Onkyo TX-SR606 and other questions.

[Gabriel]

Im not new to the A/V world but I just bought an Onkyo tx-sr606, and now I feel like total noob. For now I just need to be put on the right path for connecting some things to it. I have...............................

Sony Bravia XBR2, LCD TV, connected to the receiver's HDMI out

Sony PS3, connected with HDMI cable to the receiver

Xbox360, I have component video cables w/S-video or digital optical option
and an old Toshiba DVD player that, for whatever reason, I think should be connected via multichannel connection to the new receiver. I have all the cables to do this

Questions
1) Should I connect the DVD player using the Multichannel DVD Input?
2) Should I connect the Xbox360, using the component video cables, directly to the TV, and connect the digital optical to the receiver?
3) Is there a website that I can just type in the model of the receiver and all my A/V items to get step by step (what goes where) instructions?

 

[nav]

1) Should I connect the DVD player using the Multichannel DVD Input?

It's not necessary unless there is some format the DVD is capable of playing but cannot transmit over one of the digital connections (e.g., multichannel PCM such as SACD or DVD-Audio over SPDIF connections).

2) Should I connect the Xbox360, using the component video cables, directly to the TV, and connect the digital optical to the receiver?

I use my receiver for all of my video switching. I don't notice any quality degradation and it makes my life easier. If I recall correctly, the TX-SR605 upconverts all video to HDMI, so you could just run the HDMI out to the TV and never switch the TV's video input.

3) Is there a website that I can just type in the model of the receiver and all my A/V items to get step by step (what goes where) instructions?

Not that I'm aware of. Forums such as Audioholics is about as close as it gets .

 

[MDS]

To add a little about the DVD multi-channel input:

It is not necessary as nav said IF the player has digital outputs (either coax or optical). If it is so old that it does not then you'd have to use the multi-channel output but you'll still get surround sound; the player will do the decoding of Dolby Digital and send each channel over its respective cable connected to the multi-channel out.

 

[Gabriel]

More questions.

First, thanks for the help. This is the place for me.

4) Since I'll be connecting the PS3, the Xbox360, and the old Toshiba DVD player, to the receiver, does that mean that they will all be outputed to the TV via HDMI?

5) What should I use to connect the Xbox360 to the receiver?

 

[Gabriel]

Correction

I do have an Onkyo TX-SR605. I said it was a 606 but I don't think that exists.

 

[jcPanny]

X-Box for DVD playback

To add a little about the DVD multi-channel input:

It is not necessary as nav said IF the player has digital outputs (either coax or optical). If it is so old that it does not then you'd have to use the multi-channel output but you'll still get surround sound; the player will do the decoding of Dolby Digital and send each channel over its respective cable connected to the multi-channel out.

FYI,
If your old DVD player doesn't have a component video and digital audio output then use your X-box as a DVD transport. It should have decent performance and might even upscale DVDs. Keep the old DVD player for when your X-box is in for repair!