Interesting audio issue with my Sony receiver.

[Thorn2k]

At least I think it is.

I have a Sony 7.1 STR DG820. I have had it for a little over a year now I think. Been having some audio issues with it. Here goes...

At first:

I had all my componets hooked up through the receiver and then out to the TV. I noticed some audio problems with it not using all the speakers. Usually one of the front ones. (using 5.1 btw) I had a feeling it was because of the cheap HDMI cables I've been using.

I decided to connect everything directly to my TV. With the exception of the blu ray player audio to the receiver directly now. Also, the TV audio out going to the receiver now. So the only thing I'm using now is 2 optical cables going into the receiver.

NOW, when I watch anything on TV (cable) I lose audio to my front left and rear left speakers. No matter what sound setting I use.. PLII, 5 Channel Stereo, 2 Channel Stereo.. All of them. Like now, I'm watching the football game and I only got: center, FL, RL going. BUT, when I pop a DVD / Blu or turn on my PS3 or BR player. They all fire up. Even when I'm using the audio output on my TV they all work. When I switch to the dedicated out on my BR they work, when I do the individual test tone they all work.

The only time they do not work is when I'm watching cable, which is hooked up with component cables but, standard white/red audio. That shouldn't matter with 5 channel anyway though right???

Any thoughts.??

I reset the receiver and settings, did the auto callibration, and even called Sony tech. Might as well asked my 3 year old daughter for help. That guy was useless.

Gotta be a setting in the receiver right??? But what the hell is it?? I'm thinking even with the DVR box hooked up with analog audio, I should still be able to do 5 channel stereo right??


Blu Ray (HDMI) / PS3 (HDMI) / Xbox (HDMI) / DVR (Componet w/ Analog audio) / VCR (Comp w/ analog audio) / All audio and video ----> TV

Blu Ray audio (Optical) ----> TV
TV audio out (Optical) ----> Receiver


I know its a lot to read, but, tried getting as much for details as possible incase someone can help.

Thanks