Samo DLP w. CableCARD, TiVo...cableing help requested...w/ DIAGRAM!

[Pye in LA]

I'm hoping someone more A/V savvy than I can help me with cableing my components:

1) Samsung HLR 4667W DLP Projection HDTV w/ CableCARD installed (well...due to be installed).

2) An Adelphia-provided Motorola DCT2000 Digital Cable box. I'm retaining this despite the CableCARD so I can keep my...

3) ...Series 2 TiVo. I have an HD-DVR option ("Moxie") but given "Moxie"'s limitations, my almost pathological attachment to TiVo AND the dearth of HD content I'm sticking with the TiVo.

4) Yamaha HTR-5540 A/V Receiver which would be obsolete except for the one digital coax input and one optical digital input -- everything else is composite.

5) Sony DVD -- has component video and both digital audio options.


I've taken a shot at a schematic here. I'd be grateful if some of you savants could review it. All help gratefully accepted. One essential is that I be able to watch one show while recording another.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c14/Pyewacket_in_LA/wiringguide.jpg

Oh, and two specific questions. I'll wait while you pull up my diagram...:

1) I know one alternative to what I've layed out would be to ditch the CableCARD and substitute an HD cable box for the digital box. I'd then split the signal AFTER the box. Of course, TiVo would downconvert the signal so is there any real advantage to one method or the other?

2) I have a feeling I'm asking a silly question but can I get rid of the composite audio from the TV to the receiver? In other words, does the optical audio out from the TV carry the audio signal that comes through the TiVo (as opposed to the CableCARD as long as I use the TV to switch mode to...well, whatever I choose to call that signal (e.g. TV2, Aux)?

Many thanks.

[terryfoster]

1) I know one alternative to what I've layed out would be to ditch the CableCARD and substitute an HD cable box for the digital box. I'd then split the signal AFTER the box. Of course, TiVo would downconvert the signal so is there any real advantage to one method or the other?

2) I have a feeling I'm asking a silly question but can I get rid of the composite audio from the TV to the receiver? In other words, does the optical audio out from the TV carry the audio signal that comes through the TiVo (as opposed to the CableCARD as long as I use the TV to switch mode to...well, whatever I choose to call that signal (e.g. TV2, Aux)?

Many thanks.

1) Your diagram should work fine. You may want to consider a HD cable box (assuming there is no additional fee) to feed your TiVo. I had the Pace 550HD box connected to my TiVo before TWC released a HD-DVR. This allowed me to push an "anamorphic" widescreen picture for HD programming to the TiVo. This means I sent a HD down converted to SD picture with no letterboxing to my TiVo. This then would play just like any DVD would on my TV. Keep in mind that not all HD cable boxes will give an anamorphic output.

2) I have this same HDTV and it does convert the analog audio inputs to the digital output.

[Pye in LA]

Thanks for the help, Terry. I'll investigate the cable box's capabilities (Moto DCT 6200, I suspect). By many accounts, cable providers are reluctant to assign both an HD box and a CableCARD to a single outlet. I gather this is because they fear the customer'll move the box to another set and beat 'em out of the "additional outlet" charge. A neatly folded $20 bill will probably solve that.

One quick audio follow up...

...I have this same HDTV and it does convert the analog audio inputs to the digital output.
I think that only answers part of my question. My A/V receiver has only one optical input (labeled "DVD." I'll change that). Now if, for instance, I've labeled the cable box/TiVo feed "AV1," then selecting AV1 on the TV and selecting "DVD" on the AVR will give me the correct audio and not, instead, the audio from my primary source (i.e. cable/CableCARD)?

So...do you love your Samsung?

[terryfoster]

If I understand correctly....
Your receiver has an optical digital input and a digital coax input. You should connect the DVD player to the coax input and the TV to the optical digital input. Then when you select the digital coax input you will get the DVD player and when you select the optical digital input you will get the sound from whatever input is selected on the HDTV.

I really enjoy my new TV. Gone are the days of eye strain from watching a small TV.

[Pye in LA]

Excellent. Thanks tons,