Home Audio Basics Question (LCD TV to external speakers)?

[2k1Toaster]

I just bought a new TV, and am considering putting in some external speakers. Nothing fancy, and I am not an audiophile to get that out of the way. The TV has both the standard red/white analog audio out as well as optical out (marked as digital audio out).

I've never done home audio before so I am uncertain of what I need. I would like to have one of those short but long speakers under the TV as well as well as 2 rear satellite speakers. That's really all I need, I don't need the theatre experience, just better than from the itty bitty ones built in.

So since that is more than 2 channels, I would need to use the digital output correct? And am I correct in thinking it would be run like so:

TV Digital Audio Out-->Recevier/Amplifier-->Various Speakers

What should go in the middle? I have heard that everyone uses "receivers" but it seems like a fancy word for amplifier to me...

Any suggestions on a low to medium priced middle thing that accepts digital optical input and can control at least 3 channels. Also I would like it to play through all speakers if only 2 channels exist. Like a rear would play left another would play right, and the center one would play left and right if no center channel exists. That sort of thing. Ideas?

 

[TV guy]

You are correct, you need a 5.1 system and you need to connect it from the TV via optical out.

You have a variety of options.

Get a low-end, PC surround system with optical input. Nothing fancy, but will do the job. You can only connect one source - your TV.

Get a home theater in a box WITH at least one optical input to connect the TV. You get receiver/dvd player + speakers

Go for separate speakers and a 5.1 amp or receiver (the receiver includes am/fm receiver). The most expensive but also the most versatile with multiple inputs in case you want to expand in the future.