Confused about Home Theatre Systems, HELP!?

Question

Okay so I want a theatre system where the TV will produce the sound from the surround sound speakers, and my dvd player. In order for it to play through the TV I need a home theatre system with a A/V receiver right? What is a DVD receiver and can I get that to do the same thing as the A/V receiver? Also I have a HDTV and a X box360, is there something specifically I should be getting so the sound comes out good?

TV guy, the theatre system from amazon I was thinking about has 2 A/V inputs - 1 A/V output. Here is the link to another one I am considering, can you tell me if I am able to hook up my game system and both my TV so the sound comes through on both? And which one should I get as well with having an HDTV? Thanks!

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DAV-C450-Dream-System/dp/B000067O9B/sr=1-11/qid=1167431639/ref=sr_1_11/104-0608555-6542356?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=140069232821&rd=1&rd=1

Answer 1

Hey, I checked out the JVC unit and it said that it had only one audio/video input so you would not be able to hook up both the x box and tv to it at the same time. You could get an audio video switch box but that might make it more complicated for you to use. As far as the Sony one goes, from what I have heard is they don't make too good of an audio surround sound system....I would suggest the following package.... http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7805501&st=surround+sound+system&lp=6&type=product&cp=2&id=1142294275661

This has 4 regular audio/video inputs plus 2 coaxial digital inputs and an optical cable...be sure if you get a system like this to hook up the dvd player to the receiver through optical or digital coax cable to receive dolby digital. Let me know what you think...

Edit-Sonya, you won't necessarily need one with 3 a/v inputs if you buy a dvd/receiver combo because the dvd is built into the receiver. You need atleast 2 audio inputs (video is not necessary but sometimes can make it more convenient). You probably should be able to find a dvd/receiver combo for around 200 dollars with 2 audio inputs. Just be sure to ask the salesman.

Answer 2

A DVD receiver may be an AV receiver with a built-in DVD player.
Sometimes it is called "Home Theater in a box" since it includes all speakers as well. They usually have one extra digital input, where you can connect your TV. It costs far less than an AV receiver, but your input ports are limited. If you want something cheap you don't have many components, it will work for you.


An AV receiver has far more inputs (digital and analog), but of course it costs more. Speakers are also extra.