HDMI, SA 8300HD and Rogers

[Crazy Ivan]

I had a problem with my TV (Sony KV-34XBR910) and because it was still warranted and Sony couldn't fix it nor could they replace with the same one (it is not manufactured any more) they offered me replacement TV instead... I selected Sony's 40" LCD (KDL40XBR3) and should get it next week...

My provided is Rogers and I know that my cable box (SA8300HD) has HDMI output but I also know that some people had problem getting it to work so am not sure if it works for Rogers' boxes...

Do any of you guys who have Rogers and SA8300HD know if HDMI connection works for sure... I don't want to buy $100.00 HDMI cable only to find out that is not working... and if it does work is it an improvement over component connection?

[Ratman]

No need to buy a $100 HDMI cable.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=2889&seq=1&format=2&style=

[Crazy Ivan]

Wow... $3.80 for a HDMI cable... You opened my eyes... thanks... :bow:

Stupid me... I saw a HDMI cable in Best Buy for $79.99 and I thought that is cheap compared to 'Monster' Cable that is $200.00... man are they ripping people off...

[Ratman]

Brick and mortar stores make more profit on accessories than the primary product purchase. They count on your eagerness and naivete to get everything connected with "the best". ;)

[57U]

The HDMI output on the SA8300HD is active and very few people have problems with it. Rogers doesn't technically support HDMI, so if you call them with HDMI issues, they simply tell you to use component video.

Computer stores typically also have these cables for about C$15-20.

See the HDTV FAQ "DVI/HDMI Information".

[Crazy Ivan]

Nice to hear that is working... Once I set it up I'll let you know how it turned out... thanks for the help...

[LivingInABox]

Hi,

We just upgraded to the 8300HD DVR (PVR) this weekend! Rogers has been flaunting their support for HD programming lately, and as I wasn't always getting 5.1 sound out of their 5.1-designated programs, I thought it would improve things to move up to the higher-end digital service. :whistle:

Well, I am enjoying some improved viewing and more 5.1 support than before, but there are a couple of gaps as well. :boo2:

For example, I think someone on this thread said Rogers supports use of the HDMI cable on the 8300HD. I connected this up and it would not work! I finally called Rogers, who confirmed that they do not yet support HDMI/DVI, but that management is hoping this will be ready by the end of the calendar year (the word "hoping" was repeated for emphasis). It seems odd that HDMI --- specifically intended to bring the quality High-Definition signal to the television --- should not be supported. It's like selling a car and promising the overdrive feature will be added sometime later.

At least the optical cable for audio works, which wasn't available on our previous terminal. But not all programs that indicate 5.1 sound are actually 5.1, while some programs that don't indicate 5.1 audio are (my receiver indicates the type of audio signal coming through).

Also, I was told recording to external hard drives is not currently supported due to technology limitations. That is extreme b*llsh*t, since there is a SATA port clearly indicated on the back of the unit. They must feel everyone is an 'average user' who considers the back of an A/V device to be a colossal mystery.

Any other experiences out there with the 8300HD??? Anybody test the SATA port with an external drive??? :wave:

[57U]

1. The HDMI connection works on almost all HDTVs. Rogers just doesn't officially support it. See the HDTV FAQs:

- DVI/HDMI Information
- Things to check first.
- Tips for SA STBs.

2. See the HDTV FAQ "what's available in DD5.1".

3. Lots of people have connected external SATA drives. See the following thread.

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=24056

4. Please realize that just because there is a port, it is not necessarily active. The firewire ports are not active with Rogers and the USB port is mostly useless except for USB power, and perhaps a keyboard to change channels.

Check out the other FAQs on this site.

[Crazy Ivan]

I have 8300HD from Rogers and my TV is connected with HDMI...

Everything works OK, there are only two small issues... you cannot control volume with a remote (need to use TV remote or switch to TV volume on Rogers remote) and channel change (especially with Hi-Def channels is slow...