Equipment Review & Hookup Configuration

[M3 Track Junkie]

This is my first post after spending considerable time surfing through many pages of posts.

I'm about to come out of the dark ages and purchase new A/V equipment and I'd like to get some feedback on my selection.

TV
Sony Z Series KDL-40Z4100/B

Blu Ray
Panasonic DMP-BD35K

Amplifier
Yamaha RX-V863

Program Source
Currently DVR - Dish Network. Plan on upgrading to HD version.

Existing Equipment

• Mitsubishi VCR HS-U560
• JVC DVD XV-NA70BK (modified to play European discs)
• Sonance D5000 In-Wall Front Speakers
• B&W ASW 1000 Sub Woofer
• B&W LM1 Wall Mounted Rear Speakers
• B&W LCR6 S2 Center Speaker

In addition I'm rather confused as to how I should connect this equipment together and what cables I need to obtain the best picture. I also want to make sure I don't run into problems recording over-the-air programming.

Any guidance offered would be much appreciated.

TIA

Steve

 

[phlakvest]

HDMI from the reciever to the TV. Your Reciever will convert all the other video devices and push them to the TV over HDMI. So you only have to have one cable, and you wont have to switch anything on the TV

HDMI from the Blueray to the reciever. (this will carry audio also)

I'm not sure what all inputs the other devices have, so Ill rank the types of connectors in order of best to worse. Use the best connectors the devices have.

Video
1. HDMI
2. Component (3 rca)
3. S-video
4. Composite.

Audio
1. HDMI
2. Optical or digital coax (single orange rca)
3. Stereo RCA (Red/White RCA.)

When you upgrade to HD cable try to get a box with HDMI out.