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So what all do I need for full HD?

post #1 of 31
2/9/09 at 11:51am
Thread Starter 
Ok, I already have a Sony LCD HDTV and I plan on getting a Sony Blu-Ray player with my tax refund later this month so the question remains, what else do I need to complete the whole high definition thing? I'm assuming all I'd have to get are HDMI cables right? How much do they typically go for?
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post #2 of 31
2/9/09 at 11:57am

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

HDMI cables can be purchased very inexpensively from several online places. I bought one from Amazon for $12. Do not spend your hard earned money on the vastly overpriced Monster HDMI cables. An HDMI cable either works or it doesn't -- there is not improvement in video/audio quality by using a higher cost cable.

How about high resolution audio? Do you have a receiver with HDMI inputs that also supports the latest audio codecs? If yes, then you are all set there.

If not, does your receiver have 7.1 or 5.1 analog inputs? If yes, then you can buy a Blu-Ray player with multi-channel analog outputs, such as the Sony BDP-S550 or Panasonic BD55. These players have built-in Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master decoding and will output them via the 7.1/5.1 anaolog outputs.
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post #3 of 31
2/9/09 at 1:27pm

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

HDMI cables can be gotten for < $7 for shorter lengths from www.monoprice.com

Quote:
what else do I need to complete the whole high definition thing?

An HD source for your TV programming. Over-the-air, cable, or satellite, depending on which channels you want & how much per month you want to spend, if anything (OTA is free, though you might need to spend a little in the beginning to get a suitable antenna installed if you don't already have one). I highly recommend adding an HD recording DVR (TivoHD, DTVPal[OTA only], or something from cable/sat provider) no matter which path you choose.

Your TV's tuner can pick up live local HD programming from antenna or cable, but it won't pick up any encrypted HD channels off of cable (ESPNHD etc.) nor can it record anything. You'll need an external box for anything other than just local HD.

And as Scott mentioned, surround sound would be a good idea if you don't have a system already.
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post #4 of 31
2/9/09 at 7:56pm

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

You want to buy your cables online. Retail cables are highway robbery. I've just bought a new suite of HDMI, TOSlink, component, and ethernet cables for my HD upgrade. I spent about $100 online; it would have cost about $500 at the retail stores. Moreover, the one affordable cable I got from RadioShack (I needed it that day) is substantially lower build quality than I get online. It still annoys me how shoddy that Radio Shack cable is. I've bought from these three sites, and like them all:

Monoprice

Blue Jeans Cables

Ram Electronics.net
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post #5 of 31
2/9/09 at 10:01pm
Thread Starter 

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Well I'm not terribly interested in HD TV programming, just movies on DVD for now but thanks for the info.

I have a receiver for surround sound, a Pioneer VSX-D412, I don't think it has any HDMI inputs but it IS all set for 5.1 since I've been enjoying surround for a few years now, I use the coax cable otherwise I couldn't enjoy DTS audio.

Scott, are you saying only *some* BR players decode and output the HD audio though an analog system (which apparently is what my receiver is)? I'm definitely getting a Sony player so.....

but back to HDTVs and HDMI, how many HDMI cables does one typically need?
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post #6 of 31
2/9/09 at 10:28pm

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

You only need one HDMI cable per source device, plus one for between the receiver & TV if you upgrade to an HDMI capable receiver. If you only have the one Blu-ray player & keep your old receiver, one cable is sufficient for now. Though if ordering I'd order an extra couple for potential future usage to save on shipping in the long run, since 6 ft ones are only $3.34 each. From monoprice you can get 3 cables shipped for ~$15-$16 total, that's less than what you'd pay for just one of even the cheapest cable you are likely to find locally.
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post #7 of 31
2/10/09 at 4:33am

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Allred
Well I'm not terribly interested in HD TV programming, just movies on DVD for now but thanks for the info.
..., how many HDMI cables does one typically need?
If you're only watching DVD, you don't need any HDMI cables If you're going to watch Blu Ray with an HDMI TV and a non-HDMI receiver, you only need one HDMI cable to go from Blu Ray to TV. You'll need a separate audio cables to go from the Blu Ray to receiver (optical digital audio, coax digital audio, or analog inputs). And if you want to save a few bucks, you can connect the Blu Ray with component cables you (presumably) already have for your DVD player.
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post #8 of 31
2/10/09 at 4:55am

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Allred
I have a receiver for surround sound, a Pioneer VSX-D412, I don't think it has any HDMI inputs but it IS all set for 5.1 since I've been enjoying surround for a few years now, I use the coax cable otherwise I couldn't enjoy DTS audio.

Scott, are you saying only *some* BR players decode and output the HD audio though an analog system (which apparently is what my receiver is)? I'm definitely getting a Sony player so.....

I did a quick google search on your receiver model, and it does not appear to have multi-channel analog inputs. Therefore you will only be able to listen to lossy DD5.1 and DTS5.1 audio from BluRay, as opposed to the newer lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD MA soundtracks.

Based on the above, all you will need for audio is either an optical toslink or coaxial digital cable run from the BluRay player to the receiver for audio. You will also connect an HDMI cable from the BD player directly to the TV for HD video. Since your receiver does not have multi-channel analog inputs, there is no reason to spend the extra money on a BluRay player with these outputs. If you are set on a Sony player, you should look at the BDP-S350 model. It will meet your needs.

If you upgrade your receiver sometime in the future, all you will need is another HDMI cable. You will connect one cable from the BD player to the receiver, and the second cable from the receiver to the TV. You can then remove the optical or digital coaxial cable from the BD player to the receiver, since the HDMI cables will carry both audio and video signals with this case.
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post #9 of 31
2/10/09 at 5:03am

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Allred
Scott, are you saying only *some* BR players decode and output the HD audio though an analog system (which apparently is what my receiver is)? I'm definitely getting a Sony player so.....
That is correct.
If your receiver has the 5.1/7.1 "multi-channel" analog inputs, and you're going to get a Sony BD player, get the BDP-S550. It decodes all the HD audio formats internally, and sends them over the multi-channel analog outputs. So, when watching a BD movie, set the receiver on "Multi-Channel", and enjoy the HD audio.

EDIT:
Oops...........Scott's last post wasn't there when I started typing. But I did a quick search, and this page says it does have the 5.1 analog inputs.
http://www.dealtime.com/xPF-Pioneer-VSX-D412
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post #10 of 31
2/10/09 at 5:20am

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Just a question Michael, why not HDTV over broadcast like cable or satellite. I have Cox Digital cable and I'm enjoying the HD they provide, from home shows to premium movie channels like HBO. If your t.v. has more than one HDMI input, take advantage of it, you won't go wrong.
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post #11 of 31
2/10/09 at 6:27am

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed Moxley

EDIT:
Oops...........Scott's last post wasn't there when I started typing. But I did a quick search, and this page says it does have the 5.1 analog inputs.
Pioneer VSX-D412 5.1 Channels Receiver - Product details and features - DealTime

Good find, Ed. The links I searched did not show that information.

Based on Ed's information, the Sony BDP-S550 would provide you with the best audio options. You will connect the HDMI cable between the BD player and TV, and connect 6 analog audio cables between the BD player and the multi-channel inputs on your Pioneer Receiver.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerome Grate
Just a question Michael, why not HDTV over broadcast like cable or satellite. I have Cox Digital cable and I'm enjoying the HD they provide, from home shows to premium movie channels like HBO. If your t.v. has more than one HDMI input, take advantage of it, you won't go wrong.

Even if the TV has only one HDMI input, Michael could always connect a HDTV source via component video and not lose any significant video quality. HDTV signals are only 720p or 1080i anyway, both of which work fine over component video.
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post #12 of 31
2/10/09 at 7:16am

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott Merryfield
Even if the TV has only one HDMI input, Michael could always connect a HDTV source via component video and not lose any significant video quality. HDTV signals are only 720p or 1080i anyway, both of which work fine over component video.

That's exactly how I have it hooked up on both HDTVs. Both t.v.s have one HDMI input and each connection is dedicated to the BD and HD-DVD Player.
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post #13 of 31
2/10/09 at 10:35am
Thread Starter 

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerome Grate
Just a question Michael, why not HDTV over broadcast like cable or satellite. I have Cox Digital cable and I'm enjoying the HD they provide, from home shows to premium movie channels like HBO. If your t.v. has more than one HDMI input, take advantage of it, you won't go wrong.

It's extra money I don't have right now, as I can only do one thing at a time, it's Blu-Ray (and the HDMI cables, lol) first. HD programming will come but just down the line.
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post #14 of 31
2/10/09 at 10:42am
Thread Starter 

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed Moxley
That is correct.
If your receiver has the 5.1/7.1 "multi-channel" analog inputs, and you're going to get a Sony BD player, get the BDP-S550. It decodes all the HD audio formats internally, and sends them over the multi-channel analog outputs. So, when watching a BD movie, set the receiver on "Multi-Channel", and enjoy the HD audio.

EDIT:
Oops...........Scott's last post wasn't there when I started typing. But I did a quick search, and this page says it does have the 5.1 analog inputs.
Pioneer VSX-D412 5.1 Channels Receiver - Product details and features - DealTime

Yeah I was gonna say my receiver does have the inputs *however* I should point out they're not actually being used (other than the sub woofer which is plugged in.) I use the coax to get the digital sound (sorry for the non-technical terminology there) which is under the "assignables" inputs (which says "digital in" then "coax" and "opt.") The surround sound speakers are plugged in using the standard speaker wire.
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post #15 of 31
2/10/09 at 11:20am

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Allred
Yeah I was gonna say my receiver does have the inputs *however* I should point out they're not actually being used (other than the sub woofer which is plugged in.)
Good. They're open for use with the blu ray player!
Your subwoofer shouldn't be plugged into the multi-channel inputs.
It should have it's own, or should use the "pre-outs" sub connection. You can't be getting much bass, plugged into the multi-channel input like that.........
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post #16 of 31
2/10/09 at 12:43pm

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Allred
It's extra money I don't have right now, as I can only do one thing at a time, it's Blu-Ray (and the HDMI cables, lol) first. HD programming will come but just down the line.

Michael,

Do you currently have standard cable TV? If so, and if your Sony LCD TV has a built-in QAM tuner, you may be able to get your local TV stations in HD with no additional cost. In my area, for example, Comcast transmits all the local affiliates unscrambled. I can pick them up by simply plugging the CATV cable into the antenna input of the TV and scanning for the digital channels.

If you do not have cable, but are using an antenna to get local channels, you should be able to do the same thing -- as long as your local stations are broadcasting digital signals.
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post #17 of 31
2/11/09 at 10:54am
Thread Starter 

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed Moxley
Good. They're open for use with the blu ray player!
Your subwoofer shouldn't be plugged into the multi-channel inputs.
It should have it's own, or should use the "pre-outs" sub connection. You can't be getting much bass, plugged into the multi-channel input like that.........

I should have mentioned, it does have it's own connection which it's plugged into.
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post #18 of 31
2/11/09 at 10:55am
Thread Starter 

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott Merryfield
Michael,

Do you currently have standard cable TV? If so, and if your Sony LCD TV has a built-in QAM tuner, you may be able to get your local TV stations in HD with no additional cost. In my area, for example, Comcast transmits all the local affiliates unscrambled. I can pick them up by simply plugging the CATV cable into the antenna input of the TV and scanning for the digital channels.

If you do not have cable, but are using an antenna to get local channels, you should be able to do the same thing -- as long as your local stations are broadcasting digital signals.

Yupper, standard cable from Comcast.

As for the tuner you mentioned, you know, I have no idea if it has that or not. As far as I know, none of my local channels are broadcasting in HD just yet.
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post #19 of 31
2/11/09 at 3:58pm

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

I think it's just about impossible that you don't have any local channels broadcasting in HD. Look up in your manual how to do a digital cable channel scan, you should pick up any major network local affiliates in HD (ABC/CBS etc.).
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post #20 of 31
3/10/09 at 11:51am
Thread Starter 

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

So I should be getting a blu-ray player this week. One HDMI cable to connect from player to HDTV so I get HD picture quality, yes? I also figure that since I own an XBOX 360, might as well get another HDMI cable and enjoy gaming in HD while I'm at it.

I would assume I'd just ask "where are the HDMI cables" at?
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post #21 of 31
3/10/09 at 11:58am

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Allred
I would assume I'd just ask "where are the HDMI cables" at?
In most cases, you'd be far better off if you bought these online; most B&M stores charge way too much for HDMI cables. MonoPrice.com is an excellent choice for good quality, low priced cables.
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post #22 of 31
3/10/09 at 12:02pm

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Allred
So I should be getting a blu-ray player this week. One HDMI cable to connect from player to HDTV so I get HD picture quality, yes? I also figure that since I own an XBOX 360, might as well get another HDMI cable and enjoy gaming in HD while I'm at it.

I would assume I'd just ask "where are the HDMI cables" at?

Only if you want to pay $50-$100+ a cable. Buy them online at Bluejeans or bettercables. Even shipped overnight they would be 1/5th the price of some brick and mortar places. If you must get it locally, try Wall-Mart and buy the Philips brand. Should be about $30.
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post #23 of 31
3/10/09 at 1:53pm

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Allred
I also figure that since I own an XBOX 360, might as well get another HDMI cable and enjoy gaming in HD while I'm at it.

You should check if your XBOX 360 actually has HDMI outputs, not all versions have it. Otherwise you should buy some special cable (don't know it's name) that converts into an HDMI cable, so you could play in 1080i.
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post #24 of 31
3/10/09 at 2:13pm

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Borst
You should check if your XBOX 360 actually has HDMI outputs, not all versions have it. Otherwise you should buy some special cable (don't know it's name) that converts into an HDMI cable, so you could play in 1080i.

If you have the older 360 Premium w/o HDMI, like mine, you don't need to buy anything. It came with a component video cable. The older cheaper core version didn't include one, then just search for "xbox 360 component cable" on Amazon and you'll get a ton of options.

Don't bother with HDMI conversion, don't need it for xbox. And I would use 720p as the videos on marketplace are all 720p and the games are rendered in 720p.
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post #25 of 31
3/10/09 at 4:51pm

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

To get full "HD" you need a 35mm projector.
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post #26 of 31
3/14/09 at 4:51pm
Thread Starter 

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Ok I bought a Sony BDP-S350 today.

I got it up and running but something seems amiss. My receiver is displaying that the audio is Dolby Surround even when I select DTS 5.1, etc. I can't quite figure out what the problem is. I bought an HDMI cable of course for the video but I have the audio set-up as usual but it's seemingly not coming out quite right. Any ideas?
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post #27 of 31
3/14/09 at 4:59pm
Thread Starter 

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

Um never mind, i figured it out lol. Had to switch settings to coaxial. Whoops.

BUT here's something that's weird. I'm only getting a video signal if the S-video cable is plugged in. I have the HDMI cable plugged in from the player to TV but it's just a black screen if I unplug the s-video. on the output video format screen on the blu-ray player, they list HDMI, component and video or s-video as options. the HDMI one is grayed out and I cant even select it. So basically I'm not watching anything in HD??

UPDATE: In my TV menu, under "external inputs" there are 9 options. I see "HDMI 1" and "HDMI 2" listed but it has the word "skip" next to each and I cannot figure out how to highlight either of them. my TV is a Sony LCD digital color KDL-32M3000

UPDATE 2: My brother came over and flipped through the options and got the HDMI selection to work and now I'm in HD! Whoo hoo!
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post #28 of 31
3/14/09 at 6:25pm
Thread Starter 

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

The adventure continues, I wanted to switch the output source to 1080p (was on auto) and now the picture has gone black! All I get is audio and no video. Without picture I can't reset it back to "auto" crap!

Update: Finally got it to reset and put it back to auto, picture is back. Not messing with it any more. HD picture now I'm leaving it alone, lol. Hope you enjoyed the rambling posts!
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post #29 of 31
3/14/09 at 7:43pm
Thread Starter 

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

"Wall-E" looks amazing I must say but I'm curious as to how I can find out what...resolution(?) I'm watching it in. Since the BR player is set on auto there is seemingly no way for me to see. I tried display on my TV but that doesn't say.
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post #30 of 31
3/14/09 at 7:46pm

Re: So what all do I need for full HD?

^ I don't know if it's universal but if I look at my player's menu (not the disc's menu), I can find the resolution in there.
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