I'm teched out!

[PeterG]

I've reached technological development overload, I can't handle it anymore.

Today I wanted to get a simple 2.1 soundbar for my Panasonic plasma. I have a very small tv room and I don't want a 5.1 system, plus I haven't got the budget for it.

Anyway I saw a Samsung soundbar with sub-woofer I liked the look of for about 160 euros. And then the shop asst said "you need an optical connection for that" I said "why? I just want to plug some speakers in, why do I need an optical connection?" He then said something that made as much sense to me as someone speaking Chinese. I don't even know if my TV has an optical input or not.

Anyway I left the shop and accepted that technological development has passed me by and I'm never going to catch up again. So I'll just stick with my 1970s JVC receiver and 2 speakers for the tv then.

[WHORG]

Your plasma TV should have an optical audio output - all of our plasma displays had this connection since I can remember. Depending on your display's source material - it might be sending 5.1 material to the sound bar - which then sub-processes it for Dolby Digital, DTS, etc . . . and provides you with the simulated surround sound feature, and a separate channel feed to the sub too. This would take advantage of all the sonic capabilities output by the display, and processed by the sound bar. It's a cheap cable too - don't be afraid and embrace my man ---

I have a friend who just got a new 4k display with a Polk Omni sound bar w/sub - - - all for his bedroom setup. It is very impressive - - -

[PeterG]

Thanks Whorg. So the optical connection converts 5.1 to 2.1 for the soundbar, is that right?

[JKL2000]

Your plasma TV should have an optical audio output - all of our plasma displays had this connection since I can remember. Depending on your display's source material - it might be sending 5.1 material to the sound bar - which then sub-processes it for Dolby Digital, DTS, etc . . . and provides you with the simulated surround sound feature, and a separate channel feed to the sub too. This would take advantage of all the sonic capabilities output by the display, and processed by the sound bar. It's a cheap cable too - don't be afraid and embrace my man ---

I have a friend who just got a new 4k display with a Polk Omni sound bar w/sub - - - all for his bedroom setup. It is very impressive - - -

Christ, I used to have a little black & white TV in my bedroom. It took a minute to warm up...

[WHORG]

Whatever is fed to your sound bar from the display will be processed for a 2.1 experience. These units can simulate surround sound by delaying the "rear" signals and/or angling the drivers, something like that. Others here can clarify I'm sure.

[Scott Bails]

Christ, I used to have a little black & white TV in my bedroom. It took a minute to warm up...

You mean you don't still use it now?