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21st Century Electronics Question by D.A.L.U.I. on 20 Jul, 2009 09:41
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Okay, we're updating from the 70s & 80's, [and yes, before any remarks our old equipment wasn't windup!] and it looks like what I want is a "home theatre" receiver to function as radio reception, amp for CD player/iPod doc, and external speakers for the TV. I have been told that I can do this w/ wireless speakers--very much required. The Blue-Ray, our DishTV box and even our old VHS player will work through this device I'm told. Any of you guys have any experiences good or bad w/ this kind of set up?
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#1 by Mikekoz13 on 20 Jul, 2009 10:16
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Paul-
I looked into the wireless speakers about 2 -3 years ago. The technology is not yet up to the concept yet. While some will tell you they work fine, I believe they ARE NOT a good choice for the vast majority of people.
If they were such a good choice, all the major electronics companies would have them and they would be VERY popular. If you search, you will find that there are only a small number of wireless speakers available and most of them are inexpensive and not good.
I would recommend against them.............. -
#2 by D.A.L.U.I. on 20 Jul, 2009 10:26
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Paul-
I looked into the wireless speakers about 2 -3 years ago. The technology is not yet up to the concept yet. While some will tell you they work fine, I believe they ARE NOT a good choice for the vast majority of people.
If they were such a good choice, all the major electronics companies would have them and they would be VERY popular. If you search, you will find that there are only a small number of wireless speakers available and most of them are inexpensive and not good.
I would recommend against them..............
What do I do then, I can't have wires running all over the floor? It really is a problem. I had the HDMI cables run under the floors while they were up--but they're down and being finshed. The TV is on the wall over the fireplace and the DishTV Box and Blu-Ray are at the other end of the room--22' away. Now w/ wooden floors, it would really look bad having speaker cables. I really don't even want a "home theatre" frankly, I want to be able to have music from CD/iPod and an FM radio, and have the ability to connect w/ my outside speakers that are wired in the walls already. I need something more than a boom box, and less than a home theatre, but I haven't seen any. Best Buy was all over me to buy a home theatre, as was Radio Shack. It's more than I need. They're only other option was a boom box contraption that isn't what I want.
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#3 by Sooner Steve on 20 Jul, 2009 13:39
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I can't give you any specific advice because I am "technology illiterate." However, when we were building our new house, I went to a local electronics dealer i.e. mom & pop, told them what I wanted and they gave me some options. Some I liked - others I didn't. However, I did not get the big corporate sales job from one of the national dealers. You might try that and see if it works. You can always say no if you don't like it. Good luck.
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#4 by SlyintheOC on 20 Jul, 2009 15:15
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I have a Yamaha audio/video receiver, and even tho I like it... it does not get any radio stations without an external antenna.
Plus you have to be careful with the type of hook up you use, otherwise your vcr won't work. If you use any kind of HD cables to hook your tv up to the receiver, the vcr won't work. VCRs are typically not set up for HD, so you would need to use the 'normal' red/white/yellow cables for you hook ups. I can't use my vcr, which sucks.
You might try looking at a place online called Smarthome. They have alot of stuff..... maybe they have something you can use. -
#5 by Hook'Em on 20 Jul, 2009 16:08
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What's this "radio" thing you're talking about? They still have "radio" stations?
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#6 by SlyintheOC on 20 Jul, 2009 17:09
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LOL......
I do believe they still do have a few numbers on the radio dial that broadcasts music and such. -
#7 by Mikekoz13 on 20 Jul, 2009 18:07
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Paul-
You could just go for a theater system that has just the center channel speaker and the two fronts. It will still be a big improvement over the TV's sound.
Also, there is at least one ompany that makes a "sound bar". If I remember correctly it has all the speaker components built into one piece and it sits right above or below your TV..... so no wires to run.
http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=spk_surround
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/news-electronics-computers/2008/11/soundbar-speakers/overview/soundbar-speakers-ov.htm
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/surroundbar/
I personally recommend the Polk products. I don't have their sound bar but I do have a Polk surround system and it is excellent. They make a great product for a very fair price.
Mike -
#8 by D.A.L.U.I. on 20 Jul, 2009 18:40
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Paul-
You could just go for a theater system that has just the center channel speaker and the two fronts. It will still be a big improvement over the TV's sound.
Also, there is at least one ompany that makes a "sound bar". If I remember correctly it has all the speaker components built into one piece and it sits right above or below your TV..... so no wires to run.
http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=spk_surround
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/news-electronics-computers/2008/11/soundbar-speakers/overview/soundbar-speakers-ov.htm
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/surroundbar/
I personally recommend the Polk products. I don't have their sound bar but I do have a Polk surround system and it is excellent. They make a great product for a very fair price.
Mike
Thanks for the pointers, I'll be checking them out. I think "a very fair price" works for me.
Fortunately, I had my wife state into by Blackberry recorder function, "I won't complain!" before we started this project 
. That recording has served me and my nerves well. She'll probably not do that again, but as long as it continues to work this time! 
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#9 by PBurke on 20 Jul, 2009 23:47
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check bose as well. they have some pretty cool stuff.
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#10 by Mikekoz13 on 21 Jul, 2009 05:51
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check bose as well. they have some pretty cool stuff.
...But a little expensive........... I think Polk products are better than Bose a a much better value. Just my opinion....... -
#11 by PeripheralxMvmnt on 21 Jul, 2009 06:30
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Polk and JBL are very good (JBL being more expensive i believe). It sounds to me like all you really need is a good center and left and right channel, unless you are going for a completely surrounded experience. Wireless speakers will not be as good as wired speakers because they can only pump out an receive so much power at one time before it starts to lose too much of the signal. Ive heard horror stories of guys with wireless speakers not having the sound sync up with the wired speakers and things like that. The sound bar isnt a bad idea either.