Speakers

[falch006]

I just bought a new Panasonic plasma tv and I'm looking to get some surround sound for it. The model I bought comes with a built in 5.1 optical output (toslink cable), and I'm trying to figure out if I can just plug this directly into a set of Z-5500's and get surround sound. As far as I can tell it should be able to work but I have never used these speakers before and I have been kind of screwed with other speaker sets in the past.  If anyone has any experience with this please share.

[Patboy · Accepted solution]

Hi, the Z-5500's will work if plugged into the optical output on the TV. However, you can only get real 5.1 if the program you are watching is in 5.1. If not, the Z-5500 always has prologic to upmix 2 channel into simulated 5.1.

[falch006]

Thanks for the quick reply, that's just the answer I was hoping to get.

[mikedang]

sorry i'm new to these message boards and had a similar question.  I have a 42" Philips Plasma tv and a set of z-5500s.  Does anyone know how I might be able to connect them to my tv?  here's a website with the model details: http://www.hdtvsolutions.com/Philips-42PF5321D-37.htm

thanks in advance

[badger]

Apparently there's a SPDIF digital output on the back panel, a coax cable will work if that's the case.

[mikedang]

so which of these two cables should I purchase?

http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Unlimited-AUD131506-Digital-Coaxial/dp/B00165P3SW

http://www.amazon.com/RCA-VH603-Coaxial-Cable-3ft/dp/B00005T3FC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid...

[lhinckley]

Just use any RCA connector audio or video cable you have lying around at home.  Don't pay extra for fancy cables.  They do nothing for the lengths you are likely to need (less than 50 feet).  SPDIF audio will either work fine or will drop out audibly, just the way your digital TV will give you a perfect HD picture or will drop out if the antenna signal is too weak.