Setup question, receiver and cable box

[Skinsfan]

I have what I'm sure is a really dumb question, but I'm brand new to home theater so please bear with me.

I picked up an inexpensive Yamaha receiver and a couple Polk speakers because the TV speakers weren't getting the job done. Pretty easy setup, I sent the cable box, PS3, and DVD player to the receiver via HDMI and out to the TV the same way. Only problem, throwing the receiver into the equation is a little too much for my dad, who comes by a couple times a week to watch the kid. I'm considering sending the cable box straight to the TV, as it was before, and then out to the receiver via optical audio. That way cable will still work through the TV speakers without him even turning on the receiver. I could still turn it on when I'm watching though.

My question basically is, would there be a glaring reason not to do that? Would I be significantly degrading the sound quality by not going directly through the receiver?

Thanks!

 

[gmichael]

That would not be as good.

Let me suggest this. Leave the cable box etc set up going through the receiver as is. Then also send component video and optical audio to the TV as well. You would only need to change the input on your TV (component) on the days you expect him over. Then switch back to the receiver (HDMI) when he's gone.

Another option would be to get a smart remote. Not sure what models are best though. Others should help with that.

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

The reason that it wouldn't be as good (as stated above) on most TVs if you just run the HDMI cable is that most TVs convert audio from an HDMI input into stereo when it gets output. So, no surround sound. Now, your TV might not have that problem.

So, two questions:
1. What outputs are available on your cable box?
2. What TV do you have?

For example, if your cable box has an RF coax output, you could connect that to the TV while still keeping the HDMI connection to your receiver.

 

[Skinsfan]

Thanks, great suggestions! Multiple outputs from the cable box hadn't occurred to me (I have much to learn before becoming an audioholic jedi, lol), but that's a good solution to the problem. My TV is currently a modest 37 inch Vizio LCD from 4-5 years ago, but I've definitely got my eye on some bigger LED's. Are there features on new TVs, such as audio return channel, that are useful to look for home theater setup?

 

[Adam]

Audio return channel is nice, but you'll only be using it if you're using the TV as a source for programming (such as if you do route an HDMI input to it from a cable box - although I'm not sure how that works with two different HDMI ports, if you get one with Netflix or the like, or if you use the built-in tuner with an over-the-air antenna). I don't have it, but it seems like it would be handy at times. You'd need a receiver that can use it, too.

I think that streaming services directly on a TV can be nice, as long as the TV can do them in HD and surround sound (mine 2009 Panasonic does HD but not surround). I just think it's convenient, versus turning another component on. Sometimes the menus on the TVs aren't as nice or are slower, though, because they don't have as fast a processor.

Of course, image quality is the most important thing, along with reliability.

 

[Sgratien]

What model is your receiver. It may be capable of hdmi pass-through which would allow you to leave everything set up the way you have it now. When your dad comes over, just give him the remote for the cable box. Program it for tv volume, and you are done.

 

[macddmac]

Get yourself a Harmony remote, program it, and dad should have no problem operating your system. And you won't need any work-arounds.
Cheers, Mac

 

[Budabear]

That would not be as good.

Let me suggest this. Leave the cable box etc set up going through the receiver as is. Then also send component video and optical audio to the TV as well. You would only need to change the input on your TV (component) on the days you expect him over. Then switch back to the receiver (HDMI) when he's gone.

Another option would be to get a smart remote. Not sure what models are best though. Others should help with that.

I use the same set on my two systems. My Dish receivers are connected to my Denon's via HDMI and are also connected directly to my TV's either via coax or component cable. Most cable/satellite receivers are usually connected to TV's via coax cable any way. This was you just leave your TV on channel 3 and that's it. When using component then you do have to change inputs more often.

 

[gmichael]

I use the same set on my two systems. My Dish receivers are connected to my Denon's via HDMI and are also connected directly to my TV's either via coax or component cable. Most cable/satellite receivers are usually connected to TV's via coax cable any way. This was you just leave your TV on channel 3 and that's it. When using component then you do have to change inputs more often.

I have a projector as well as an LCD TV, for when I'm not using the
projector. Along the way, the system has been modified to let me watch TV on
one, while the other plays games from the PS3. It's even set up so that if the
DVR is too busy, the LCD can use it's own tuner to let me watch something else
(mostly sports) while the DVR records other shows. It's great for Sundays. With
Picture in Picture, I can have up to 4 games on at one time.