Hi,

I need some advice on which method is best to connect all my devices.

List of device:
Onkyo SR504 (NO HDMI, Component/Composite)
PS3 (HDMI)
Wii (Component)
HTPC (HDMI/DVI output)
Samsung LN46-A650

I have came up with two methods but not sure which is best, hoping I can get some pros and cons comparisons here from the experts before I place an order for the cables that I'm missing.

option 1)
Connect all HDMI devices video/audio to TV. Then use the TV's optical audio output and feed the audio to the receiver. I have a question about the HTPC though...my understanding is HDMI contains video and audio signal...would I need to have another audio cable running from my HTPC to the receiver or is the HTPC >>HDMI>> TV >>Optical audio cable>> receiver going to cover it?

option 2)
Connect all HDMI devices for video only to TV. Then have a separate audio cable going directly to the receiver.

Thanks!

I have a similar set up but with projector.
PS3,Wii, PC(mostly for music), HD-DVD player, HD-DVR Cable box, epson 720p projetor and Onkyo reciever.

I have mine set up like this.
PS3 to HDMI splitter (video only) digital optical audio to reciver
HD-DVD to HDMI splitter (video only) digital optical audio to reciver
HD DVR cable box to HDMI splitter (video only) digital optical audio to reciver
HDMI splitter to epson 720p projector
Wii Component to projector RCA audio to reciever
PC digital optical to reciver VGA to projector.

Not saying it is the best way but it works well with my setup.

May I ask what is the purpose of the HDMI splitter? Is it because your projector does not have enough HDMI for your devices?

I was thinking about doing that route initially but realized that I can save some money buying 3 optical audio cables....instead I'll just buy one that will feed the audio from TV > receiver. Just not sure how efficient that is compared to feeding the audio signal directly from the source to the receiver...

yes the splitter is so I can feed three inputs to my projector. I got it from monoprice it has a remote control so it is easy to change the source.

If your TV can take the HDMI input(sound) and then output it to the reciver of optical I don't see an issue. If you do go with the 3 optical cables to the reciver they are cheap at monoprice.

Yeah I checked out monoprice...good prices on their optical cables...

So you're saying VIDEO/AUDIO from source to TV then have TV audio out to my receiver via one single optical cable? That's probably the most cost effective way...and only problem I see is that I won't be able to change the source with my receiver...which shouldn't be a big issue, I think.

Hi,

I need some advice on which method is best to connect all my devices.

List of device:
Onkyo SR504 (NO HDMI, Component/Composite)
PS3 (HDMI)
Wii (Component)
HTPC (HDMI/DVI output)
Samsung LN46-A650

I have came up with two methods but not sure which is best, hoping I can get some pros and cons comparisons here from the experts before I place an order for the cables that I'm missing.

option 1)
Connect all HDMI devices video/audio to TV. Then use the TV's optical audio output and feed the audio to the receiver. I have a question about the HTPC though...my understanding is HDMI contains video and audio signal...would I need to have another audio cable running from my HTPC to the receiver or is the HTPC >>HDMI>> TV >>Optical audio cable>> receiver going to cover it?

option 2)
Connect all HDMI devices for video only to TV. Then have a separate audio cable going directly to the receiver.

Thanks!

I used option 1 for my similar setup. The optical cable from the TV (mines a Sharp) to the receiver worked for all of the HDMI sources.

CJ

I personally would use option 2, i'm not sure if the TV will output 5.1 to your reciever (no basis for saying this though.) Also i personally like listening to music through my media centre pc and i wouldn't like having to leave the TV on to pass the sound through to the Reciever. Just my 2c.

That's what I was a bit worried about too for option 1...lossing quality as it needs to go thru a stop from the source to the receiver. But isn't the whole point of the optical cable used to carry digital signals? And if my TV has that output, wouldnt it mean it can output 5.1?

I have run 3 HDMI sources into the a650 and using the optical cable out, I cant seem to get 5.1(just pro-logic) Its very strange, anyone have any ideas?

What's your source?

I have run 3 HDMI sources into the a650 and using the optical cable out, I cant seem to get 5.1(just pro-logic) Its very strange, anyone have any ideas?

I believe the A650 manual says that the optical out will NOT output in 5.1

I'm feeding the video to the TV thru HDMI and audio directly from source to receiver now. Works great.

90% of the devices wont output sound let alont surround sound through a fiber optic from HDMI. so go with option 2.