Easy quesion Re: New Pioneer Elite VSX-84TXSi and HDMI hook-up

[Bradleyfs]

Hello all. As I'm sure this will become painfully apparent, I am new to this maze of audiophile/near audiophile quality HT systems. I apologize in advance if this question seems stupid.

In any event, I have just purchased a new Pioneer Elite VSX-84TXSi (which I will not receive until Tuesday) and was at Best Buy purchasing what I thought would be the proper set of cables to get the most out of my HT system. However, in doing so, the seemingly knowledgeable sales person told me something that seems contrary to what would expect.

One of the many reasons I finally settled on this receiver was due to its HDMI video upscaling and upconversion abilities, just assuming the 5.1 surround sound audio would also be covered by the HDMI cable. As such, I had planned that I would run a single HDMI cable from my DVD player into the Receiver and then a single HDMI cable from the Receiver to the TV, and both video and audio would be all set. However, the sales person at Best Buy indicated that this would not be sufficient to get true surround sound.

Basically, he said that while hooking up the system as I planned would certainly work, that the HDMI cable would not support true 5.1 surround sound. He indicated that if I did that way, I would get great video, but I would only get 2.1 sound because that is all HDMI cable would support. So he indicated that in addition to the HDMI cable, that I would also need to use a digital optical and/or digital coax cable from the DVD player to the receiver in order to get true 5.1 surround sound (something about HDMI 1.1 was all the cable would support - although the receiver is HDMI 1.2).

If what he said is correct and I have to use the additional cable, it is not a big deal, but it is contrary to how I thought HDMI was supposed to work (I thought it was supposed to handle full digital video as well as audio all in one cable). Was he correct? Can it really be true that if I just use the HDMI cable from my DVD player to my receiver that I won't get true 5.1 surround sound?

If somebody knows whether this is true or not, I would really appreciate knowing the correct answer. If it is true that I should also hook up a a digital optical or digital coax cable, is digital optical so much better than digital coaxial that it is really worth buying another expensive cable (as I think I may already have an extra digital coax cable)? Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer!

 

[Davemcc]

Your original assumption should be correct. Just hook up the HDMI.

 

[PENG]

You are right, the sales rep is wrong. Also, optical is not better than coax. I can't hear the difference, if any exists. Hold on to your component video and coax cables just in case. In my setup, they do a better job (video) than the HDMI 1.3.

 

[Bradleyfs]

Thanks, I appreciate the confirmaiton (I know its only Best Buy, but you would figure these guys would have some knowledge!).

Its interesting what you mention about digital optical not being better than digital coax, I would have thought optical would have had the advantage, but I didn't I would be able to tell the difference.

Also it sounds like even though the HDMI cable will do both the video and surround audio, I should probably hook up the digital coax anyway. As I've already got the digital coax cables, I guess I'll do so just to be on the safe side.

And Davemcc, I hope your SVS comes soon. I am just about to order the SVS PB-12 Plus/2 and hope I don't have to wait as long as you have had to!

 

[billy p]

Hi Brad

BB is not a place to seek advice, thats why we have this forum. Just remember for regular tv viewing if you go through the avr with hdmi as well that the receiver will have to be on. Both fibre optic and coax are equal to about 50ft most people like coax because it provides a tighter connection and longer run ability.

 

[Thunder18]

The only real reason optical might be better than digital coax in some causes is because fiber optic cable is immune to EMI(electro-magnetic interference). Normally this is not an issue, but occassionally some people have issues with this so it's nice to be able to choose which one to use. I'd take back the fiber optic cable if you paid more than $20 for it and use the HDMI cable, otherwise you're missing out on the convenience of the one cable solution.

 

[Davemcc]

And Davemcc, I hope your SVS comes soon. I am just about to order the SVS PB-12 Plus/2 and hope I don't have to wait as long as you have had to!

Hey, thanks for thinking about me. It's due roughly Wednesday, so today I just keep repeating "2 more days...2 more days..." I really don't think you'll have to wait a month. Three days is more likely, especially if you are in the contiguous United States.

 

[Bradleyfs]

Thanks all. Again all useful and correct advice. One other question I have to ask. One of the people mentioned that if I hook up the system the way I anticipated, that even for regular tv viewing, I would need to have the AVR turned on. Is something to be concerned about?

Obviously, if the AVR has to be on for regular tv viewing, it will be turned on for probably 3 - 4 hours every day. I get the feeling some people think that the same would be a lot of wear and tear on the AVR for no good reason. Is this correct, or am I just being paranoid?

With my current Onkyo, I really only turn it on for DVDs or listening to music. Thus 75% of the time, its off and just the tv is on. Before I just thought it was a waste of power as teh Onkyo does not have upscaling/upconversion capabilities. However, I don't want to shorten the life of my new receiver by using it needlessly either. Thus, any rule of thumb whether it should be used for 3-4 hours every day or just when you are watching movies and music?

 

[billy p]

Most members do recommend a direct route to the tv from your cable source. Then tv viewing is made simple and for audio from the receiver connect one of your digital audio cables. I would agree with your concern about the use of the avr 24/7/365 I myself use the avr only for dvd's, music and tv programs in HD.
Good luck, Billy p

 

[HTfan14]

LMAO, BB/FS salespeeps never fail to amaze me with their lack of knowledge.

"I get the feeling some people think that the same would be a lot of wear and tear on the AVR for no good reason"

I have mine connected as you plan, HDMI from Cable box and DVD to rec. to tv, works great. I always listen through rec. for tv watching, I like surround and good sound so why not? As for being "on for no good reason"?? well I'm watching/listening so that is a good reason for me.

 

[Tom Andry]

Most members do recommend a direct route to the tv from your cable source. Then tv viewing is made simple and for audio from the receiver connect one of your digital audio cables. I would agree with your concern about the use of the avr 24/7/365 I myself use the avr only for dvd's, music and tv programs in HD.
Good luck, Billy p

I generally don't recommend that to people. I like to use the AVR for video switching if you have the option. Most of the AVRs built these days aren't going to be bothered by being run for long periods of time. That top end pioneer should be fine unless you are running it full out all the time. I wouldn't worry about shortening its life considerably by running it.

I find that many are worried about the extra connection going through the receiver and how that will affect the signal. In most cases, it won't affect it at all. When I reviewed the 82TXS, it did when it converted but not for switching. If you are running HDMI though your receiver, you should be fine. Plus, that is one less remote you'll have to worry about as the reciever will do the switching for you.

 

[billy p]

My guess

this is a matter of preference!! I do like the SQ via the receiver in HD it just easier for regular tv viewing and having both options available isn't a bad thing. I don't think receivers would be effected by over use but I also think they should be used as required.

Oh, one last thing! If your receiver can accommodate all your components then by all means. My receiver and dvd player had to be separated.

 

[Nick250]

It's a personal choice issue. Some like to use the AV system for watching regular TV and some don't. I don't bother, but wear and tear on the receiver is not part of the equation though. Do what works best for you.

Nick