What kinds of cables do I need?

[Brigadeer]

I read the FAQ on cables and connections. That said, I still don't think I know exactly what I need. My TV is being delivered this Friday, and I want to have already purchased all of the cables/connections that I am going to need. Below are all the compenents that I currently have. If someone would be as kind to give me a few suggestions as to the kind of connections/cables to use for the various components, it would be greatly appreciated. I would like to not that cost is a factor, and I really do not want to go "Monster Cable" all the way. From what I understand, you can find very comparable cables/connections for much less than Monster.

Hitachi 51F500
Sony 80 Watt Dolby 5.1 receiver (about 3-4 years old)
Sony DVD with Dolby 5.1 chip, not progressive scan (3-4 years old)

Those are my components. At this point, I want to pretend like I have 0 cables/connectors and have to buy all new. What do you guys suggest? Again, I am still not sure of the differences between component cable/s-video, which is better, etc. I want to get the cables that are going to best show off my new Hitachi HDTV. Thanks for everyone's input in advance!

Brigadeer

[Brigadeer]

Sorry for posting a lot, but being that I bought an HDTV for the first time, I do have lots of questions. Come on guys, could someone give me something in the way of advice here or specific answers to my questions?

It would be most appreciated. Thanks again!

Brigadeer

[kevinw]

How are you getting your signal? Cable/dish/antenna -component or S-video are best.
Audio out of video source should be either optical digital or y/r RCA plugs. Optical is best into receiver.

S-video into tv from DVD. Same audio wire apply for DVD-use a optical into receiver.

[fuzzy32]

With regards to cable brands I use Audioquest cables. They are pretty good considering price and quality. Acoustic Research are good as well.

What kind of video connections are on the back of your dvd player? Component? S-Video? What kind of audio connections? Optical? Coaxial? Stereo L/R?

If you have component output from your dvd, go with those cables to hook up to your Hitachi HDTV.

What kind of inputs do you have on the back of your receiver? Optical? Coaxial? 5.1 analog input?

:)

[Wolfhound]

Hey Brigadeer,
There are comparable cable's to Monster, Acustic Research being one of them. If cost is a concern, try K-Mart. My brother-in-law bought a RCA/Magnavox component cable from them and the quality of the cable look's and feels good. Most importantly is the connections are solid, and fit very snug to the terminals of thier new HDTV and the DVD payer.

A point I've heard and should be said here again; if you are investing into good quality components for Home Theater enjoyment, ie. HDTV, 5.1 receiver's ect., then would'nt it be prudent to invest into good quality cables.

Enjoy the new HDTV!

ps, don't forget to get a quality surge protector.

[Brigadeer]

Thanks for everyone's response. Those will all definitely help when I got shopping tomorrow.

For the record, for now, I only have regular Direct TV with the cheap RCA box. That said, I believe it only has component cable outputs to the TV, so that is what I will use. I will also use the S-video for my DVD player as well. I actually have a Monster S-video wire already for that. What I did not know what the optical outputs were for audio. I always thought that they were video. That said, I will definitely hook those up as well.

If anyone has anything else to suggest, let me know as it would be much appreciated!

Brigadeer