Digital Out from Kuro to AVR

[gtche]

Long time listener, first time caller.

I just got a pioneer 5020 yesterday and I am having some setup issues. I am connecting a 360 and a HD cable box via HDMI directly to the TV. I am then sending the audio via optical to a Denon 2105 reciever (no HDMI inputs). My problem is that I am not getting any digital audio signals to my AVR. I have checked the setting on the Kuro and the audio output is set to Dolby Digital (PCM is the other choice). My Xbox is set to output Dolby Digital. I am not trying to pass the new HD audio formats so I don't think copy protection is the problem. Am I missing something here?

I'd also like to say thanks for all the great advice I have received in the past (Hsu VTF-3 MKII, EMP). I do intend to upgrade to a new receiver and blu-ray but that is probably 6mo to a year away.

Thanks

 

[TLS Guy]

Long time listener, first time caller.

I just got a pioneer 5020 yesterday and I am having some setup issues. I am connecting a 360 and a HD cable box via HDMI directly to the TV. I am then sending the audio via optical to a Denon 2105 reciever (no HDMI inputs). My problem is that I am not getting any digital audio signals to my AVR. I have checked the setting on the Kuro and the audio output is set to Dolby Digital (PCM is the other choice). My Xbox is set to output Dolby Digital. I am not trying to pass the new HD audio formats so I don't think copy protection is the problem. Am I missing something here?

I'd also like to say thanks for all the great advice I have received in the past (Hsu VTF-3 MKII, EMP). I do intend to upgrade to a new receiver and blu-ray but that is probably 6mo to a year away.

Thanks

It may still be a copyright issue. The first thing is to make sure you have the digital optical input assigned on you receiver.

Now HDMI standards, change. The new regs state that devices have to block digital output from an HDMI source if the the program requires it.

I looked at your KURO instruction menu and this is the case with your TV.

I was talking to the senior vice president for Sherwood at SOTU in the fall, and he says this is a big problem, as most sources now block digital audio outputs from HDMI sources.

Also it says in you manual you can use the analog audio outs (RCA), but that the picture and voices are not in synch. So that is not useful.

You may have to go to a component hook up for you devices, in which case I would go the the receiver first.

With gear of recent vintage there is a virtual forcing to use HDMI, and this problem gets worse with each update to the HDCP codes.

 

[Adam]

The first thing is to make sure you have the digital optical input assigned on you receiver.

That's the first thing that popped into my head. It's discussed in the manual for the 2105, and we'd be happy to help you with that.

If there actually is an issue with getting audio from the HDMI connections, you should be able to run HDMI from your components to your TV while running digital audio connections from your components to your receiver. It's slightly less convenient when wanting to switch between sources (because you need to do it on the TV and on the receiver), but the sound should work just fine.

 

[gtche]

Thanks TLS and Adam, the digital input was assigned on the receiver. I think the copy protection was the problem. I have connected the audio straight to the receiver, and I am getting the digital signals now. I guess I was just trying to avoid the extra cables if I could.

 

[Adam]

I'm glad that you got it all working! It would be nice to avoid the extra cables, but at least it's working. Most TVs that I've researched either have the copyprotection issue, or they downmix all audio coming from HDMI sources to two-channel for the optical output. So, I don't tend to think that TVs are good for routing audio from other sources.

 

[TLS Guy]

I'm glad that you got it all working! It would be nice to avoid the extra cables, but at least it's working. Most TVs that I've researched either have the copyprotection issue, or they downmix all audio coming from HDMI sources to two-channel for the optical output. So, I don't tend to think that TVs are good for routing audio from other sources.

I'm just waiting for the next shoe to drop in HDCP codes. What the OP is experiencing is way over the top. I have said for ages DRM, is going to kill the market, and I'm sure already has had a negative sales impact.

I'm certain the next issue is going to be that units with HDMI outputs will no be able to be able to output multichannel audio except from HDMI.

HD units with HDMI output are already required to downgrade all analog outputs to 480i.

I now no longer recommend that anyone purchase a receiver with HDMI pass through. If they do, I can guarantee frustration down the road.

I have often referred to the unsatisfactory inhabitants of Hollywood, and as time goes by you are all seeing were I have been coming from.

And don't think all this nonsense, is not part of the greed causing our economic catastrophe. It certainly is at least a twig or two feeding the fire.