upconverting dvd cabling

[mcleod07]

Hi there. I'm an aspirational HT enthusiast, upgrading over time, starting last year with an LG 42LC2D (1080i). I have an ancient Onkyo AVR - strictly composite RCA connections, although it does support Dolby Pro Logic Surround. So until that gets replaced, trying to determine the best way to connect all this for decent video/sound. Just bought an upconverting DVD player (Philips DVP5982).

I *think* I can use HDMI between DVD-TV to upconvert the video, while sending L/R audio to AVR, right? I only have 2.1 speakers so not expecting the earth to move, but still better than the LG speakers. Thanks for confirming/correcting me on this.

Second piece: I can't really go all out with audio in this room (i.e. can't wire rear speakers, terrible acoustics, close to kids' rooms)...but would like to improve the audio experience. Are the surround-in-one-box (Polk etc) worth the price? Or perhaps a decent AVR with 3.1? Or just deal with the current setup and save my nickels for a serious HT in the basement?

Thanks for your help!

 

[mtrycrafts]

Welcome to AH

Hi there. I'm an aspirational HT enthusiast, upgrading over time, starting last year with an LG 42LC2D (1080i). I have an ancient Onkyo AVR - strictly composite RCA connections, although it does support Dolby Pro Logic Surround. So until that gets replaced, trying to determine the best way to connect all this for decent video/sound. Just bought an upconverting DVD player (Philips DVP5982).

I *think* I can use HDMI between DVD-TV to upconvert the video, while sending L/R audio to AVR, right? I only have 2.1 speakers so not expecting the earth to move, but still better than the LG speakers. Thanks for confirming/correcting me on this.

Yes, that will do it both the video and audio.

Second piece: I can't really go all out with audio in this room (i.e. can't wire rear speakers, terrible acoustics, close to kids' rooms)...but would like to improve the audio experience. Are the surround-in-one-box (Polk etc) worth the price? Or perhaps a decent AVR with 3.1? Or just deal with the current setup and save my nickels for a serious HT in the basement?
Thanks for your help!

If you cannot do it in that room, no real reason to even go with an HTIB. Save until the basement is ready to be converted.