Sony CT-100 Info, Reviews, Etc. - Page 4

I just checked with Mario Kart. My PLII and PCM lights did come on when playing.


As I said, I could do that, but why bother? The component cable for the Wii is one solid cable, with the 5 connections splitting a few inches from the end of the cable. In order to connect just the audio to the CT100 I'd have to get some extension cables, then run two cable from behind my TV to the CT100. The setup I have now has the two cables plugged into my TV, then one very small optical cable connected to the TV optical input on the CT100. Why not do it that way?

Setup is a breeze. Run a HDMI cable from HD DVR box to the back of the sub on the CT-100. If you're Sony DVD player has a HDMI out, run it to the back of the sub, then run a HDMI cable from the sub to the TV. That's 3 HDMI cables, all you need.

Alternatively, if you're DVD player is not HDMI, run optical out to the CT-100 and hook up the video from the DVD player to your TV via component if you have it. There is an optical cable in the box with the CT-100. Run HDMI out from the DVR box to the sub and then a HDMI from the Sub to the TV. 1 Optical (included in box with CT-100) and 2 HDMI cables needed there instead of 3.

That should work.

I had a weird issue last night. I was playing Metal Gear Solid 4 and all of a sudden the music from the speaker started making crackling/popping noises while I was playing. It went on until I quit the game. I then immediately tried to play some music/another game and the issue was gone. I am chalking it up to a weird glitch in the game when I was play it as it wasn't there on MGS4 again when I tried it again 30 minutes later. That or something wierd happened with the HDMI audio for a few minutes similar to a screen flash on HDMI connections. Hopefully it isn't a sign of bad things to come as I only have about a week left on my Amazon 30 return window.

Thanks for the info. I might try this way to at least take advantage of digital via optical. Someone in another thread posted that the quality might be better extending the analog cables vs plugging the optical into the TV as it would be more direct. I might have to trust my ears on this one and try both.

okay, here is my set up:

Comcast (Motorola) DCH-3200 to CT-100 (SAT Input) via HDMI.
CT-100 to Samsung LN46A550 (TV Out) via HDMI.
all cables are HDMI 1.3a from Monoprice.

My Issue:
When viewing SD or HD channel, the CT-100 display is always showing:
HDMI
PCM
PLII
2.0 ch

i don't get the DD and 5.1 channel?

if i access the menu settings of the DCH-3200, there is an HDMI Additional Settings option - from the audio options i can choose AUTO, L-PCM, PASSTHROUGH.

if i choose AUTO and L-PCM audio outputs the same as above.
if choose PASSTHROUGH, the display would say:
HDMI
DD
5.1 ch

so i get 5.1ch using the PASSTHROUGH.

However once i turn off all my equipment (just power button NOT unplug wires), the next time I turn my equipments to power on, my DCH-3200 box somehow resets the audio setting to AUTO. Thus, giving me again PLII 2.0 ch

I already swapped the DCH-3200 with the same model hoping it was a box issue but everything is still the same. DCH-3200 Manual states that it supports 5.1ch and PCM audio. but i do not see a 5.1 ch option in the box.

the strange thing is when i change my setup:
Comcast (Motorola) DCH-3200 to Samsung LN46A550 via HDMI
Comcast (Motorola) DCH-3200 to CT-100 via Optical cable OR Samsung LN46A550 to CT-100 via Optical cable

i would get 5.1ch using the PASSTHROUGH option of the HDMI Audio setting in the DCH-3200. even if i turn the power off, it will retain my setting the next time I turn it ON.

someone enlighten me pls? thanks so much!

While I don't have the audio problem you do, with my Verizon FIOS 6416-II DVR, my box will not retain any setup changes. I choose 480i and CC on, and as soon as I turn the box off (even if CT-100 and TV remain on), it goes back to OFF and CC disabled. Very frustrating.

that's additional issue too. if set 4:3 override to 480i or 480p and CC on - and when i turn the box off, and turn it back again... everything goes back to default setting.

these are all using the hdmi connections cable box --> CT-100 --> HDTV

how does this system compare to the logitech z2200 sound-quality wise for music? I need something that sounds better than my logitech. I bought a philips hts6500 that is as good as garbage. I threw $250 down the toilet with that system and i dont want to make the mistake and go through the same with the sony.

can i connect my ps3 and cable box with hdmi into this system at the same time and output the video to my samsung a650 lcd? or would i have to get optical audio cables and leave my ps3 and cable box plugged in to the tv directly?

yes you can plug them in directly. no optical cable needed

if you had $300 to spend, would you get the ct-100 or a ps3? i currently have neither a hi-def player (just an upconverter) or any sort of audio set up. i know it's an apples to oranges situation, but i think i can only get one of these at the moment. (bills add up when you break an apartment lease!)
on the one hand, i won't really have to buy anything extra to get enjoyment out of the sound system - it'll make what i have better while the ps3 would require me to buy new games and movies. on the other hand, blu-ray movies look so damn cool.

I have the same issue with my setup: Motorola DCH 3416 DVR via HDMI into the CT-100 and then the CT-100 via HDMI into a Samsung LNT4661. If I use this hook-up, I get the same situation with the Moto DVR resetting everything to default as you state.

For the time being, I have the Moto DVR going HDMI straight into the LNT4661 with an optical cable from the Moto DVR into the CT-100 to avoid this problem.

I've looked in the Motorola DVR thread but haven't seen any comment there so far.

If I didn't have any devices that could output hd audio formats, I wouldn't have got the CT100. Both my hd-dvd and ps3 can, so I got it. Personally, I'd go with the ps3.

Go with the PS3, it really does much more than play movies/games. It's a good multimedia center as well.

Does anyone know if the sub can be laid on its side without hurting the sound quality?

Also, I have read many comments about the CT-100 sounding best at higher volume. How is it at low volume? We do a lot of low volume listening to music or TV. Will it at least sound better than basic TV speakers at low volume?

Thanks

yup that's the only work around i have so far. i really don't know why it's doing that.

We should probably combine our posts and ask in the forum for the Moto DVRs here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&pp=60&page=85

I'll try to get a post up over there and see if anyone has any ideas.

I just bought this set up today at Sears. I forgot to purchase an HDMI cable. Haven't needed one up to this point since my Dish DVR is not HD. That will change however.

I set it up tonight by running the little Opitcal cable that is provided. Connected the optical cable into the back of my 65" Olevia LCD and into the back of the sub. Thats pretty much all I did and turned down the volume on the tv. Did I miss something? At max volume I am not impressed. There is no crisp sounds or nice bass. The Bose 321 at Sams club sounded better than this set up.

I really want this to work so I am thinking maybe the HDMI will make a huge difference????? I don't know. Or does running it from an HD DVR box via HDMI to the CT 100 then HDMI back to the TV work better??? If i turn up the volume on the tv, its actually louder than the CT 100. I cant imagine listening to it at a level lower than 35. Any ideas?

On my Olevia TV the optical audio output volume is dependent on the volume of the TV. I had to turn the TV volume all the way up, and turn the TV speakers off. Go to Menu/Audio/Speakers, and turn them off. Then turn the TV volume all the way up, and try out the CT100 now. You should get way more than enough.

Thanks Ill try that. I forgot to mention I was running my DVD thru my old Xbox into my tv and then from my tv to the CT 100. Im gonna purchase a nice up conversion DVD player today and pick up a few HDMI cables and see if that also improves it.

Volume was my biggest complaint as well...

I ran a hdmi from TV to Sub and an optical from sub to SAT box.

I was comparing it to the PHillips 8100 side by side and the Phillips had the volume I needed but the sony was a better performer...

Any thoughts on my setup with regards to overall volume?

The sub was fine, it was the bar that could not produce.

Thanks.

I only had mine for a week or so, sent back for repairs - remote sensor wasn't working right. I thought the sound was okay but never heard what many are high-praising about it. You do have to turn it up loud to hear any depth to it. Music sounded okay on it, but more one dimensional. Surround sound has some effect but not mind boggling to me. but I had a true hi-res 5.1 DVD-Audio setup before and not much beats that.
I just want a simple 'better than TV speakers' setup for now so this will work.
but it's not mind blowing to me, I don;t want to play it a really high levels too often I'm in a condo. For the price I paid ($194 sony sale) it's fine. ( if they ever send me the replacement!)

OK, I'm a believer, IM IMPRESSED.... At first when I noticed how small the bar was I was thinking this isn't going to be that good. I hooked it up to my dishnetwork HD box and turned it on. At first I wasn't that impressed because it was just on the history ch. I then changed the setting on the CT-100 to movie put the sub at +5 went to the HDMV channel (The package was playing and thats a movie from 1989), the CT-100 lit up with 5.1, I cranked the volume to 35 and my mouth fell. First seen that I saw was a car blowing up and people shooting, I felt as if the explosion was all around me and the bullets where flying all over the place. So far this is hands down better sounding then my 7 year old Sony true 5.1 system. Oh and this system can crank, at 35 its loud, I don't think I would go past that and I didn't hear any distortion. This was worth the $299. To tell you the truth I think its worth much more then that. People say you can't hear rear surround effect much but in my room I can, its truly amazing. Right now I'm listening to music and I'm impressed once more. I didn't think my old 5.1 system was that bad but the sound from this is amazing. I love it for music and movies so far. My room size is 14x14 and the sound feild this puts out sounds like I'm in my own world or that I'm in the music. I have heard some nice true 5.1-7.1 systems and after just playing with this for 2 hours I don't think I will ever go back to a true 5.1 system. I can't say how much I like this thing. Ok I'm going to listen to some more music now.

I replaced my Bose 321 system with the Sony CT-100. At first, I missed my Bose, but now I am used to the way this system sounds. Plus, I am glad to have HDMI inputs for my PS3 and Directv HD-DVR. It looks great with my Plasma, PS3, Black DVR and Black TV stand. Finally, the price difference between the 321 and the Sony is about $700 and the Bose is outdated on features. Very happy with my purchase.

Did some more testing. On normal channels that are only in 2.0 it starts getting very loud at 25, with HD channels in 5.1, 25-30 is comfortable, at 35 she starts to really crank. Right now I'm listening to music at 10 with no issues (2.0) and that's with an air-conditioner running right next to it and my computer running. I can say I'm not having any volume issues with this. All I have hooked up to it is the optical cable from my sat box and that's it. I don't see the reason to hook my TVs optical up to it. Next I'm going to hook my 360 up to it with optical. Is there any benefit hooking up my stat box and 360 to it with HDMI or is it ok just going with optical like I am right now?

For audio quality the only usage scenario that having it connected via hdmi rather than optical would be better is if you are watching a hd-dvd with the 360 add on drive. The real advantage is from the CT100 switching the video so you don't have to change inputs on the tv, and minimizing the cables bring used.

Just a reminder, for all those having Remote Sensor issues, the sensor is actually in the Speaker itself, not in the subwoofer!

So make sure to points the remote at the speakers before going through the hassle of returning the product.

Has anyone tried any PS3 games with this system? Last night I was playing Burnout Paradise on the PS3, and the surround effect was very pronounced. I think more than i've ever heard it before. The bass rumble of the car when i'd fire up the engine was awesome. I kept killing the engine just so I could hear it fire up again, lol. Also, has anyone tried testing out the DRC settings? I switched through the 3 modes the other day but didn't notice a signifigant difference. I am very satisfied with it & happy that i went with this system and not some of the other $$ soundbar systems i had considered.

Yeah. I've tried both PS2 and PS3 games, and they sound awesome.

PS2 games:
God Hand
God of War I (this game sounds top notch)

PS3 games:
Super Stardust
Grand Turismo Prologue (man! I love the way the engine sounds!)

I did point mine at the sensor in the speaker. THe remote slowly stopped operating the soundbar correctly. It operated my TV strongly so I know it was the soundbar sensor (or remote) itself.