Older Pioneer Elite Hook Up

[DAKhi]

A friend just gave me a older Pioneer Elite VSX-45TX and a Toshiba 65HX81.
They are both circa 2001/2002 so neither have HDMI.
I want to hook them up,buy a 5.1 surround sound set up (not a theater in abox kit). I also want to hook up my PS3, Wii and digital cable box into the system.
The local Best Buy/etc have been of no use to me and I do not hae a manual.Surely it can't be too difficult but I am technically challenged.
Can anyone help me out step by step and help me with speaker choice as well.

[mantis]

I can,
tell you your exact needs, budget and I will get you up and running. Tell me about the room, the tv and your needs.

Dan

[DAKhi]

Thanks very much, the room is 14wx15d. Carpeted basement with no windows. I have a larger 4 seater leather sectional. The TV is an older Toshiba rear projection 65HX 81. The speaker budget would only be $2000 to $2500 to start.
My biggest concern for the project to start is the "how to" hook up of the gear.

[mantis]

For starters think component cables. Your AV receiver can handle switching duties. This will make things easier. Run component cables from the cablebox and dvd into the av receiver. Then run another one to the tv. So this will allow you to just turn the tv on and switch sources with the receiver.

For audio, use optical cables. Follow this rule. Cable put the optical into #1, also do the same with the Compnent cable #1. Then repeat with DVD but use #2.

In the receivers menu sytem, you now can assign the inputs to match.

Speaker cables follow Black and red for all speakers. Front left center right. In the rears the left is on the left side of you when you are facing the tv, also the right surround is on the right side of you when facing the tv. Sub will use the Preout for sub over a line level connection.

This should get you started. There are however connection guides in your manuals and online. Monstercable has one on there website. it's basic but it will get you started.

if all else fails , hire a professional. There is nothing better then having your system setup correctly. At this point you will get everything out of it of which you paid.

Good luck