I have an unfinished room that will become my theater room. I am starting
from scratch and the only thing I have is my nicely equipped MCE2005 HP
m1280n. It has a single tuner, but has a THX 7.1 sound card. I also have a
32" LCD TV.

Things I will need to buy:
- 7.1 speakers
- Some type of amplification from the PC to the speakers. (I will run
speaker wire in the walls)
- Some way to connect the PC to the LCD TV

Questions
1. What is the preferred method to get the 7.1 sound from the PC to the
speakers? Should I buy a 7.1 receiver with a digital input? If so, does the
PC or the receiver do the decoding? Does the PC or the receiver control the
volume? 2. I found a good buy on this model. What are your thoughts?
http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i
3. Currently I connect the PC to the LCD via a DVI cable. However, there is
a chance I might put the PC across the room from the TV and my DVI won't
reach. Is there some other connection method I could use and put in the wall
when I run my speaker wire?

Thanks.

my replies/opinions are inline below...


"osu9400" <osu9400@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:O$ICr8qzFHA.612@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>I have an unfinished room that will become my theater room. I am starting
> from scratch and the only thing I have is my nicely equipped MCE2005 HP
> m1280n. It has a single tuner, but has a THX 7.1 sound card. I also have a
> 32" LCD TV.
>
> Things I will need to buy:
> - 7.1 speakers
> - Some type of amplification from the PC to the speakers. (I will run
> speaker wire in the walls)
> - Some way to connect the PC to the LCD TV
>
> Questions
> 1. What is the preferred method to get the 7.1 sound from the PC to the
> speakers? Should I buy a 7.1 receiver with a digital input?

I use a Yamaha Home Theater receiver av/amp with optical digital input

If so, does the
> PC or the receiver do the decoding?

I set the Yamaha to Auto in the input I am using for the pc.. this way for
example when playing DVDS on the pc (the pc dvd software is set to use SPIDF
connection and 5.1 speakers) the Yamaha automatically changes to DTS, or Pro
Logic or whatever the DVD is.




Does the PC or the receiver control the
> volume?

The receiver controls the volume as the SPIDF connection is raw and has no
control.


2. I found a good buy on this model. What are your thoughts?
> http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i

Looks cool


> 3. Currently I connect the PC to the LCD via a DVI cable. However, there
> is
> a chance I might put the PC across the room from the TV and my DVI won't
> reach. Is there some other connection method I could use and put in the
> wall
> when I run my speaker wire?

I connect mine to my LCD (50" Panasonic) with RGB (VGA cable) as I can set
better resolutions.. I think you can get really long vga cables, not sure
about longer dvi cables.
>
> Thanks.
>
>

VGA is probably ideal, but if you use DVI, it does have a range restriction,
so you may need to get a repeater. You can hide this in the wall ofcourse,
but its a powered device so fire code may be an issue. Homeowners insurance
is another consideration.

I had one wired directly into a power outlet junction box by a licensed
electrician when my basement was finished, so it got inspected for code. I
also had a little access panel installed in the wall at the floorboard in
case i need to get at it. Its solid-state, so should last years, no problems
so far.

Good luck.

"Turbo [GEEK]" <riveradl@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:%23xDjyHrzFHA.3588@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> my replies/opinions are inline below...
>
>
> "osu9400" <osu9400@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:O$ICr8qzFHA.612@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>>I have an unfinished room that will become my theater room. I am starting
>> from scratch and the only thing I have is my nicely equipped MCE2005 HP
>> m1280n. It has a single tuner, but has a THX 7.1 sound card. I also have
>> a
>> 32" LCD TV.
>>
>> Things I will need to buy:
>> - 7.1 speakers
>> - Some type of amplification from the PC to the speakers. (I will run
>> speaker wire in the walls)
>> - Some way to connect the PC to the LCD TV
>>
>> Questions
>> 1. What is the preferred method to get the 7.1 sound from the PC to the
>> speakers? Should I buy a 7.1 receiver with a digital input?
>
> I use a Yamaha Home Theater receiver av/amp with optical digital input
>
> If so, does the
>> PC or the receiver do the decoding?
>
> I set the Yamaha to Auto in the input I am using for the pc.. this way for
> example when playing DVDS on the pc (the pc dvd software is set to use
> SPIDF connection and 5.1 speakers) the Yamaha automatically changes to
> DTS, or Pro Logic or whatever the DVD is.
>
>
>
>
> Does the PC or the receiver control the
>> volume?
>
> The receiver controls the volume as the SPIDF connection is raw and has no
> control.
>
>
> 2. I found a good buy on this model. What are your thoughts?
>> http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i
>
> Looks cool
>
>
>> 3. Currently I connect the PC to the LCD via a DVI cable. However, there
>> is
>> a chance I might put the PC across the room from the TV and my DVI won't
>> reach. Is there some other connection method I could use and put in the
>> wall
>> when I run my speaker wire?
>
> I connect mine to my LCD (50" Panasonic) with RGB (VGA cable) as I can set
> better resolutions.. I think you can get really long vga cables, not sure
> about longer dvi cables.
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>>
>
>

Get a good DVI cable that is long enough. You have to spend some bucks, but
you definitely want to stay in the digital realm. That way when PVP-OPM
(which requires digital with HDCP) kicks in, you will be able to play
protected content if desired.

Regards,

=D-

Derek R. Flickinger
Interactive Homes, Inc.

"osu9400" <osu9400@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:O$ICr8qzFHA.612@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>I have an unfinished room that will become my theater room. I am starting
> from scratch and the only thing I have is my nicely equipped MCE2005 HP
> m1280n. It has a single tuner, but has a THX 7.1 sound card. I also have a
> 32" LCD TV.
>
> Things I will need to buy:
> - 7.1 speakers
> - Some type of amplification from the PC to the speakers. (I will run
> speaker wire in the walls)
> - Some way to connect the PC to the LCD TV
>
> Questions
> 1. What is the preferred method to get the 7.1 sound from the PC to the
> speakers? Should I buy a 7.1 receiver with a digital input? If so, does
> the
> PC or the receiver do the decoding? Does the PC or the receiver control
> the
> volume? 2. I found a good buy on this model. What are your thoughts?
> http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i
> 3. Currently I connect the PC to the LCD via a DVI cable. However, there
> is
> a chance I might put the PC across the room from the TV and my DVI won't
> reach. Is there some other connection method I could use and put in the
> wall
> when I run my speaker wire?
>
> Thanks.
>
>

Is there a length limitation on DVI? What is the longest cable you have
seen? If possible, I would like to have a DVI plug in the wall (think coax)
where I can just plug another DVI into it. Seen anything like this?


"Derek R. Flickinger" <DrFlick@ONLINE.InteractiveHomesInc.com> wrote in
message news:OJEytpxzFHA.1192@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> Get a good DVI cable that is long enough. You have to spend some bucks,
but
> you definitely want to stay in the digital realm. That way when PVP-OPM
> (which requires digital with HDCP) kicks in, you will be able to play
> protected content if desired.
>
> Regards,
>
> =D-
>
> Derek R. Flickinger
> Interactive Homes, Inc.
>
> "osu9400" <osu9400@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:O$ICr8qzFHA.612@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> >I have an unfinished room that will become my theater room. I am starting
> > from scratch and the only thing I have is my nicely equipped MCE2005 HP
> > m1280n. It has a single tuner, but has a THX 7.1 sound card. I also have
a
> > 32" LCD TV.
> >
> > Things I will need to buy:
> > - 7.1 speakers
> > - Some type of amplification from the PC to the speakers. (I will run
> > speaker wire in the walls)
> > - Some way to connect the PC to the LCD TV
> >
> > Questions
> > 1. What is the preferred method to get the 7.1 sound from the PC to the
> > speakers? Should I buy a 7.1 receiver with a digital input? If so, does
> > the
> > PC or the receiver do the decoding? Does the PC or the receiver control
> > the
> > volume? 2. I found a good buy on this model. What are your thoughts?
> > http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i
> > 3. Currently I connect the PC to the LCD via a DVI cable. However, there
> > is
> > a chance I might put the PC across the room from the TV and my DVI won't
> > reach. Is there some other connection method I could use and put in the
> > wall
> > when I run my speaker wire?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> >
>
>

Buy a 7.1 Receiver and run SPDIF or Optical (depending on the computer) to
the Receiver. If no output exists, most receivers also allow RCA type 7.1
inputs as well. This means however, that your software decoder must process
the audio - no big deal, but another configuration step to be dome.

If I may add to the many great suggestions - be SURE to add another TV tuner
to the box. I guarantee you will want to record something while watching
Live TV.

Stu


"osu9400" <osu9400@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:O$ICr8qzFHA.612@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>I have an unfinished room that will become my theater room. I am starting
> from scratch and the only thing I have is my nicely equipped MCE2005 HP
> m1280n. It has a single tuner, but has a THX 7.1 sound card. I also have a
> 32" LCD TV.
>
> Things I will need to buy:
> - 7.1 speakers
> - Some type of amplification from the PC to the speakers. (I will run
> speaker wire in the walls)
> - Some way to connect the PC to the LCD TV
>
> Questions
> 1. What is the preferred method to get the 7.1 sound from the PC to the
> speakers? Should I buy a 7.1 receiver with a digital input? If so, does
> the
> PC or the receiver do the decoding? Does the PC or the receiver control
> the
> volume? 2. I found a good buy on this model. What are your thoughts?
> http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i
> 3. Currently I connect the PC to the LCD via a DVI cable. However, there
> is
> a chance I might put the PC across the room from the TV and my DVI won't
> reach. Is there some other connection method I could use and put in the
> wall
> when I run my speaker wire?
>
> Thanks.
>
>

Thanks for the note. I have been running on a single tuner for a few months
now so I feel the pain you mention. I will add another tuner in the near
future.

My PC has an optical out, not sure of SPDIF (is it a certain type of plug?).
If I have both outputs, which is better?



"Stu" <sheodi@please dont spam me.cogeco.ca> wrote in message
news:uTTg5yzzFHA.2792@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> Buy a 7.1 Receiver and run SPDIF or Optical (depending on the computer) to
> the Receiver. If no output exists, most receivers also allow RCA type 7.1
> inputs as well. This means however, that your software decoder must
process
> the audio - no big deal, but another configuration step to be dome.
>
> If I may add to the many great suggestions - be SURE to add another TV
tuner
> to the box. I guarantee you will want to record something while watching
> Live TV.
>
> Stu
>
>
> "osu9400" <osu9400@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:O$ICr8qzFHA.612@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> >I have an unfinished room that will become my theater room. I am starting
> > from scratch and the only thing I have is my nicely equipped MCE2005 HP
> > m1280n. It has a single tuner, but has a THX 7.1 sound card. I also have
a
> > 32" LCD TV.
> >
> > Things I will need to buy:
> > - 7.1 speakers
> > - Some type of amplification from the PC to the speakers. (I will run
> > speaker wire in the walls)
> > - Some way to connect the PC to the LCD TV
> >
> > Questions
> > 1. What is the preferred method to get the 7.1 sound from the PC to the
> > speakers? Should I buy a 7.1 receiver with a digital input? If so, does
> > the
> > PC or the receiver do the decoding? Does the PC or the receiver control
> > the
> > volume? 2. I found a good buy on this model. What are your thoughts?
> > http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i
> > 3. Currently I connect the PC to the LCD via a DVI cable. However, there
> > is
> > a chance I might put the PC across the room from the TV and my DVI won't
> > reach. Is there some other connection method I could use and put in the
> > wall
> > when I run my speaker wire?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> >
>
>

We have used these Meter copper ones with success:
http://bettercables.com/15me4febecad.html. Another brand is:
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/dvi/dviprices.htm. Of course, there are
some really high dollar ones available from Monster and others. Go for the
dual DVI so you do not need to worry about upping the resolution in the
future.

You also could go to fiber: http://www2.dvigear.com/fiopca.html. We have
not tried these, but another option is over CAT-5:
http://www.intelix.com/products/baluns.html#DVI.

Don't forget you also need to consider running not only the USB side of the
MCE IR Transceiver from the machine to the monitor's location, you may need
to extend the cables for the IR blasters controlling your STBs back from the
IR Transceiver to your STBs located with the MCE machine. If you also have
multiple digital inputs on your high-def display, you may want to consider
running another DVI cable from the set top to the display for viewing true
high-def without MCE in the loop.

BTW, there is some informative background information on DVI in general in
this article:
http://www.hometoys.com/htinews/dec0...gear/intro.htm.

=D-

"osu9400" <osu9400@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:OgMSsdzzFHA.460@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
> Is there a length limitation on DVI? What is the longest cable you have
> seen? If possible, I would like to have a DVI plug in the wall (think
> coax)
> where I can just plug another DVI into it. Seen anything like this?
>
>
> "Derek R. Flickinger" <DrFlick@ONLINE.InteractiveHomesInc.com> wrote in
> message news:OJEytpxzFHA.1192@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>> Get a good DVI cable that is long enough. You have to spend some bucks,
> but
>> you definitely want to stay in the digital realm. That way when PVP-OPM
>> (which requires digital with HDCP) kicks in, you will be able to play
>> protected content if desired.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> =D-
>>
>> Derek R. Flickinger
>> Interactive Homes, Inc.
>>
>> "osu9400" <osu9400@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:O$ICr8qzFHA.612@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>> >I have an unfinished room that will become my theater room. I am
>> >starting
>> > from scratch and the only thing I have is my nicely equipped MCE2005 HP
>> > m1280n. It has a single tuner, but has a THX 7.1 sound card. I also
>> > have
> a
>> > 32" LCD TV.
>> >
>> > Things I will need to buy:
>> > - 7.1 speakers
>> > - Some type of amplification from the PC to the speakers. (I will run
>> > speaker wire in the walls)
>> > - Some way to connect the PC to the LCD TV
>> >
>> > Questions
>> > 1. What is the preferred method to get the 7.1 sound from the PC to the
>> > speakers? Should I buy a 7.1 receiver with a digital input? If so, does
>> > the
>> > PC or the receiver do the decoding? Does the PC or the receiver control
>> > the
>> > volume? 2. I found a good buy on this model. What are your thoughts?
>> > http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i
>> > 3. Currently I connect the PC to the LCD via a DVI cable. However,
>> > there
>> > is
>> > a chance I might put the PC across the room from the TV and my DVI
>> > won't
>> > reach. Is there some other connection method I could use and put in the
>> > wall
>> > when I run my speaker wire?
>> >
>> > Thanks.
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

that is your SPIDF connection.. make sure you choose SPIDF in your DVD setup
for your dvd player on your pc..

d
"osu9400" <osu9400@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:eIv8DW0zFHA.3312@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> Thanks for the note. I have been running on a single tuner for a few
> months
> now so I feel the pain you mention. I will add another tuner in the near
> future.
>
> My PC has an optical out, not sure of SPDIF (is it a certain type of
> plug?).
> If I have both outputs, which is better?
>
>
>
> "Stu" <sheodi@please dont spam me.cogeco.ca> wrote in message
> news:uTTg5yzzFHA.2792@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>> Buy a 7.1 Receiver and run SPDIF or Optical (depending on the computer)
>> to
>> the Receiver. If no output exists, most receivers also allow RCA type
>> 7.1
>> inputs as well. This means however, that your software decoder must
> process
>> the audio - no big deal, but another configuration step to be dome.
>>
>> If I may add to the many great suggestions - be SURE to add another TV
> tuner
>> to the box. I guarantee you will want to record something while watching
>> Live TV.
>>
>> Stu
>>
>>
>> "osu9400" <osu9400@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:O$ICr8qzFHA.612@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>> >I have an unfinished room that will become my theater room. I am
>> >starting
>> > from scratch and the only thing I have is my nicely equipped MCE2005 HP
>> > m1280n. It has a single tuner, but has a THX 7.1 sound card. I also
>> > have
> a
>> > 32" LCD TV.
>> >
>> > Things I will need to buy:
>> > - 7.1 speakers
>> > - Some type of amplification from the PC to the speakers. (I will run
>> > speaker wire in the walls)
>> > - Some way to connect the PC to the LCD TV
>> >
>> > Questions
>> > 1. What is the preferred method to get the 7.1 sound from the PC to the
>> > speakers? Should I buy a 7.1 receiver with a digital input? If so, does
>> > the
>> > PC or the receiver do the decoding? Does the PC or the receiver control
>> > the
>> > volume? 2. I found a good buy on this model. What are your thoughts?
>> > http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i
>> > 3. Currently I connect the PC to the LCD via a DVI cable. However,
>> > there
>> > is
>> > a chance I might put the PC across the room from the TV and my DVI
>> > won't
>> > reach. Is there some other connection method I could use and put in the
>> > wall
>> > when I run my speaker wire?
>> >
>> > Thanks.
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

Thanks for the info. Those baluns look very interesting since I am running
Cat 5e throughout the new house.

To simplify matters, I will probably place the PC near the monitor.


"Derek R. Flickinger" <DrFlick@ONLINE.InteractiveHomesInc.com> wrote in
message news:OtYwua0zFHA.908@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> We have used these Meter copper ones with success:
> http://bettercables.com/15me4febecad.html. Another brand is:
> http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/dvi/dviprices.htm. Of course, there
are
> some really high dollar ones available from Monster and others. Go for
the
> dual DVI so you do not need to worry about upping the resolution in the
> future.
>
> You also could go to fiber: http://www2.dvigear.com/fiopca.html. We have
> not tried these, but another option is over CAT-5:
> http://www.intelix.com/products/baluns.html#DVI.
>
> Don't forget you also need to consider running not only the USB side of
the
> MCE IR Transceiver from the machine to the monitor's location, you may
need
> to extend the cables for the IR blasters controlling your STBs back from
the
> IR Transceiver to your STBs located with the MCE machine. If you also
have
> multiple digital inputs on your high-def display, you may want to consider
> running another DVI cable from the set top to the display for viewing true
> high-def without MCE in the loop.
>
> BTW, there is some informative background information on DVI in general in
> this article:
> http://www.hometoys.com/htinews/dec0...gear/intro.htm.
>
> =D-
>
> "osu9400" <osu9400@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:OgMSsdzzFHA.460@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
> > Is there a length limitation on DVI? What is the longest cable you have
> > seen? If possible, I would like to have a DVI plug in the wall (think
> > coax)
> > where I can just plug another DVI into it. Seen anything like this?
> >
> >
> > "Derek R. Flickinger" <DrFlick@ONLINE.InteractiveHomesInc.com> wrote in
> > message news:OJEytpxzFHA.1192@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> >> Get a good DVI cable that is long enough. You have to spend some
bucks,
> > but
> >> you definitely want to stay in the digital realm. That way when
PVP-OPM
> >> (which requires digital with HDCP) kicks in, you will be able to play
> >> protected content if desired.
> >>
> >> Regards,
> >>
> >> =D-
> >>
> >> Derek R. Flickinger
> >> Interactive Homes, Inc.
> >>
> >> "osu9400" <osu9400@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> >> news:O$ICr8qzFHA.612@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> >> >I have an unfinished room that will become my theater room. I am
> >> >starting
> >> > from scratch and the only thing I have is my nicely equipped MCE2005
HP
> >> > m1280n. It has a single tuner, but has a THX 7.1 sound card. I also
> >> > have
> > a
> >> > 32" LCD TV.
> >> >
> >> > Things I will need to buy:
> >> > - 7.1 speakers
> >> > - Some type of amplification from the PC to the speakers. (I will run
> >> > speaker wire in the walls)
> >> > - Some way to connect the PC to the LCD TV
> >> >
> >> > Questions
> >> > 1. What is the preferred method to get the 7.1 sound from the PC to
the
> >> > speakers? Should I buy a 7.1 receiver with a digital input? If so,
does
> >> > the
> >> > PC or the receiver do the decoding? Does the PC or the receiver
control
> >> > the
> >> > volume? 2. I found a good buy on this model. What are your thoughts?
> >> > http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i
> >> > 3. Currently I connect the PC to the LCD via a DVI cable. However,
> >> > there
> >> > is
> >> > a chance I might put the PC across the room from the TV and my DVI
> >> > won't
> >> > reach. Is there some other connection method I could use and put in
the
> >> > wall
> >> > when I run my speaker wire?
> >> >
> >> > Thanks.
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>
>

I was using the digital out on the PC into the amp/receiver, but this
requires that you adjust volume using the amp/receiver. I changed to the
5.1/7.1 analog out from the PC into the 5.1/7.1 analog in of the amp - the
DD5.1 and DTS encoding happen inside the PC and the amp is just an amp, but
let's me use the PC volume control now (my single MCE remote).
speaking of dedicated amps, there is a new amp coming to market in a couple
weeks made just for Windows MCE. I just pre-ordered mine. You should at least
take a peek:
http://www.simplifidigital.com/simplifi_content.html

good luck on your new theater room!

"osu9400" wrote:

> I have an unfinished room that will become my theater room. I am starting
> from scratch and the only thing I have is my nicely equipped MCE2005 HP
> m1280n. It has a single tuner, but has a THX 7.1 sound card. I also have a
> 32" LCD TV.
>
> Things I will need to buy:
> - 7.1 speakers
> - Some type of amplification from the PC to the speakers. (I will run
> speaker wire in the walls)
> - Some way to connect the PC to the LCD TV
>
> Questions
> 1. What is the preferred method to get the 7.1 sound from the PC to the
> speakers? Should I buy a 7.1 receiver with a digital input? If so, does the
> PC or the receiver do the decoding? Does the PC or the receiver control the
> volume? 2. I found a good buy on this model. What are your thoughts?
> http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i
> 3. Currently I connect the PC to the LCD via a DVI cable. However, there is
> a chance I might put the PC across the room from the TV and my DVI won't
> reach. Is there some other connection method I could use and put in the wall
> when I run my speaker wire?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>

I use a 7.1 amp.. I have re-trained the mce remote to change the volume on
the amp vs the mce puter... I connected via optical.. I just dont think that
the dedicated amp you show below has the gusto to drive my speakers. I use
a denon amp and marantz mono block discrete amps on each channel..

d
"Marc Wallis" <MarcWallis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:AD65F9BB-04E5-4A30-ABA6-52431F219BFA@microsoft.com...
>I was using the digital out on the PC into the amp/receiver, but this
> requires that you adjust volume using the amp/receiver. I changed to the
> 5.1/7.1 analog out from the PC into the 5.1/7.1 analog in of the amp - the
> DD5.1 and DTS encoding happen inside the PC and the amp is just an amp,
> but
> let's me use the PC volume control now (my single MCE remote).
> speaking of dedicated amps, there is a new amp coming to market in a
> couple
> weeks made just for Windows MCE. I just pre-ordered mine. You should at
> least
> take a peek:
> http://www.simplifidigital.com/simplifi_content.html
>
> good luck on your new theater room!
>
> "osu9400" wrote:
>
>> I have an unfinished room that will become my theater room. I am starting
>> from scratch and the only thing I have is my nicely equipped MCE2005 HP
>> m1280n. It has a single tuner, but has a THX 7.1 sound card. I also have
>> a
>> 32" LCD TV.
>>
>> Things I will need to buy:
>> - 7.1 speakers
>> - Some type of amplification from the PC to the speakers. (I will run
>> speaker wire in the walls)
>> - Some way to connect the PC to the LCD TV
>>
>> Questions
>> 1. What is the preferred method to get the 7.1 sound from the PC to the
>> speakers? Should I buy a 7.1 receiver with a digital input? If so, does
>> the
>> PC or the receiver do the decoding? Does the PC or the receiver control
>> the
>> volume? 2. I found a good buy on this model. What are your thoughts?
>> http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i
>> 3. Currently I connect the PC to the LCD via a DVI cable. However, there
>> is
>> a chance I might put the PC across the room from the TV and my DVI won't
>> reach. Is there some other connection method I could use and put in the
>> wall
>> when I run my speaker wire?
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>>
>>