I need some clarification

Hello everyone (i finally got my internet working). After some issues this year, I can finally build my new computer. I have most everything chosen except a few components. Anyways, here is what I want to do

I want to use my monitor for my 360 and PS3 gaming. I also want 7.1 surround sound. If I get 7.1 surround sound speakers for my computer, could I also use those for my two consoles? If not, what would I need to connect them to the ps3 and 360? I was thinking some speakers like this

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836116153

Any help?

[quote8480bf5abc="tml09"]Hello everyone (i finally got my internet working). After some issues this year, I can finally build my new computer. I have most everything chosen except a few components. Anyways, here is what I want to do

I want to use my monitor for my 360 and PS3 gaming. I also want 7.1 surround sound. If I get 7.1 surround sound speakers for my computer, could I also use those for my two consoles? If not, what would I need to connect them to the ps3 and 360? I was thinking some speakers like this

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836116153

Any help?[/quote8480bf5abc]
You'll need
- A 7.1 speaker setup that has at least one optical input. There are logitech 5.1 surround sets with optical inputs but I don't know of any 7.1. I don't think the one you linked has optical inputs.
- A PC sound card with optical out
- If your speakers don't have 3 or more optical inputs (likely), you'll need a switch. I saw one on Amazon for $23 (which I thought was surprisingly cheap). You can plug your PC, 360 and ps3 into this.

Or

Buy a full fledged amplifier and speakers (not PC surround sets) which can take HDMI signals (PS3 and possibly 360) and switch between them. You can plug your PC's optical output into it (and possibly 360 depending on your model).

Thank you so much!+kma

I am a little bit confused about the second option. Could you post a link showing an example of an amplifier? I would think that is my best bet, as I cant find any 7.1 speaker systems with optical outs.

Here's an example of a 7.1 receiver[=http//www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=TX-SR575&modelid=57&group_id=1&detail=1&ext_war=1]Here's an example of a 7.1 receiver (I'm not endorsing this in any way, I haven't looked into it).

It has 2 HDMI inputs and 2 optical inputs. Assuming you use one HDMI for the PS3 for sure, it would also accomodate your 360 (HDMI or component+optical) and your PC (optical but no video switching - I don't know if you need to connect the video for your usage).

Creative used to sell this audio switcher called DDTS-100 and it would work for you with the 7.1 PC speaker set but they are discontinued for some reason (that's why I didn't mention it). I use one and it is awesome. I see one on ebay (yeah, just one since it's that rare) right now and it's at $170 right now.

As you know, I want 7.1, but the ps3 can't do it over optical cables, only 5.1. Ps3 can only do 7.1 over HDMI, but I was looking at some reviews here

http//www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR575-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B000OBOGEQ/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1197374076&sr=8-1

It says that it is only a passthrough. Will that have any affect on the 7.1 of the ps3?

Well if you're not going to use HDMI for the PS3 audio (since it can't pass 7.1 anyway), it doesn't matter. I only see references to the 1080p video being passed through HDMI which is what it's supposed to do.

7.1 is overkill unless you're using it in a really large room IMO...

Thanks for your help hehehe. I decided that I won't get 7.1 because it probably is too much. I have decided to get either this

http//www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Onkyo-5-1-Channel-Home-Theater-System-HT-SR600/sem/rpsm/oid/179767/catOid/-12954/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

or the Logitech Z-5500. I have about a $2500 budget to build a computer, buy a monitor (24"), and a sound system. My computer and monitor together are around $2300, so this should great for my budget. Thanks again!

Cool, no problem. I consider the logitechs to give the best bang for the buck and the z5500 probably sounds better than the HTIB (home theater in a box) as I've heard it said many times that they beat similarly priced HTIB's hands down.

You would just need to get one of those $25 optical switches (the HTIB only has 2 inputs as well) with it and you'd be set. The Z5500 is going for $180 shipped after rebate at clubit.com.