Hookup questions-Newbie

[tdharley]

Alright here we go


I have a blue ray player (Panasonic BD30k) that needs HDMI & 5.1 channel out put,,,,,a DVD player (Sony DVP-CX985V) that needs HDMI & 5.1 channel out put,,,,,and a cable box that needs a HDMI output & finally a TV with only 2 HDMI inputs. What receiver should I look at to get 2 5.1 inputs & 2 HDMI to 1 outputs.

The problems are, the DVD players both need HDMI inputs and the cable box needs an HDMI input, I only have 2 on the Pioneer Plasma. Also I would like to hookup the DVD players to 5.1 surround sound which my current A/V receiver handles ony one input., need two. Hmmmmmmm new receiver or any better wiring suggestions.

Please advise
Thanks
Tom

[Iceman_II]

If you are getting an amp, get one that uses the HDMI for sound as well, that eliminates the need for the 5.1 inputs.

I used to use an octavia switch to switch both the HDMI and the Toslink... but I replaced it with the Onkyo 705 reciever, it has 3 HDMI inputs...

There are cheaper switches than the Octavia, but I really like the fact that it was automatic, and I hardly ever needed to mess with it, turn on a component, and it automatically switched...

Seriously, any switch that does toslink will do what you want, and is much cheaper than a new reciever, HOWEVER, as long as you don't go HDMI for audio, you can not get the lossless soundtracks, and that alone my friend is worth the cost of admission.

[BStecke]

Why do you need the DVD player? The Panny is fine for both DVD and Blu-ray. A majority of the receivers are going to have 2 HDMI ins unless you get something a little higher end which may have other features you don't want to pay for just to get the third HDMI. Not sure what your budget is or if this is a consideration.

[crackinhedz]

get an Onkyo TX-SR605 from amazon...and then get a little HDMI switcher from monoprice.com (I have the cheap 2x1 and it works fine). This way you can use three hdmi devices for the two hdmi inputs on the receiver...

or dont use the dvd player
or connect your cable with component and optical, the rest with hdmi.

[Matt X]

it sounds to me you have two choices: buy a receiver (that Onk 605 sounds good) or ditch the DVD player - the others are right, the panny will do it all as far as playback.

[tdharley]

Boy you guys are quick.

I dont want to lose the DVD player, it holds 400 DVDs, does upscaling and really performs great for the kids.

I would like to get one receiver to do it all , all 3 HDMI and 2 5.1's. The 5.1 sounds good to me. I am not a real audiophile.

Gotta K.I.S.S, I build new homes and can do that from the ground up, but cant figure this stuff out.

Thanks again for being patient

[groovyone]

With the HDMI to the receiver you do not need the analog 5.1 hookups. I know how you feel about the DVD player. Mine is also still hooked up. Mine is only a 5 disc, but it is still great for CDs.

[BStecke]

You could also just run the DVD player to the TV via HDMI and use the 5.1 analog outs to the receiver.


I just don't really like switches going to essentially another switch. I don't know why.

[Pelican170]

These guys are right, no need for the 5.1 hookups if you are running HDMI. And Id do Components and Optical cord to the reciever instead of HDMI. Its not going to run anything of higher audio quality from the cable box that requires HDMI anyways....

[guitarist155]

just get the onkyo tx-sr705 receiver ( watch amazon they have it for $549 at different times throughout the day just watch ) hook all of your components into the 3 hdmi ports ( the blu-ray player sends audio out through hdmi no need for another cable ) then connect your dvd changers digital audio out to one of the receivers digital inputs, then connect 1 hdmi cable to your tv and your done.
this will give you all of the new hd sound for your blu-ray player also.