Question about source switchin lag on my HT unit

[Nameless Evil]

I have a question about an issue that has been irritating me. I did a search, but could not find any relevant results.

I have noticed recently, that there is sound lag when I switch between sources (from Cable/DVR -> BR -> 360 -> BR). It seems to be happening more frequently lately, or I am just noticing it more, I've not sat down and documented it...

The only way I can resolve it is by shutting off my HT and powering it up again.

I have not made any changes to my setup for a few months (last change was upgrading to xbox360 elite and using HDMI) I'm wondering if my HT unit is starting to take a crap or if it's because of how I have it connected. My sources:

• BR player HDMI into HDTV
• Xbox HDMI into HDTV
• Cable/DVR Component into HDTV
• HDTV Sound output via HDMI to HT

I will admit ignorance as to the best configuration for cabling, nor am I an "Audiophile". So I would appreciate any advice for cabling... or recommendations for a bargain receiver to replace the HT unit.

My hardware is enumerated below in my sig.

P.S. I know the The Samsung HT-X40 Home Theater is by no means a premium product, but it came with my HDTV for > $100 and I have just never updated to something better. It works just fine for me except the lag when switching sources, so if there is something I can do with cabling to resolve it, that's good enough for me.

Thanks in advance for your tips.

[crackinhedz]

have you tried using optical connection?

[Nameless Evil]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

have you tried using optical connection?

I have not, but you've got me curious...
Are you suggesting that optical from the HTDV to the HT might resolve it?

[crackinhedz]

actually I was thinking Optical from your devices to the HT unit.

...going through the TV first could cause some playback issue.

[crackinhedz]

if you need additional optical input connections try:

Optical Toslink 3-Way Selector

3X1 Optical Audio Toslink Bi-Directional Manual Switch

[Nameless Evil]

So you're saying that my use of the HTDV as a bridge for my audio is causing the lag.

And that I have 2 options:

1. Piping everything directly to the HT unit via optical switch
2. Buying a real reciever with ~3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output

Terrible documentation on Samsung's part because the manual says that I have a valid config.

Care to also guess as to why this has not been an issue for me until recently, could the sound processor on my TV be going?

[crackinhedz]

well, there could be any number of reasons why you are getting the sound lag...one being the TV is causing the problem or the HT system going bad? ...or any other reason unknown without actually being there to demo your setup myself.

I would first try going the optical audio route as it is the cheapest solution. If youre still not satisfied perhaps look into a new Receiver with HDMI audio capability.

[Nameless Evil]

Thanks for the advice.

I think I am going to just get a real receiver, this the perfect pretext excuse to my wife for us upgrading to 7.1

Thinking about getting a Onkyo TX-SR605

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Nameless Evil

Thinking about getting a Onkyo TX-SR605

that would be a great choice.