Connecting HD TV to home theater sound; "how-to" help needed

by XXPepper Oct 10, 2008 11:33PM PDT

I'm sure you've answered versions of this question many times so thank you very much for your patience and kindness.

Our question is this:

What is the best way to connect our TV, DVR, DVD stuff to a low- or mid-range home theater audio system. That is:
-- What connections should we look for on the audio system?
-- What setup will be easiest to use in terms switching between DVR and DVD w/o having to burn a small rodent before approaching the remote?
-- Is there any chance that a wrong choice will degrade the video experience that we have now?
-- Should video go through the audio equipment for switching?
-- Can we use an audio-only type solution? If so; where do we take the audio out? (This is most confusing!)

Our system:
We have an HD TV "set" (Phillips 47" 47PFL7432D) w/ self contained audio & etc. We don't use the tuner, but instead feed it's video inputs from:
-- cable HD DVR (Motorola DCT6412 w/ Comcast software) and
-- a Sony upscaling DVD player (RDR-VX555).

The DVR video goes from DVI out on the DVR to HDMI on the TV and uses analog audio. (No functioning HDMI on the DVR.)

The DVD player goes HDMI to HDMI.

There is a DVD recording function that we use for transferring home movie tapes to DVD. There is an composite video connection between the DVR "out" and the recorder "in" but we don't use it and wouldn't miss it if a solution to our question can't support it.

Basically we'd like to set up the home audio and then pretty much forget it except for the enjoyment.

Thanks again for your patience and your help with this.

Discussion is locked

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Suggest you take a look at wirewize.com.

by NM_Bill Oct 11, 2008 11:59PM PDT

That site makes most wiring problems simple instead of confusing.

Many of us here prefer signals going straight to the TV rather than through a receiver as it may be a source of problems in between.

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Do you have an idea of the receiver yet?

by Pepe7 Oct 13, 2008 1:04AM PDT

Maybe it's just the choice of words in your description, but I assume you plan on purchasing a surround sound receiver(?) If so, you could probably find an excellent price on an Onkyo to accomplish your audio & 'simplicity' goals. IMHO they provide a lot of value in the lower/mid systems. There's even an sales outlet on their web site worth a look . Anyway, I don't think it's even worthwhile worrying about the video switching capabilties per se, as their lower end receivers will often suffice provided the various required inputs are present on the back of your TV to maintain the option of connecting directly. You can always upgrade later on to something with more features once you've gotten your feet wet . As someone has helpfully suggested, you would not necessarily have to use the built in video switching on the receiver. A direct connection to the HDTV might provide better PQ. YMMV.

FWIW, I went to wirewize.com. It's a very nice little site . It made me think of one thing regarding your Moto box. You might consider upgrading from a 6412 phase II to a 6412 phase III which includes the HDMI output. Comcast didn't even charge me the standard service call fee to swap out the box. In the meantime you can take advantage of the fact that it has both digital (coaxial) & optical (toslink) audio outputs to pass along the surround sound from cable sources.

hth,
Pedro

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Thanks for these helpful replies!

by XXPepper Oct 13, 2008 4:35AM PDT

You're right: I didn't expressly say that we're going to purchase a surround sound system of some sort. Hoping there'd be a tip or hint in your replies somewhere, I guess -- and I lucked out. Thanks for the tip on the Onkyo site. (I do love refurbs!)

I'll definitely check out that site. Thanks. So: bottom line is go HDMI to the TV from both the DVR (when replaced, thanks for that too) and then, what?, take the audio out from the TV to the surround sound system?

Cool. Simple! Wasn't sure if the audio outs from the TV always carried the signal.

Here's a follow up:
The TV audio has settings for "Stereo" and pseudo Dolby Surround. And the DVR has settings for "Stereo" and "Matrix" (unexplained anywhere that I've seen) and the DVD has similar "Stereo" and "Dolby 2.1 Surround" or some such.

What does "Matrix" mean, for heaven's sake, and in all these cases, which device should be set to which settings both now (with the standard stereo speakers on the TV) and later when we have the anticipated surround sound receiver?

Thanks again for your generous help.

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Cool

by Pepe7 Oct 13, 2008 5:23AM PDT

I think you'll on the right path, and will get the best of both worlds IMO- surround sound, to properly enjoy your favorite content, & a little money left in your pocket .

Regarding your question about hookup, you could run a toslink (optical) cable from the set top box to the receiver and still get the best of both worlds when you need it. But there's no reason you couldn't first try the switching of an HDMI receiver. Image quality is going to be somewhat subjective, and this might allow you to at least evaluate whether or not you like it.

I've understood the Matrix mode to be sort of like SRS(?) It's meant to act like some sort of pseudo enhanced stereo mode for 2 ch systems like TV, AFAIK. To be perfectly honest, it's been so long since I've messed with those settings on my 6412 I would have to take a look tonight to see what it's currently set at(!)

Now I presume you won't be using the TV speakers for true surround sound, as you will need rear speakers and a sub to get the real deal. That's why I believe someone mentioned HTIB (home theater in a box), which includes the receiver, speakers & sub. The TV speakers really won't be enough. Take a peek at the Onkyo (HTIB) HT-S5100 for starters.

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If you are still looking for info..

by hyghwayman Oct 15, 2008 12:54AM PDT

My web page on MSN Spaces has links to most of the info you might need.
http://hthut.spaces.live.com

hyghwayman

Connecting HD TV to home theater sound; "how-to" help needed

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