I need help setting up a home-theater.

[HarryPot]

I'm tired of my tiny TV speakers. I've been wanting to get a home theater system for a long time. But I don't really want all the complication of having to set up 5 speakers and wiring them.

So I checked out this options:

- Yamaha S400BL
- Yamaha S401BL

I don't care that much about the sound quality. But I do want to have a system that can accept my PS3, Apple TV and DirecTV. I wouldn't want to be changing cables each time I use either of those.

And this is were I need help. I have no idea how to know if these things accept three devices at one time. So, I would appreciate if anyone could explain me how this works. Thanks.

 

[Pharmscott]

Looking at the photo of the back of the unit shows 3 HDMI inputs so it seems that you could have everything plugged in at once and be happy!

 

[HarryPot]

Looking at the photo of the back of the unit shows 3 HDMI inputs so it seems that you could have everything plugged in at once and be happy!

And how would the inputs work?

All devices would be in, say, HDMI 1? And then I would have to change them in the Home Theater to switch between PS3 and Apple TV?

 

[steve-p]

And how would the inputs work?

All devices would be in, say, HDMI 1? And then I would have to change them in the Home Theater to switch between PS3 and Apple TV?

All devices are connected to the receiver by HDMI, and then a single HDMI goes from the receiver to the TV. You would need to use the AVR to switch between them. Some receivers also have an HDMI passthrough which allows you to switch on any one of the connected devices and have the TV display it without the receiver being switched on. It's a neat solution. I would suggest looking for something with more than 3 HDMI inputs though. A lot of modern AVRs have 6 or 8, it adds a bit of future proofing. Something like this would be a good performer without being absurdly expensive:

http://www.uk.onkyo.com/en/products/tx-nr609-35517.html

 

[Pharmscott]

All devices are connected to the receiver by HDMI, and then a single HDMI goes from the receiver to the TV. You would need to use the AVR to switch between them. Some receivers also have an HDMI passthrough which allows you to switch on any one of the connected devices and have the TV display it without the receiver being switched on. It's a neat solution. I would suggest looking for something with more than 3 HDMI inputs though. A lot of modern AVRs have 6 or 8, it adds a bit of future proofing. Something like this would be a good performer without being absurdly expensive:

http://www.uk.onkyo.com/en/products/tx-nr609-35517.html

Yep! Thanks Steve! I agree on getting a receiver with more inputs but the OP said they were looking for a soundbar type solution. Props to Onkyo; I love my Denon (with Airplay).

 

[HarryPot]

Yes, having more inputs would be nice.

But I don't really use the TV that much. I haven't seen a Blu-Ray movie in maybe more than a month, nor played a game in the PS3. The Apple TV I use more frequently.

Truth is, I'm just in need of a better sound, since sometimes voices get lost in movies or tv shows. I once considered the idea of building my own set, by buying a good receiver and some good speakers. But I preferred not to get into the mess of putting cables everywhere in the room, and it was considerably more expensive.

Anyways, thanks. I appreciate the help.