Luddite Needs Help Please!

Max Autobrake · 04-09-2012, 20:14

Hello all,

My first post here and I apologise if it's in the wrong section but none of the others seemed to fit the bill either. I've also had a quick look through the archives but couldn't find the answer to my question, which is:

I'm about to upgrade my TV and am buying a Samsung UE40ES5500 to go on the wall. I'll be running a Samsung 5.1 surround sound DVD player and a BT Vision box into it which are both currently on HDMI cables. I've been told though that I should run the DVD player on an optical cable though. Does this mean as well as or instead of the HDMI cable.

I don't really understand any of this (my development stopped with phono leads!) but would really appreciate a heads-up from someone.

Any other tips on set-up welcomed.

Thanks

jempalmer · 05-09-2012, 00:29

I'm assuming that the DVD player you are referring to is the Samsung. If that is so then use HDMI from all devices to the TV. The toslink (optical) cable will send the audio from the TV to your surround system. This presupposes that your 5.1 has optical input. I Googled your TV so I know it has optical output. What's the model of the Samsung?

**Kymmy** · 05-09-2012, 07:11

Welcome to the forum, thread moved to correct section

Max Autobrake · 05-09-2012, 19:00

Thanks for the input.....

Yes, the Samsung DVD player is 5.1 and has an optical input (not sure which model though and I've managed to lose the manual). So if I connect it with an HDMI and an optical lead what improvements will I see over using just HDMI? Sorry if this is a daft question but I did admit to being a luddite!

Kymmy, thanks for moving to correct section.....

Matth · 05-09-2012, 22:26

Don't know if they still have them, or at other locations, but my local 99p Store had optical cables at one time - plastic packed and original price Â£34.99 ... not kidding!

jempalmer · 05-09-2012, 22:38

The model number should be on a sticker or printed on the back of the Samsung. However, that's irrelevant since you say it has optical in. The HDMI out from your BT box should be connected to one of the HDMI inputs to your TV. HDMI supports up to 7.1. I have no experience with the BT Vision and so don't know the specs regarding audio output. The idea is that all source devices, your BT box and anything else use HDMI to connect to the TV. The optical cable then feeds your Samsung 5.1. This means, that when you select the appropriate HDMI input on the TV, you will get audio through the Samsung surround sound. I have a Panasonic 5.1 with a Toshiba led TV. TiVo and PC are connected to the TV as well as the Panny. The optical out from the Tosh feeds the 5.1 so I simply switch between the HDMI inputs on the Tosh to suit. Hope this helps. If you're still unsure then P.M. me the details of all your hardware and I'll look up the manuals. Then I can draw a diagram and email it to you.

---------- Post added at 23:38 ---------- Previous post was at 23:37 ----------

Our Poundland has them

Max Autobrake · 06-09-2012, 10:43

Many thanks for that Jempalmer. The TV isn't due to be delivered until next Wednesday (bought it from John Lewis) but if I get in a fix during set-up I'll definitely PM you.

Thanks again,

Max

**Kymmy** · 06-09-2012, 10:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matth

Don't know if they still have them, or at other locations, but my local 99p Store had optical cables at one time - plastic packed and original price Â£34.99 ... not kidding!

Poundland has them as well as HDMI cables

jempalmer · 06-09-2012, 15:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max Autobrake

Many thanks for that Jempalmer. The TV isn't due to be delivered until next Wednesday (bought it from John Lewis) but if I get in a fix during set-up I'll definitely PM you.

Thanks again,

Max

You're welcome Max. That's what we aim to do on CF, help each other. If you get in a pickle P.M. me. I'll do what I can to help. In the interim, before your TV is delivered, do you have a link to your Samsung 5.1 kit? If you read the model number from it I can find the user manual and PM it to you.

.

---------- Post added at 16:26 ---------- Previous post was at 16:22 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

Poundland has them as well as HDMI cables

Yes Kymmy, bought a 1m HDMI cable from Poundland today. Gold plated too! What a bargain

Hom3r · 06-09-2012, 21:05

Max I have that exact model, and I bought the wi-fi adapter, its a great TV.

Max Autobrake · 09-09-2012, 17:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hom3r

Max I have that exact model, and I bought the wi-fi adapter, its a great TV.

That's good to know, thanks. It seems rather sad to be excited about a TV (especially when remembering the sea of crud that's shown on them).... But I am quite excited!!!

Max Autobrake · 13-09-2012, 20:07

Well the TV arrived yesterday but, unfortunately, my initial excitement has all but gone and I'm tempted to give the thing back.........

The picture is fantastic, haven't set-up the LAN adapter yet but it seems to promise great things and even the styling is quite smart. BUT I think one area of the design is crass; the placement of the input/output jacks on the rear panel. Surely someone at Samsung could have applied some common sense and put them all at the side, or at least angled downwards.

I thought one of the great facets of LED TVs is the slimness of them. I wanted to wall-mount the TV and so bought HDMI cables with right angle jacks at one end but these are still too proud of the surface and so it looks as if I can't wall mount the thing, at least using the ultra-slim bracket I bought to go with the TV.

I've now got to find 90 deg. optical and aerial coax connectors and space the bracket out from the wall which seems to be defeating the object of having a slim TV.

Am I missing something here and being a twit? If so, someone please tell me the golden answer.

Sorry, rant over........

jempalmer · 14-09-2012, 10:49

You're not being a twit Max. Although LED TV's are far slimmer there are limitations on how close to the wall they can be mounted. Most have a number of side mounted connectors, however, I don't think it's possible to put every one there. My Toshiba 40" came with spacers (about 20mm) in the fitting kit which are placed between the TV and wall bracket. A neater solution than spacing the bracket from the wall.
If you need right angle optical and RF connectors then look on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cable-Tex-TO.../dp/B003WUFID4

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Right-Angle-...ef=pd_sim_ce_2

Hope this helps