iPod/mp3 to home theater, help

G-Lock808 · 10-04-2012, 02:19

How would I or can I even hook up an iPod or any MP3 player to this home theater system? It has optical inputs and no 3.5 mm inputs.

http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/SC-HTB20?t=specs

I'm looking for a budget 2.1 system for movies and occasional music. They've got these at sears for $199. If you have any other suggestions on a 2.1 NON soundbar system under $300 thats better than the panasonic, let me know.

Thanks

stolenphot0 · 10-04-2012, 05:55

doesn't look like you can unless it could work over Bluetooth

GAFinch · 10-04-2012, 07:28

You can hook your iPod up via your tv if it has an unused HDMI connection, but the tv will have to be turned on while playing music.

certifiedfunds · 10-04-2012, 07:39

http://store.apple.com/us/product/H7...ne-out-adapter

CitizenOfDreams · 10-04-2012, 07:42

An amplifier without an analog input? I just realized I'm old.

Your pretty much only option is to buy a converter from analog audio to Toslink. That should cost you around 30-40 dollars, including the cables.

Added: The cable certifiedfunds mentioned can only be used with special 3.5mm connectors that have both electrical and optical outputs. Non-Mac mp3 players are unlikely to have it; you will need a standalone converter like this:

tehan2 · 10-04-2012, 07:47

apple tv...
I think I saw them on sale for $89

kensb2 · 10-04-2012, 07:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by CitizenOfDreams

An amplifier without an analog input? I just realized I'm old.

Your pretty much only option is to buy a converter from analog audio to Toslink. That should cost you around 30-40 dollars, including the cables.

You aren't that old CoD, it's that this system doesn't have a real amplifier. This is a "you get what you pay for" type of situation. I understand the OP doesn't want to go broke on this, but when you take the cheaper way out, you sometimes have to sacrifice functionality. One of my co-workers bought a THIB where the Blu-ray player is also the receiver/amplifier. It only had 1 HDMI input on it, nothing else. He had issues trying to listen to music channels through his cable box, and was pretty frustrated with the overall experience.

OP: Do you HAVE to have a soundbar, or is it just a convenience thing? You could always set this system up as 3.1 (no rear speakers), and not have to worry about running speaker wire all over the room:

Amazon.com: Onkyo HT-S3500 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker/Receiver Package: Electronics

CitizenOfDreams · 10-04-2012, 11:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by kensb2

You aren't that old CoD

Thanks, I feel better now!

G29Reload · 10-04-2012, 11:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by stolenphot0

doesn't look like you can unless it could work over Bluetooth

This. Bluetooth would do it. New Nano has BT, touch has had it for awhile.

If you get an Apple TV for 99 bucks, i think that has hdmi. you can stream to the apple tv unit and the ATV pipes it in thru hdmi.

GD2J · 10-04-2012, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Lock808

How would I or can I even hook up an iPod or any MP3 player to this home theater system? It has optical inputs and no 3.5 mm inputs.

http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/SC-HTB20?t=specs

I'm looking for a budget 2.1 system for movies and occasional music. They've got these at sears for $199. If you have any other suggestions on a 2.1 NON soundbar system under $300 thats better than the panasonic, let me know.

Thanks

That system DOES NOT have Bluetooth connectivity. You should be just fine with something more to purchase.

CitizenOfDreams · 10-04-2012, 15:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by G29Reload

This. Bluetooth would do it.

Except one minor problem: the amplifier in question does not have any Bluetooth capabilities.

CitizenOfDreams · 10-04-2012, 15:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by GD2J

That system DOES have Bluetooth connectivity. You should be just fine with nothing more to purchase.

Where did you read that? The owner's manual does not mention any Bluetooth.

Taphius · 10-04-2012, 16:38

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...t=1#largeimage

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

costanza187 · 10-04-2012, 16:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by tehan2

apple tv...
I think I saw them on sale for $89

That's what I did!

***Jack_Pine*** · 10-04-2012, 16:59

Excuse, don't want to hijack, but would these solutions work for playing music from an IPAD as well?

**Gregg702** · 10-04-2012, 17:03

Why a 2.1 system and not a 5.1 or 7.1 system? They have more inputs, and can be set to stereo mode if you want, and you can find them in the $200-$300 range.

GD2J · 10-04-2012, 17:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by CitizenOfDreams

Where did you read that? The owner's manual does not mention any Bluetooth.

D'oh! Misread the specs page. Sorry.

CitizenOfDreams · 10-04-2012, 18:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by GD2J

D'oh! Misread the specs page. Sorry.

Yep, that spec page is a bit misleading - all possible features are listed in bold letters, and then there is a tiny little dash that means "feature is not present".

GD2J · 10-04-2012, 19:05

That's exactly what happened. I went ahead and edited my original post.

GAFinch · 10-04-2012, 19:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack_Pine

Excuse, don't want to hijack, but would these solutions work for playing music from an IPAD as well?

Yes they would.

686Owner · 10-04-2012, 21:41

I didn't think the iPhone did audio output for bluetooth anyway because apple wants them to use airplay. Or maybe they just won't certify it for use with iPhone?

G-Lock808 · 10-05-2012, 02:33

Thanks all for the answers, but, this one really intrigues me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AudiGregg

Why a 2.1 system and not a 5.1 or 7.1 system? They have more inputs, and can be set to stereo mode if you want, and you can find them in the $200-$300 range.

Is there a switch to set most receivers to stereo mode, or do I just hook up the 2 front speakers? Would I miss out on sounds that are supposed to be transmitted through the rear speakers if the rears are not hooked up?

This is great news, as you've pointed out there are many name brand surround systems for around $300. I would like true 5.1 surround, just not enough to route the speaker wire and mount the speakers behind the couch. I'm also not a audiophile, so a decent 2.1 system should be fine for me.

**Gregg702** · 10-05-2012, 09:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Lock808

Thanks all for the answers, but, this one really intrigues me.

Is there a switch to set most receivers to stereo mode, or do I just hook up the 2 front speakers? Would I miss out on sounds that are supposed to be transmitted through the rear speakers if the rears are not hooked up?

This is great news, as you've pointed out there are many name brand surround systems for around $300. I would like true 5.1 surround, just not enough to route the speaker wire and mount the speakers behind the couch. I'm also not a audiophile, so a decent 2.1 system should be fine for me.

Just hook up the 2 speakers and set the system to "stereo". I use a 7.1 receiver, but only have it set for 5.1.