Upgrading my home theater...need advice!!!

[jwfrankman]

Hey all,

Great site! I'm looking to upgrade to a $400-500 5.1 a/v receiver from a non-HDMI oldy-moldy. I have a late-model Samsung 3d HDTV (currently not using 3d), BR player, and a Wii. For the moment, I'm streaming Netflix to the TV (it has WiFi network capability) from a wireless router but I would prefer to hard-wire this system to my router. My cable is just that: cable, with the cable box having HDMI connections. Right now, my cable box and BR player are hooked into the TV's HDMI jacks, and the Wii is hooked into the HD composite jacks. I have an optical ARC from the TV to my receiver.

I'm looking at something like a Yamaha RX-V473 or RX-V573 (right now I wouldn't use the 7.1 but could route to another pair of speakers upstairs). Since I'm doing a bit of wall remodeling and re-wiring, I'd like to know what would be the best case scenario for setup of this system:

1. Can either of these receivers (or any others, for that matter) stream video such as Netflix or Hulu through the receiver (via HDMI to the TV)? Looking online, I'm a little unclear on this, as there is much mention about audio (Pandora, etc...) but not much about video. I could always route cat5e to my TV but if it would simplify things to run everything through a receiver, I'd maybe like to explore that.

2. I'm confused as to how audio is handled if you run BR or cable box signals into a receiver via HDMI, then out via HDMI to the TV. Will the receiver "catch" the audio on the way through, play it, and pass the video to the TV, or would you still require an optical ARC to bring the audio back to the receiver? This seems a bit silly since from what I understand, HDMI (with the right cable) has the capability to handle audio as well, correct?

3. I'd assume that if I'd have to run streaming video though my TV, I'd require an optical ARC, right?

I'm planning on purchasing a receiver, hooking it up, then playing around with it a bit before I route cables and zip up the wall (duh). But if anyone has some experience with this stuff and can offer any advice (I'm not firm on the above Yamaha receivers, BTW), I'd buy you a virtual beer sometime. :biggrin:

Thanks in advance,

Jason

 

[tydas]

You need to go to AVS Forums and read..read...read..

AVR(audio/video receiver) do not generally include media streamers, that is a seperate box like a roku or wd live tv..the network connection is for upgrading firmware and playing internet radio or airplay..

If you are buying an AVR you need to buy speakers, why would you want to send the audio back to the TV? ARC is used when you have audio coming into your TV (i.e. OTA) and you want to use your AVR to play it...

You just need an HDMI cable...not sure what an optical ARC is?

 

[jtvang125]

A AVR with HDMI is going to do everything your current receiver is doing but over HDMI. That way if any of your sources (cable box, game console..ect) has HDMI you can run just a single HDMI cable for each instead of seperate cables for audio and video. The AVR will process, amplify the sound and send the video onto your TV. Some will even allow passthrough, meaning it will leave the audio intact with the video and send it to tv at times when you don't want the receiver on.

You have 2 choices when you want to send audio from your TV to the AVR. Optical digital out or stereo RCA composite cables. Optical is going to provide the best SQ but not all TVs will send 5.1 through it and will downmix to 2 channels.

I'm not aware of any receivers right now that provides steaming video content but I wouldn't be surprise if they did soon.

 

[blackangst1]

Hey all,

Great site! I'm looking to upgrade to a $400-500 5.1 a/v receiver from a non-HDMI oldy-moldy. I have a late-model Samsung 3d HDTV (currently not using 3d), BR player, and a Wii. For the moment, I'm streaming Netflix to the TV (it has WiFi network capability) from a wireless router but I would prefer to hard-wire this system to my router. My cable is just that: cable, with the cable box having HDMI connections. Right now, my cable box and BR player are hooked into the TV's HDMI jacks, and the Wii is hooked into the HD composite jacks. I have an optical ARC from the TV to my receiver.

I'm looking at something like a Yamaha RX-V473 or RX-V573 (right now I wouldn't use the 7.1 but could route to another pair of speakers upstairs). Since I'm doing a bit of wall remodeling and re-wiring, I'd like to know what would be the best case scenario for setup of this system:

1. Can either of these receivers (or any others, for that matter) stream video such as Netflix or Hulu through the receiver (via HDMI to the TV)? Looking online, I'm a little unclear on this, as there is much mention about audio (Pandora, etc...) but not much about video. I could always route cat5e to my TV but if it would simplify things to run everything through a receiver, I'd maybe like to explore that.

Yes. All of the above.

2. I'm confused as to how audio is handled if you run BR or cable box signals into a receiver via HDMI, then out via HDMI to the TV. Will the receiver "catch" the audio on the way through, play it, and pass the video to the TV, or would you still require an optical ARC to bring the audio back to the receiver? This seems a bit silly since from what I understand, HDMI (with the right cable) has the capability to handle audio as well, correct?

Assuming your audio will be handled by speakers and not the TV, then yes, you are coorect. Remember ARC only works on HDMI v1.4 so make sure all your devices are compliant. That said, the only reason I can think of where ARC would be needed is if your main TV signal is incoming from attenae directly to the TV. In which case, assuming your TV and receiver are HDMI 1.4, the audio will pass to the receiver from the TV.

3. I'd assume that if I'd have to run streaming video though my TV, I'd require an optical ARC, right?

ARC is a funtion of HDMI, and its introduction was to eliminate the need for a separate fiber or copper connection.

I'm planning on purchasing a receiver, hooking it up, then playing around with it a bit before I route cables and zip up the wall (duh). But if anyone has some experience with this stuff and can offer any advice (I'm not firm on the above Yamaha receivers, BTW), I'd buy you a virtual beer sometime. :biggrin:

Thanks in advance,

Jason

Ideally, your receiver will be simply a hub for all your media. In other words, all your audio and video will route to your receiver, and you'll have just one HDMI connection to your TV.

Let me know if this answers your questions.

 

[Accord99]

2. I'm confused as to how audio is handled if you run BR or cable box signals into a receiver via HDMI, then out via HDMI to the TV. Will the receiver "catch" the audio on the way through, play it, and pass the video to the TV, or would you still require an optical ARC to bring the audio back to the receiver? This seems a bit silly since from what I understand, HDMI (with the right cable) has the capability to handle audio as well, correct?

For Yamaha, the receiver from a HDMI input can be set to:

a) pass video and audio to TV via the HDMI output, while also playing audio on the receiver
b) pass video and audio to TV via the HDMI output, the receiver does not playback the audio
c) pass video to TV via the HDMI output, audio is only played on the receiver

Also, the Yamaha can be configured so that when it is in standby mode, it becomes a HDMI switch, so that the video and audio of HDMI inputs connected to the receiver can still be redirected to the TV.

These type of capabilities should be available on other receiver brands as well.

 

[blackangst1]

A AVR with HDMI is going to do everything your current receiver is doing but over HDMI. That way if any of your sources (cable box, game console..ect) has HDMI you can run just a single HDMI cable for each instead of seperate cables for audio and video. The AVR will process, amplify the sound and send the video onto your TV. Some will even allow passthrough, meaning it will leave the audio intact with the video and send it to tv at times when you don't want the receiver on.

You have 2 choices when you want to send audio from your TV to the AVR. Optical digital out or stereo RCA composite cables. Optical is going to provide the best SQ but not all TVs will send 5.1 through it and will downmix to 2 channels.

Unless his TV and receiver support ARC, then it will.

I'm not aware of any receivers right now that provides steaming video content but I wouldn't be surprise if they did soon.

Actually several receivers support for example Netflix streaming directly into the AVR.

 

[jwfrankman]

If you are buying an AVR you need to buy speakers, why would you want to send the audio back to the TV? ARC is used when you have audio coming into your TV (i.e. OTA) and you want to use your AVR to play it...

You just need an HDMI cable...not sure what an optical ARC is?

Sorry, obviously my knowledge and terminology was inaccurate... I had assumed from reading, reading, reading that ARC was a generic acronym denoting a channel of audio that is returned from, for example, my TV back to my receiver, to be played through the speakers I already own. Sorta like I do now, but apparently ARC means something altogether different than what I thought. Apologies if I confused you with my ignorance.

But thanks for the reply,

Jason

 

[jwfrankman]

Yes. All of the above.

So yes, either of these receivers are able to process streaming video? I was getting the gist that none (or few) will stream video, only audio. If these don't, are you aware of any that will? Just curious...

ARC is a funtion of HDMI, and its introduction was to eliminate the need for a separate fiber or copper connection.

OK, I understand now. If, as I suspect, I end up streaming straight into my TV like I'm doing now, won't I need to run an optical (or coaxial, meh) audio line out from my TV to the receiver in order to get the sound to the external speakers? Or am I being extremely dense? :biggrin:

Ideally, your receiver will be simply a hub for all your media. In other words, all your audio and video will route to your receiver, and you'll have just one HDMI connection to your TV.

Got it. Thanks.

Let me know if this answers your questions.

Pretty much. Offhand, any thoughts on either of the two receivers I listed up top? I figured from looking at your avatar that you might have an opinion or two.

Thanks,

Jason

 

[blackangst1]

Sorry, obviously my knowledge and terminology was inaccurate... I had assumed from reading, reading, reading that ARC was a generic acronym denoting a channel of audio that is returned from, for example, my TV back to my receiver, to be played through the speakers I already own. Sorta like I do now, but apparently ARC means something altogether different than what I thought. Apologies if I confused you with my ignorance.

But thanks for the reply,

Jason

No, you are correct.. The part left out is that ARC was created for HDMI.

 

[blackangst1]

So yes, either of these receivers are able to process streaming video? I was getting the gist that none (or few) will stream video, only audio. If these don't, are you aware of any that will? Just curious...

No. Pretty much all receivers will stream video and audio. The question is whether or not they support ARC. Both of the Yammy RX-V's you listed do.

OK, I understand now. If, as I suspect, I end up streaming straight into my TV like I'm doing now, won't I need to run an optical (or coaxial, meh) audio line out from my TV to the receiver in order to get the sound to the external speakers? Or am I being extremely dense? :biggrin:

You are correct. By utilizing ARC, you eliminate a cable (or 3 if using component ). So you'll just have one HDMI from the receiver to the TV.

Pretty much. Offhand, any thoughts on either of the two receivers I listed up top? I figured from looking at your avatar that you might have an opinion or two.

Thanks,

Jason

Well, my avatar is from my bike (Yamaha FJR), but up until last year Ive always owned Yamaha receivers. Although their YPAO calibration isnt as good as say Audessy, I find Yamahas to be very warm, and Ive always been loyal. That is, until I jumped ship and got a Pioneer Elite lol. But Yammy and Pioneer are my favorites. Dennon and Onkyo also make decent receivers, I just prefer Yamaha or Pioneer.

I think of the two you listed, unless youre going to want 7.1 in the future, I'd go with the RX-V473. They appear to be otherwise identical receivers. And the RX-V line is a solid line (mid line between their HTR and Aventage line). Both support ARC, 4k passthough, and all the features it seems you're looking for.

 

[jwfrankman]

Well, a 473 is on the way.

I was poking around online and thought I'd see if anyone could weigh in on a wiring question:

I have an 8 foot stretch where I need to run Cat5e, 3 speaker wires, coaxial cable, and 120v.

Is this too far? I've read anything from unshielded cables will produce some 60hz speaker "hum", to "you won't notice a thing", to "if you do this, all the polar bears will die."

I'm not so concerned about some loss of fidelity (I'm not a raging audiophile, I just like home theater), but I am wondering if my streaming will be affected. And what about my cable signal?

Anyone have any experience with interference, or lack thereof?

 

[queequeg99]

No. Pretty much all receivers will stream video and audio.

I might be mistaken, but I think the OP was wondering if he could establish an internet connection to the AVR and directly stream netflix video without having to use something like a Roku box, netflix-capable BD player, or some other third party media streaming box. I'm not aware of any AVRs that do this. Not to say that there aren't any, but it certainly isn't a widespread feature yet.

 

[jwfrankman]

...I think the OP was wondering if he could establish an internet connection to the AVR and directly stream netflix video without having to use something like a Roku box, netflix-capable BD player, or some other third party media streaming box.

Yes, that's what I'd like to do. Right now I'm using my Samsung Smart TV to stream Netflix. It won't work to stream into this receiver w/o one of those 3rd party boxes? If not, OK; I can still use the TV, and since both the AVR and TV support ARC, I'll just need to run Cat5e to my TV and the AVR should play the audio via HDMI, correct?

BTW, anyone able to answer the cabling question above? :biggrin:

 

[gar655]

8 ft is a very short cable run, you shouldn't have any issues.

Only problem with using ARC is it likely only supports stereo so you lose out on the 5.1 that many movies and TV shows stream in.

 

[jwfrankman]

8 ft is a very short cable run, you shouldn't have any issues.

Thanks for the reply...I think either way I'll be hooking it up before the drywall goes back on.

Only problem with using ARC is it likely only supports stereo so you lose out on the 5.1 that many movies and TV shows stream in.

I looked a bit and found out that both my AVR and TV are HDMI 1.4 compliant, which should be OK for carrying 5.1 on ARC, right? The only thing that will potentially be coming back over the ARC is audio from Netflix or Hulu that I stream straight into the TV. Just trying to be sure it'll be better than stereo...

 

[purbeast0]

Well, a 473 is on the way.

I was poking around online and thought I'd see if anyone could weigh in on a wiring question:

I have an 8 foot stretch where I need to run Cat5e, 3 speaker wires, coaxial cable, and 120v.

Is this too far? I've read anything from unshielded cables will produce some 60hz speaker "hum", to "you won't notice a thing", to "if you do this, all the polar bears will die."

I'm not so concerned about some loss of fidelity (I'm not a raging audiophile, I just like home theater), but I am wondering if my streaming will be affected. And what about my cable signal?

Anyone have any experience with interference, or lack thereof?

just curious as to why you would run unshielded cable?

as far as running cat5e, speaker, and coax, that is not too far at all. that is rather short actually so you will be okay with that. i just wired my house with cat5e and coax and have 50ft runs going that are fine. i have some speaker wire that is like 15ft that is fine too.

now as far as running it along a power wire, that is where i'm not sure if there will be any kind of interference or distortion.

 

[jwfrankman]

just curious as to why you would run unshielded cable?

Partly, that's because it's what I had on hand, partly just plain ignorance. :biggrin: When you talk about shielding, you're talking about the data cable, right? I didn't find much about shielded power conduit or speaker wires, and coaxial is already shielded, so that's what I'm assuming you mean.

Since I already have plenty of unshielded cat5e strung and ready to go, is there any loss of signal if I'd use shielded cable to get past the offending 8 foot run (the rest is cat5e all by itself) and then use a connector to join the two lengths?

Thanks for the advice!

 

[purbeast0]

Partly, that's because it's what I had on hand, partly just plain ignorance. :biggrin: When you talk about shielding, you're talking about the data cable, right? I didn't find much about shielded power conduit or speaker wires, and coaxial is already shielded, so that's what I'm assuming you mean.

Since I already have plenty of unshielded cat5e strung and ready to go, is there any loss of signal if I'd use shielded cable to get past the offending 8 foot run (the rest is cat5e all by itself) and then use a connector to join the two lengths?

Thanks for the advice!

lol it actually may be my ignorance. i was assuming that the "shielding" part of cables is the rubber part that is on the outer edge, but i'm the one who is wrong here!

so yea, carry on lol.