New Memeber, Old Question?

[muckshifter]

I dare say that the experts have been asked this question times many, but here goes!

I have just bought a new TV, I had a plasma previously, but it had gone pear shaped on getting home from work today.

I use sky plus, a Pioneer home cinema dvd surround and a Samsung 40' HD LCD.

The question is, what is the best method of connection to get the best out of all three. I am currently just using S-Video to the TV and not using the speakers, the sound is coming from the suround sound.

I'm not massively impressed with the picture though - the picture quality on my old 32" Hitachi Plasma was far better using the same configuration.

All help is gratefully recieved, I'm a total numpty when it comes to anything like this!

[Jimdefruit]

s-video is probably the best you will get out of a sky+box into your LCD. It is probably very similar to scart though.

[muckshifter]

That reply has got me thinking now.....

Is the sky+ box now the weak link in the system?

The picture is ok, but I really think that it should be better than what it is. Is there something in the settings that I should be looking at?

If I went down the SkyHD route, would the terrestrial channels be better or just the HD channels?

This is starting to hurt my head now, I wish I'd stuck with the old panel, there was nothing wrong with that!

Also, when I hang the new TV on the wall, what type of cable should I buy to chase into the wall? I'm going to plaster it in, so I'll have to get it right.

One TV, and so many questions!

[Jimdefruit]

It depends on what you intend to connect but as it is a HD panel you should allow for a HDMI cable but as you are using a sky+ box you will also need at least one scart/s-video cable. If you ever think of connecting your PC you will need a DVI/vga cable and audio stereo cable to the tv.

Also dont forget if you want to record from the tv tuner, you will need a scart for that as well. Gets messy don't it.
You will also need an aerial cable for the tv tuner.

I opted for an AV amp on a pedestal below the panel and put a blank timber panel about 2 ft wide up from the plinth to behind the plasma panel. I'm glad I did because I have changed things a few time.

[muckshifter]

Thanks again Jim, considering the options now.

One further question if I may.....

If I was to upgrade to a SkyHD box, would the picture on the non-HD channels be improved, bearing in mind that I do all my viewing through the satellite box as the digital reception through my aerial.

Also, does the HDMI cable carry sound as well as pictures?

Please excuse my ignorance!

[muckshifter]

Thats two questons!

[muckshifter]

Also, at the risk of sounding tedious, what sort of deal can I expect to get out Sky for an HD box, anyone got any idea?

Thanks again.

[Jimdefruit]

Last, I dont think sky are doing any deals at the moment but you can try. Have a word with lincsat he might put you in the right direction.

HDMI does carry sound as well. The best option is to route it via an A/V amp which will decode any surround sound signals. Straight to the tv will only give you stereo.

The SD picture from a sky hd box is said by some to be better but by others, no different.