I apologize as this seems like something I should know, but I want to make sure before I rush out and buy something.
I'm planning on getting a relatively low-end surround-sound system (probably between $300 - $400) and hooking it up to my HD cable box and TV. I read a post or an article on another website that made it seem like getting surround sound on television programs or sporting events wasn't a given, that a lot of systems only provide surround through the DVD player.
Is this true? How do I make sure that the system I buy is capable of producing surround sound when I'm just watching TV? Is this something I need to contact my cable provider about, or is it a function of the system I buy?
The system that you buy, if it is a surround system, can provide you with surround sound. However, it is a matrixed surround, or a "rigged" surround, so to speak. True surround is source dependent. So check with your cable provider if the cable box they provide have outputs for digital audio and if they broadcast digital sound.
I checked the providers website, it says that the box does have an output for digital audio that hooks directly to the receiver.
Assuming that it does indeed have the capability, do I need to look for anything special in terms of the unit, special connections or anything like that? Or will all units be about the same?
Check the type of digital audio output on your cable box. Usually have different kinds: digital coaxial, digital optical, HDMI, multi-channel analog 5.1, etc.
Check the cable box for specifics. You should have matching inputs for your receiver to be able to use the cable box' outputs.
