Gaming through PC monitor and headphones-Tech Help needed.

[Handycrap101]

Ok guys, so I need some tech help here. I'm kind of on a low budget so I'm settling for a PC monitor and headphones as my alternative to real surround sound and HDTV.

Basically, I heard that at the CES demo for MGS they're using headphones as the primary audio. I started to do some research and came across these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/7-1-Channel-Surround-Vibration-Headset_W0QQitemZ160085751536QQihZ006QQcategoryZ49 230QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p 1638.m118

I was wondering if it's possible for me to play PS3 game so that the audio comes through those in full 7.1 surround?

On top of that I also am wondering what limitations am I at when adjusting resolutions on a PC monitor. I know I need DVI->HDMI cables so no need to explain that. This is my monitor:

http://reviews.cnet.com/lcd-monitors/dell-ultrasharp-1905fp/4507-3174_7-31232074.html?tag=specs

What max resolution can I reach and will I/should I have any issues with this set-up?

[Sephiroth_VII]

1. You'll need an amplifier with HDMI-in, and probably an adapter for connecting plugs instead of bare cables to the speaker connectors.
2. Your monitor will handle 720p.

I can't see any other solution for 7.1 sound.

But hey, if you're fine with stereo, you can just get a simple adapter like this one (http://www.amazon.com/HOSA-RT-ANGLE-3-5-M/dp/B000068O57/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1199912891&sr=8-27)(you'll have to use 2, actually (http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Audio-coupler-mini-phone/dp/B0002E517G/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1199912891&sr=8-29)) and get the sound via the PS3's analog-out, the plug you've been using since PS1.

[Handycrap101]

Do they make headphones that use the fiber-optic out?

If not, could you make a list of what I need to have a true 7.1 surround sound experience with headphones?

a. Headphones?
b. Extra peripherals?

[Sephiroth_VII]

PS3 doesn't support 7.1 through optical, only HDMI.

[Handycrap101]

Alright then...

Could you direct me toward a quality pair of headphones and a means by which I can connect them to my PS3? I know you mentioned the audio couplers but I'm not too sure how that would all work. Considering I'm using the HDMI for my PC monitor I need to find some to also get the 7.1 audio working.

[rotorhead]

http://www.hometheatermag.com/accessories/905ltb/

[amuront]

I googled your monitor spec (Dell UltraSharp 1905FP), and I cannot find any confirmation that says this monitor supports HDCP. AFAIK, PS3 requires a HDCP compliant display for its HDMI connection.

And it is possible that your monitor can support 1080p (of course it will be downscaled). You can probably try it with a PC via the DVI port.

[Sephiroth_VII]

Getting the monitor to downscale 1080p when it only support 1280x1024 sounds dumb to me, and could make text in 1080p games/the XMB hard to read.

Now, headphones. I usually reccomend anything Sennheiser makes(especially the 140 RS), but if you want 5.1, rotorhead's suggestion seems excellent.

[Exodus]

I have a setup similar to what the TC wants.

A few things you should be aware of:
1) Your monitor HAS to be HDCP compliant otherwise you'll get a very low screen resolution, which you do not want.

2) When you do use your earphones, WATCH out for the loud sound. Once you plug in your headphone, any noise will sound very loud and can damage your hearing. There's no way to set the sound when you're in the XMB (watching video/listening to music). For PS3 games, most of the games should provide an option for you to set the volume (I know Warhawk, Drake's Fortune, Resistance, and Assassin's Creed does this). However for PS2 games, most of them don't provide this option.

For connectors, you can head to www.monoprice.com to get the two audio connectors (you will need two as someone previously mentioned). Any headphones will do. A solution to the volume problem mentioned above would be to get PC speakers that also output to headphone jacks from it with a volume knob to control the volume.

There is one question I want to know; why would you need surround sound for headphones? It just...seems to defeat the purpose of surround sound if you know what I mean when you use your headphones.

Anyways, enjoy your setup!

[Nameless]

Not sure if it's been suggested, but you can use a HDMI to DVI cable for your monitor. This setup will support 1080P with no problem for games and movies; I know this works because I used the setup with my older display. Once HDCP is enabled in BD this setup could create a problem, but I would not worry about that anytime soon. The headset you are looking at seems cool for sound, but I believe you would need a reciever if you want 7.1 support...
If you decide to run sound through your PC speakers you can use cables that come packaged with your PS3 in the multi IO port. The cables are RCA so you would only get stereo; if your sound card supports optical you could get 5.1 DTS. If you do some homework you can get this setup running nice...

[Smokey]

Getting the monitor to downscale 1080p when it only support 1280x1024 sounds dumb to me, and could make text in 1080p games/the XMB hard to read.

Now, headphones. I usually reccomend anything Sennheiser makes(especially the 140 RS), but if you want 5.1, rotorhead's suggestion seems excellent.

my plasmas 1024x1080i and the text is perfect in 720p or 1080i

[err_ok]

I have used surround sound headphones before, i think they work pretty well.

Although they aren't really as good as the obvious equivialant.. A nice big speaker system.