anilkc2000
New Member
I am new to this site; my most recent 'urge' for 'better sound' started about 2 weeks back and I have been 'crazy googling' since then using up any 'free time' that comes by. I stumbled upon this site about a week back and have been trying to get a hang of what info is available where. A lot of info is already there but it appears that it might take a while before a newbie like me can gain sufficient knowledge to 'act' ( or for that matter even 'ask' the right Q). So while I will continue with my 'freestyle' browsing, thought will try hand at asking for help as an 'ignorant novice'.
Here is my context:
1. After a long while, I have a slightly long visibility (of about an year
) of staying put at my current location of residence. That is not too long but I think I cannot hold off anymore from treating myself with some good audio ( if not the best).
2. My current setup is basic ( or maybe a few notches below that). An HD ready LCD TV ( LG Scarlet) and a LG DVD player ( both supports HDMI interface). Both have tags of Dolby Digital; in addition TV says SRS TruSurround XT Digital & DVD player says it has 5.1 ch decoder & Full HD up-scaling. I have currently used the 3 cable video ( component) and 2 cable audio ( L+R) connection for audio to connect TV & DVD player. I have a Digital STB which is connected using 3 cables ( 1 Video + 2 for Audio) to the TV directly
3. Our combined TV viewing is a couple of hours every day - a mix of news & entertainment. 2-3 movies a week - mostly past 10 or weekends in HBO or Star Movies and a few times a month on DVD rentals. Listening to songs have taken a hit; it is limited to mp3s played in the car or through the DVD player.
3. Immediate woe is with the clarity of the audio. Currently whatever we play it all happens through the TV speakers. Though in terms of volume I can spike it up, I am increasingly getting irritated with its clarity. (That most of our TV watching is after putting our toddler to sleep might better explain why I cannot exercise the 'crank up the volume' part without putting to jeopardy the domestic harmony. ). I would like to have the first upgrade to take care of getting us some better clear & rich sound.
4. I would like to eventually have a better sound setup at home. Though I am considering it now, I am yet to conclude whether I am ready yet to start building it piece by piece. The high possibility of having to relocate after an year is also adding to the hesitation. Other of-course is the spending priority, this 'sound upgrade' still not having made it to the 'family list'.
I am assuming I need to do a few things:
1. Get a better set of speakers to augment/replace TV speakers. This can either be as part of HTiB or a basic 5.1 ch AVR setup.
2. Re-look at the sources. The Digital STB (from local cable guy) might be the first one to replace with a HD DTH STB
3. Upgrade the connection between DVD player & TV to HDMI.
Request help:
1. My immediate budget is around 20-30k; what is the best I can do with that ? I don't mind getting a 1-2 yr old Amplifier (from a resale) and starting with just 2 speakers-instead of 5.1 (minimum need is getting clear sound with some effect with not so much volume !). Other option is to go for a 'junta' HTiB ( saw a few options from Sony but that comes with a DVD player which I already have); but somehow is feeling guilty doing sosad having been reading and preaching a bit about their shortcomings for a while. But if there are decent ones, OK to eat some crow
2. HD DTH STB - I did see a thread about Tata SKY & Airtel. But I do have a query on whether the HD STB will enhance the sound quality or just the picture part.
3. Is there anything that I can do better with the equipment that I have - like placement etc ? I am going slow with the HDMI cable as majority of the watching & listening is still from TV channels only.
I just wrote what came to mind to get this thread going. I will come back in a few days and add if I feel I can get better in articulating my need...but meanwhile, will be great if any of you can give some ideas & suggestions. Thanks in advance
Here is my context:
1. After a long while, I have a slightly long visibility (of about an year
) of staying put at my current location of residence. That is not too long but I think I cannot hold off anymore from treating myself with some good audio ( if not the best).2. My current setup is basic ( or maybe a few notches below that). An HD ready LCD TV ( LG Scarlet) and a LG DVD player ( both supports HDMI interface). Both have tags of Dolby Digital; in addition TV says SRS TruSurround XT Digital & DVD player says it has 5.1 ch decoder & Full HD up-scaling. I have currently used the 3 cable video ( component) and 2 cable audio ( L+R) connection for audio to connect TV & DVD player. I have a Digital STB which is connected using 3 cables ( 1 Video + 2 for Audio) to the TV directly
3. Our combined TV viewing is a couple of hours every day - a mix of news & entertainment. 2-3 movies a week - mostly past 10 or weekends in HBO or Star Movies and a few times a month on DVD rentals. Listening to songs have taken a hit; it is limited to mp3s played in the car or through the DVD player.
3. Immediate woe is with the clarity of the audio. Currently whatever we play it all happens through the TV speakers. Though in terms of volume I can spike it up, I am increasingly getting irritated with its clarity. (That most of our TV watching is after putting our toddler to sleep might better explain why I cannot exercise the 'crank up the volume' part without putting to jeopardy the domestic harmony.
). I would like to have the first upgrade to take care of getting us some better clear & rich sound.4. I would like to eventually have a better sound setup at home. Though I am considering it now, I am yet to conclude whether I am ready yet to start building it piece by piece. The high possibility of having to relocate after an year is also adding to the hesitation. Other of-course is the spending priority, this 'sound upgrade' still not having made it to the 'family list'.
I am assuming I need to do a few things:
1. Get a better set of speakers to augment/replace TV speakers. This can either be as part of HTiB or a basic 5.1 ch AVR setup.
2. Re-look at the sources. The Digital STB (from local cable guy) might be the first one to replace with a HD DTH STB
3. Upgrade the connection between DVD player & TV to HDMI.
Request help:
1. My immediate budget is around 20-30k; what is the best I can do with that ? I don't mind getting a 1-2 yr old Amplifier (from a resale) and starting with just 2 speakers-instead of 5.1 (minimum need is getting clear sound with some effect with not so much volume !). Other option is to go for a 'junta' HTiB ( saw a few options from Sony but that comes with a DVD player which I already have); but somehow is feeling guilty doing so
sad having been reading and preaching a bit about their shortcomings for a while. But if there are decent ones, OK to eat some crow 2. HD DTH STB - I did see a thread about Tata SKY & Airtel. But I do have a query on whether the HD STB will enhance the sound quality or just the picture part.
3. Is there anything that I can do better with the equipment that I have - like placement etc ? I am going slow with the HDMI cable as majority of the watching & listening is still from TV channels only.
I just wrote what came to mind to get this thread going. I will come back in a few days and add if I feel I can get better in articulating my need...but meanwhile, will be great if any of you can give some ideas & suggestions. Thanks in advance
hyeah
