Surround Sound on my XBox

[Pumpy Tudors]

First off, let me say that I know absolutely nothing about surround sound setups or all the necessary pieces. Feel free to explain everything as if you're trying to explain it to a child.

I know what surround sound is, and I know that I'd like to have it on my XBox, but I'm wondering about the requirements and how much money I'd have to spend. I'm really looking to spend as little as possible. I do not need anything resembling a high-end setup. I want it to be cheap but functional, and I will only need everything to fill an area that's about 8' x 8', although if I need more space for everything, I can manage up to maybe 10' x 10'.

So, if some knowledgeable folks would be so kind, what do I need to set this up, what might it cost me, and is it possible to get everything I need at a good price from a chain store like Best Buy or Circuit City without having to order online? Basically, if I can get this set up today or tomorrow, I'll be incredibly happy.

Thanks in advance.

[cartman]

It depends on what you already have. You will need to get one the advanced AV packs. This is a must, as it has the optical connector that is required for a surround sound connection. Then, if you already have a surround sound receiver, all you have to pick up is the correct optical cable, hook it up, and you are set. Otherwise you are going to have to figure out your budget to get a low end receiver with optical inputs and the speaker set of your choice.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I have nothing except the XBox at the moment. Okay, so I need an advanced AV pack, a cable, receiver, and speakers, it sounds like. I'll start hunting for those (well, the AV pack is easy). Thanks.

[gstelmack]

I thought someone was selling a surround package for the Xbox that had the cable, receiver, speakers? I'm pretty sure I've seen it at Circuit City / Toys 'R Us. That's the cheap way. Me, I've got the AV pack and am running the optical cable into the same receiver that my DVD player and Satellite Receiver run into so everything is surround.

Here's one example: http://www.surround-sound-speakers.com/xbox.htm. Do a search on "surround sound speakers Xbox" and you'll find more.

[cartman]

Yeah, if you can find something like that, then that's the way to go. Then you can also get the DVD adapter for the Xbox and watch movies in surround sound.

Oh, and on another note. Once you do get all of the equipment hooked up, remember that you have to go into Xbox settings and set the audio for optical and surround sound. It doesn't detect the equipment and change automatically.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Good stuff, guys! I'm looking into it all. Thanks!

[Easy Mac]

Just go here:http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&u=c&qp=0086832460570&bookmark=bookmark_0&oid=74921&catoid=-11322&m=0

All you need are the red/white cables that come with the Xbox. These speakers come with a hookup that allows them to be plugged directly into the Xbox. These aren't high end speakers, but for the price, they're amazing. Buy tonight and you get them for $50, otherwise tehy go for around 60-80 on various cites.

[cartman]

Just go here:http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&u=c&qp=0086832460570&bookmark=bookmark_0&oid=74921&catoid=-11322&m=0

All you need are the red/white cables that come with the Xbox. These speakers come with a hookup that allows them to be plugged directly into the Xbox. These aren't high end speakers, but for the price, they're amazing. Buy tonight and you get them for $50, otherwise tehy go for around 60-80 on various cites.

Those will give you 4 channel stereo sound, but not true surround sound. If they use just the red and white audio cables, that's normal stereo, not Dolby Digital or DTS surround.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Well, I fell asleep, and when I woke up, it was too late to go anywhere except the 24-hour Wal-Mart about 10 minutes away from me. I spent $55 and picked up something, though I'm not entirely sure how good it's gonna be. Anyway, I'm set now. Thanks, guys!

[Easy Mac]

The z-640's should give you 5.1 surround sound, but not dolby/dts, which is fine for video games. They are $50 with no rebates at I think CompUSA, or some computer store.