HDMI TV and DVD without an HDMI Receiver

[Cullen]

Hello all... I am a self described audiophile from way back (Rogers Studio One loudspeakers, Dunlop Systemdek turntable with a Grace 747 arm, etc.) but find the home theater product a little disconcerting. I have pretty much decided on a Denon 3805 AV Receiver and a Denon DVD2910 single CD player with Mirage NANOSAT speakers. But here is my question/problem. I have a brand new Toshiba CRT 30" HDTV with an HDMI input. What is the best way to put all this together since the receivers with HDMI are WAYYYYY too expensive for what I want to invest?? I imagine if I run the dvd to the receiver first I will lose picture quality, etc. Any advice?? PS. Any input on my proposed REC/DVD/Speakers would also be welcome. Thanks...

 

[Jason Coleman]

As a proud owner of the 3805, I'll certainly commendate you on your selection of AVR. The 3805 is a workhorse knockout! Very feature-rich and connective. Running video through the 3805, whether it's an HD component feed from a cable box or from your DVD player or feeding it S-video from a VCR, is an easy and convenient thing to do. I run all of my video sources through my 3805 except for my 3910 when I'm using the DVI connection. Being able to switch audio/video sources at the same time is very user-friendly. However, when you get into DVI or HDMI switching within an AVR, you're talking serious coin. If you've got one HDMI or DVI source (such as a DVD player or HD STB), I'd run it directly to your display. If your display has more than one digital video connection, as many new sets have, then you're able to connect more than one source. Otherwise, you'll have to pick up an HDMI or DVI switcher to do the switching for you. Don't worry, there not very expensive at all.

As a quick aside, if you're really into audio/video, you may want to spend the extra $$ and get the Denon 3910 instead of the 2910. The video section is notably better and the audio performance of the 3910 is nothing short of stunning. Additionally, the 3910 is equipped with DenonLink (as is the 3805), for a one-cable solution (assuming the SACD approval goes through as planned).

Good Luck!

Jason

 

[ebough]

I have a similar situation, except that my TV, DVD player, and STB use DVI. You will need to buy a 2:1 remote controlled HDMI switcher (Gefen from Ram Electronics) for about $150-200, much less of an increment than what you would pay for an AVR with HDMI switching capability. Also Gefen throws in two cables which would cost you at least $50 or more from other sources. HDMI from STB and HDMI from DVD player into switcher and then HDMI from switcher into your TV HDMI input. Coaxial digital audio cables from both your STB and DVD player into your AVR (or Denonlink for the DVD player if you go with Denon). The Gefen switchers are bullet-proof (no HDCP problems). The Gefen remote control codes are easily learned by most universal remotes. I have the DVI version of this set-up and it works perfectly. Good luck.

 

[danbisa]

good to hear other folks thinking about the same things I am...I'm also about to do the denon 3805 3910 double and was wondering about digital video.

A question I have that hopefully you guys might be able to answer is that my AV gear is tucked away in a cabinet (Im building a new house and wanted it all hidden) but this cabinet is in cable length around 12 meters away. is it silly to think about using a DVI connection of this length? do they make them? will I have to sell the house to pay for one?

Thanks

 

[devs]

Help!

Hi people I've just got a 3805 and I'm trying to hook it up to my 3910 however I'm failing badly ;(

So far I've got my 5.1 speakers connected and working with the 3805 done the set up etc and the radio plays fine through the speakers.

I've got the denon-link between the the 3805+3910 connected and a scart from my 3910 to my TV. Now when I try and play a DVD I get no sound at all through the speakers ;( Any ideas what I'm doing wrong. I've also heard that its not possible to send sacd data via the denon-link. If this is true could someone please explain how I set the to up for use with super audio. I can't wait to hear what it sounds like in my own front room!

I'm very new to A/V setups so please be gentle!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Many Thanks,

dEVS!

 

[Rik]

devs, did you activate the Denon Link?

 

[devs]

Yeah I couldn' do it on the 3910 it was grayed out - but it was because it was playing a disc at the time.

Thanks for the help!