04-07-2006, 02:21 AM
I haven't seen it in person yet, but my dad bought one and tried hooking it up to his computer. I was going to have him buy a usb/optical converter to do full digital 5.1 surround, but it does not have any digital inputs. I then got a little curious and looked for reviews. This is the only one I could find:
http://www.epinions.com/content_215276031620
Apparently, it will only do L/R/sub with external sources. Quite the POS if you ask me. I'll do more checking when I see it in person, but in the meantime, be forewarned if purchasing for use with a 'puter or other external source. For use with the built-in dvd player, I'm guessing it would be fine. You know what they say when you assume.
Also, I guess the volume is pretty soft. Yes, I know it's a $50 system, but I guess it's not even as loud as my dad's crappy old stereo computer speakers. He has not been able to hook it up to a tv to access the onscreen display yet. Possibly there is a way to increase the max output, but not sure yet.
Edit:
Chopper,
I posted this, and then came back to the thread to see your recent post. The video cable is s-video. Won't do you any good with your tower. If I find out this system ends up working ok with a computer, I'll post back here again. Might not be for a few days, though. For right now, it looks like the prognosis is negative.
I'm guessing other similar systems would work, though. Just make sure they have an optical audio input. Then get a converter like I mentioned above and all should be right with the world (I think).
Here's an example of the usb converter:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7385466&type=product&id=1122654484359
It says Windows only, but I read on another site (sorry, no link) that it works just fine with a Mac. The software that comes with it is Windows, but I guess you don't need it.
http://www.epinions.com/content_215276031620
Apparently, it will only do L/R/sub with external sources. Quite the POS if you ask me. I'll do more checking when I see it in person, but in the meantime, be forewarned if purchasing for use with a 'puter or other external source. For use with the built-in dvd player, I'm guessing it would be fine. You know what they say when you assume.
Also, I guess the volume is pretty soft. Yes, I know it's a $50 system, but I guess it's not even as loud as my dad's crappy old stereo computer speakers. He has not been able to hook it up to a tv to access the onscreen display yet. Possibly there is a way to increase the max output, but not sure yet.
Edit:
Chopper,
I posted this, and then came back to the thread to see your recent post. The video cable is s-video. Won't do you any good with your tower. If I find out this system ends up working ok with a computer, I'll post back here again. Might not be for a few days, though. For right now, it looks like the prognosis is negative.
I'm guessing other similar systems would work, though. Just make sure they have an optical audio input. Then get a converter like I mentioned above and all should be right with the world (I think).
Here's an example of the usb converter:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7385466&type=product&id=1122654484359
It says Windows only, but I read on another site (sorry, no link) that it works just fine with a Mac. The software that comes with it is Windows, but I guess you don't need it.