Will it still display HD(720p,1080i) video..?

[LiquidImpulse]

I'm just wondering, because i plan on using my computer to play movies without having to decode it all, burn it, then play a movie on a dvd player. what i was thinking was have the hd-content on my computer, and send the video to a dvi->hdmi adapter to hdmi-hdmi male to the viewsonic 3235w. will there be any degration in quality..? will this even WORK..? should i just use a plain vga cable..? i would not consider this, but the tv's very limited in connectivity and the only other video source i can use is the vga or the hdmi, and i REALLY want to use the hdmi. what would the fellow AT'ers recommend/do in a situation like this...? i dont really want to spend that much and work with what i have.

just another general question but in terms of sound. I plan on getting an audigy 2 zs platinum, and i understand the breakout box/io panel box has "7.1 output, Coax and TOSLink S/PDIF out". my tv also has a SPDIF port(not sure which though i THINK TOSLink. my question is, if i connect the tv to the z-5500's via the TOSLINK cable, will it output 5.1 on plain jane cable AND other sources (hdmi/dvi,component,composite,etc) or will it only detect stereo on cable and 5.1 on devices that support 5.1..?

FINALLY

I also found this neat little adapter that will provide simulated 5.1 surround on all consoles(probably dvd players and such as well).

Logitech Game Console Adapter -> http://www.memoryexpress.com/P...ts/PID-MX9842(ME).aspx

basically it converts the analog connections on the z-5500 or x530's or whatever 5.1 speakers u tend to have to the standard RCA plugs. Hopefully this will work...

Video: DVI-HDMI adapter to video on the 3235w

Audio for wii/xbox/other rca connection types ----> 3-TO-1 Multi-Source Audio Video AV Signal Switch (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2530) ---> 5.1 game console adapter ---> x-530 speakers.

Audio for computer--> run 3 x 3.5 mm stereo plug extension cable to back of computer.

sounds about right...?

 

[PurdueRy]

Yes.

Sometimes VGA can work better than HDMI on some TV's though for computer purposes.

Also, realize you won't get any sound through the HDMI cable.

 

[LiquidImpulse]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Yes.

Sometimes VGA can work better than HDMI on some TV's though for computer purposes.

Also, realize you won't get any sound through the HDMI cable.

well, if i play the HD/have the HD content on my computer and run it through the VGA cable, will it look more or less the same if i had it running with a dvi-> hdmi...?

 

[Auric]

Try DVI-HDMI first so the signal signal remains unmolested. Only if there are issues should VGA then be reverted to instead although it would seem like a terrible oversight from a company which primarily sells PC displays. That is, I would guess ViewSonic would be even less likely to make a TV with PC input issues. Of course, then it is up to whether or not the GPU drivers are up to snuff so that they don't screw it up either.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Yes.

Sometimes VGA can work better than HDMI on some TV's though for computer purposes.

Also, realize you won't get any sound through the HDMI cable.

well, if i play the HD/have the HD content on my computer and run it through the VGA cable, will it look more or less the same if i had it running with a dvi-> hdmi...?

For all practical purposes VGA will looks very similar to dvi->HDMI

There is no "loss" at a DVI->HDMI adapter. It's just a transition.

 

[LiquidImpulse]

just another general question but in terms of sound. I plan on getting an audigy 2 zs platinum, and i understand the breakout box/io panel box has "7.1 output, Coax and TOSLink S/PDIF out". my tv also has a SPDIF port(not sure which though i THINK TOSLink. my question is, if i connect the tv to the z-5500's via the TOSLINK cable, will it output 5.1 on plain jane cable AND other sources (hdmi/dvi,component,composite,etc) or will it only detect stereo on cable and 5.1 on devices that support 5.1..?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse
just another general question but in terms of sound. I plan on getting an audigy 2 zs platinum, and i understand the breakout box/io panel box has "7.1 output, Coax and TOSLink S/PDIF out". my tv also has a SPDIF port(not sure which though i THINK TOSLink. my question is, if i connect the tv to the z-5500's via the TOSLINK cable, will it output 5.1 on plain jane cable AND other sources (hdmi/dvi,component,composite,etc) or will it only detect stereo on cable and 5.1 on devices that support 5.1..?

Cable will be output stereo unless you have an HD box with optical out and connect that to the Z-5500's.

If you had OTA HD stations those would be output 5.1

Otherwise, it may or may not pass 5.1 from a HDMI connection to the optical out. On most sets I would say no, however this may not always be the case.

It would be best just to connect the source directly to the Z-5500's

 

[LiquidImpulse]

Since I'll be using the Z5500 optical port for the HTPC, I realized I won't have a way to connect the wii anymore. I was thinking perhaps I should get the audigy 2 zs platinum and then use the SPDIF IN to connect the wii to the HTPC, and then connect the HTPC to the speakers.

Basically, I'd use the HTPC as a receiver. Would this work? And would it 'just work' or would I have to be toggling settings all the time in Windows to switch between the wii and the HTPC audio?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse
Since I'll be using the Z5500 optical port for the HTPC, I realized I won't have a way to connect the wii anymore. I was thinking perhaps I should get the audigy 2 zs platinum and then use the SPDIF IN to connect the wii to the HTPC, and then connect the HTPC to the speakers.

Basically, I'd use the HTPC as a receiver. Would this work? And would it 'just work' or would I have to be toggling settings all the time in Windows to switch between the wii and the HTPC audio?

Since when does the Wii have a digital out?

 

[LiquidImpulse]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse
Since I'll be using the Z5500 optical port for the HTPC, I realized I won't have a way to connect the wii anymore. I was thinking perhaps I should get the audigy 2 zs platinum and then use the SPDIF IN to connect the wii to the HTPC, and then connect the HTPC to the speakers.

Basically, I'd use the HTPC as a receiver. Would this work? And would it 'just work' or would I have to be toggling settings all the time in Windows to switch between the wii and the HTPC audio?

Since when does the Wii have a digital out?

oh...uh...i just checked...my mistake
well, in other words, lets just say i have a PS3 If I connected the Playstation 3 via SPDIF IN and then connected the sound card via analog out to the z5500's... would it do all the decoding on the sound card and then pass the sound to the appropriate speakers or not?

as you can see, my head has been running around in circles trying to work everything out. basically i want the tv to function as my computer(which will play dvd's/hd content,other content), a normal tv(with cable which it has right now) receive 5.1 WHILE watching the HD content on the computer, AND for the 5.1 to work with other inputs that i have such as my wii and my imaginary ps3(the wii obviously running Dolby Pro Logic II since i just found out it doesnt have digital out )

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse
Since I'll be using the Z5500 optical port for the HTPC, I realized I won't have a way to connect the wii anymore. I was thinking perhaps I should get the audigy 2 zs platinum and then use the SPDIF IN to connect the wii to the HTPC, and then connect the HTPC to the speakers.

Basically, I'd use the HTPC as a receiver. Would this work? And would it 'just work' or would I have to be toggling settings all the time in Windows to switch between the wii and the HTPC audio?

Since when does the Wii have a digital out?

oh...uh...i just checked...my mistake
well, in other words, lets just say i have a PS3 If I connected the Playstation 3 via SPDIF IN and then connected the sound card via analog out to the z5500's... would it do all the decoding on the sound card and then pass the sound to the appropriate speakers or not?

as you can see, my head has been running around in circles trying to work everything out. basically i want the tv to function as my computer(which will play dvd's/hd content,other content), a normal tv(with cable which it has right now) receive 5.1 WHILE watching the HD content on the computer, AND for the 5.1 to work with other inputs that i have such as my wii and my imaginary ps3(the wii obviously running Dolby Pro Logic II since i just found out it doesnt have digital out )

Save yourself all the headaches and buy a refurb receiver from shoponkyo.com

It'll be worth the investment.

 

[LiquidImpulse]

hopefully they ship to canada!

any recommendations..? so far the txsr605 looks like its fitting all my needs without breaking the bank

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse
hopefully they ship to canada!

any recommendations..? so far the txsr605 looks like its fitting all my needs without breaking the bank

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX...&qid=1200176062&sr=8-1



You could go for a much simpler one...but if you plan on using HDMI in the future the 605 is a great option.

 

[LiquidImpulse]

holy smokes, just checked it out, much cheaper of amazon.com but shipping kills it. $161.60 shipped to Canada and im 99.9% sure im going to get dinged by customs too, i'll just let my ameri friend buy it and pick it up next time i go down there!

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse
holy smokes, just checked it out, much cheaper of amazon.com but shipping kills it. $161.60 shipped to Canada and im 99.9% sure im going to get dinged by customs too, i'll just let my ameri friend buy it and pick it up next time i go down there!

Ouch...but sounds like a good plan.

I have heard people have troubles with getting their sound card to decode and output seamlessly. Also, this way you will be able to upgrade the system easily when and if you want to.

 

[LiquidImpulse]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse
holy smokes, just checked it out, much cheaper of amazon.com but shipping kills it. $161.60 shipped to Canada and im 99.9% sure im going to get dinged by customs too, i'll just let my ameri friend buy it and pick it up next time i go down there!

Ouch...but sounds like a good plan.

I have heard people have troubles with getting their sound card to decode and output seamlessly. Also, this way you will be able to upgrade the system easily when and if you want to.

yea, i have another question on the side note since I'm taking the receiver route. I've been doing some reading lately and a lot of people have been mentioning the Polk R50's. Do you think I'd be worth it to buy these floor stand speakers (and a center/rear speakers later on) in a room thats about 120 square feet..?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse
holy smokes, just checked it out, much cheaper of amazon.com but shipping kills it. $161.60 shipped to Canada and im 99.9% sure im going to get dinged by customs too, i'll just let my ameri friend buy it and pick it up next time i go down there!

Ouch...but sounds like a good plan.

I have heard people have troubles with getting their sound card to decode and output seamlessly. Also, this way you will be able to upgrade the system easily when and if you want to.

yea, i have another question on the side note since I'm taking the receiver route. I've been doing some reading lately and a lot of people have been mentioning the Polk R50's. Do you think I'd be worth it to buy these floor stand speakers (and a center/rear speakers later on) in a room thats about 120 square feet..?

120 square feet is pretty small. I would go with bookshelf speakers personally. These are rather popular bookshelfs:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ol...&cp=1&id=1138085354138

Personally, I might recommend you stick with the Z-5500 speakers(I know...::gasp: Until you can afford something that will make a bigger difference.

Just one man's opinion...

 

[Quasmo]

I am doing the exact thing you're talking about, but I have an HTPC, a Wii, and an XBOX360. I output to my z680 reciever. For my soundcard I bought the HDA X-Mystique 7.1. At the time it was one of the only cards that supported DDL over SPDIF. DDL will encode 5.1 on the fly. So I use the S/PDIF port for my computer, I use the TOSlink port for my 360, and I use the analogue port for my Wii. It all works fine.

 

[LiquidImpulse]

Originally posted by: Quasmo
I am doing the exact thing you're talking about, but I have an HTPC, a Wii, and an XBOX360. I output to my z680 reciever. For my soundcard I bought the HDA X-Mystique 7.1. At the time it was one of the only cards that supported DDL over SPDIF. DDL will encode 5.1 on the fly. So I use the S/PDIF port for my computer, I use the TOSlink port for my 360, and I use the analogue port for my Wii. It all works fine.

well, this seems like a CHEAPER alternative. i was only considering the receiver but i'd rather be less $70 than less $400 . I also found this neat little adapter that will provide simulated 5.1 surround on all consoles(probably dvd players and such as well).

Logitech Game Console Adapter -> http://www.memoryexpress.com/P...ts/PID-MX9842(ME).aspx

basically it converts the analog connections on the z-5500 or x530's or whatever 5.1 speakers u tend to have to the standard RCA plugs. Hopefully this will work...

Video: DVI-HDMI adapter to video on the 3235w

Audio for wii/xbox/other rca connection types ----> 3-TO-1 Multi-Source Audio Video AV Signal Switch (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2530) ---> 5.1 game console adapter ---> x-530 speakers.

Audio for computer--> run 3 x 3.5 mm stereo plug extension cable to back of computer.

sounds about right...?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse

Originally posted by: Quasmo
I am doing the exact thing you're talking about, but I have an HTPC, a Wii, and an XBOX360. I output to my z680 reciever. For my soundcard I bought the HDA X-Mystique 7.1. At the time it was one of the only cards that supported DDL over SPDIF. DDL will encode 5.1 on the fly. So I use the S/PDIF port for my computer, I use the TOSlink port for my 360, and I use the analogue port for my Wii. It all works fine.

well, this seems like a CHEAPER alternative. i was only considering the receiver but i'd rather be less $70 than less $400 . I also found this neat little adapter that will provide simulated 5.1 surround on all consoles(probably dvd players and such as well).

Logitech Game Console Adapter -> http://www.memoryexpress.com/P...ts/PID-MX9842(ME).aspx

basically it converts the analog connections on the z-5500 or x530's or whatever 5.1 speakers u tend to have to the standard RCA plugs. Hopefully this will work...

Video: DVI-HDMI adapter to video on the 3235w

Audio for wii/xbox/other rca connection types ----> 3-TO-1 Multi-Source Audio Video AV Signal Switch (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2530) ---> 5.1 game console adapter ---> x-530 speakers.

Audio for computer--> run 3 x 3.5 mm stereo plug extension cable to back of computer.

sounds about right...?

That adapter does not do surround sound, not even pseudo surround. All that does is take the R channel and plays it in the R speaker and the SR, then the L channel is played also out the SL channel. Then both the R and L audio play out the center.

Pointless to buy this since your Z-5500's control pod can do this as is.

 

[LiquidImpulse]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse

Originally posted by: Quasmo
I am doing the exact thing you're talking about, but I have an HTPC, a Wii, and an XBOX360. I output to my z680 reciever. For my soundcard I bought the HDA X-Mystique 7.1. At the time it was one of the only cards that supported DDL over SPDIF. DDL will encode 5.1 on the fly. So I use the S/PDIF port for my computer, I use the TOSlink port for my 360, and I use the analogue port for my Wii. It all works fine.

well, this seems like a CHEAPER alternative. i was only considering the receiver but i'd rather be less $70 than less $400 . I also found this neat little adapter that will provide simulated 5.1 surround on all consoles(probably dvd players and such as well).

Logitech Game Console Adapter -> http://www.memoryexpress.com/P...ts/PID-MX9842(ME).aspx

basically it converts the analog connections on the z-5500 or x530's or whatever 5.1 speakers u tend to have to the standard RCA plugs. Hopefully this will work...

Video: DVI-HDMI adapter to video on the 3235w

Audio for wii/xbox/other rca connection types ----> 3-TO-1 Multi-Source Audio Video AV Signal Switch (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2530) ---> 5.1 game console adapter ---> x-530 speakers.

Audio for computer--> run 3 x 3.5 mm stereo plug extension cable to back of computer.

sounds about right...?

That adapter does not do surround sound, not even pseudo surround. All that does is take the R channel and plays it in the R speaker and the SR, then the L channel is played also out the SL channel. Then both the R and L audio play out the center.

Pointless to buy this since your Z-5500's control pod can do this as is.

....DAMNIT. It seems as if when i'm about to come to a solution you find some loophole or technical aspect i was not aware of.:frown: