HDTV Connection

[EdJG]

I know this is a newbie question, but I'm truely confused - what's the advantage of running your HDTV through the receiver vs. a direct connect to the cable box?

Can't you just run the audio out from the TV into your receiver?

Similarly run the audio out for your DVD to the receiver & the vidio out to the TV?

Why is life so complicated?

Ed

 

[MDS]

The advantage to running your audio and video through the receiver is that you get convenient switching between sources. Because you have only one connection to the TV, you never need to change the TV input.

If you run the video direct from the components to the TV but with audio to the receiver, you have to switch the reciever input and the TV input. You can do that with macros on a universal remote but it's more convenient to just let the receiver switch both audio and video at the same time.

 

[EdJG]

The advantage to running your audio and video through the receiver is that you get convenient switching between sources. Because you have only one connection to the TV, you never need to change the TV input.

If you run the video direct from the components to the TV but with audio to the receiver, you have to switch the reciever input and the TV input. You can do that with macros on a universal remote but it's more convenient to just let the receiver switch both audio and video at the same time.

THANKS! (extra characters )

 

[jcsprankle]

Another important factor in deciding how to connect your gear is how the TV handles Dolby Digital signals. I recently found out that my TV can't accept true DD5.1 signals in it's HDMI inputs (only ANT and 1394...what sense does that make??)

Therefore, when I run audio to the TV and then from the TV to the receiver, I only get stereo. However, if I run audio directly to the receiver from the cable box, I can get true DD5.1.

 

[jlyttle]

Another important factor in deciding how to connect your gear is how the TV handles Dolby Digital signals. I recently found out that my TV can't accept true DD5.1 signals in it's HDMI inputs (only ANT and 1394...what sense does that make??)

Therefore, when I run audio to the TV and then from the TV to the receiver, I only get stereo. However, if I run audio directly to the receiver from the cable box, I can get true DD5.1.

Yes, I run HDMI from both my DVD player and cable box to the receiver, then 1 HDMI from there to the TV. It is so much better and easier.

 

[Nick250]

I rarely watch TV with the whole system on. Along with an audio digital connection from the cable box to the receiver I also run a stereo connection from the cable box to the display. Video gets sent directly to the display via DVI. For easy audio and video switching I find that a Harmony remote works best for me.

There is no right or wrong to go on this issue, just different choices. Find the one that works best for you and your listening habits.

Nick

 

[moverton]

I know this is a newbie question, but I'm truely confused - what's the advantage of running your HDTV through the receiver vs. a direct connect to the cable box?

Can't you just run the audio out from the TV into your receiver?

Similarly run the audio out for your DVD to the receiver & the vidio out to the TV?

Why is life so complicated?

Ed

If you run it directly you won't have an excuse to spend another $1200 on the latest wizbang receiver from Denon or Yamaha to keep up with the hdmi versions that change monthly.
You would also miss that sense of utter dispair when you realize that the new receiver you just forked out your entire paycheck for still won't switch all your video sources without degrading them.
Pushing two buttons on the remote instead of one is so old school.

 

[MDS]

Pushing two buttons on the remote instead of one is so old school.

Love it! That is usually my argument against ever watching TV with only the TV speakers. Some people like that approach (fine for them) but say the reason is they don't want to turn on the 'whole system' just to watch the news. Turning on my whole system involves pushing the On button on the remote and I just don't see how that is too complicated.