to work together?  Any help would be greatly appreciated!  Thank you.

Message Edited by vinbon63 on 12-27-2009 08:23 PM

[hb]

The DAV-HDZ284 does not have an adequate number of digital surround sound inputs for a cable HDTV receiver, an XBox, and a Blu-ray player. You really need to be looking at using a component system made up of a "real" AV receiver and separate speakers. If you take a look every now and then at the audio package deals sold by Future Shop (there is a nice one advertised as part of the boxing weeks sale which is probably sold out) you can get a much better system for not a lot more money than a HTiB system.

Don't put a lot of emphasis on getting a completely Sony system just to take advantage of "Bravia sync". You can live without this feature just fine.

Message Edited by hb on 12-27-2009 08:31 PM

[vinbon63]

Thanks for replying so quickly.  I figured that this would be the case, so I started looking into proper receivers.  Out of curiosity though, if I were to purchase this HTIB, what would be the most I could get out of it, connectability-wise, (if that makes sense).  Would I be able to hook it up to the blu ray player and X box 360 at least, or only one of these two?  Thanks again, i really appreciate it.  I am quite a newbie with home audio and how it all connects.

[hb · Accepted solution]

The DAV-HDZ284 has two digital audio surround sound inputs - one optical digital, and one coaxial. I don't have access to the DAV-HDZ284 owner's manual to confirm this... but it may be possible to connect a digital audio source to both inputs at the same time, and the DAV-HDZ284 will automatically switch to the input that is active (meaning you have to make sure only one audio source is powered on at the same time). If this is indeed the case, then you could (for example) connect the XBox 360 optical digital output to the back of the DAV-HDZ284, and you could connect the coaxial digital audio output of a Blu-ray player to the coaxial digital audio input on the back of the DAV-HDZ284 at the same time.

One other consideration that might push you towards the purchase of a real AV receiver. You won't be able to hear the lossless HD audio tracks of a Blu-ray disk with the optical digital connection to the DAV-HDZ284 - what you will hear is the same audio quality you would hear from a DVD recording of the same movie. To hear the lossless HD audio recorded on a Blu-ray disk, you need an AV receiver with HDMI inputs and the ability to decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA-HD.

The other advantage of using an AV receiver is that it will also switch all your video inputs for you - so that you don't need to separately select your audio source (on the DAV-HDZ284) and your video source (on your TV). All video and audio inputs go to the back of the AV receiver, and one video connection goes from the AV receiver to the TV.

Message Edited by hb on 12-28-2009 07:30 AM

[vinbon63]

Thank you very much for the help hb.

[Eddie_99]

i recently purchased the SONY HDZ 284 audio theatre system, and i want to confirm a few things.  First, it was easy to set up.

but what i want to be able to do is use the TV sound when i play DVD's....and not use the speakes of the system?  what is the set up for this.

Similarly, i wnat to be able to use either a Rogers or Bell set top box to play a show, and use the speakers from the audio system, again....set up is?

[seeAvneet]

vinbon63 wrote:
Thanks for replying so quickly.  I figured that this would be the case, so I started looking into proper receivers.  Out of curiosity though, if I were to purchase this HTIB, what would be the most I could get out of it, connectability-wise, (if that makes sense).  Would I be able to hook it up to the blu ray player and X box 360 at least, or only one of these two?  Thanks again, i really appreciate it.  I am quite a newbie with home audio and how it all connects.

---

The HTiB you have provided has a very limited # of inputs. If you are on a budget but are willing to spend a bit more I would recommend the Pioneer HTiB for 399.99 found here:

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/pioneer-5-1-channel-home-theatre-system-htp-790hd/10127853.as...

Although a basic amp, it has 2 HDMI inputs that will take care of both the Xbox360 and Blu Ray. Also includes optical and coaxial audio inputs if needed as well as component for future HD sources (ex. Cable/Sat box). You get two tower speakers as well and Pioneer is a great audio company. For the price the set up is a great buy as it was retailing for 699.99 at one point earlier in the year.

Ofcoarse you will have to spend a bit more but you do recieve a basic proper amp with multiple HD inputs.