Help setting up new receiver, no audio, limited video

[DJ in TX]

My new speakers should be delivered tomorrow, but I decided to use my Sunday afternoon hooking up everything else to my new receiver (Pioneer VSX-819) so that tomorrow evening, I can just connect my speakers and be off and running.

Well, so far it's not going well. I got all of my components connected as follows:

DVD player connected to receiver component-In
DVR (TiVo non-HD) connected to receiver over composite (DVR/VCR in ports)
Cable box connected to receiver over HDMI
Wii connected to receiver over composite

And then my receiver is connected to my plasma via HDMI.

I am pretty sure everything is correct. So far have heard no audio over my TV speakers, and the only video I have seen came from the cable box direct hdmi connect to tv, and this also had zero audio. I checked mute was not enabled and turned up the volume on the TV but I am getting nothing.

As you may know, I am a noob, so have I done something wrong? Even though I have no speakers connected to my receiver, the audio from these various sources should be getting to the TV via the HDMI right? I mean I know that my receiver has HDMI repeating so this should work I believe.

What rookie mistake am I making here?

 

[Adam]

Hi. Unfortunately, the VSX-819 does not contain a video converter. Per page 13 of the owner's manual, you need to connect the receiver to the TV using the same connections that you used to connect the components to the receiver.

In other words, the receiver will not output video from non-HDMI inputs through the HDMI output. So, that explains why you aren't getting any video or sound from the non-HDMI inputs.

For the cable box, you might need to go into the menu of the cable box and set it up to output audio over HDMI.

On a related note, how did you connect the audio from the DVD player, DVR, and Wii to the receiver?

 

[Adam]

Oh, I forgot something!

Check out page 39 of your 819 owner's manual. You'll need to set the "HDMI" audio setting to "THRU" in order to have the audio go to your TV over the HDMI connection. You'll want to change that back to "AMP" once you get your speakers hooked up.

 

[DJ in TX]

This really sucks. I had no idea that this was the case with this receiver. So basically it sounds like I will have to now go out and buy duplicate cables for all of these devices, one set leading to the receiver, and another set leading from the receiver to the TV I guess. Is there not a better way to hook all this up? I wish I had all HDMI devices, but sadly that isn't the case.

Any advice?

 

[Adam]

Because you'll need to select different inputs on your TV anyway (except in the case of the DVR and Wii that are both component video connections), you might decide to connect the video directly to your TV for the non-HDMI sources - if you have enough connections.

Can you return/exchange the receiver? The next model up, the VSX-919, will convert video to HDMI.

 

[DJ in TX]

I am already over my budget. Initially I was going to spend $199 on the vsx-519, then stepped up to the vsx-819 for $249. And I had to factor in an additional $99 for the speaker stands.

Just for the sake of consideration, I just checked on the VSX-919 and it is at amazon for $399...oddly enough best buy and newegg both no longer carry this item. I have no idea why they would suddenly stop carrying it as it is new. In any case, I just don't think I can plunk down another $150. I guess I may just have to buy more component/composite cables to make all of this work and forget about the low-clutter HDMI setup I had envisioned.

Are there any good receivers for $299 or less that will convert video like this and have HDMI repeating?

 

[DJ in TX]

I am guessing in order to step up to a receiver that converts video it won't be cheap, so I can't really do that. Of course, if anyone has any ideas let me know.

So, I will likely end up buying some component and composite cables to connect between the receiver and TV. This is getting a little complicated, and I admit I am probably confusing myself, but if both my TiVo and Wii connect over composite, will I then need two sets of composite from the receiver to the TV, or willa single strand do the job?

 

[Adam]

I am guessing in order to step up to a receiver that converts video it won't be cheap, so I can't really do that. Of course, if anyone has any ideas let me know.

I've looked around a little bit, but nothing too extensive. As a start, you can check the major manufacturers' (e.g. Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer, etc.) websites for which models will do it, then check online for the best prices.

...will I then need two sets of composite from the receiver to the TV, or willa single strand do the job?

A single cable from the receiver to the TV will do the job.

 

[DJ in TX]

I've looked around a little bit, but nothing too extensive. As a start, you can check the major manufacturers' (e.g. Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer, etc.) websites for which models will do it, then check online for the best prices.



A single cable from the receiver to the TV will do the job.

So if I have a single strand of composite from the receiver to the TV, and I have both my TiVo and Wii turned on, how will the TV know which source to display? Is it the input selector on the receiver that determines this somehow? I'm having trouble wrapping my brain around this for some reason.

 

[Adam]

Is it the input selector on the receiver that determines this somehow?

Yep, exactly! You'd be using your receiver as a video switch. If all of your connections were the same type, then you could switch the video with the receiver and never have to change inputs on the TV.

 

[DJ in TX]

Okay, so all I should need now is 1 additional component video cable, and one additional composite video cable. I would prefer not to have to order online and pay shipping, and then wait 2-3 days for delivery. Are there any actual stores I can go to and get decent prices for these? Or is it like HDMI where you pay a huge premium unless you go through Monoprice or other online retailers?

 

[anamorphic96]

I am already over my budget. Initially I was going to spend $199 on the vsx-519, then stepped up to the vsx-819 for $249. And I had to factor in an additional $99 for the speaker stands.

Just for the sake of consideration, I just checked on the VSX-919 and it is at amazon for $399...oddly enough best buy and newegg both no longer carry this item. I have no idea why they would suddenly stop carrying it as it is new. In any case, I just don't think I can plunk down another $150. I guess I may just have to buy more component/composite cables to make all of this work and forget about the low-clutter HDMI setup I had envisioned.

Are there any good receivers for $299 or less that will convert video like this and have HDMI repeating?

This Onkyo model offers what you need for 299.00. If you can return your stands I can show you some stands for 50.00 which will save you some more money.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTRC160/Onkyo/Ht-rc160-7.2-channel-Home-Theater-Receiver-Like-Tx-sr607/1.html

 

[DJ in TX]

This Onkyo model offers what you need for 299.00. If you can return your stands I can show you some stands for 50.00 which will save you some more money.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTRC160/Onkyo/Ht-rc160-7.2-channel-Home-Theater-Receiver-Like-Tx-sr607/1.html

I think I am probably just going to keep my pioneer and buy a couple of cables. It would beat boxing up the pioneer and having to return it. And, the Onkyo you mention isn't at Best Buy or other local stores. I'm guessing I could only get it for this price through Accessories for less. It sounds like a good deal, but overall I like dealing with an actual store when possible. It makes the return process so much easier.

So let me ask you this...

Right now this lack of video conversion is causing me to have to buy extra component and composite cables to run these signals to the TV. However, in the next year or so I envision upgrading to a DVR and Blu-Ray player that both have HDMI, thus eliminating my need for multiple connections to the TV. Is this the only potential problem with opting for a receiver that doesn't convert video, or are there other potential problems that can arise from this that I need to be aware of?

I know that there is no such thing as a future proof receiver, but I want to make sure I can get a good 5-10 years of use out of my receiver and not worry about it's usability down the road. With HDMI I assume it should be fine. Any thoughts about this pioneer in terms of longevity?

 

[DJ in TX]

Just to update you all...I think that I will likely stick with the Pioneer and just buy some cables. I found some G.E. component cables at Home Depot for $12, and I remembered I have a single yellow video cable at home I can use for the composite video signal. This will be the least expensive route and won't require any exchanging or additional receiver research.

I am still curious though...are there any other issues I need to be aware of that could stem from this lack of internal video conversion? I just want to make sure this receiver will be a good solution for quite a few years.

Opinions?

 

[anamorphic96]

Just to update you all...I think that I will likely stick with the Pioneer and just buy some cables. I found some G.E. component cables at Home Depot for $12, and I remembered I have a single yellow video cable at home I can use for the composite video signal. This will be the least expensive route and won't require any exchanging or additional receiver research.

I am still curious though...are there any other issues I need to be aware of that could stem from this lack of internal video conversion? I just want to make sure this receiver will be a good solution for quite a few years.

Opinions?

5 to 10 years is very optimistic. You will get the bug again. Something new will come out and you will have to have it.

 

[DJ in TX]

5 to 10 years is very optimistic. You will get the bug again. Something new will come out and you will have to have it.

Your predictions may prove to be spot-on...I do tend to get an itch every so often. But, assuming that I use my gold bond medicated powder and avoid the itch, how do you think my receiver will hold up?

 

[anamorphic96]

Your predictions may prove to be spot-on...I do tend to get an itch every so often. But, assuming that I use my gold bond medicated powder and avoid the itch, how do you think my receiver will hold up?

Hard to say. Could last a year or 10 years. Electronics are funny thing. I would think if taken care it should be fine for awhile. Or at least until you decide to upgrade.

 

[DJ in TX]

Hard to say. Could last a year or 10 years. Electronics are funny thing. I would think if taken care it should be fine for awhile. Or at least until you decide to upgrade.

I'm glad to hear this...thanks for the input. I swear this purchase has been a long time coming for me. Lots of research and plenty of speed bumps and detours along the way. Of course I guess it will make it all the more sweeter when my speakers finally arrive (hopefully today, fingers crossed).

Hopefully I won't need to post any more questions for quite awhile.

Thanks All!