A10 Based HD system set up questions

[waynesmith]

Okay, long time lurker with questions….

Taking the HD plunge, I will purchasing a SONY KDFE42A10 LCD RP television imminently. Along with this will be a ONKYO HTS-580 HTIB and a Sony upconverting progressive scan DVD player (with HDMI output). I will be hooking all this up to a Time Warner Cable HD-DVR (SA 8300)

I've done enough research to know that these components are the right choice for me based on my room configuration, viewing distance, expectations, and budget.

Here's the question….

How the heck do I hook everything up the best possible way?

1) Should I "split" the cable feed so that one leg goes directly to the tuner on the TV with the other leg going to the SA 8300 STB? I've read where most HD TV's do a better job with incoming SD signals than the STB does. Is this true? Looking to optimize SD PQ….

Or…. Should I set my STB to "pass through" mode. Isn't that the same thing as sending a line directly to the TV?

2) What's the best why to configure the STB? (The A10 has a native resolution of 720p). Again, should I "pass through" and let the TV do all the signal conversions or should I configure the SA 8300 to output 720p? The A10's DRC function only works at 480i. Will I lose this functionality by having the STB do specific conversions? Again, looking to optimize SD PQ...

3) My A10 has one HDMI input. Which device should I use it with? Should I connect the SA8300 to the TV via HDMI, or should I use that HDMI input for my nice new upconverting DVD player? I realize I can hook either up with component cables as well, but is there a preference at all? I read about some problems with Dolby Digital and HDMI…

4) I will be using the surround system exclusively for sound. Should I run the "digital audio out" from the STB directly to my surround sound receiver? If so, which type digital cable, the optical or the coax? (My receiver has (1) optical input and (1) coax input for digital audio) Should I use the optical cable from the STB to the Receivor or use it from the DVD to the receiver. Obviously, which ever one doesn't get the optical cable will use the coax. Is there a performance difference between the two different audio ditigal cables? I'm guesing the optical might be better….

5) Cables ?? I know Monster cables are overpriced. Who makes a good quality cables? Can I go to the local Radio Shack?

6) Here's what I'm thinking, please let me know if I'm all hosed up...

a) Cable directly to SA8300 DVR
b) SA8300 set to "pass through" mode
c) Component cables (Y/Pb/Pr) (video and audio) from SA8300 to TV
d) Optical audio cable from SA8300 to Receiver
e) HDMI cable from DVD to TV
f) Coax digital audio cable from DVD to Receiver
g) What am I missing?

If you've got an A10 with DVR, DVD and Surround system please let ne know how you set your system up.

Thanks
Wayne

[57U]

1. Split with a 5-1000MHz cable splitter. However, the SA8300HD does a pretty good job of SD signals. It may not be necessary.

2. Try passthrough and then eliminate any formats you don't need by re-running the wizard. See the HdTV FAQ on "Tips for SA STBs".

3. The upconverting DVD player since most DVD players don't upconvert via component.

4. Yes, Optical or coax - whatever you prefer. See the HdTV FAQ on "Cables & Connections.

5. RS is one source, AR cables are good. The web is another good source. See the HdTV FAQ "DVI/HDMI Information.

6. Looks good.

[gparris]

I agree with 57U, it looks good and you can get good cables from Acoustic Research
(Best Buy has them) to connect everything you might need.
SD programmes from the 8300HD DVR look good enough, IMO, to eliminate any more hookups for better picture on Sony LCD models (my experience), so it will just depend on what the programming is like (inconsistancies occur) from the source at any given time.

Good job with setup and enjoy!

[RickP978]

Have you been able to get the KDFE42A10 remote to control the SA 8300 DVR or get the DVR remote to operate the TV? I can't get either to work properly.

Thanks
Rick

[57U]

The SA8300 remote will usually control some, but not all, of the functions of the TV. For example, you'll be able to typically control on/off, volume up/down, mute, but probably not the inputs or setup menus, etc.

If you want that sort of remote, look into a Harmony or other universal, programmable remote.

[JLobao]

So I'm frustrated...This is my first experience with hooking up TV/HTIB/HD DVR stb/DVD and I'm a little overwhelmed. Does this look right and is there anything you would recommend for changes. Thanks in advance.

*Component cables connect Comcast DVR Box to TV.

*Acoustic Research Audio cables connect from DVR box to receiver (panasonic HTIB).

*Fiber Optical connects from optical out on DVR Box to Receiver (should I change this to run from the TV optical out into the receiver-that's what CC employee told me to do?)

*Component cables connect DVD (Toshiba - not progressive scan) to TV.

*Regular RCA (Red and White-came with DVD player) audio connects to receiver.

Any changes or ideas would really help me out. Thanks again.

[gparris]

While the model of the HTiB is unknown, I can tell you that if you direct your HD DVR box component cabling (Red, Green and Blue cables) directly to the HDTV's inputs and make sure the TV's inputs are turned on (depends on the HDTV) that seems good.
Taking the DVD component out directly to the second component input of the HDTV is good, too.
As far as sound goes, again, I am not familiar with your HTiB, but sometimes these have a two digital inputs for audio...in which case the optical digital output from the HD DVR is good to go as you did it-but try hooking the coaxial digital or optical digital from the DVD player to the HTiB audio inputs, too. Please ignore the CC salesmen...please.
The red and white composite RCA connections from the DVD player will not get you good surround sound, IMO, just low-powered stereo at best.
This is why I always have my clients check the HTiB for at least two digital audio inputs unless the DVD player is included directly into the HTiB.
Maybe this assists you...

[JLobao]

Thanks for the help. The HTIB is a panasonic SC HT 15 and it does have two digital inputs. So, if I'm understanding you right, I'll run a coaxial or optical from dvd to HTIB. Along with the coaxial or optical, will I still need the red/white audio cables or are they not needed because I'm using the digital cable? Sorry if this sounds ridiculous but I'm new to this technology.

[gparris]

Ignore the red and white cables from the DVD player.
Once your HTiB recognizes the digital audio inputs from both HD DVR and DVD player, you are set! :)
It is your choice which (optical or coaxial digital) you hook each into as sometimes the DVRs only have coaxial or only optical out -you don't indicate the DVR model number.
I just reviewed your HTiB and it is very nice...you have 2 optical in and 1 coax digital in, so you are set for anything-you could even add something else in the future requiring digital audio inputs.
Combine that with your very nice HDTV Sony 42" HDTV and you have a very nice setup! Good job (maybe I should work at CC-nah!)
For example, if both DVR and DVD player have optical outputs and your HTiB have 2 optical inputs, connect accordingly - enjoy your surround sound!
Let us/me know how it is...thank you. :wave: