topic Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference in Other TVs

S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

andyodell — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 10:37:31 GMT

I am looking at Sound Bars to go with a 40EX503. This is kind of a TV question as I think it would rely on the output from the TV?...

The TV has "S-Force Front Surround - Dolby® Digital Plus" but I notice that the HT-CT260 Sound Bar has S-Force Front Surround PRO. What is the "Pro" here. Would this not work well with the TV as it wont support it?

Would a better option be the HT-CT60 which has just "Virtual Surround"

Im not overly looking for a surround experience but would just like to know the difference between these. The CT60 doesnt to me seem like a massive improvment on the TV speakers where as the CT260 does.

Thanks

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

Anonymous — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 11:09:54 GMT

Hi there

Not sure about the PRO difference, but in short the CT260 is better (but it all depends on what you need/want and what your budget allows), see below:

The entry-level HT-CT60 will comprise of a 2.1 channel soundbar with 60W of power, a wired subwoofer and virtual surround sound support so you think you've got a bigger system than you actually have.

For those who want a little bit more, there is the HT-CT260. It's a 2.1 channel sound bar but with a much beefier 300W of power. It will come with a wireless subwoofer so you can annoy the neighbours and has Bluetooth so you can quickly connect it to other devices, such as your favourite tablet or phone.

It also differs from the HT-CT60 in that you'll get an LED display on the front of the speaker letting you know what's going on.

http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/116297-sony-ht-ct60-ht-ct260-soundbar-speakers

http://www.gadgetshake.com/sony-ht-ct60-and-ht-ct260-home-cinema-surround-soundbars/

Cheers

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

andyodell — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 11:14:41 GMT

Would there be a way to pass other audio (from an amp) CD Player through this also. Perhaps passing it through the TV. If they sound good then replceing the Sony speakers from the 70's that we have would be good!

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

Anonymous — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 11:30:31 GMT

Both of them do not utilise HDMI, but use Optical IN connection instead, as well as coaxial

If you want other connections, you may want to look into an AV receiver + Speaker package instead.

Im not sure how it would work if connecting a CD player to your TV, then outputting the sound via the sound bar. I guess it would work - HOWEVER the TV would also have to be switched on and set to the right input mode (not the best way in my opinion)

In regards to sound, your best bet is to go into your nearest Sony Store and listen to them first.

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

Anonymous — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 11:51:42 GMT

Looking at page 17 of the manual : here

It looks like you can connect something else to the coaxial input (ie CD player/DVD etc)

EDIT: but not ideal for analogue component to digital coaxial - Im unsure on how that works

<sorry, should have looked into it a bit more before posting above, doing multiple things at once>

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

andyodell — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 11:42:01 GMT

Thanks. Taking a look now.

The problem is the set up and layout of the house. There is an Amp with CD and Turn table one one side and wires under the floors going to the speakers.

For years this has been a problem as the TV is on the other side of the room with the chimny between the Amp etc and TV. There is also no space around the TV to have an AV setup or speakers on both sides of the TV.

Does that make sense?

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

andyodell — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 11:51:28 GMT

It looks like the new Model (H) has HDMI inputs. What advantage has this got?

On another note, yesterday I saw this system online new for under £90 and I JUST missed it 😞

It seems like they are limited or out of stock in quite a few places. Perhaps the newer model as mentioned with the HDMI will be in stores soon for the same price or a new look will come out.

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

Anonymous — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 12:11:13 GMT

@andyodell wrote:
Thanks. Taking a look now.

The problem is the set up and layout of the house. There is an Amp with CD and Turn table one one side and wires under the floors going to the speakers.

For years this has been a problem as the TV is on the other side of the room with the chimny between the Amp etc and TV. There is also no space around the TV to have an AV setup or speakers on both sides of the TV.

Does that make sense?

If you really want to sort this out, rip it all up and re-arrange your lounge room on the principle of : Do it once, Do it right. If its been annoying you for years, maybe this is the time to sort it out

HDMI, in short, is just another way of connecting things up

EDIT : Without knowing exactly all your equipment and connections, I dont think the soundbar is going to achieve on connecting other equipment other than you TV.

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

andyodell — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 13:44:20 GMT

Rearrangeing the room would be ideal but there is really only one place that the TV fits and One place that the Amp etc fits. To try to make things clearer visually. There is no floor space. There is an old stone fire place that extends half the height as tabletops on both sides. One side sits the TV and the other side sits an Amp/CD and Turn table. So there is no way of putting anything under the TV. Building shelves up for Amps and then the TV to sit on I think would bring the TV up too high.

One thing we did used to do in the VHS days was we have the VHS over where the Amp now is. There is some kind of socket in the wall that went to the TV. This was just I think a old ariel Coaxial out (from the VHS) out from another plate and into the TV. I dont think this has any use at all now.

I think HDMI might be a plus. I didnt see a reason until now as I was just going to plug everything into the TV and then output it through the optical out.

If you can tell me what would be best (saying I would get the model with HDMI) I have a:

Virgin Tivo Box - Optical and HDMI out

Sony Blu Ray - Optical, HDMI and Coaxial

Apple TV - HDMI

Wii - Component

Is it best to just do what I orignally planned which is to connect all to TV and have one optical output, or is there an advantage in connecting say the Blu Ray using Coaxial and the Tivo using Optical separately?

Sorry for all the questions, and thanks for your help.

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

Anonymous — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 14:27:43 GMT

I finally get your point on the lounge room situation

In my opinion I would go with the CT260H - reasoning:

I would not choose the CT60 based on the fact that its 15w per speaker + 30w for sub (not too much difference from your TV really (you TV is 2 x 10w)
This therefore leaves out the CT60H as well

This then leaves CT260 and CT260H - I would choose the CT260H for the fact that it has HDMI IN/OUT, which would connect to your TV quite nicely via HDMI 1 - leaving you another option of a optical connection for another piece of equipment. But connecting things to the TV, and outputting the sound via the CT260H is good.
The CT260/H also has a wireless subwoofer, which may help in your situation of placing it where it fits (needs power though)
I cannot find a manual for the CT260H, however I would imagine that it is compatible with Bravia Sync with Control for HDMI switched on for all compatible devices - giving you a single remote control solution for controling the CT260H via the TV's remote control. (dont quote me on that though) - This is from your TV's manual : http://pdf.crse.com/manuals/iManuals/egb/3a-1/brsync.html

Hope that helps

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

andyodell — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 14:33:48 GMT

Thanks. This is good advice.

The front room is tricky. Its a pain. Its the reason why we have never got any proper surround fitted.

The only place that I can find the CT260H is through the Sony Website. Not a bad price with the voucher.

Still kicking myself that I missed the older model for under £90!

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

andyodell — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 14:38:09 GMT

Dont know how to edit....

Good price with the voucher, but when/if it comes into John Lewis the 2 year cover is always good.

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

Anonymous — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 14:39:59 GMT

@andyodell wrote:
The front room is tricky. Its a pain. Its the reason why we have never got any proper surround fitted.

Bearing in mind that its only simulated surround sound. I have no idea on how it sounds. Proper surround requires the rear speakers etc

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

andyodell — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 14:45:46 GMT

Yeah. I think for the size room it should be fine. Anything that is better than the TV speakers will be great.

Do you know or can you explain the returns policy. Im having a look. I thought leaglly you had a cooling off period. Can I take it out the packageing and if I am not happy (wont fit in, dont like the look, anything else) return it in the packaging with no breakages etc and return it for a refund?

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

Anonymous — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 14:50:54 GMT

I have no idea of a returns policy etc (never needed to know, and im not a sony rep).

However, if you purchase anything over the internet, you do have a 7 day distance selling regulations (you just pay the postage, if its not faulty)

More info at : http://www.out-law.com/page-430

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

andyodell — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 16:13:41 GMT

That is a good link. Thanks. Have measured it all up and it just might fit... or at least I will make it fit!

One last question.... Can the IR repeater be used for the TiVo Box or is this purley for TV on/off/volume? I ask as the only place it will seem to fit is in front of the TiVo!

Thanks again

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

Anonymous — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 17:03:11 GMT

Hi there

As far as I believe, the IR repeater is a pass-though, therefore in theory it still should work for whatever is in front of it, as it should be literally repeating the IR pulses detected at the front. But to be honest, I simply do not know in practice.

Found this interesting video clip on CNet (not the HDMI version) : Here

If you do get it, I'd be interested on how you got on?

Cheers.

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

andyodell — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 10:19:24 GMT

We got this yesterday. First of all it just fits where we want it. It has slight cover on top and on each side but not loads, I dont think this will effect the sound too much.

I am still in the process of deciding the best way to set it all up, it seems to work very well and is a big improvment to the TV speakers. It is quite bassy so I think I will turn that down a little.

The optical cable is a little short as it the power lead for the Sub. We have a plug behind the sofa so was hoping it would reach and then can place the sub to the side a little.

I have started another thread about a slight hissing coming from it and also set up options here - http://community.sony.co.uk/t5/Hi-fi-Systems/Set-up-options-for-HT-CT260H-and-hissing/m-p/1302750

After this is sorted I would like to know about the "surround" features. I cant decide weather to turn "effect" off, if this compltly turns of the surrond effect or if turning it on just adds a little more power to it.

I dont like things too forced or overly powerful for the sake of it. (there are 6 effect choices) I would like the audio to be close to how it is intended but with a surround effect would be nice. If keeping it off still has the effect from the source (5.1) then I will keep it off. Not sure if I have said all that clear or not!

If you know much about this let me know. After watching I film I will update you on how it sounded.

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 10:40:10 GMT

Thanks for the update

I replied to part of your question in the other thread.

Re: S-Force Front Surround and PRO difference

andyodell — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 13:40:33 GMT

Forgot to mention too that the IR pass through seems to be working ok. First of all it wasnt but I swapped over the Blu Ray and TiVo that were side by side. I guess now that both their IR recievers are more central.

Very little problems working this way. I will only have to pull the bar forward a little to insert the discs and not seeing the Blu Ray display is no biggy for me. In fact I annoy myself looking at it and knowing how much of the film is left and so knowing when the ending etc is coming!

The TiVo seems to be working fine through it as well. The control now and again thinks you have pressed something else but that could just be the power in the remote is going. There should be enough ventilation. Perhaps a couple of holes could be drilled just to be safe but I dont think the heat from the sound bar will make a huge difference to were it has always been.