Newbie here--need Help!

[azmoto]

Ok I’m new to the forum and hope you guys can help me. I’ve always liked good sounding systems that can be cranked LOUD with no distortion—could be part of the reason I have tinnitus but that’s another story. Haha

I had one of the early Kenwood Dolby Pro Logic Receivers (1993 ish) that I absolutely luved with some Monster Cerwin Vega Speakers.

Over the years it started to act up and Channel A no longer worked but Channel B did. What I really liked about this receiver was the ability to ADJUST the Center and Rear speakers and you could really hear the Surround kick in with the rear. Ex watching a movie it would feel like a helicopter flew right over you.

As the years passed and technology upgraded it was getting harder not to upgrade.
I did solve the non-subwoofer output jack with a Subwoofer that was designed to splice into the two main speakers. It did the job but was not the cleanest sounding at certain times depending on what I was listening to.

So I finally upgraded the TV in the Mancave to a new TV on Cyber Monday (After Thanksgiving) for a great price.

60" LCD panel; with a 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution

The Samsung 1080p LED HDTV has a true 16:9 aspect ratio; view your movies as the director intended

See a clear picture from anywhere in the room

The 60" LED HDTV has a built-in digital tuner

Watch digital broadcasts, including HDTV programs where available

HDMI Inputs: 2

Enjoy a superior HD experience with HDMI, the one cable audio/video solution

60" screen measured diagonally from corner to corner

Wall-mountable

VESA standard 400mm x 400mm

Built-in Wi-Fi

Stream content directly from the Internet

DTS StudioSound; get booming HD surround sound


So with a new TV I knew my old Kenwood would no longer fit the bill as it had NO HDMI input/outputs.

So while I was there at Best Buy I asked the guy for some help with a sound system. Of course he was too busy but there was a girl who was helpful but did not seem that much more knowledgeable than me I would find out later.

So I ended up with this Sony Receiver:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-1015w-7-2-ch-4k-ultra-hd-and-3d-pass-through-a-v-home-theater-receiver-black/4914601.p?skuId=4914601

And also a Sony Sub that would have direct input into it.

Now this is where I really screwed up!

I did not hook it up until last week as I had a lot going on with the holidays and work and also this thing called procrastination. Oh and if you saw what the back of my previous system looked like with the mess of cables and wires that also gave me the willys!

When I first hooked everything up I had no audio from the TV (Receiver on or off). The FM tuner worked.
I ended up using the five cable harness from the previous setup red, white, green, blue, red from the Cable/Box DVR to the TV.
It now has sound but where I’m REALLY disappointed is the LACK of Dolby Pro Logic. I barely get any audio from the front and rear speakers and it upsets me that my new system does not sound as good as the old system.

I have not tried any advanced settings but read a review that you can adjust the sound thru the microphone provided. Another annoyance is the sales girl told me I could Blutooth of my phone. Come to find out it’s for an I-Phone!
I have a Samsung 5.

I would take this back if I could but I am past the 15 day return policy although they did grant thru January if you were on their loyal customer program.

As you have gathered I’m Clueless when it comes to this new technology. (58 yrs old).

One other thing my Cable Box/DVR is about 6yrs old and when I put the HDMI cable from the box to the receiver I had no sound only picture. Could it be the box is bad/outdated?

Sorry for the long post, hoping for some ideas or do I need a receiver with Dolby Pro-Logic?

Thanks,

Gary

 

[lovinthehd]

Fun, isn't it?

Sort of from the bottom up because it's easier to read at the moment.

You probably need to check audio settings in the cable box/dvr unit. Hard to know where to point you other than an audio menu at this point without a make/model for the box. Why do you want audio from the tv? Same as the cable box, you need to make appropriate audio settings for what you want. You don't want to use the avr for some content or something?

Dolby Pro Logic is old tech, you probably have Dolby ProLogicIIx. Try this article.

To set up the receiver, does this unit have DCAC to help automatically set levels and delays for each channel? Or did you do that manually? If the latter, what did you do and what settings did you make?

I couldn't find a manual easily for this unit, the DH750 kept popping up (is it a relabeled 750?). Sony calls manuals help guides and they are usually poorly laid out IMHO. You have reviewed the manual for your unit or not?

What speakers/sub are you using now?

 

[azmoto]

Thanks for the reply I was not home when I initiated this post I've taken some pictures.
The old cable box DVR I'm currently using in the man cave
Explorer 8240hdc

I'm still having to use the five cable harness from the DVR to the receiver. I thought with HDMI you no longer needed the five cable harness I tried the HDMI to the receiver input and then another HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV and I got no sound.

To get sound from the TV or any at all I had to run a HDMI cable from the cable box directly to the TV.
it seems odd this is the only connection to the TV.

Here is what I ended up having to use and it seems like I'm back to the same cabled mess as before not quite as bad but if it was correct I should just have some HDMI cables right?

I just went back down and disconnected HDMI cable with the BLUE TAG that was incorrectly installed on the receiver I removed it completely and now I'm getting surround sound again!

That's good to know here's some pictures of my remote and the receiver.
Playing with the remote I only get all 5 speakers working if I use the 2-channel multi button and click it a few times so that it displays multi stereo on the receiver so is this correct is this the Dolby Pro logic new version?
The basic paper manual kind of sucks it wants you to go online or something and I have not had time to do that yet also there is a little microphone that I guess you can adjust the speakers with I've never heard of anything like this what a pain in the ass.

Thanks for your help.

 

[lovinthehd]

You should read the manual and learn what the functions are then ask specific functions. That microphone can help setup your system better than you can by ear in most cases....pain maybe but the results are worth it.

 

[azmoto]

Ok will do when I get some time and yes I did set up the cable box DVR for HDMI input I had to Google that because at first I was getting no sound.

Thanks for the quick reply
Gary

 

[-Jim-]

Hi Gary,

Welcome to the Forum. I have a Sony Receiver STR-DN1050 on one of my systems which is a couple years old and was rated by this Forum as the best available (at the time) for $1,000 or less. So don't think that yours is not a decent rig. You need to take some time to digest the differences in technology since you got your Kenwood in 1993.

Here's the on line version of your manual: https://esupport.sony.com/CA/p/model-home.pl?mdl=STRDH770&template_id=1&region_id=3&tab=manuals#

Here's the printable version in case you want a hard copy:

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0ahUKEwjDx4qvse7RAhXnqFQKHYRJCBsQFggfMAE&url=http://helpguide.sony.net/ha/strdh77/v1/en/print.pdf&usg=AFQjCNHYfQXsE_PzHBb5U19F5CY4d-13ew&bvm=bv.146073913,d.cGw&cad=rja

I suggest you open the on line version on a Laptop (or iPad) if you've got one and carry it over to where your system is set up.

I'm going to take a few minutes and try to help you with this setup. It's not anywhere near as hard as it seems. It's just you are not used to it. I will break it down into manageable steps.

If you would have used the Easy Setup wizard as described in the manual (it came on when you first turned the receiver on) you would have used that simple Mic and it would have helped you setup the speakers. The auto tuning Sony uses is ok but not as good as my Denon receivers use.

Seeing the rear panel connection points of your Cable Box is probably more helpful than the front

I can't post the photo but here's a link to it: https://www.cox.com/content/dam/cox/residential/support/tv/images/Cisco_8642HDC_back_diag.png

I can't make out the model of your Sony DVD/VHS machine but I'll bet it's like my Mom's and the VHS section won't output via the HDMI Cable but the DVD section will. Tell us the Model and I'll look for a manual and see if there is a work around.

Below is the rear of your STR-DN770.

Your speakers are:
Cerwin-Vega RE-38's. I believe the specs are:
Power Handling (RMS): 5 to 400 Watts RMS
Frequency Response: 27Hz-20kHz
Sensitivity (dB): 102 dB dB
Impedance (Ohms): 4 Ohms

So use a bit of caution there as your receiver is supposed to be connected to 6-16 Ohm Speakers as per the label above the connections. It's not advisable to use speakers of a lower rating than specified as this will make your receiver work much harder and put undue stress on the receiver. Using speakers of a lower than specified rating may cause the 'Protection' mechanism to activate if you turn the volume up too much, this is by design to protect the receiver from damage. But you have what you have. The blessing is the Cerwin Vegas are very efficient and shouldn't take a lot of power to light them up to a decent level => so the 4 ohm point may be mute in your case.

See:

https://us.en.kb.sony.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/42605/c/65,66/kw/speaker ratings/session/L3RpbWUvMTQ0OTY3Njg5My9zaWQvTk9vb2h5RG0=

Most folks these days use their Receiver as the "hub" and connect all of their equipment through it via HDMI cables, and then from the receiver to the TV. Those with Cable Boxes typically don't use the TV for anything other than a big Monitor. You made a simple mistake and didn't connect from the STR-DN770 via the TV out / ARC (Audio Return Channel) HDMI connection. When facing the rear of the STR-DN770 it is the HDMI output on the right with the white pattern around it.

Connect your Cable box to the Sat/CATV HDMI input, and your Sony DVD/VHS combo to the BR/DVD HDMI input. Once you connect your TV to the receiver you should be good to begin setting up your system.

I hope this is helpful.

 

[azmoto]

Jim,

Thanks for the very detailed reply that is exactly what I was looking for.
The Printed manual link is awesome too and shows a lot more detail than the paper copy that came in the box. I've had much experience doing Aviation Technical Writing and that is what I was looking for.

I write to a 7th grader level so it's easy to understand and that's where I seem to be regarding this new entertainment technology.

I'm not home now but it seems like I will be needing this correct?

Optical digital cable (not supplied)

When I was at Best Buy getting the HDMI cables one of the sales guys said I would not need that cable?
So yes looks like I need to spend some time with this new box and get familiar with it as I was so use to the old Kenwood and the simplicity of it all.

Good to hear you have a STR-DN1050 and it had great reviews.
But mine is: Sony - 1015W 7.2-Ch. 4K Ultra HD and 3D Pass-Through A/V Home Theater Receiver - Black
I see yours is $200 more but don't really know the differences.
Can you put it in newbie words? ha

Also regarding the Sony DVD recorder/VHS I bought that at Costco on sale and left it in the box for years as I had one that worked fine but did not have a DVD recorder.

When I finally hooked that up the DVD tray would not open! I have never got it to work so I went back to the old one.

I brought it Back INTO my new setup as it does have and HDMI input and figured this might get it to work but I have had no luck with it and disconnected it. So it sits there as a prop! LoL
Hopefully I can figure it out one day....

I have my old one connected with no HDMI.

Thanks again for you help--much appreciated.

When I have some time I need to get this baby dialed.

Gary

 

[lovinthehd]

Can you recap all your gear with make/model numbers? Sometimes helps to know what each piece is for best advice.

You may well use an optical cable in addition to hdmi, not unusual. Great place for things cable is monoprice.com, or if an Amazon customer their Mediabridge line.

 

[azmoto]

Ok will do when I have some time at home.

Had a depressing day at work and I needed to ride up to the lake to lift my spirits.
We are just now working our way out of the brutal storm that passed through Arizona.....

Thanks

 

[lovinthehd]

Where is that? Now I see why you're azmoto

 

[azmoto]

Where is that? Now I see why you're azmoto

Well technically and I know you guys are "technical" AZ Moto comes from 48 years of Riding/Racing Motocross.

Yes you are correct I love all things Moto anything with two wheels.

The streetbike picture was taken today in Mesa Arizona.

 

[Pogre]

Well technically and I know you guys are "technical" AZ Moto comes from 48 years of Riding/Racing Motocross.

Yes you are correct I love all things Moto anything with two wheels.

The streetbike picture was taken today in Mesa Arizona.

I live in Mesa. I used to go to the dunes in Yuma every year. Which lake is that? Saguaro? I've been to them all. Small world.

 

[azmoto]

WoW yep small World.

Did you have a Bike that you took to the Dunes?

Been to Glamis once on a CR250 years ago and had a good time but most of my Dirtbike riding is tracks and trails.

I live around the Higley/Brown area.

 

[Pogre]

WoW yep small World.

Did you have a Bike that you took to the Dunes?

Been to Glamis once on a CR250 years ago and had a good time but most of my Dirtbike riding is tracks and trails.

I live around the Higley/Brown area.

You are not far from me at all! I'm in east Mesa too!

I've been to Glamis, Buttercup and Gordon's Well. We used to go 3 or 4 times a year. Started getting pretty expensive when the gas prices shot up to 4 bucks a gallon and I ended up selling everything. We had a large group with a mix of vehicles. Mostly quads and sandrails, but we did have a few bikes. I had a YFZ 450. It was pretty quick for a 4 stroke. I've beaten banshees up Comp Hill.

Oh boy... not one word of that was about anything audio... I'll stop.

 

[-Jim-]

Thanks for the Travel pics and all. The rest of us are chillin' out winter (Brrrr...) while you get to blaze about to that cool looking lake. I was in Arizona last summer when it was cool (They said to come back when it gets warm. It was only 104° F at the time.) I'm headed there again in early March for business. I get the great sights in Stafford & Morenci to look at. Never seen any lakes like that where I go in Arizona.

Anyway, back to Gary's problems. You really shouldn't need an Optical Cable as the HDMI cables carry both Video and Sound. (If you get into Blue Ray, the Audi is lossless via HDMI - which is better than what you can get from the DVD Player. It was the sole reason I started replacing my Receivers.) If I lived near Phoenix I'd shop at Fry's Electronics for Cables, as Best Buy has been know to get a premium at times, and sometimes their sales folks can try to up-sell you into fancier HDMI Cables than you need. Stay away from Monster Cables or other "premium" brands. Like Lovingthehd said: go to monoprice.com if you are too far away from Fry's. (They do have amazing special at Fry's some times.)

When you can pry yourself away from your Bike, please advise if the connections I suggested worked.

 

[Littlefoott]

check your hdmi devices and see if they will send "pcm" audio output or if "bitstream" is in the list that should work too
your avr should be able to work with these

 

[azmoto]

Thanks for the Travel pics and all. The rest of us are chillin' out winter (Brrrr...) while you get to blaze about to that cool looking lake. I was in Arizona last summer when it was cool (They said to come back when it gets warm. It was only 104° F at the time.) I'm headed there again in early March for business. I get the great sights in Stafford & Morenci to look at. Never seen any lakes like that where I go in Arizona.

Anyway, back to Gary's problems. You really shouldn't need an Optical Cable as the HDMI cables carry both Video and Sound. (If you get into Blue Ray, the Audi is lossless via HDMI - which is better than what you can get from the DVD Player. It was the sole reason I started replacing my Receivers.) If I lived near Phoenix I'd shop at Fry's Electronics for Cables, as Best Buy has been know to get a premium at times, and sometimes their sales folks can try to up-sell you into fancier HDMI Cables than you need. Stay away from Monster Cables or other "premium" brands. Like Lovingthehd said: go to monoprice.com if you are too far away from Fry's. (They do have amazing special at Fry's some times.)

When you can pry yourself away from your Bike, please advise if the connections I suggested worked.

Wow that mine looks familiar.

Anyway yes back to the audio issue I did go downstairs and was messing around with the settings and reading the manual.

Seeing how I'm getting some good sound of out of it right now I left it be for now.

To hook up all the cables and do the settings is going to take some time so I said F it it's too nice a day and rode back to the lake....

Maybe the local Mesa guy will help me...

Thanks for your help and yes I will keep you posted on if your connections work.

 

[azmoto]

check your hdmi devices and see if they will send "pcm" audio output or if "bitstream" is in the list that should work too
your avr should be able to work with these

Not really sure what you just said but I'll look into it...

 

[azmoto]

I do have a couple of questions that might be abled to answer until I spend hours on the Man-Cave system.

On my Samsung Smart TV upstairs I am able to Bluetooth from my phone but the sound does not go through my receiver. I just have a simple system there and the TV is connected to the cable box only so it's really no big deal.

If I wire the sound system downstairs correctly when I Bluetooth through my TV will I get sound from the receiver?

Also this Sony receiver has Bluetooth but only for I-phone?

That kinda suks, anyway around that?

Thanks
Gary

 

[-Jim-]

Gary,

That wouldn't make any sense. You receiver does better than that.

See Pages 53 =>56 in the Manual.

Listening to the audio content from a BLUETOOTH device on the receiver
You can receive audio from an iPhone/iPod, smartphone or tablet that has a BLUETOOTH
function and listen to it via this receiver.
Devices that have the NFC function can be connected by a one-touch connection simply by
bringing the device close to the receiver.

Using BLUETOOTH Features Enjoying audio content stored on a BLUETOOTH device
Compatible BLUETOOTH version and profiles
“Profile” refers to a standard set of capabilities for various BLUETOOTH product capabilities.
This receiver supports the following BLUETOOTH version and profiles:
Compatible BLUETOOTH version: BLUETOOTH Specification Version 4.2
Compatible BLUETOOTH profiles:
A2DP 1.3 (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile): Receives high-quality audio content.
AVRCP 1.5 (Audio Video Remote Control Profile): Controls audio/video devices
(pausing, stopping, starting playback, volume control, etc.)
SPP 1.2 (Serial Port Profile)
DID (Device Identification Profile)
For the latest information about compatible BLUETOOTH devices, check the websites listed
under “Customer support websites.”
Note

My STR-DN1050 does it as well although I rarely use it. It typically use a Thumb Drive with a lot of FLAC tunes on it.