Yet Another Help me Choose an HDTV Thread **ANOTHER UPDATE WITH PROBLEM**

[zinfamous]

Does your HD box also have component out? If so, you might best maximize quality by going:

Box > component/optical > Receiver > component > TV (toy around with audio, I guess)

PS3 > HDMI >Receiver > HDMI > TV

although, with this later setup, I think you should be able to take the video and audio signal coming from the box to the receiver through the HDMI hooked up to TV. Just change the channel that is outputting HDMI (if this makes sense?) Be wary though...some receivers will downscale component-In signals if output through HDMI to your HDTV.

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: zinfamous
Does your HD box also have component out? If so, you might best maximize quality by going:

Box > component/optical > Receiver > component > TV (toy around with audio, I guess)

PS3 > HDMI >Receiver > HDMI > TV

although, with this later setup, I think you should be able to take the video and audio signal coming from the box to the receiver through the HDMI hooked up to TV. Just change the channel that is outputting HDMI (if this makes sense?) Be wary though...some receivers will downscale component-In signals if output through HDMI to your HDTV.

Hmm, interesting. I'm about to head home (10 minutes to go! ) so I'll take a look and see what is up shortly. I have a feeling I will need to sacrifice a little audio quality on the feed from either the PS3 or the HD box, but I should **fingers crossed** be able to get maximum PQ via HDMI for both.

KT

 

[KeithTalent]

Ok, so the receiver only has one HDMI out.

What I'm thinking of doing is the following:

PS3 > HDMI > TV

PS3 > Digital Audio > receiver

HD box > HDMI > receiver > component > TV

Does that make sense? That should (I think) give me the best picture possible for both, then the best audio from the PS3, with second best from the HD box.

I'm kind of short on time, so I can't make the switch right now, but if that makes sense I'll give it a shot when I get home tonight. I'll figure out what to do with my DVR at a later date.

Thanks for bearing with me through all of this crap.

KT

 

[pennylane]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Ok, so the receiver only has one HDMI out.

What I'm thinking of doing is the following:

PS3 > HDMI > TV

PS3 > Digital Audio > receiver

HD box > HDMI > receiver > component > TV

Does that make sense? That should (I think) give me the best picture possible for both, then the best audio from the PS3, with second best from the HD box.

I'm kind of short on time, so I can't make the switch right now, but if that makes sense I'll give it a shot when I get home tonight. I'll figure out what to do with my DVR at a later date.

Thanks for bearing with me through all of this crap.

KT

Do you mean one HDMI input or output on the receiver?

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: fanerman91

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Ok, so the receiver only has one HDMI out.

What I'm thinking of doing is the following:

PS3 > HDMI > TV

PS3 > Digital Audio > receiver

HD box > HDMI > receiver > component > TV

Does that make sense? That should (I think) give me the best picture possible for both, then the best audio from the PS3, with second best from the HD box.

I'm kind of short on time, so I can't make the switch right now, but if that makes sense I'll give it a shot when I get home tonight. I'll figure out what to do with my DVR at a later date.

Thanks for bearing with me through all of this crap.

KT

Do you mean one HDMI input or output on the receiver?

Output. It's a 5 disc upconverting DVD player, which is why it has only an output I guess. Kind of annoying.

KT

 

[pennylane]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Output. It's a 5 disc upconverting DVD player, which is why it has only an output I guess. Kind of annoying.

KT

Oh okay. In that case plugging either the PS3 or the HD box into the receiver via HDMI won't get you anywhere. The only thing that HDMI output is for is to send the DVD signal into the TV. Plugging in the HD box or PS3 into that HDMI port on the receiver might break something.

Just to make sure, you only have one optical audio input in your receiver? No coaxial audio inputs? And also, those are inputs and not outputs (like the way the HDMI port is an output)?

Assuming you have one and only one optical audio input (and no coax audio inputs), I'd stick with my original suggestion:

PS3 -> HDMI -> TV for video, and PS3 -> optical cable -> receiver for audio.

HD box -> HDMI -> TV for video, HDMI -> 2-channel RCA -> receiver for audio

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: fanerman91

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Output. It's a 5 disc upconverting DVD player, which is why it has only an output I guess. Kind of annoying.

KT

Oh okay. In that case plugging either the PS3 or the HD box into the receiver via HDMI won't get you anywhere. The only thing that HDMI output is for is to send the DVD signal into the TV. Plugging in the HD box or PS3 into that HDMI port on the receiver might break something.

Just to make sure, you only have one optical audio input in your receiver? No coaxial audio inputs? And also, those are inputs and not outputs (like the way the HDMI port is an output)?

Assuming you have one and only one optical audio input (and no coax audio inputs), I'd stick with my original suggestion:

PS3 -> HDMI -> TV for video, and PS3 -> optical cable -> receiver for audio.

HD box -> HDMI -> TV for video, HDMI -> 2-channel RCA -> receiver for audio

Complete nub question, but what is coax exactly? Is that just the regular cable cord?

It says FM 75 ohm Coaxial Jack and it just looks like a regular cable cord jack. Other than that I have 2 AUX in spots, Digital Audio in, Component Video, and a couple of other things I don't believe are relevant.

KT

 

[pennylane]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent

Originally posted by: fanerman91

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Output. It's a 5 disc upconverting DVD player, which is why it has only an output I guess. Kind of annoying.

KT

Oh okay. In that case plugging either the PS3 or the HD box into the receiver via HDMI won't get you anywhere. The only thing that HDMI output is for is to send the DVD signal into the TV. Plugging in the HD box or PS3 into that HDMI port on the receiver might break something.

Just to make sure, you only have one optical audio input in your receiver? No coaxial audio inputs? And also, those are inputs and not outputs (like the way the HDMI port is an output)?

Assuming you have one and only one optical audio input (and no coax audio inputs), I'd stick with my original suggestion:

PS3 -> HDMI -> TV for video, and PS3 -> optical cable -> receiver for audio.

HD box -> HDMI -> TV for video, HDMI -> 2-channel RCA -> receiver for audio

Complete nub question, but what is coax exactly? Is that just the regular cable cord?

It says FM 75 ohm Coaxial Jack and it just looks like a regular cable cord jack. Other than that I have 2 AUX in spots, Digital Audio in, Component Video, and a couple of other things I don't believe are relevant.

KT

Oh it's okay. This is a coax cable. It's basically an RCA cable but it has a specific impedance (75 ohm). I'm not sure what that FM is (unless it's for the radio), but maybe what you have is a coax cable input as well. It's the equivalent of an optical cable in functionality. Both are examples of "digital audio" cables.

If you do have a coax input, your HD box may have a coax output, and you can use it to get surround sound from both your HD box and your PS3 at the same time. The PS3 only has an optical output. My HD box has both a coax and an optical output (I use the coax myself), so maybe yours does, too.

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: fanerman91

Originally posted by: KeithTalent

Originally posted by: fanerman91

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Output. It's a 5 disc upconverting DVD player, which is why it has only an output I guess. Kind of annoying.

KT

Oh okay. In that case plugging either the PS3 or the HD box into the receiver via HDMI won't get you anywhere. The only thing that HDMI output is for is to send the DVD signal into the TV. Plugging in the HD box or PS3 into that HDMI port on the receiver might break something.

Just to make sure, you only have one optical audio input in your receiver? No coaxial audio inputs? And also, those are inputs and not outputs (like the way the HDMI port is an output)?

Assuming you have one and only one optical audio input (and no coax audio inputs), I'd stick with my original suggestion:

PS3 -> HDMI -> TV for video, and PS3 -> optical cable -> receiver for audio.

HD box -> HDMI -> TV for video, HDMI -> 2-channel RCA -> receiver for audio

Complete nub question, but what is coax exactly? Is that just the regular cable cord?

It says FM 75 ohm Coaxial Jack and it just looks like a regular cable cord jack. Other than that I have 2 AUX in spots, Digital Audio in, Component Video, and a couple of other things I don't believe are relevant.

KT

Oh it's okay. This is a coax cable. It's basically an RCA cable but it has a specific impedance (75 ohm). I'm not sure what that FM is (unless it's for the radio), but maybe what you have is a coax cable input as well. It's the equivalent of an optical cable in functionality. Both are examples of "digital audio" cables.

If you do have a coax input, your HD box may have a coax output, and you can use it to get surround sound from both your HD box and your PS3 at the same time. The PS3 only has an optical output. My HD box has both a coax and an optical output (I use the coax myself), so maybe yours does, too.

Sweet. I'm on my way out the door, so I'll check it out after I get home tonight! I hope I do have the coax as it would make things a lot simpler.

Once again, I thank you. :beer:

KT

 

[pennylane]

Your welcome

 

[KeithTalent]

I think I have to go back to the original plan, because for some stupid reason the coax on my receiver seems to only be intended for FM radio. I'm not sure what that is about. It is a threaded thing that looks like this: https://secure16.bellsouth-hos...m/images/HCL106065.gif which is too bad because there is actually a SPDIF out from the HD box (I thik that's the same thing as coax?) and I'd rather use that obviously.

Oh well, thanks again for walking me through this. I will just use the old red & white's to get me through I guess.

Cheers,
KT

 

[pennylane]

That's too bad about the Coax. SPDIF is indeed the same thing as a coaxial audio cable.

I'm sure plain old RCA will be okay for just watching TV. Movies will benefit greatly from the optical cable.

BTW, have you calibrated your TV? Did you ever get that PS3 calibration thing figured out?

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: fanerman91
That's too bad about the Coax. SPDIF is indeed the same thing as a coaxial audio cable.

I'm sure plain old RCA will be okay for just watching TV. Movies will benefit greatly from the optical cable.

BTW, have you calibrated your TV? Did you ever get that PS3 calibration thing figured out?

I calibrated my TV using the settings from the calibration thread at AVS. I actually did it twice, once using the normal calibration settings, which were good, but had a little too much pop (or something, not sure how to describe it), and then again with the movie calibration settings which I thought looked a little warmer (better flesh tones, etc). I watched Lost in HD for the first time last night and it was beautiful, so I'm happy with the TV calibration.

I never figured out exactly what that was for the PS3, but I have it going HDMI to the TV with optical audio out and I'm going to check it out tonight to see if that look & sounds sufficient. Maybe I'll rent Shoot 'em Up so I can hear those bullets whizzing by, though sneaking that one past the girl may be a little difficult; probably end up with Becoming Jane or something.

Have a great weekend! :beer:

KT

 

[KeithTalent]

I watched my first real Blu-ray movies this weekend and, wow, I was blown away by how amazing they looked. I saw Shoot-em-up and Casino Royale (my rental place has a pretty limited selection) and they both looked fantastic. :thumbsup:

Anyway, I have one more question I hope someone can help me with: is there a universal remote that can control all 5 pieces of my hardware including the PS3? This one: http://www.futureshop.ca/catal...FS10032938&catid=25336 says it does video game consoles, but will it control the Blu-ray player functionality on the PS3? Are there any better ones out there for under $200?

Thanks very much.

KT

 

[dwell]

You won't find a universal remote for the PS3 as its Bluetooth. Either suck it up and use the PS3 remote, or get the PS2 IR remote and a USB->PS2 adapter and use any universal IR remote.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=761809

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: Chris
You won't find a universal remote for the PS3 as its Bluetooth. Either suck it up and use the PS3 remote, or get the PS2 IR remote and a USB->PS2 adapter and use any universal IR remote.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=761809

Well that is unfortunate. The PS2 fix seems a little too convoluted so I guess I will just have to get the PS3 remote; anything is better than the god-awful controller.

KT

 

[KeithTalent]

I have a problem. My stupid receiver keeps going into "protect" mode and shutting down. I can only really have it on for a few minutes before it does this, which means I need to keep turning it back on if I want to watch anything. I assum this has something to do with overheating, but I bought the unit just over a year ago and it is past the manufacturers warranty.

So now, here are my questions (link to receiver here):

1. What is the absolutely cheapest way to resolve this issue?

2. Can I just buy a replacement receiver, since I don't need the speakers (I'm not sure about compatibility and whatnot)?

3. Is this something I can fix on my own?

Any suggestions or help is very welcome.

Thanks! :beer:

KT

 

[PurdueRy]

Disconnect all the speaker wire and then add one speaker at a time to see if the issue is isolated to having one speaker connected. It could be as simple as a stray speaker wire strand shorting the output.

 

[Riverhound777]

I would check your wiring. Could be a bad ground, loose wire somewhere. If it is heat, you should be able to tell. Is it well ventilated?

 

[KeithTalent]

It's been running fine for an entire year though, that's why I find it odd. I would think if it were a wiring problem, I would have had a problem before now.

It wasn't really that well ventilated to be honest, but I would periodically feel around the area to see if it was hot and it never really was. I've now moved it out of the area it was in and placed on top of my TV stand, where there is plenty of airflow, since it's basically a big open area. It hasn't helped yet.

I'll try the wiring thing when I get home, because I guess you never know.

Thanks!

KT

 

[kalrith]

If you can't get the receiver working, then you would need to buy a new receiver and sub. Your current sub is passive, which means it gets its power from the receiver. AFAIK the only receivers that power a passive subs are those sold with HTIB. If you buy a separate sub, it will be active, which means it has an amp in the sub box that powers it, and you just connect an RCA cable from the receiver to the sub.

Edit: According to the manual, if your symptom is the following:

• ? The main unit is not working.
  (Example: The power goes out
  or strange noise is heard.)
  ? The DVD player is not working
  normally.

then perform a reset:

• ? Turn off the power and hold the STOP( ) button on the main unit
  for longer than 5 seconds.
  Using the RESET function will erase all stored settings.
  Do not use this unless necessary.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Chris
You won't find a universal remote for the PS3 as its Bluetooth. Either suck it up and use the PS3 remote, or get the PS2 IR remote and a USB->PS2 adapter and use any universal IR remote.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=761809

Logitech is working on an adapter for their Harmony remotes that will not hog a USB Port. No word yet on a release date.

 

[s44]

Your credit card should extend the warranty by a year... At least in the US.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: s44
Your credit card should extend the warranty by a year... At least in the US.

I think that's an American Express thing. There are probably other cards that do it too but it's definitely not universal.

 

[s44]

Actually, both MC and Visa have extension policies too, and though not universal, at this point I'd probably guess there are more cards out there that do than don't. See here.

Still, it's a good opportunity to replace the junky receiver part of that HTIB. Assuming the reset doesn't work, of course...

Edit: Yikes! You're not the first one with this problem.

Btw, this -- a Yamaha 6150 (aka V563) for $300 Canadian -- is probably the best cheap receiver deal for you.