Hello everyone! I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but here goes:

I'm looking to connect my devices to an a/v system; my xbox 360, laptop, (currently) pc speaker 5.1 system and hd tv.

My tv would hook up to the a/v receiver via hdmi...

My laptop only has vga and s-video out. Is it worth it to watch video on the TV from my laptop through the a/v system? If so, how would I connect the two?

My main concern at the moment is how I would get 5.1 surround sound out of my pc speaker system if I were to play through my laptop. Also, on an equally important note, how would I even connect the speaker system to an a/v receiver?

My budget is low, I think I'm willing to spend ~$400 on an a/v system.

Any help would be appreciated :)

Connect your laptop via VGA directly to your TV, if the set has a VGA input. S-video more than likely will not look so hot.

Are you trying to use your PC speakers with your new receiver?

Model/part #'s of your existing equipment would be helpful.

you need to be shopping HTIB systems, I think there is a sub forum for it here somewhere.

Ok - here's some info on my products:

Speakers: Logitech x-530 (though I may eventually upgrade to a system with optical - not sure if that's worth it yet)

Laptop: Dell Vostro 1700

TV: I can't find a product code/model # anywhere, but I know it doesn't have a vga port. It has 1 hdmi port, two rgb and 2 or 3 rwy component cables.

To answer your question, yes I'm planning on hooking up my speakers to the a/v receiver.

I'll also look around for those htib systems you mentioned.

Thanks.

Take a look at something like this to go from VGA to HDMI..

http://www.vgatohdmi.net/

Or, maybe something like this would work better (cheaper). It's a VGA -> component cable. Since your audio will go to your receiver anyway, this probably makes more sense.

http://www.amazon.com/6ft-component-video-cable-HD15/dp/B000FM3EQ0

I don't see how you can get digital audio from your laptop if it doesn't have a digital audio out. You'll probably just have to go 3.5mm -> L/R white/red analog cables to your receiver.