component audio cable question

[slamming_sammy1]

Hi there,

new here. just got myself a Samsung HLP5063W yesterday and beginning to hook things up... and I have a question. I know for sure you need component video cables to hook up to the TV to get good quality picture, but what about for the audio portion? can I use a normal stereo cable to connect from my DVD player's component audio to my TV's component audio? I figured it'll only be used for the TV's internal speaker so I might be able to?

the delivery person told me that I could use the TV's internal speakers as a center channel speaker - which is a great idea, because the SamSung (I imagine a lot of the bigger TVs too) doesn't have space on top of the TV to put a center channel speaker, so i don't know where I would place my center channel speaker if not.

thanks in advance!

[Splicer]

You can use normal stereo RCA cables for the audio from the DVD player to the TV but why? The bestto do is connect the DVD via optical or coaxial to a Dolby Digital stereo system/receiver. Otherwise you will only get left/right channel sound from the TV. Nothing wrong with that if you do not have a DD or DTS receiver.

Using the TV speakers as a center channel is not optimum either even if you were to use them that way. For the best sound, the speakers (all 5,6, or 7) should all be matched as closely as possible to each other for seamless sound.

[slamming_sammy1]

well, the only reason i would hook it up to my TV's speakers is so that I don't have to turn my receiver all the time. I have young children so the less things they have to mess around with the better.
I agree with you on the speaker set up - not using the Samsung as the center channel, but I may not have a choice. where would I put the center channel speaker? maybe hide it in the back somewhere?
by the way, I do have a optical output on my dvd player and I do have that hooked up to my receiver.

[mjones73]

Using your TV's speakers for a center channel is a horrible idea... to add to Splicer's reasons, your using the amp in your TV to drive the center speakers at that point and it's not going to be anywhere as powerful as a center hooked to your AV receiver. Your center handles 85% of sound when watching movies and TV, don't skimp on it.

[kevinw]

Your TV is the one with the glass pedastal? If so I know on person who sets the center on the floor in front of the TV.

[Splicer]

A couple of options for center channel speaker placement would be in front of (but below) the TV. Another option is to hang a shelf above the TV and place the speaker on it.

I have both optical and normal stereo outs from the DVD connected. The optical to the receiver and the stereo (L/R) outs to the TV for times when I don't need all the speakers running (like late at night). Maybe your DVD player will allow a similar connection?

[slamming_sammy1]

sure, my DVD player allows this connection. i'm a little confused now... should I use the stereo out from my dvd player to the TV, or component out (using stereo cable) to the TV, when I don't need my receiver to be on. I'd imagine component out. but back to my original question then, if I don't need my recievers (and all the speakers) to be on, is it alright to use a stereo cable for the component audio portion?
thanks.

[mjones73]

Stereo (red and white) out from the DVD player to the TV along with your optical cable to the AV receivers, this gives you the option of using either the TV or the AV receiver for sound... not sure what your referring to with component out for audio, there is no such thing...

[slamming_sammy1]

and thanks on that suggestion on the shelf above the TV, i never thought about that.

kevinw, no my model doesn't have the glass pedastal underneath. but putting it in front on the ground is not a good idea, because it'll be blocking the openings to any shelving space I may have.

[Splicer]

Yes it is fine to use stereo cables for the audio portion of the component process.

Component cables are video only. The stereo cables for audio are in addition to the 3 component cables to make a total of 5 cables for both video and audio.

[kevinw]

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=108951&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes&BV_UseBVCookie=No

or this

[stress_guy]

Sammy - another idea for speaker placement:

I have a Gateway DLP that probably looks similar (in shape) to your Samsung. My center channel speaker came with a short 1/4" rod attached to the back of it (the rod had a rubber bumper on the end and would be used to prevent the speaker from sliding around). I replaced the short rod with a longer one and then placed the speaker on top of the TV. So, it basically is flush with the front of the TV and is supported by the 1.5" TV case and the rod. I used velcro on the TV/Speaker interface to prevent it from sliding around.

Not sure if you can use this same setup, but it works well for me and was easy to do. See the attachment for a crude diagram.

[slamming_sammy1]

thanks guys for the info. nice diagram by the way!!