Home Theatre Genius Wanted

[Fark]

Okay Gentlemen (and Ladies),
I'm new to this forum and to Home Theatre Optimization, as I like to call it. I recently did some research and purchased the following:

Panasonic TH-42PHD8UK plasma monitor w/ HDMI card
Denon DVD-1920 with DVD-Audio and SACD Compatibility
Yamaha RX-V2600 HDMI Switching/Upconverting Receiver
Aperion Audio 5.1 System
HD Cable Box

I have everything up and working, but am trying to make sure I'm getting the most out of my system. The DVD player is currently connected to the receiver using an HDMI cable, but I don't think this is the best for the SACDs, so was wondering if I should connect the analog multi-channel out to my receiver AS WELL.

Also, I had to use component for the Cable Box since HDMI wasn't working. I noticed the thread about this issue and have contacted my cable company, but was wondering if there is any advantage of HDMI over Component Video with Digital Coax Audio (my current setup).

Finally, while the HD channels look awesome, the non-HD channels look pretty crappy on my television; they look worse than on an old non-HD TV. Very 'blob-ular' and blurry. Any suggestions?

Thanks so much!

~Fark

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Fark,

Welcome to the forum. You've picked up some nice equipment.

Many cable companies haven't updated their software yet to accept HDMI, so hang in there. It will happen eventually.

You answered your own question correctly. Yes, hook up the SACD analog cables separate for multi channel audio.

If your cable box has an S-Video out, hook that up to your receiver, then let the receiver upconvert to the display. For some reason, S-Video seems to work better on flat screens for standard definition tv. You can try the S-Video directly to the display for a quick comparison.