Morning all,
I'm on holiday atm, but have had a phone call to say that there's been another break-in, and we've been cleared out again.
I'm keen to get the ball rolling and replace the kit that's gone, but am completely clueless when it comes to AV, and was hoping some kind soul might take pity on me and give me a few pointers. We had a Sony 52W5500, and a Sony BDV-360IS (Bluray player and HT-IS100 combo).
Replacing the TV sound be reasonably simple, I'll pick up something equivalent on eBay until the Sony 2011 range is available, and make a choice then.
The audio is a bit of a headache. This meant I got everything connected, but I feel that the ergonomics could be simpler if I'm starting again...
Ideally I'd like to be able to tun the TV on to one single channel, then have everything connected to the amp, and use the amp remote to switch inputs. I know it sounds stupid, but that leaves me with a question over how many inputs I need. If an amp has 4 * HDMI inputs, that's the SkyHD/PS3/X360/PC sorted, but what about the Wii? Can I use a component input as well as all 4 * HDMI inputs? Or do I need at least 5 inputs to get every connected to the amp?
I've been looking at all-in-one systems, as I don't understand what I need and how to connect it with a 'separates' solution. So far I've found the Onkyo HT-S5405/HT-S6305, which look good, and my brother (bless him) has suggested the Yamaha YSP-5100 soundbar. Expensive, but excellent, and very simple to set up it seems... Question marks over having it set up in the corner of a room though?
I was trying to do some research on my own, and have even managed to work out that the reason nobody sell amps is because they all call them AV recievers! (impressive powers of deduction right?
), however this has opened up a whole new can of worms re inputs, as I've now found an amp with 6 * HDMI inputs, which made me wonder if I need so many as per my question above?
Looks are important, but of secondary importance to simplicity. 3D support is a must for future-proofing. An ipod/iphone dock would be nice, as would wireless streaming capability (this is much less important though). I'm not fussed about having the latest model unless the new features are worth having) and I don't mind picking up something in mint condition from eBay/classifeds, if it saves me money / gets me more features cheaper...
Budget is reasonably fluid. The £400 Onkyos are attractive price-wise, but the £1000 Yamaha soundbar isn't completely out of the question if I can find a demo...
Can anyone answer my input question, and/or point me in the right direction please?
I'm on holiday atm, but have had a phone call to say that there's been another break-in, and we've been cleared out again.

I'm keen to get the ball rolling and replace the kit that's gone, but am completely clueless when it comes to AV, and was hoping some kind soul might take pity on me and give me a few pointers. We had a Sony 52W5500, and a Sony BDV-360IS (Bluray player and HT-IS100 combo).
Replacing the TV sound be reasonably simple, I'll pick up something equivalent on eBay until the Sony 2011 range is available, and make a choice then.
The audio is a bit of a headache. This meant I got everything connected, but I feel that the ergonomics could be simpler if I'm starting again...
Ideally I'd like to be able to tun the TV on to one single channel, then have everything connected to the amp, and use the amp remote to switch inputs. I know it sounds stupid, but that leaves me with a question over how many inputs I need. If an amp has 4 * HDMI inputs, that's the SkyHD/PS3/X360/PC sorted, but what about the Wii? Can I use a component input as well as all 4 * HDMI inputs? Or do I need at least 5 inputs to get every connected to the amp?
I've been looking at all-in-one systems, as I don't understand what I need and how to connect it with a 'separates' solution. So far I've found the Onkyo HT-S5405/HT-S6305, which look good, and my brother (bless him) has suggested the Yamaha YSP-5100 soundbar. Expensive, but excellent, and very simple to set up it seems... Question marks over having it set up in the corner of a room though?
I was trying to do some research on my own, and have even managed to work out that the reason nobody sell amps is because they all call them AV recievers! (impressive powers of deduction right?

Looks are important, but of secondary importance to simplicity. 3D support is a must for future-proofing. An ipod/iphone dock would be nice, as would wireless streaming capability (this is much less important though). I'm not fussed about having the latest model unless the new features are worth having) and I don't mind picking up something in mint condition from eBay/classifeds, if it saves me money / gets me more features cheaper...
Budget is reasonably fluid. The £400 Onkyos are attractive price-wise, but the £1000 Yamaha soundbar isn't completely out of the question if I can find a demo...
Can anyone answer my input question, and/or point me in the right direction please?
