Can computer 5.1 speakers be used for a home theater system?

[waveking]

Can speakers targeted for computers, such as http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=4&subcategory=25&product=10323
be used a a home theater system, hooked with a flat LCD/DVD player?

What is the difference between these, and conventional home theater speakers, if any?

If my computer supports 5.1 output, then these computer speakers directly connect to the computer without needing an a/v receiver. Can the same be done with conventional home theater speakers?

 

[markw]

Yeah, if your expectations are low.

Remember, these are designed for someone sitting right in front of a 17" (or so) computer screen, sitting fairly close to, and intimately surrounded by, these speakers.

Now, if you're sitting across the room from a big screen TV and have these dispersed throughout the room, well, it may not be all you hoped it would be.

Wether or not it will handle the inputs you mention in your other post is another issue I won't even bother with. That's up tp you.

 

[markw]

rethink of previous answer

Sorry, I actually thought you had a clue when I posted earlier.

Can speakers targeted for computers, such as http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=4&subcategory=25&product=10323
be used a a home theater system, hooked with a flat LCD/DVD player?

If you have a digital output, yes, but the are not just speakers. This is a system that has, along with the speakers, built in 5.1 decoding and amplifiers. Conventional "speakers" don't have those.

What is the difference between these, and conventional home theater speakers, if any?

Conventional speakers don't have built in 5.1 decoding and amplifiers. That's why you need a receiver.

If my computer supports 5.1 output, then these computer speakers directly connect to the computer without needing an a/v receiver.

Yes, but remember, they are more than speakers. They are a small, complete system. Re-read my fisst answer here.

Can the same be done with conventional home theater speakers?

No.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Can speakers targeted for computers, such as http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=4&subcategory=25&product=10323
be used a a home theater system, hooked with a flat LCD/DVD player?

What is the difference between these, and conventional home theater speakers, if any?

If my computer supports 5.1 output, then these computer speakers directly connect to the computer without needing an a/v receiver. Can the same be done with conventional home theater speakers?

What Mark said. Your soundcard and subwoofer act as your receiver in a PC. You either go PC surround, or HT surround. The determining factor is if your room is the correct size for a small PC 5.1 setup. Notice the picture in the link you posted. The couch is about 6' from the flat screen. That's about the distance needed to enjoy a PC type surround setup.