Hi there,

I have a 32 inch LCD TV and a Playstation 3 and am planning to have a HT set for my VERY small bedroom. My budget is RM 2500 and I was wondering if I should purchase a receiver plus 2 decent speakers then save my way up for a decent subwoofer and rear/centre speakers or just purchase a HTiB?

One of my main concerns with purchasing a receiver is that I'm afraid by the time I save up for decent rear speakers, my receiver may be so old that I'll have to change them and then it'd become a never ending loop of purchases! So I am more inclined to purchase a 5.1 HTiB set. Again, with my budget of RM 2500, is it even remotely possible to dream of 5.1 speakers + a decent receiver?

I originally planned to purchase a Sony HTS-BD2300 but it's discontinued and models like the HTS F360 and BDV-E300 are not available in Malaysia (according to the salesperson at Sony Style). I also looked at Pioneer's HTZ787 but I called up this shop and they told me that the model does not have any HDMI in.

Right now, I'm aiming for a Yamaha YHT591 and am hoping that some kind soul will be able to tell me if there are any Yamaha shops that sells Yamaha HTiB models because it seems most dealers just sell their amplifiers only.

I'm open to recommendations of any kind but it'd be preferable if the receiver/speaker combo or HTiB sets recommended will enable me to enjoy lossless audio.

Thank you for helping this damsel-in-distress here.



___________

Second dilemma:

Now that I have settled for a LG Blu-ray HTiB, I am looking for a media player that can play downloaded stuff on my TV without having to burn them on DVD format and play in the DVD player or transfer via thumb drive on my PS3.

Are there media players that allow me to do just that? It'd be preferable that these players have an internal hard disk while allowing connections to an EXTERNAL hard disk (I plan on transferring media from hard disk to media player) and a USB slot to transfer media from PC (downstairs) to media player upstairs.

Also, I'd like to ask, the media stored on these media players, are they virus proof? I was told that whatever media stored on my PS3 is virus-proof since virus for PC can't attack my PS3. The same concept applies to these media players?

Lastly, can these players play MKV files and am I right to assume the media played will be upscaled to 720p?

Thanks.

This post has been edited by kobe8byrant: Aug 24 2009, 01:56 AM

what's your major usage? gaming?

i dun think u can get lossless audio with RM2500. The avr that decode lossless oredi cost about 2k

This post has been edited by prescott: Aug 22 2009, 12:39 AM

As far as I know to enjoy lossless audio & blu-ray only Panasonic SC-BT100 HTIB got, all in one solution including blu ray player but it is selling at Rm4,399 ( could be cheaper now ). BTW does ur budget include blu ray player?

If not after lossless audio, Pioneer has a quite attractive entry level HT package which consists of an AVR + 5.1 speaker set and cost only around RM2500 over here in KK Sabah. Price should be cheaper over there in West M'sia. By the way, the package model is "HTP-800SW".

it depends on what you want to prioritize -

if sound quality is most important, then a stereo amp + 2 good bookshelf speakers will do very nicely until you save more money to expand your system. the stereo amp will also never be obsolete and you can reassign the amp to another room or sell it on when the time comes.

if you want to enjoy the surround effects from games and blu-ray discs then you would have to settle for an HTiB for now. Since you already have a PS3, do not get one with a built-in player - the Yamaha kits are a good idea - perhaps Harvey Norman?

That's what I thought too until forumer aiman (who's a fantastic chap to ask noobish questions ) told me that there are HITBs that can offer lossless audio.

Trouble is I do not need a blu-ray player. And I don't have RM 4k. If I did, I'd have had a proper system as well.

Hmmm...you make the stereo amp sound like a good investment but I'll try looking for the Yamaha HITB. I tried Harvey Norman today in MidValley but didn't manage to see any Yamahas.

LG HTB964TZ has HDMI in and out, and its a 5.1 system with really sweet sound. It shld be priced to your budget of RM2500.00.

If you are looking at the Pioneer 787, then you can send the video via HDMI to yr LCD, while sending the audio out via Toslink (fibre optic cable) to the 787, and the 787 shld be in the range of RM2,000.

Both systems are good HTiB, and shld fit yr room nicely for movie, music and games. You will not be disappointed with these sets.

I would stay away from receivers and 2.0 speakers set given the size of your "small" room, and perhaps you shld build yr system (AVR + decent speakers) when you move to a bigger unit with more space. But thats my personal views only.

Why not getting Panasonic BT-205 at around 2.5k. BD HTiB.

That female part really a highlight with the all-caps.

Poadster, the damsel's main purpose is for lossless audio, optical won't give that.

I've a friend who insisted that an HTiB would be enough for him, so he bought the Sony SF2300 to pair with his PS3 which matches well because of the HDMI input supporting multi-channel PCM. A week ago, he dropped by mine and another friend's house, after listening to our setups he started to consider a separate component setup so now he has to sell the whole set.

But Kobe, this Yamaha set is interesting because it has 4 HDMI inputs and not only supporting multi-channel PCM, it also has internal decoding of Doldy TrueHD and DTS-HD MA as well. Meaning if you have standalone BD player (or the new slim PS3) in future, you can bitstream those lossless audio codecs.

If you decide for a separate component, you can start with a receiver and a pair of speakers first. Yamaha RX-V663 is less than RM2k, and maybe can start with a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 9.1, or other brands like Q-Acoustcs or AE, etc. In near future when you have more money, you can buy a subwoofer, the the center speaker and finally the surrounds.

kobe bryant is guy wor.

Post edited.

This post has been edited by kobe8byrant: Aug 22 2009, 02:16 PM

If you look that way, even the HTiBs will have new technology in future. Speakers can last 10 years if you take care of it properly. Most people upgrade their speakers not because of new technology like TVs, but just because simply want more. Just like myself, I started from bookshelves, now upgraded to floorstanders. The Wharfedale Diamond series were launched in 1981, and they're still in production with some minor facelift only. I bought the Diamond 9.1 2 years ago for RM720 if I can remember correctly.

In my opinion, current receivers can last up to 5 years more. HD is still new, blu-ray is only just starting to make itself known to public, but it ain't mainstream yet. New models will have minor technology update, mostly some features like bluetooth, wireless networking, etc. I'm guessing it will only starts to turn obsolete when newer physical disc format with new audio codecs introduced and penetrates the marker. But if you ask me, I will get the best possible receiver, because who knows you'll be getting a more powerful set of speakers in the future.

Bro, Panasonic BT-205 already launched? Where can get it ~~~~?

Trouble with the BT-205 is that it only has one HDMI output and no inputs.

Bingo~~~! refer attachment~~~!


Attached File(s)
 panasonic_sc___bt_205.pdf ( 239.77k ) Number of downloads: 15

I originally had my mind set on a Pioneer 5 speaker set and a Yamaha receiver but I decided to opt for the LGHB954PB 5.1 HTiB set.

Reason being it has 2 HDMI ins (more than I need) and I can have a dedicated Blu-ray player. I am reluctant to overuse my PS3.

Aiman bro, didnt read the lossless audio part, and yeah, optical wont do.

Kobe, the Yammy V465 is pretty good, 4 hdmi in/1 out and lossless audio capable, and is pretty powerful to drive my floorstander 5.1 speakers.

The LG BD HTiB is sounds pretty good too, but i have not seen the images from the BD player. Will review the LG if you do get it.

in most cases, floorstanders are easier to drive compared to bookshelves

The Yammy looks pretty good but if I buy it, it'd be within in RM 2500 budget and then I have to buy a subwoofer. The LG BD HTiB set is RM3400 but it has a Blu-ray player and upscaling player in one (I don't have one so I won't have to purchase later on) and it has a subwoofer as well.

It has had glowing reviews off the Internet but of course I'll give you my take when I have it.

Trouble is I'll only have the set next week. House under renovation and taking longer than expected.

I have the same setup like you.. 32" LCD with PS3 and I just got myself a Pioneer HTZ777. Since there's only 1 HDMI out from the PS3, I'm using Optical for sound (Bitstream).

I tried looking for a nice receiver with HDMI in (with out) that splits both audio to the receiver and video to the TV but there doesn't seem to be any thats really affordable at the moment. Also, the hassle of unplugging and plugging to swap HDMI cables kinda put me off. Most HDMI are just pass through so a toslink / optical is still needed for audio... if got budget, look for a receiver that has a repeater.

You can try Pioneer HTZ-LX61. It has HDMI in for lossless audio.

I already decided to get an LG Blu-ray HTiB. It's definitely pricier than the set you recommended but for the difference, I get a Blu-ray player so less work for my Sony.

BTW, any idea how much the Pioneer set is priced?

Female?

You interested?

There will be a new model coming to replace the SF2300.. I will let you know tomoorow as soon as i got the information

Not only that, do let me know how much and when it is coming out as well. =) Thanks.

Now that I have settled for a LG Blu-ray HTiB, I am looking for a media player that can play downloaded stuff on my TV without having to burn them on DVD format and play in the DVD player or transfer via thumb drive on my PS3.

Are there media players that allow me to do just that? It'd be preferable that these players have an internal hard disk while allowing connections to an EXTERNAL hard disk (I plan on transferring media from hard disk to media player) and a USB slot to transfer media from PC (downstairs) to media player upstairs.

Also, I'd like to ask, the media stored on these media players, are they virus proof? I was told that whatever media stored on my PS3 is virus-proof since virus for PC can't attack my PS3. The same concept applies to these media players?

Lastly, can these players play MKV files and am I right to assume the media played will be upscaled to 720p?

Thanks.

This post has been edited by kobe8byrant: Aug 24 2009, 01:54 AM

I believe your PS3 is already a media center but it looks like a bit of work to make it, er.. work

You could get a WD TV instead

This post has been edited by SiriuslyCold: Aug 24 2009, 01:59 AM

I'm trying to reduce the workload on my 40GB PS3 to a bare-minimum here and I've constantly popped in and out my USB thumb drive to play movies on the PS3.I'm hoping a media player will allow me to stop that by having the movies and other media (pictures and music) stored on the hard disk for good.

Yes, I am considering WDTV but I'd like to have my questions answered before committing to such a purchase.

I don't think anyone's written a virus to attack the WDTV yet, so it's safe (for now, fingers crossed)

It can play MKV files (supports MPEG1/2/4, WMV9, AVI (MPEG4, Xvid, AVC), H.264, MKV, MOV (MPEG4, H.264), MTS, TP, TS)

I don't think it upscales video - it can output 1080p or 720p if your source files are at that resolution (someone can correct me on this I am not sure)

Yup,if u using WDTV,its depend on your source.Bare in mind, its worth to buy if u want to play mkv. since the PQ quite impressive.But are u going to download 12G-30G of mkv. file ?
It will take sometimes for u to dl it..Just my 2 cent..

I already have 20GBs of MKV files so you'd be surprised. And 13GBs of albums so there you go. =D

that's really not a lot... keep on compiling!

A few TBs worth would be the norm.

There doesn't seem to be any info regarding virus attacks targeted at the WDTV or the Dvico Tvix. But any PC viruses should not affect them either as they're probably running proprietary software/firmware, like the PS3.

Two of my brothers own the Tvix (the round tube shaped one) and they seem happy with it. Costs about RM1.8k, though IIRC. I'd go for the WDTV, since that seems to be a popular and cheap option.

Alternatively, if you have a good quad-core computer and a gigabit connection between the PC and the PS3, you can install a media server on the PC and stream your media to the PS3. I hope you considered wiring your place during renovations.

Edit: removed brothers' Tvix model since I'm not sure.

This post has been edited by myuu: Aug 24 2009, 11:06 AM

For media players with internal hard disk, you may consider DVICO or AC Ryan. I am using the DVICO (for main HT setup) and WDTV (for bedroom - for high def TV series, etc, that's not HT demanding).

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Added on August 24, 2009, 11:39 amI have the tube tvix - it's MA7000A

This post has been edited by podrunner: Aug 24 2009, 11:39 AM

12G Mkv files ? i think,its only 2 movie if 720p,or 1 movie if 1080p..What i meant is,are u going to download 12G-30G for each movie ?

I thought 20TB of MKV

The key word is FEMALE.
May be those MKV files are converted from TVB series rmvb. So 20GBs are around 200 episodes liao.

Wow can I come over and copy some of those MKV?

r u sure u wanna go over for the MKVs only??

? that's like 2-3 1080p movies?

I have few mkvs which each of them is near 20G

MKVs can't pack HD audio..so I guess it's just plain ol DTS/DD ?

So TS settled with a HTib eh?
Oh yea where you guys get those mkv files la ... pm me please.

isohunt la bro..

Good news. There will be 2 new models replacing the Sony SF2300 in September.

Hopefully it this models: BDV-E300 and BDV-E800W:

dang!!! Should have waited till September...

If I remember correctly... SF2300 was just a HTIB (DVD player) but this BDV-E300 and BDV-E800W models are HTIB (BD players) right?

HTFS2300 don't have DVD player la just enough HDMI In/Out for you to use

You using the SF2300?

And maxi, what's the estimated price?

Two models. All i know price ranging between RM2999 to RM3999. Should be better than SF2300. Or else get display set at KLCC which is the last one with cheap price.

That looks sexy, it's a BD HTiB, the SF2300 is only amp and speakers.

Any specs? Any HDMI inputs?

Hmmm....I tested out the LG at Harvey Norman and I like it a lot. I'm actually just waiting for the money now. But this should be interesting.

http://www.sonyinsider.com/2009/08/13/sony...heater-systems/

hmm have you tested HTFS 2300 before? is it better than sony?

Sorry but isn't the HTSF 2300 from Sony? :S

I think he meant to ask, "is the LG better than the Sony 2300?".

Okay, it's COMFIRM already. The 2 new models is BDV-E300 and BDV-E800W as i mentioned eaerlier. It's already in Malaysia but waiting to be launched and sold.

Kobe, just buy this model. because i know many people wants to read the first review from somebody before trying out at the shop before buying.

Reviews don't really play a part, specifications do. I'm quite impressed by the fact that the E800 has 7.1 capabilities (we'll have to purchase an extra 'speaker kit' to get 7.1 ) but a lot depends on the price. Like I mentioned, I was really impressed with the LG set. I brought my own John Mayer BD (I watched it like 7 times plus already) and tested it on the LG model and I thought that it was just as clear as it was on Sony's standalone BD player (forgot which model though)!

But I think I'll delay the purchase till mid-September to see if any more information is released. Reviews in Europe are already available for the two models.

@aiman, none of the shops I've been to had the HTSF2300 but I think I'd rather have a HTiB with Blu-ray playback capabilities.

This post has been edited by kobe8byrant: Aug 27 2009, 10:35 PM

What i meant earlier is i expect many people here waiting for your review for the model because you might become the first LYN forumer to try out the new model. this way you can convince many people to follow your step.

BYW, don't expect it will be launched as early as mid September. the only info i got about when it will be launched is.. in September, donno which part of September, lol.

This post has been edited by maxizanc: Aug 27 2009, 11:30 PM

I can only recommend it IF it is good.

And I meant to say that I will probably wait till mid-September before deciding to buy the LG if no new models are out then. My room is complete - going to hunt for a cabinet now. =D

How much is the LG? And what model? Sorry too lazy to read previous posts.

Yup, I think it has been discontinued. Well, if you can wait maybe you can listen to the new Sony when it arrives. Only to decide between the two then.

This post has been edited by aiman04: Aug 28 2009, 07:12 AM

Its wiser to do that on your hard earn money dude

I'm actually using the HTSF2300 its good if you upgrade from your PC speaker to it, it will be great if you upgrade from your TV speaker. But you can't compare with proper setup with HD receiver

Just watch knowing BD two days ago IMHO the sound of the aeroplane crash at home with HTSF 2300 is still better than the sound that you hear in cinema.

Attention everyone especially kobe:BDV-E800W SRP is RM3499 It's not out for demonstration yet, but i believe it can be bought already.

Product Description

5.1 Blu-Ray Home Theatre - Wireless Rear Surround Speakers

OUTPUT

Power Output Total: 1000W (Rms)
Power Output (Rms 10% Thd): Front 143W X 2; Centre 143W; Surround : 143W X2
Power Output : Subwoofer 285W (Rms)

AMPLIFIER

Sound Mode: A.F.D. Mode: A.F.D. Auto, Pro Logic, Pro Logic Ii Movie Pro Logic Ii Music , Multi Stereo
Music Mode : Portable Audio Enhancer, Hall, Jazz Club, Live Concert
Movie Mode : Cinema Studio Ex A, Cinema Studio Ex B, Cinema Studio Ex C
Headphone Mode : Headphone 2Ch , Headphone Direct
Stereo Mode : 2Ch Stereo , 2Ch Analogue Direct
I/O Specification:
A/V In/Out : 0/1 ;
Analogue Audio In/Out : 2/0
Hdmi In/Out : 0/1 ;
Component Video In/Out :
0/1; Dmport: 1 (Osd)
Opt In/Out : 1/0;
Coax In/Out : 1/0 ;
Lan Input: Yes

Power Consumption : 120 W; 0.3 W(During Standby Mode)
FEATURES

* Blu-Ray Disc Playback In 1080P Via Hdmi
* 4 Tall Speakers With S-Air Wireless Surround Speakers Included
* High Definition Audio With Dolby Truehd And Dts-Hd

WEIGHT & DIMENSIONS

Main Unit 430 X 93 X 430 / 5.4 Kg
Front Speakers/Sat Speakers: 295 X 1190 X 295 / 3.7 Kg
Centre Speaker: 380 X 51 X 68 / 0.4 Kg
Subwoofer : 225 X 395 X 325 / 6.2 Kg
Surround Amplifier : 85 X 100 X 345 / 1.7 Kg


This post has been edited by maxizanc: Sep 13 2009, 08:24 PM

That Sony HTIB looks good. I suppose to enable the wireless function for rear speakers they need to have electricity supply?

How does this set compare to other HTIB?

The S-AIR is built in. Not sure how the SQ but i guess will be ready for demonstration in Sony Style by this week,.

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Added on September 14, 2009, 6:12 pmBDV-E800W speakers are floor standing (wireless for rear) E300 speaker are sattelite. Both have BD and can decode Tru HD & DTS-MA

This post has been edited by maxizanc: Sep 14 2009, 06:12 PM