Connect all HDMI Cables to TV and then one to the Receiver => or the Reverse?

[-Jim-]

Gents,

With the advent of HDMI and ARC I was wondering what is the typical convention is now for setting up for a system with 2 or 3 HDMI sources. (Say a Blue Ray Player, Cable or Sat Box, and a HTPC.)

I find some of the HDMI handshaking absolutely painful to sort out, and maybe the connection routing has something to do with it.

My wife would like everything connected via the TV (she dislikes surround sound) so it's simple for her to leave off the Receiver and just use the TV speakers.

So, do you connect your HDMI sources to the TV first, and then use an ARC HDMI Cable Back to the Receiver; or do you plug them all into the Receiver first and have a single HDMI cable out to the TV?

Are there any limitations going with either setup?

Have you tried both configurations?

Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated.

 

[j_garcia]

Very common question and the same answer in nearly all cases. TV as the final destination is the better method IMO.

 

[markw]

In our new place I have only two channels and do exactly what you're saying and it works quite well. But, then again, all I expect is two channels.

I'm not sure that the TV will pass through multi-channel sound, much less the newer hi-glitz formats available on blu-ray. I am pretty sure though that it will down-convert to and pass two channel sound.

 

[fmw]

I'm with Garcia. The processor (receiver) should be at the center of the system. The TV should be a peripheral just like sources, all of which should connect to the processor.

 

[markw]

Perhaps I was unclear. Garcia is correct. The receiver should be used as the nexus for a multi channel system.

I was pointing out an example of it's downfall. But, in my case here, the down-conversion to two channels isn't really a downfall. In the computer field, this would be called an "undocumented feature".

Now, if I were expecting a full multi-channel experience, it would not be.

 

[-Jim-]

Gents, it sounds like you are like me, wanting the Receiver to be the Hub. The issue is the Misses wants the TV to be it so she doesn't have to bother with the Receiver. I guess that's why I'm am piecing together a 3rd HT system in the basement just for me...