Use HDMI & Component?

ibmdos · 02-22-2007, 10:52 AM

I have a new Sony home theater package and am waiting for my Sony 50" SXRD TV to be delivered. I am confused over HDMI (or rather HDCP).

My Receiver has most all the connections I think I need for HD video and 5.1 audio, and the non-HD DVD player has the usual connections plus coax audio and HDMI. The manual seems to indicate that I can connect, say for the TV as a monitor, the HDMI, the component video, and digital or analog audio - all at the same time. I can apparently select either auto code detect or manually select which input (but not from the remote - bummer).

If this is possible, should I connect both HDMI and component video to the TV and DVD (and DirecTV HD DVR when that is installed)? I read someplace that if I use HDMI from the Satellite box to the Receiver, then I must use HDMI to the TV. I also read somewhere that HDCP screws up sometimes and a workaround is all component or composite connections. Is any of this true and should I double up on cables for both digital and analog? Am I worrying too much about minor issues?

The manual was useless in clarifying this and my online chat with Sony tech was even less revealing. Perhaps Sony doesn't like to talk about HDCP or how they've botched its implementation. Perhaps more likely is that Sony tech support is an inside joke.
Robert

Bluzman · 02-22-2007, 02:25 PM

What is the model number for the Sony home theater you have?

John Garcia · 02-22-2007, 03:53 PM

Yes, you are overthinking it. You don't need to connect both the component and HDMI to the TV, period - try out the HDMI and if it works, then you are done. If it doesn't work, then you will be using component and again, you are all done. HDCP shouldn't be an issue for an SD DVD player, though depending on the receiver it could be a problem for the audio based on the HDMI version it and the DVR box have.

ibmdos · 02-22-2007, 05:47 PM

HT-7000DH

ibmdos · 02-22-2007, 05:57 PM

Good point on the HDMI versions - another thing to worry about. Do you know if it is true that if use HDMI sat box to rcvr, then I have to use HDMI rcvr to TV?

The latest DirecTV DVR receiver has HDMI and analog video outputs as well as optical and analog audio. So I should be able to find some combination that works. I never had a problem copying from my SD TIVO to VCR, but I've never tried copying from PPV. If all I want to do is watch HD TV from the sat box (including recorded items), I would hope I should run into no problems.
Robert

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Neil Joseph · 02-22-2007, 06:11 PM

Does your dvd player upconvert to 1080 via hdmi and/or component? If so, use the connection that allows you to upconvert to the higher resolution assuming it works when all is said and done.

Bluzman · 02-25-2007, 06:11 PM

I also have the Sony HT-7000DH system. My current set-up, which works just fine, is as follows:

Motorola DCT6412 III >> HDMI >> AVR (HDMI VIDEO 2 IN)
Motorola DCT6412 III >> Digital Audio Optical >> AVR (DIGITAL OPTICAL VIDEO 2 IN)
DVP-NC85H >> HDMI >> AVR (HDMI DVD IN)
DVP-NC85H >> Digital Audio Coax >> AVR (DIGITAL DVD IN COAXIAL)
AVR (MONITOR OUT) >> HDMI >> Samsung HL-S5086W (HDMI 1)

P.S. Upconverting is only done via HDMI

ibmdos · 02-26-2007, 08:20 AM

The specs say the rcvr upconverts but I can find nothing about any conversion in the manual. So far, I've only tested one movie DVD video ROM and one XBOX (not 360). HDMI with coax audio from the DVD player and HDMI with no extra audio cable seems to work fine for both video and the various audio settings including auto. XBOX worked ok with audio from the rcvr system and composite video to the TV.

I am buying an XBOX 360 and the HD player in a couple of days and will have to use component hookup. So there is another test coming.

I would have tested more but have been installing surround speaker cables with wires in the walls and wall outlets and that has taken some time.

I think Garcia was on target when he agreed that I was over-thinking this. I've had a non-HD 5.1 system for a few years but never really studied the codecs, format, etc outside of my computer realm. Now I am finding I don't really understand Dolby, conversion, and a host of other technical issues. I would be so nice if Sony manuals would give a little technical explanation (or any manufacturer for that matter).
Bob

ibmdos · 02-26-2007, 08:27 AM

I seems I've set up my DVD, TV, and AVR the same as you. Mine seems to work. If upconverting occurs only with HDMI, are there AVR settings I need to set of AUTO or similar? I couldn't find such a setting or I just didn't understand.

Also, if upconverting occurs only with HDMI, does that mean that it won't work with compositive input to the AVR and HDMI out to monitor? The XBox 360 claims auto conversion (or did some time ago before actual release of the systems) but the best output is component (no HDMI or DTS).
Bob