Sounds like you need 3 HDMI cables. One for the cable, one for the dvd and one for the surround. Advice, don't get suckered into buying the "expensive" HDMI cables. I got mine off of Amazon for 10 bucks each brand new and they work as good "so I've been told by some people who should know what they are selling (sister's bf is a electronics nut & sales guy).
If your receiver has HDMI inputs, then you need one to go to the TV, and one for your blue-ray player. All the other inputs into your receiver can be either co-axial or optic....
It made a difference when using them. Check out Sam's, they have some reasonable prices. Made in China, but then what isn't now?
technically you'll need three:
1 from the cable box to the receiver
1 from the dvd player to the receiver
1 from the receiver to the tv
This assumes that:
a) your dvd player has HDMI
b) your cable box has HDMI
c) you want to use the receiver to control everything
and finally
d) the stars are aligned.
There are not insignificant issues with HDMI handshaking (meaning sometimes when you want to watch TV your stupid cable box and tv won't play nicely with each other).
Don't be surprised if you have to use analog video (component) and digital audio (optical or spdif).
If you need cheap, good cables, monoprice.com.
Yeah, I know all about the overpriced HDMI cables, and CNET says to use anything under $10, they all work fine.
Yes--my cable box has HDMI--I specifically asked for an HD reciever.
Also, I'm *not* going to have a separate DVD player with the new set-up. I'm looking at getting another Phillips/JVC/Pioneer system that has a receiver, DVD/CD player, and tuner all in one. (Also must have an iPod dock, too). And I have no desire to go Blu-ray and have to replace all of my DVDs. Standard def movies on HD are enough eye-candy for me. I want the HD to watch sports and such. Also, I don't think I'll *ever* get a gaming system, either. No interest--so it'll just be three components--TV, Cable box, and DVD/tuner. That's it.
Thanks for all the info, gang!
PS.. Detroiter--I think you missed my point. I *don't* want to have to use other cables. What I'm getting at, is can I get away with ONLY using HDMI cables?
HDMI cables should be all you need. My "old school" (8 yrs.) home theater Sony system has no HDMI connections, so I still use the fiber optic line to get digital sound. Not as good as HDMI connections but I just can't part with that system yet. The key is getting the right TV and if you really want the best picture and sound from your movies, you may want to invest in a blue ray player.
Man, I *really* don't wanna go Blu-Ray. At least until it's so common that the prices for DVDs are as cheap as standard-def ones now.
But as far as TV goes, I've got my mind set on a Sharp Aquos LCD, with 1080p. I was looking at 32 and 37 inch ones, but now Costco has a 40-incher for $749.
Oh yes, it will be mine...
Mike,
Definitely HDMI for your cable box (if they support it Bright House in Tampa has it but is not fully active yet)
Definitely HDMI for your DVD Player
Key is your surround sound - high end systems have video receivers that can process all video as well as audio those could use HDMI. Others that just do audio (like mine), you have to use what is available from your cable box/dvd player to your receiver be it RCA (white/red) or hopefully digital coax or even optical.
I am sure you already checked this - but we have HD receivers but unless we subscribe (read "pay extra") for HD service it doesn't broadcast in HD.
HDMI cables are nice, but in my (professionally designed and installed system, so I'm just going by what they did...), I have one HDMI from the cable box to the TV, and component cables to the DVD player to the TV.
But all of my cables are fished through the wall to an electronics closet in the basement, and I use an RF/IR remote (the remote is radio frequency with infra red couplers physically placed on the cable box and dvd player in the closet) so you never see any components and don't need to point the remote to the boxes). That is pretty sweet, and from what I understand, not too difficult to do...
Sharp aquos is a good choice. I have mine now for 7 months its full HD , and watching sports in HD is like a dream come tru...
I have just the DVD/receiver also from sharp with the 2.1 surround thing, and the sharp blu-ray. Also the sat-box no cable here. I have three hdmi cables and one optical cable.
Don't know your opinion about Sears stores but they have a Panasonic 42" 720p plasma for $599 and a Panasonic 50" 720p plasma for $899 on their website right now...don't know how long the sale lasts though.
For home theater system, I have a Panasonic 5.1 channel all in one system with wireless rear speakers. It does 1080 up convert and had 5 disc capability...cost me about $300 about 1.5 years ago. Also came with a IPod dock
just to clarify to someone above, HDMI doesn't carry any better signal than DVI (to which it is pin compatible) and, with good cables, component from a video perspective. From an audio perspective, it carries no less or more information than coaxial or optical cable.
HDMI does two things -- it reduces cable clutter and it provides a DRM mechanism for content producers. This is where the "handshaking" bs comes into play. If the player can't "talk" to the device that will be displaying and get a response it likes it can either not play at all or downgrade the video/audio. It's really dumb and just another kick in the nuts to consumers.
And Mikey, I *strongly* recommend you stay far, far away from those all-in-one units. If one piece dies (or becomes obsolete) then you're stuck with this overpriced, under performing piece of half dead equipment.
All Geek Speek..to me!
Mikey, If you can afford it, go with at least a 40 inch TV (if you have the space). You need to get to that size foe "tru" HD. I 2nd your emotion regarding "Blu-Ray".
Highly recommend JBL for speakers. Never let me down.
Not a clue but I do have two helpful web sites to find the equipment and cables you will need. For cables try http://www.meritline.com/ and for the TV and other components keep your eye on http://dealnews.com/
I want to hear more about 2 girls and a crock pot. And 2 girls.
What girls like me hear when they read a post like this:
Wah-wah-wah - nuts - wah-wah - hook-up - wah-wah-wah - Matt Damon.
What a freaking coincidence. My Pioneer DVD Player also freezes during my copy of Ocean's Eleven. And right at almost the exact same spot. After the Pinch and right as the van pulls up to the front doors. That is too crazy.
Good luck with your AV.
Linda Lou... I agree with you on that! Especially Matt Damon!
You do know that you can play regular DVDs with a Blu Ray player, right? Since everything else is in HD, you might has well have the capability to play Blu Ray.
sorry Mikey, sorta misunderstood.....sean is right then.
I am not allowed to touch the wires behind the entertainment center because somehow boobs cause some sort of trouble or something. That is hubby's domain.
I do know that we have HDMI from the DVD and HDTivo to the TV. I also know that we've tried all kinds of cables that the Best Buy nerds upsold us (Yes, Monster cables) and nothing has been able to beat the quality and price of monoprice.com. We buy all our cables there and the prices can't be beat. I wanted to second that recommendation.
Stever is right. No need to upgrade your DVD collection due to Blu Ray, it is backwards compatable.
I haven't shopped around for awhile, but I don't think you will find a low cost HTIB(home theater in a box) with HDMI switching.
Here is how I would set up your system.
Cable box -> TV -- HDMI
Cable Box -> THIB -- Digital audio
THIB -> TV -- HDMI or Component + stereo audio (for when you don't want to listen to a movie in surround)
I would STRONGLY suggest buying your HDMI cables or any others from http://www.mycablemart.com/. They have great prices and great customer service. HDMI is the way to go! Good luck!
hi mikey
here's a beter deal than costco/sams:
panasonic 50" 1080p plasma @ sears.com this week, 1199.00 minus 10% mail in rebate if you use a sears card. online only but they offer store pickup. read all about it at avsform.com
also, for HDmi cables don't pay ripoff prices. they are $3-5 each at monoprice.com and are the same or better quality than monster cables etc. it's a digital signal, so you either get perfect quality or you get zilch-a black screen. they ship from los angeles so only 1 day away from LV.
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