Looking for 2.1 setup for HDTV

[NTAC]

I've had my HDTV for about 4 years now and believe it or not I've never hooked up any speakers to it.

The sound from the TV is ... eh.. not the worst thing in the world but I'm sure it can be 10000x better with an actual speaker setup.

I'm looking to spend probably no more than $200 but MAYBE could go as far as $300, especially if I can do like a finance deal from best buy or something like that.

Anyway, just looking for some recommendations and also have a question..

What powers the speakers? So if I look at a set of speakers like these for example: http://www.amazon.com/Acoustimass-IV...uct/B00006J054

What powers these speakers? Do I plug them into the TV or do I plug them into the DVR, or do I need to also buy a receiver as well?

As you can see, I don't know much about this stuff, all I know is that I'm ready to upgrade my audio experience when it comes to watching TV and that I also do not have the room or desire to setup a 5.1 system.

Let me know if you need more info from me, thanks!

Oh and I don't know if VSS is pretty much standard or not, but I would definitely like that feature.

 

[Anubis]

you would need to hook those up to a receiver

The result, when connected to your stereo system or amplifier (not included), is unbounded realism and distinctive stereo reproduction that is totally faithful to the original recording

TBH at a 200$ price point buying a soundbar might be your best bet

 

[NTAC]

Any recommendations?

I should also mention that there would be 3 devices going to the speakers, HDTV, Xbox 360 and PS3...

 

[queequeg99]

Can you provide a little more detail? How large is the TV? How far are you from it when viewing? How large is the room? Sounds like a small space but it's not clear if a powered near field system is appropriate, a soundbar like Anubis suggested, or something else.

 

[alcoholbob]

That's a tall order for $300. I think craigslist may be your best bet to get a receiver and speakers.

 

[NTAC]

Can you provide a little more detail? How large is the TV? How far are you from it when viewing? How large is the room? Sounds like a small space but it's not clear if a powered near field system is appropriate, a soundbar like Anubis suggested, or something else.

46 " Sharp Aquos... we'd be sitting about 8 feet from the TV... the setup is a bit odd, because the TV is up against the wall, to the left of the TV is a wall about 3 feet away but to the right is about 15 feet of open space...

I was looking at this one, it sounds as if it might do the trick...

http://reviews.cnet.com/home-theater-systems/sony-ht-ct150/4505-6740_7-34073592.html#reviewPage1

Keep in mind, I'm not looking for a mind blowing experience, I understand that my budget cannot facilitate that, but just a notable improvement over my TV speakers.

 

[dclive]

HT-CT150 from Sony will do all that you want, including 3x HDMI switching.

 

[NTAC]

Ok so I picked it up and now I have the following questions, but first this is how I'm connecting it:

Sharp Aquas 46" -- HDMI --> HT 150
PS3 -- HDMI --> HT 150
360 -- HDMI --> HT 150
DVR -- HDMI --> HT 150

So pretty straight forward, but I want to confirm or get further clarification on the following issues:

1. I noticed that my picture is noticeably darker on my PS3, do we know of any PS3 settings that I can fiddle with to improve this? I'd rather not manipulate the TV brightness every time I go from and to the PS3 if I can help it. My PS3 was previously connected directly to the TV via Component cables.

2. If I cannot resolve this issue and decide to connect the PS3 directly to the TV via HDMI to have isolated control over its brightness and then use component for audio by going to the HT 150, would I be losing sound quality by doing this?

3. Are there any settings I should fiddle with on the 360 and PS3 as far as Audio is concerned? Do I want to set my 360 to 5.1 or Stereo? What settings should I be using for PS3 if I go through HDMI? Same question for going through Component

4. I read that this device has a DMPort thingy and I'm interested in connected my IPhone to it to play music through the Rhapsody app. Is this possible, and if yes, I assume I'll need a cradle of some type? Any recommendations?

5. If anyone has connected Iphone to HT 150 via cradle, can it be confirmed that I would be able to use a music app such as Rhapsody to play through the HT 150 or will that not work?

That's about it I think, any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!