video game system w/ surround?

gmorris

I have been toying with the idea of getting a new video game system, to replace my old Nintendo 64.

First question, what do you recommend?

Second question, do the systems (X-box, PS2 ect...) have digital audio outputs? If yes, do the games have 5.1 soundtracks?

Question 2.5, if the systems don't have digital outputs, how are people connecting video gaming systems to the home theater rigs, with the L&R analog outs?

Thanks,
gm

bokdaddy

First - I recommend Nintendo's Gamecube. The graphics are second only to the XBOX but not by much. Some games run in progressive scan and there's plenty of quality titles.

Second - XBOX and PlayStation 2 have digital outs but you have to buy the specialized cables separately and to my knowledge there isn't too many games put out in 5.1. Gamecube doesn't have a digital out but a good number of games are made for ProLogic II through analog connections. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker sounds magnificent with ProLogic II, so does Metroid Prime. Lots of Nintendo's top titles do whether they're action or sports. The last game I bought, NFL Street, actually sounds pretty good too.

audiobliss

I have a PS2 and play only racing games. I recently hooked up a 3 channel system and when I was playing Ned For Speed: Underground it sounded awesome. I have my PS2 hooked up as a DVD player via component video (isn't that the one with a separate hook-up for L, R, and Video??). This game is certified THX, Dolby Surround ProLogic II, but I bet I wasn't utilizing any of that considering how I have my PS2 hooked-up. I was just using the Entertainment: Game DSP on my Yammy receiver.

I really have no idea if this helps at all, as I don't quite know enough to know what I just said but I thought I'd throw out what I thought; hope it helps a little.

Shizelbs

Xbox does have quite a few games with 5.1 sound. Most use it in the cut-scenes, but there are a number that actively encode in 5.1 Dolby Digital. If it were me, I would go Xbox, Gamecube, PS2 in that order.

superbrett

I'd have to agree w/the XBOX crowd, If you look on the back of the games, most are Dolby PL II, at the least.
I don't play alot, but when Tiger Woods 04 is on.....it's a good time!

gmorris

So if you go with the X-box, do you need to get a special digital audio cable, or does the system come with one?

AsSiMiLaTeD

Xbox hands down if you're looking for good audio and video quality. I believe the game selection may be a little better on PS2, but there's never been anything that I wanted and couldn't get on XBOX.

To get the full benefit of the XBOX, you'll want to gram that Monster cable set, something 400 I think...anyway you'll need to grab both the video (component) cables and the TOSLINK (digi audio) cables...

Please don't pay full price at the store for those, you can find them for MUCH cheaper online or on Ebay...

Again, if you're looking for the best video and audio quality, XBOX is the way to go...

AsSiMiLaTeD

Originally posted by gmorris
So if you go with the X-box, do you need to get a special digital audio cable, or does the system come with one?

The system comes with standard 2 ch RCA cables, but it you want 5.1 you'll need to grab the digital audio cable. Any fiber optic will do the trick here, you don't need the XBOX Monster one...

Pablo

I have both the Game Cube and the XBox and have hooked up both to my widescreen HDTV. Hands down the XBox looks and sounds better. Which one to get is really a matter of game titles. I bought the Game Cube over the others only because of Mario 64. That was one of the best games I've ever played (I'm not that much into the first player shooter or fighter games). With 2 young kids, also made it a better choice.

But after a year or two of mario, it was time to kill people and blow things up. The Xbox is not permently attached to my home theater (the kids can drag the gamecube to any of the other 4 tvs in the house if they want).

Both the systems require an addtional product to hook up using component cables, but the Game Cube is cheaper. The Xbox allows an optical output, while the Game Cube is analog only (the Xbox also allows analog, but with the digital out it's night and day). The Xbox also has games in 480p 720p & 1080i, while the Game Cube is a max of 480p.

If you must have Mario, go with the Game Cube, otherwise, the Xbox may be a better choice. (even though I think they are both fantastic).

(P.S. I'm starting a thread on games.)

Sami

Originally posted by audiobliss
I have my PS2 hooked up as a DVD player via component video (isn't that the one with a separate hook-up for L, R, and Video??).

No, component video is the one with 3 separate video plugs; red, blue and green. The video plug on your cable set is for composite video.

dcarlson

Huh... No PS2 fans?

gmorris

Well, I think I've narrowed my choices to X-box & PS2, just because they have the digital audio output.

I don't yet have an HDTV, so I won't be able to use the component video output anyway, but it is good that it is there for when I finally do get an HDTV.

PolkThug

XBOX!

A lot of the newer games are in HD and look awesome on big widescreen tv's!

AsSiMiLaTeD

Originally posted by gmorris
Well, I think I've narrowed my choices to X-box & PS2, just because they have the digital audio output.

I don't yet have an HDTV, so I won't be able to use the component video output anyway, but it is good that it is there for when I finally do get an HDTV.

You won't need an HDTV to notice the difference in graphics, the XBOX destroys the PS2 in terms of graphics programming in the games, not to mention the the XBOX itself is a much more powerful system...HDTV is really cool for improved video performance though...

organ

I own all three and I will say XBOX is the best in sound and graphics. 99% of my XBOX games are DD 4.1 (no center but I think a few are 5.1). A lot of them are high def too. You have to buy a high def pack to get your digital out. You can find them in S-video or component.

The DD 4.1 sound is not only in cut scenes but during gameplay as well. If an XBOX game says DD on the back of the box, the entire game is DD.

There are a few DTS games on PS2 but selection is limited.

Most games on Game Cube are Pro-Logic II.

Maurice

audiobliss

Yes!! I'm a PS2 fan!! However, my tastes are a little different from most. I don't like the fighting games, don't much care for the action stuff, and I'm not fond of sports. That leaves me with racing games, and I LOVE cars, so that works out just fine. I will say, however, that I've seen quite a few titles for XBox that would have liked to play, but most of them eventually come out on PS2. That's just my thoughts.

jae68

I play mostly sports games, but Halo is pretty impressive too.

mantis

Second - XBOX and PlayStation 2 have digital outs but you have to buy the specialized cables separately and to my knowledge there isn't too many games put out in 5.1.

Wrong XboX games just about every single one made is ingame 5.1.You can also buy Xbox HDTV kit for the connections.Use this and you can run your own wires via Component and Digital Optical.

Xbox is the most advanced console out today.I have owned all 3 and I only now own Xbox.

I will buy another playstation 2 only to play Grand Tursimo 4 which is suppost to come out later this year we shall see.

kingkip

Yea Xbox pretty much kicks ****. Alot of the games are 5.1 now and the sound is damn good. Even on games you wouldn't think it matters, like golf, the 5.1 is too cool.

organ

It's worth buying an Xbox just for Halo.

Hey Dan, maybe we'll see eachother online in Halo2. You're getting it right?

Maurice

scottvamp

PS2
Don't have the energy to argue. And once again the next gen PS will blow away the gaming industry.
XBOX is a bandwagon for all the people ashamed for being Nintendo groupies over PS1/PS2. Think about it.;)

gmorris

Originally posted by scottvamp
PS2
Don't have the energy to argue. And once again the next gen PS will blow away the gaming industry.
XBOX is a bandwagon for all the people ashamed for being Nintendo groupies over PS1/PS2. Think about it.;)

Don't even highjack my th'd with this kind of crap...

Everyone has been cool, even when they had different opinions. If you have nothing better to do than try to get this th'd into the HOS, just stop right now.


---

Thanks everyone for all the input. Here is another ? Do you think it is a better idea to buy an X-box brand new at CC or BB for the current sale price of $150, or look on E-bay for a used one?

PhantomOG

don't forget the most important thing is entertainment. HDTV, Dolby Digital blah blah blah, but if you don't like the games does it really matter?

Xbox and PS2 have somewhat similar game titles, while Gamecube is a bit different. Go with the system that has more of the games you want to play and then I think you'll be happiest.

gmorris

Good point PhantomOG. But I know NOTHING about ANY of these systems. I guess I started this th'd asking about technical aspects because I just kind of assumed the systems would each offer enough games that would interest me.

I also like mostly racing games, motorcycles & cars. I'm not into fighting games or "quest" games. Sports also don't interest me much.

As I said before, I think I'll start researching the X-box & PS2. X-box seems to be the most recommended here at the forum, so I'll probably start there.

I'll ask again, buy new or get used from Ebay???

audiobliss

I don't know much about the XBox and the games available for it, but there are some awesome racing/ATV/motorcycle games for the PS2. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen a motorcycle game for the XBox. I have Need For Speed: Underground, Gran Turismo 1/2/3, Burnout, Super Car Street Challenge, ATV Off-Road Fury, 4x4 Evo, and maybe some others I can't think of right now. They are all great games, and I have quite a few for PS. If you go with the PS2, you can also play all the original PS games; though they won't support any of the Dolby stuff or have really good graphics, I don't think, at least from an entertainment stand point, you'd have a LOT more options. Then, you can't forget Gran Turismo 4 that's coming out soon. For PS2. That's a real good reason to get PS2, 'cause the Gran Turismo games are all very realistic, great game play, everything.

Anyhoo, get whatever ya like.

gmorris

I played Grand Turismo 2 at a friends house a couple years ago. It was pretty cool. I watched the same friend play GT3 when he got that for a few days. I liked both games.

I will certainly not limit my research to just one system or the other.

superbrett

I think I'd go for a new system, I havn't checked out ebay, but for $150, you know what you're getting, and if the need to return it comes up...you won't have such a hassle.
just my $.2...

PhantomOG

I'd go new as well. Prices have almost bottomed out for this generation of consoles (at least until the next gen comes out), so you won't regret paying full retail.

Although I think things have gotten better, it is not unheard of to have problems with a console, so a full factory warranty is nice.

Also, at least on the PS2 and Xbox, improvements have been made to internal components so buying used might land you an older outdated model. However, if you plan to hack that might be a good thing I guess.

VR3

PS2 uses a 256 something Video Card if I remember correctly.....

XBox uses a 64mb Nividia Card

Gamecube uses a 32mb video card, by intel I believe

As you dial down the specs, It comes in about like this

Overall, the Xbox is ALOT faster, like by 400 mhz. The Gamecube is like 400 right? The PS2 is like 200? and the XBox at 800 or 700? It is something like that.

1) Xbox
2) Gamecube
3) PS2

In hardware used.

Scottvamp,
Sony is either smart, or not smart. Look at it this way, the PS2 as a system other than the thousands of games it has on it due to the last system, it is pretty much limited in what it can do.

So what does Sony do? They released the PS2 1 year before Nintendo and Microsoft.

Nintendo and Microsoft pretty much defeated the PS2 as a system, but the PS2 still remains king with games.

So now, with the release of the PSX in 2005, and the Xbox and Gamecube in 2006 or w/e -- I expect nothing different to happen. The Playstation model will be left out, and the others will pull through.

Game wise, Gamecube is geared more towards the smaller crowd, kids - with some pretty awesome games as well. But they are entering the teen/mature market as well. I really like the Gamecube.

XBox, seems more geared towards the mature crowd, with all kinds of games. I am getting it because I like games like Halo, Brute Force - etc......

PS2, has so many games its not funny. If you like variety - go with the PS2.

My list simply is this.....

1) Xbox
2) Gamecube
3) Playstation 2

I am not trying to bash any of the systems. Just my 2 cents.

Bose outta make consoles.

In the next system I buy, it will be based on who keeps the games compatible...

PS, PS2 - Compat

Super N, N64 - not compat n64, gamecube - not compat

Xbox ?Compat? - Will be interesting

If you have a PS, the PS2 might be the better choice.

Phantom has a good point - Gamecube has some pretty cool games, I really like Super Smash Brothers, but I plan to get Marvel vs Capcom on XBox, which looks pretty cool.
PS2 has Final Fantasy -- which I have never played but seems pretty awesome. XBox has Halo, Halo II looks AWESOME. Brute Force looks sweet, i hope to get that as well. I really like fighting/shooting games. Anyways - yeah, depends on what type of games you like.

Right now I have a Super Nintendo plugged up, with 2 or 3 good games on it. And the N64 with 1 game I like on it. The Super Nintendo, I have Super Mario World, a Baseball Game and Crash Dummies -- I like those 3 games over alot of the newer games, graphics - sound aside. Even though they are old and outdated, they are still good. Mario is pretty awesome, but I never thought much of any of the newer Mario games besides Super Mario World.

Sami

Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3

Overall, the Xbox is ALOT faster, like by 400 mhz. The Gamecube is like 400 right? The PS2 is like 200? and the XBox at 800 or 700? It is something like that.

You can't compare the speed by looking at the frequency of the system if the architecture is different. If they were all the same Intel (I think Xbox is using Intel Celeron?) based systems then yes you could but I don't think that's the case.

Not exactly on the topic but might be of interest to some of you: http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=196467

VR3

Yeah, I know - they are all good systems.

It just boils down to what you want in it.