Can I hook up a set of 4.1 THX speakers to the audio out on a TV?

[masterc]

I wanted to get a set of speakers for my TV audio. I realize the best way would be through a reciever.
I saw and set of Altec Lansing 641 speakers (4.1) at BestBuy. They sound great and would be a cheap way to get the setup I want. But would I be wasting my money on these if I hooked them up via an RCA to stereo adapter?

Would I be better off getting just the 621's (2.1)? (I really only want the better stereo sound and kickin' sub.)

Also, are these better than the Z-560's (logitech's THX 400 watt) or the Klipsch 4.1/2.1 Promedia (more $$)???

 

[l33t]

I was wondering the same thing myself

http://www.digit-life.com/sound.html

^-- Been reading for hours now

 

[HouRman]

Sure,

The speakers accept any analog stereo input from a PC's sound card which is no different than the stereo analog output of your Television. Most televisions don't have any bass but with the added subwoofer you'll likely get some more full range stereo in addition to flexibility for speaker position.

The TV outputs only 2 channel stereo which means you won't get any discrete surround sound. What you can do with the speakers is set the surrounds to play the same thing as the front speakers. If this does not seem worth it then I'd go for the 2.1 setup.

The Altec Lansings have a different type of sound than the Klipsch and Logitechs so it's hard to say which one is really better, it's more of a matter of personal preference. I don't think you can really go wrong with either of the 3 because they all sound good for PC speakers.

So since Televisions have 2 separate RCA analog audio outputs, you will need to buy an adapter that is: Stereo RCA Male (left/right) to 1/8" stereo miniplug female. Then you can use the patch cable provided to connect the adapter to the speakers.

Since the speakers accept digital input (I think they do) then you can plug in a separate CD player via a digital coaxial link. This will play any stereo CD music (Digital PCM) through the speakers with digital quality. You cannot get 5.1 surround sound from the speakers though such as Dolby Digital or DTS.

 

[Woodchuck2000]

Many TV have no discrete stereo outputs. Most of those will, however, output audio through one or more of their scart sockets with the appropriate adaptor. Some sets of speakers (such as my DTT3500s) will do pro-logic. If your TV outputs a stereo signal, you will get pro-logic sound on stuff like films, which sounds fantastic.

...will play any stereo CD music (Digital PCM) through the speakers with digital quality.

Must... control... fist of death.... :Q:disgust::|:Q

Sorry about that, the phrase "Digital Quality" is one of my pet hates as it is completely meaningless...