How can I improve the sound quality on my HDTV?

David P

The sound on my new Samsung large screen TV is very bad sometimes. For sports and news programs, it's fine. But when I play back an hour long drama such as CSI or NCIS, it's very difficult to hear what the actors are saying. The same problem holds true when I watch Blu-ry movies on my Samsung Blu-ray player. Sometimes I have the sound on the TV, which I normally watch at about a 20 level, turned all the way up to 100, and then I still can't make out what the actors are saying. The picture quality on my new Samsung plasma TV is drop dead gorgeous, but these sound problems are making my movie experience horrible. Outside of buying a sound bar or a surround sound system, what can I do to better understand the dialogue in movies? Thank you.

Answer
Don't shoot the messenger! Read your owners manual. Samsung tells you these sets aren't built for premium sound. The last set of speakers I replaced in a Samsung, they were $2.97 each. The sound quality sucks on the newer sets. Your forced to "up grade" your sound options ie surround system. Samsung makes a great sound bar. Most customers turn the speakers off and use the sound bar.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-2883938296108739840&id=pcat17071&type=page&st=sound+bar&sc=Global&cp=1&nrp=15&sp=&qp=&list=n&iht=y&usc=All+Categories&ks=960

what has better sound quality?

Langer

I have a 1200 watts Pioneer surround sound and my parents just bought a HDTV for the basement were my suround sound is. Since it is a HDTV my parents want to get a HD box down there. my suround sound has coaxial digital slot open and a optical digital slot still open my question is witch one has better sound quality?
oh i forgot the HD box that i have has both inputs

Answer
They are both digital so they will sound the same. I prefer optical just for the fact that coaxial cables use copper wiring that is susceptible to RF and EM interference.

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Looking for a good surround sound system for my HDTV.?

Clark Kent

Hello,

I have a Vizio XVT423SV 42" truled HDTV and I use it for watching movies on netflix, blu rays, and playing PS3 games. I am looking for a good surround sound system that I can buy to help complete the package. The stock sound is good but I want surround sound.

I don't mind buying used from craigslist or amazon but I just wanted to know some names and models of good surround sound systems that have good crisp sound quality? I want to be able to hear footsteps of enemy soldiers and which way they're heading just from listening to my speakers. lol.

My budget is about $100 but again, I don't mind buying used from craigslist and such. Sometimes good deals pop up there.

Answer
"The stock sound is good" You're kidding right? Seriously, visit a 'premium' home theatre store and\or Hi-Fi store to listen\hear what 'good' sound is.
You will be disappointed buy a full system in your price range. I would advise: Either lower your specification or raise you budget.

Fact: NOTHING in a plastic box will sound any good! ALL speakers should be in a wooden cabinet! (Mind, concrete\cement is good but that's another story lol)

Raising your budget is the easiest (in sound terms)
or
By lowering your spec you can afford some QUALITY equipment, just not a full surround sound set (yet)

Why not buy a decent A\V amp for starters. I'm going to show you some links here in the uk but shop around where you are, how about ebay for used gear, you can purchase a used amp that's really good but normally unaffordable.

Like: http://www.richersounds.com/products/home-cinema/home-cinema-separates/av-receivers
Generally the better the price the better the equipment\more connections etc, your looking for one that take HDMI.

Then: Buy a really good set of Stereo speakers (Floorstanders?) http://www.richersounds.com/products/hi-fi-separates/speakers/floorstanders
Make these GOOD, you can use them for your music as well as Home Theatre. GOOD ones will produce plenty of bass negating the need of a 'sub' (for now)

Along with them buy a decent centre: http://www.richersounds.com/products/hi-fi-separates/speakers/centre-speakers

Again get the best you can afford, they produce 90% of the sound in surround mode (The dialogue\talking)

That alone will give you a very decent sounding system. Test\listen to the speakers first, preferably at home (On 'loan\test') see if the match YOUR listening environment and that YOU like them.

Wanna go further? Now is the time to buy some surround speakers (You want 4 but can start with 2): http://www.richersounds.com/products/hi-fi-separates/speakers/bookshelf-speakers

Bookshelf speakers are the best 'bang for your buck' deals you can get!
(If you don't want large floorstanders then a GOOD pair of bookshelves coupled with a subwoofer is the other way to go, just remember you may want the fronts for music as well, shame to waste em eh!)

Lastly buy a decent 'sub' to really give you that 'wow' experience that only a full surround sound can give you. You will have set your amp originally for 'large' front speakers to divert the bass to them, you could now set it to 'medium' and divert the low end to the sub. (That's why you purchased a 'good' amp!)

This way you are always buying great sounding gear and adding as you can afford, and never have cr*p sounds.

As I said shop around, ebay is a great source, but go to a store and listen to em live first, google the specs etc. Good advice can be found at www.avforums.com BUT read the previous post first BEFORE you ask any questions (They maybe uk based but the advice goes for anywhere)

Lastly bear in mind when you buy 'decent' equipment it's re-sale value is higher (and easier to sell) when you wish to upgrade to some better.

When I'm researching something new to buy I will often spend a day or two touring the specialist shops viewing\testing\listening till I know what I want (I buy regularly for others and install) making it an enjoyable day (or 3 lol) out.

Good luck mate, happy shopping.

Porjection TV or HDTV?

xxxx

Can someone give me advice on a Akai projection TV - is this a quality product?

Answer
HDTV........it sounds like an off name but that doesn't always mean it won't work or is bad quality but i don't know the brand to share my opinion.

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Would changing my receiver improve sound quality?

best sound quality hdtv image

Brandon Pe

I have vintage Jensen 8 inch, three way floorstanding speakers and a polk audio psw 505, im planning to add a second psw505

I honestly have a horrible receiver, and i NEED to upgrade.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41H3HzVJuWL.jpg <-- This image shows a picture of it

It's a terrible awia, and i know my speakers arn't really high end at all, but would changing receivers change the sound quality by a lot?
and if i were to by a sony 7.2 receiver instead of an onkyo receiver, would i see a change in sound quality between the two?
(im comparing the Onkyo TX-NR616 and the Sony STR-DH740

This sound setup is on my computer, so i am just using optical audio from my computer to the receiver.
i am getting surround speakers soon too, that's why i want 7.2
I might also use HDMI to transfer sound instead of using an optical audio cable

Answer
The receiver is only part of the total sound you are going to get. Onkyo is one of the top brand for receiver from the entry level to the high end. Pioneer is the other receiver. I would reccommend you go to your nearest electronic store and see if they can set up the receiver with the polk audio speakers. Bring your own source of material for the demo. Listen to only one song on each speaker and let your own ears be the final judge. Personally I have never had any Sony product that have lasted me more than 3 years. This was the high end of Sony product, DVD player when they first came out model 7000 and the the 7700 both at $1,100 each and then the first HDTV 34" CRT for a price of $6.400. I have used Onkyo and Pioneer Elite receivers for well over 35 years and never had one issue. Hope this will help you out.

What's the best way to connect an external hard disc to a brand new HD television?

asdfasdf d

I want maximum picture and sound quality.

These are the outputs on the disc: USB, coaxial, Ext.IR, HDTV and AV.

Note that they're all just "little holes" about the size of the plug you plug your earphones in your ipod except for of course the USB.

Also, can USB carry a 1080i resolution to your television (given that your television has DivX reading capabilities) ?

Answer
You can not connect any hard dis drive to a tv. The tv is not a computer. USB connection from Ipod can be connected to the tv along with computer video from the computer.

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Do you know an HDTV with awesome built in speakers?

best sound quality hdtv image

OfDubiousQ

I know HDTV's are notorious for their built in speakers sound quality, so I was just wondering if there was one out there with some good, ready to go speakers.
If someone could just tell me 1 HDTV with better than average sound quality, they get best answer. I'm fully aware that a home theater sound system sounds better than a TV's internal speakers.

Answer
Mitsubishi has a relatively new line that features a sound projector for it's built in speakers. It uses 16 small individually amplified speakers that allow it to very directionally beam sound to various reflective points in the room. Yamaha uses the same technology in its YSP line. While it not as good as a full size surround system, with the addition of even a small subwoofer it has great sound on its own. Available in either a 52" or 46" LCD size it's also got a great picture as well.

http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/isplcd.html

Full Disclosure: I am a dealer for both Yamaha and Mitsubishi as well as many other television brands. I personally have the 52" version at my home.

What's the best way to connect an external hard disc to a brand new HD television?

asdfasdf d

I want maximum picture and sound quality.

These are the outputs on the disc: USB, coaxial, Ext.IR, HDTV and AV.

Note that they're all just "little holes" about the size of the plug you plug your earphones in your ipod except for of course the USB.

Also, can USB carry a 1080i resolution to your television (given that your television has DivX reading capabilities) ?

Answer
You can not connect any hard dis drive to a tv. The tv is not a computer. USB connection from Ipod can be connected to the tv along with computer video from the computer.

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Do you know an HDTV with awesome built in speakers?

best sound quality hdtv image

OfDubiousQ

I know HDTV's are notorious for their built in speakers sound quality, so I was just wondering if there was one out there with some good, ready to go speakers.
If someone could just tell me 1 HDTV with better than average sound quality, they get best answer. I'm fully aware that a home theater sound system sounds better than a TV's internal speakers.

Answer
Mitsubishi has a relatively new line that features a sound projector for it's built in speakers. It uses 16 small individually amplified speakers that allow it to very directionally beam sound to various reflective points in the room. Yamaha uses the same technology in its YSP line. While it not as good as a full size surround system, with the addition of even a small subwoofer it has great sound on its own. Available in either a 52" or 46" LCD size it's also got a great picture as well.

http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/isplcd.html

Full Disclosure: I am a dealer for both Yamaha and Mitsubishi as well as many other television brands. I personally have the 52" version at my home.

What's the best way to connect an external hard disc to a brand new HD television?

asdfasdf d

I want maximum picture and sound quality.

These are the outputs on the disc: USB, coaxial, Ext.IR, HDTV and AV.

Note that they're all just "little holes" about the size of the plug you plug your earphones in your ipod except for of course the USB.

Also, can USB carry a 1080i resolution to your television (given that your television has DivX reading capabilities) ?

Answer
You can not connect any hard dis drive to a tv. The tv is not a computer. USB connection from Ipod can be connected to the tv along with computer video from the computer.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Do you know an HDTV with awesome built in speakers?

best sound quality hdtv image

OfDubiousQ

I know HDTV's are notorious for their built in speakers sound quality, so I was just wondering if there was one out there with some good, ready to go speakers.
If someone could just tell me 1 HDTV with better than average sound quality, they get best answer. I'm fully aware that a home theater sound system sounds better than a TV's internal speakers.

Answer
Mitsubishi has a relatively new line that features a sound projector for it's built in speakers. It uses 16 small individually amplified speakers that allow it to very directionally beam sound to various reflective points in the room. Yamaha uses the same technology in its YSP line. While it not as good as a full size surround system, with the addition of even a small subwoofer it has great sound on its own. Available in either a 52" or 46" LCD size it's also got a great picture as well.

http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/isplcd.html

Full Disclosure: I am a dealer for both Yamaha and Mitsubishi as well as many other television brands. I personally have the 52" version at my home.

What's the best way to connect an external hard disc to a brand new HD television?

asdfasdf d

I want maximum picture and sound quality.

These are the outputs on the disc: USB, coaxial, Ext.IR, HDTV and AV.

Note that they're all just "little holes" about the size of the plug you plug your earphones in your ipod except for of course the USB.

Also, can USB carry a 1080i resolution to your television (given that your television has DivX reading capabilities) ?

Answer
You can not connect any hard dis drive to a tv. The tv is not a computer. USB connection from Ipod can be connected to the tv along with computer video from the computer.

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How do I change audio setting on Samsung LCD to direct sound through Digital Optical cable to surround sound?

best sound quality hdtv image

Matt

I have HDMI running from Surround sound to HDTV. I have Digital Optical Cable running from HDTV to Surround sound. How do I direct the TV to use the optical cable for sound instead of HDMI. The main goal is to have best sound quality for HDTV, HD Set-top Cable Box, and surround sound system. Thanks to any answers!

Answer
Run the optical cable from the TV digital audio output to the surround sound digital input.

Select the optical input on the surround sound system (can't tell you exactly how without knowing the make/model), and you'll get great audio from whatever you're watching on TV.

How do you get audio on an HDTV when the video is from a laptop?

I have my Laptop hooked up to my HDTV via HDMI but i cant get sound to come from the TV. The only sound continues to come from the Laptop but it is just too low. I dont want to hook up regular computer speakers because the sound quality is not where my TV is. Anybody know what to do here?

Answer
The TV should have an AUX audio input. Connect the audio connection from your laptop to the AUX audio input on the TV and you should get the sound from your TV.

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What's the best way to connect an external hard disc to a brand new HD television?

best sound quality hdtv image

asdfasdf d

I want maximum picture and sound quality.

These are the outputs on the disc: USB, coaxial, Ext.IR, HDTV and AV.

Note that they're all just "little holes" about the size of the plug you plug your earphones in your ipod except for of course the USB.

Also, can USB carry a 1080i resolution to your television (given that your television has DivX reading capabilities) ?

Answer
You can not connect any hard dis drive to a tv. The tv is not a computer. USB connection from Ipod can be connected to the tv along with computer video from the computer.

Is it worth buying a soundbar for my TV?

The Driver

I have a Toshiba HDTV and I would like to get a little better sound quality out of it.


Also, how would I hook this up? Do you just plug an optical cable from the soundbar to your TV? Does it use the TV's sound or could I run my WDTV Live box to the soundbar and just shut off the tv speakers completely?

Can the soundbar decode DTS 5.1 audio, or will I have to use something that can be decoded at my box and transmitted as PCM?

Answer
roughly throw a dildo at the television

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Best way to hook up a Dish Network receiver to a 1080p HDTV?

best sound quality hdtv image

goodin

I just purchased a 1080p HDTV with HDMI, composite, component, and s-video inputs. I need to hook it up to a dishnetwork receiver. I know how to hook it up, but I was wondering what is the best method to get the best picture and sound quality. My Dish receiver does not have a HDMI output. Thanks!!

Answer
Composite video cables will also give you a high def picture.

What is the best camera to record video games with that's fairly cheap?

Alex Petie

I record some videos for youtube like Monster Hunter Tri hunts and my camera doesnt have great video or sound quality. So I am just seeing if there is a better camera for me to use if anyone knows of one.
My current camera is a HD SONY Bloggie, and the HD barley works....

Answer
there really isn't a good video camera to record video games. the best thing to do is use a capture card. there is a dazzle dvd recorder that costs like fifty dollars. if you have a HDTV and play on it, you gott a get hd pvr, the best capture card but costs 200 dollars.

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How do you get audio on an HDTV when the video is from a laptop?

best sound quality hdtv image

I have my Laptop hooked up to my HDTV via HDMI but i cant get sound to come from the TV. The only sound continues to come from the Laptop but it is just too low. I dont want to hook up regular computer speakers because the sound quality is not where my TV is. Anybody know what to do here?

Answer
The TV should have an AUX audio input. Connect the audio connection from your laptop to the AUX audio input on the TV and you should get the sound from your TV.

Do you know an HDTV with awesome built in speakers?

OfDubiousQ

I know HDTV's are notorious for their built in speakers sound quality, so I was just wondering if there was one out there with some good, ready to go speakers.
If someone could just tell me 1 HDTV with better than average sound quality, they get best answer. I'm fully aware that a home theater sound system sounds better than a TV's internal speakers.

Answer
Mitsubishi has a relatively new line that features a sound projector for it's built in speakers. It uses 16 small individually amplified speakers that allow it to very directionally beam sound to various reflective points in the room. Yamaha uses the same technology in its YSP line. While it not as good as a full size surround system, with the addition of even a small subwoofer it has great sound on its own. Available in either a 52" or 46" LCD size it's also got a great picture as well.

http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/isplcd.html

Full Disclosure: I am a dealer for both Yamaha and Mitsubishi as well as many other television brands. I personally have the 52" version at my home.

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What audio/visual cable should I use for my Xbox 360 Elite?

best sound quality hdtv image

I got an Xbox 360 elite for Christmas and I am not sure what cable to use with it. I have a 720p HDTV and my Xbox came with a HDMI cable and the Component HD AV cable. I obviously want the best picture and sound quality. So, what is the cable that can give me the best audio and visual quality?

Answer
hands down hdmi is best

Best way to hook up a Dish Network receiver to a 1080p HDTV?

goodin

I just purchased a 1080p HDTV with HDMI, composite, component, and s-video inputs. I need to hook it up to a dishnetwork receiver. I know how to hook it up, but I was wondering what is the best method to get the best picture and sound quality. My Dish receiver does not have a HDMI output. Thanks!!

Answer
Composite video cables will also give you a high def picture.

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Best way to hook up a Dish Network receiver to a 1080p HDTV?

best sound quality hdtv image

goodin

I just purchased a 1080p HDTV with HDMI, composite, component, and s-video inputs. I need to hook it up to a dishnetwork receiver. I know how to hook it up, but I was wondering what is the best method to get the best picture and sound quality. My Dish receiver does not have a HDMI output. Thanks!!

Answer
Composite video cables will also give you a high def picture.

What is the best camera to record video games with that's fairly cheap?

Alex Petie

I record some videos for youtube like Monster Hunter Tri hunts and my camera doesnt have great video or sound quality. So I am just seeing if there is a better camera for me to use if anyone knows of one.
My current camera is a HD SONY Bloggie, and the HD barley works....

Answer
there really isn't a good video camera to record video games. the best thing to do is use a capture card. there is a dazzle dvd recorder that costs like fifty dollars. if you have a HDTV and play on it, you gott a get hd pvr, the best capture card but costs 200 dollars.

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Is it worth buying a soundbar for my TV?

best sound quality hdtv image

The Driver

I have a Toshiba HDTV and I would like to get a little better sound quality out of it.


Also, how would I hook this up? Do you just plug an optical cable from the soundbar to your TV? Does it use the TV's sound or could I run my WDTV Live box to the soundbar and just shut off the tv speakers completely?

Can the soundbar decode DTS 5.1 audio, or will I have to use something that can be decoded at my box and transmitted as PCM?

Answer
roughly throw a dildo at the television

Can I hookup PC speakers to my new HDTV without a reciever?

tthor71

I don't need surround sound, just want to have extra speakers to supplement the poor sound quality of the TV.
I don't need surround sound, just want to have extra speakers to supplement the poor sound quality of the TV.

Its a Toshiba 26LV47
I do not have a certain type of speakers in mind yet.

Answer
Yes but make sure to stick to a 2.1 set at best. More than likely you will need to hook up with a stereo mini to RCAs. But since you did not include any model numbers it can never be sure.

Some TVs do not have analog outputs so provide more detail on what TV exactly you have and the model of speakers you are looking at, with that it can be said what to do to hook them up.

EDIT:
Looks like you will need a receiver to make that happen. The TV does not have a analog audio out so you will need a receiver of some sort to down mix for you. Unless it has a headphone jack but that may look tacky, I could not find information about a headphone jack or not on your TV.

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Difference between Hdmi Home theatre and Regular home theatre?

best sound quality hdtv image

z3gtx

Ok looking for a home theatre for my hdtv, hdmi compatability. But if I buy a home theatre with hdmi and connect it to the tv through component, will there be much of a difference if it where the hdmi version? Just looking towards the sound quality since my ps3 can't support the sound on the regular tv speakers.

Answer
HDMI is a single cable (looks like a giant USB cable) that will transmit both Hi-def video content up to 1080p and true surround sound. Component HD cables transmit video up to 1080i, so you won;t notice much of a difference in video quality (none if your tv can't display 1080p). With component HD, you will need to decide on an audio connection.

Your PS3 has an hdmi out so that would solve all your problems if your receiver has an HDMI INPUT. You plug the ps3 into the receiver via HDMI, plug the receiver to the tv using component and you should be good to go.

Other audio options include Digital Optical or plain old RCA(white/red) cables.

Btw, those RCA cables SHOULD work on just about any setup...it will only be stereo but it should work. Are you using that with your current setup?

What audio/visual cable should I use for my Xbox 360 Elite?

I got an Xbox 360 elite for Christmas and I am not sure what cable to use with it. I have a 720p HDTV and my Xbox came with a HDMI cable and the Component HD AV cable. I obviously want the best picture and sound quality. So, what is the cable that can give me the best audio and visual quality?

Answer
hands down hdmi is best

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