My friend has got a philips LCD, and wants matching Home Cinema.

He was going to get this
http://www.24electric.com/detail.php?ProdID=97339586&referrer=froogle

But it doesnt have Optical Out for the sound. Is there any other way round it?? Or is there another decent Philips 2.1 System which has HDMI connections and sound output?

That one ive linked to might have a sound output, but im thick.

Sorry, dont know answer to your post?

Thats a really cool looking 2.1 setup, tis very expensive though.  I am intrigued by the dvd/decoder box?  Presumably you have to put it next to the TV as it does not look like it can sit underneath the TV?  I think the angle is really cool, but practicality maybe questionable.  I love the look of it and have been looking for a really nice 2.1 still yet to find something really nice that does not cost silly monies (out of a box setup, dont want two massive speakers).  

Its a waste of money putting optical/HDMIs on a 2.1 set, the whole idea of digital connections is to deliver 5.1. He needs to get a 5.1 set.

If youre going to spend that much, and want optical out (so youre nou using the included speakers), then just get a normal dvd player with no speakers and plug it into whatever sound system you were going to use with the phillips one. Buying a home theatre system and not using half of it is silly. Plus a separates system will sound much nicer too.

Its not for me, its for a friend


Clockd, why is it a waste of money having a digital connection for 2.1?? Surely its going to be better quality being digital? He only wants 2.1 as its for a conservatory, so would be too much with 5.1 really.

Shakey , I dont get what you mean. He wants a home theatre just to keep it more simple really, rather than buying everything seperate.

If hes not having any extra stuff, then why does he need an optical out? the only reason for needing one would be to plug into an external audio amp.

For the sound.

HDMI connection for the picture, and optical for the sound from TV to the DVD player thing, which then in turn outputs the sound.

I am guessing you mean optical in?!?  

Erm, Yeah........ :whoops:  

Between 2.1 through RCAs or even having an optical run he wouldnt see any difference really, manufacturers simply dont bother to make digital connections for non 5.1 audio, and even then a format such as SACD still requires analogue RCA outputs across 3 channels because of the protection used.

Hes better off looking for quality hardware overall rather than a matching brand and the latest connector type.

I see, cheers for the explaination!

He did ask me to ask about 2.1 systems........but I went round to see him earlier has he had sky hd fitted........and guess what, he (well his wife) bought this Sony 5.1 http://www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProduct.action?product=DAV-IS10&site=odw_en_GB&pageType=Overview&imageType=Main&category=HCS+Surround+Kit+%26+DVD+Player