Need advice on connections

[debv1947]

Hello and first let me apologize for my ignorance. I have a question about my new equipment and how it was connected. There is no problem but I don't know if it is connected in the best way and Sony tech support was noncommittal.

I have a Sony KDL-46XBR8 TV, a Sony Blue Ray BDP-S550 and a Sony Home Theater HT-SS2300. My TV source is a High-Definition DVR from Comcast (Motorola DCH3416) This is a once in a lifetime purchase for me so I had it installed by a professional installer. The young man seemed very knowledgable and assured me that he was connecting the system in the way that would provide optimal video and audio.

Here is how it is connected. He connected the DVR to the audio receiver via BOTH HDMI and optical digital cable. He connected the Blue Ray to the audio receiver also with BOTH HDMI and optical digital cable. He then connected the receiver to the TV with HDMI cable. I am fine with getting all of my audio through the receiver.

I am reading in these forums though, that maybe I would get better audio if there was only an HDMI connection. There seems to be great controversy on this topic. The installer insisted that I would get better quality audio by having both connections.

I welcome any advice, suggestions or feedback. I've only had the system for a week and haven't really tested it fully but I am confused about the connection. Thank anyone who can help.

 

[markw]

The young man is telling you the truth.

Even if the cable box passed audio vis HDMI, it's sound gets no beter than Dolby Digital, which is passed by the optical digital link you currently have.

And, unless your receiver is capable of decoding the new hi-rez audio formats available with bou-ray players, and I doubt it is, you're doing a good as you can get.

Theoretically, You might be able to get a wee bit better sound if your Blu-ray player can internally decode them and pass them through six analog cables to your receiver if it had the needed six analog inputs to accept them.

But, on a more practical note, your receiver won't allow that, so you're set up about as good as you can hope for. The young man is telling you the truth.

Your HT-SS2300 : http://electronics.pricegrabber.com/home-theater-systems/m/83945703/details/st=product_tab/

 

[debv1947]

Thank you very much markw. He sounded like he knew what he was talking about and I appreciate the confirmation.