Is 5.1 sound w/o a receiver possible?

[americruzano]

My current setup is a 27" CRT HDTV with an Onkyo surround receiver, front tower speakers, subwoofer, center channel, and two bookshelf-type rear speakers. It's not mind blowing, but it works. I'm in the market for a new flat panel TV and plan to get rid of my hulking entertainment center while I'm at it.

I know they used to make big projection tv's which had mediocre built-in surround sound receivers, so my question is: Are there any flat panel TVs on the market that have this functionality? I plan to keep my speakers but ditch the receiver if possible.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I know there are some that have very limited speaker level stereo output, but I'm pretty sure you're going to have to have a receiver still to use your current equipment. There are some receivers that aren't as large as regular Onkyo units tend to be, but you're still going to have to use something between the TV's output and the speakers.

 

[americruzano]

Heh, I was starting to think that after my searching turned up nothing... I guess I'm in the market for a new surround sound receiver too :

Edit: any recommendations on smaller receivers? My search is also coming up empty on that front.

 

[StarsFan4Life]

Logitech Z-5500...

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: StarsFan4Life
Logitech Z-5500...

He said he wants to keep using his speakers, subwoofer, center channel, and bookshelf speakers.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: americruzano
Heh, I was starting to think that after my searching turned up nothing... I guess I'm in the market for a new surround sound receiver too :

Edit: any recommendations on smaller receivers? My search is also coming up empty on that front.

Panasonic's receivers tend to be on the small side, but I don't know how small you're really shooting for.

If you're really in a bind and need something as small as possible, you might be able to find a receiver/dvd combo type device from a HTIB set on ebay or something. This may or may not be compatible with your existing equipment though.

 

[erwos]

Expecting a thin, flat-panel TV to have a decoder and an amp is asking quite a lot. I am unaware of any such TVs on the market.

 

[Slick5150]

Originally posted by: americruzano
Heh, I was starting to think that after my searching turned up nothing... I guess I'm in the market for a new surround sound receiver too :

Edit: any recommendations on smaller receivers? My search is also coming up empty on that front.

If size is a concern, you'll want to go with one of the "digital" receivers on the market. Something in Panasonic's line like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Panasoni...&qid=1221485984&sr=8-1

(I don't think they make those anymore, not sure why as they were actually pretty well received, but you can still find them)

JVC has a line as well that starts off pretty cheap. Reviews are mixed though
http://www.amazon.com/JVC-RXD3...&qid=1221485984&sr=8-3