Digital Out to HDMI

[chops11]

Hey everyone, was hoping for a little help. I recently got my hands on a panasonic "dvd in a box" system.

It only has two methods of input, HDMI or analog (red/white) audio.

I do not have an HDTV or cable box. My current cable box has analog and a digital out.

I'm sure you now all know my problem. I can not get 5.1 surround with the analog inputs.


So now comes my two questions:

1) Is there such thing as a digital out to HDMI cable, that I can run the audio from the cable box to the HDMI on the panasonic to get 5.1?

2) If not, could I replace my non HDTV cable box with and HD box to take advantage of the HDMI connection, yet still use just a coax with my non HDTV?



Thank you all in advance.

 

[markw]

Unfortunately, you are just finding out that these "All in one box" solutions limit your options tremendously. Sad to say, my answers don't offer much solace...

1) Is there such thing as a digital out to HDMI cable, that I can run the audio from the cable box to the HDMI on the panasonic to get 5.1?

Not that I'm aware of but, odds are that the HDMI input on your panasonic is for video only. For HDMI to be able to handle audio, it needs to be version 1.3 and this is just now starting to trickle out on high end gear.

2) If not, could I replace my non HDTV cable box with and HD box to take advantage of the HDMI connection, yet still use just a coax with my non HDTV?

This you need to take up with your cable company but be aware that cable companies are notorious for having problems with HDMI sound issues. Most rely on Toslink or digital coax for their 5.1 audio.

And, not all HD cable boxes evem have HDMI video output. Many still rely on component and DVI. Again, check with your service provider.

 

[Nestor]

Unfortunately, you are just finding out that these "All in one box" solutions limit your options tremendously. Sad to say, my answers don't offer much solace...

Not that I'm aware of but, odds are that the HDMI input on your panasonic is for video only. For HDMI to be able to handle audio, it needs to be version 1.3 and this is just now starting to trickle out on high end gear.

This you need to take up with your cable company but be aware that cable companies are notorious for having problems with HDMI sound issues. Most rely on Toslink or digital coax for their 5.1 audio.

And, not all HD cable boxes evem have HDMI video output. Many still rely on component and DVI. Again, check with your service provider.

Have to correct you on the audio over HDMI. My receiver is ver. 1.2a and supports audio. In fact, only an hdmi cable is connected to my receiver from my cable box.

 

[markw]

Have to correct you on the audio over HDMI. My receiver is ver. 1.2a and supports audio. In fact, only an hdmi cable is connected to my receiver from my cable box.

I'm talking what he can do with his system and service provider, not what you can do with yours.

So, you're saying his "dvd in a box" will accept HDMI sound from his cable box? Interesting...

It's always possible that I could be wrong but unless you're also running a "dvd in a box" setup, I somehow doubt his receiver is in the same class as yours, don't you?

And, odds are at that if he wasn't running a "dvd in a box" setup, he would have sufficient I/O to accomodate his needs, right?

Also, not all cable boxes and companies are created equal. That's why I suggested he check with his service provider. Didn't you get the memo?

Just because someone has a Hummer and can go up a steep, rocky cliff doesn't mean that he should lead someone in a Hyundai Accent to think he could as well. Let's keep it real, shall we?

 

[chops11]

I'm talking what he can do with his system and service provider, not what you can do with yours.

So, you're saying his "dvd in a box" will accept HDMI sound from his cable box? Interesting...

It's always possible that I could be wrong but unless you're also running a "dvd in a box" setup, I somehow doubt his receiver is in the same class as yours, don't you?

And, odds are at that if he wasn't running a "dvd in a box" setup, he would have sufficient I/O to accomodate his needs, right?

Also, not all cable boxes and companies are created equal. That's why I suggested he check with his service provider. Didn't you get the memo?

Just because someone has a Hummer and can go up a steep, rocky cliff doesn't mean that he should lead someone in a Hyundai Accent to think he could as well. Let's keep it real, shall we?

Thanks for your help, but he was actually right. I borrowed a friends HD Cable box, that had a HDMI out, plugged it into my "dvd in a box" system, and surround sound there is!

Thanks Nestor.

 

[markw]

Nobody's perfect and I'm always willing to learn.

What "Dvd in a box" (make/model) system is this and who is your cable provider? I want to get one for my son.

 

[AVRat]

That's the problem with all the different systems and technologies: understanding them and getting them to work with each other.

 

[markw]

It was nice of him to clarify the make/model of his unit when asked, wasn't it?

 

[chops11]

It was nice of him to clarify the make/model of his unit when asked, wasn't it?

To be honest, I felt like you only asked in an attempt to prove me and the other poster wrong, hence the reason you didn't get the information. Maybe if your response wasn't so sarcastic and degrading people would be more willing to help you. That little bit of wisdom was in a memo I got.

 

[markw]

Yeah, you showed me all right.

And everyone else as well.