Hello we are rearranging our basement bar/ rec/ home entertainment room. I currently have a rear projection RCA HD 52 inch HDTv.(Not top end I know but it works and I am not going to spend the money on a new flatscreen yet)

Anyway I would like to position all my A/V components (DirecTV Receiver, Slingbox, DVD player, and Surround Sound Receiver) in a nearby storage room and use a RF universal remote to control all of them. I would also like to be able to run 1 HDMI cable to the the TV in the other room. (Not a big deal currently but in the future I would like to replace my TV with a flatscreen and only have it mounted on the wall.)

I went to Best Buy and was told that I would have to buy an Audio/ Video receiver (At least $500) becuase Surround Sound Systems would not allow me to run 1 HDMI cable to the TV like I would prefer. Shopping around online it appears that some moderately affordable surround sounds Have HDMI inputs and outputs. Will this work for what I want to do?

Thanks. Any and all help is appreciated. I am not completely tech stupid but I am a novice at setting a Home Theater up.

First off.....

- Your A/V Components (How are you connecting them to your TV?) HDMI, Component?
- You say you want to run 1 HDMI cable to the TV in the other room. (Where are you running this cable from? Directv box or what? )
- "Surround sound systems would not allow me to run 1 HDMI cable to the TV" (Which surround sound system are you referring to?

If you would list all your equipment and what you exactly want to accomplish, it would make it easier.

Eventually, you want to run everything to your new flatscreen TV with 1 HDMI cable? if that is what you are aiming to do, you would need to purchase a A/V receiver with HDMI switching capabilities so that you can run everything to your receiver and 1 HDMI out to your television. However, there is also the issue of audio, upconversion, etc. You would want to do more research on the receivers to familiarize yourself with all the features.

spectramr2,

Thanks for replying. I thought I posted a reply earlier but it didn't show up so I am giving this a try again.

I should have posted earlier that I am wanting to purchase a new Surround Sound System. I was told at Best Buy this weekend that I would need an Audio/ Video reciever and that Surround Sound systems wouldn't work for what I want but I am questioning if the Best Buy kid really knew what he was talking about.

I would like to place my DirecTV HDDVR, my slingbox, DVD player and new Surround Sound Receiver(after I purchase it) in a nearby storage room and then run 1 HDMI cable to the TV. I will have to fish the wall where I am going to be relocating the TV and I would really like to be able to run just one HDMI wire instead of 2 coaxs for the DirecTV and an internet cable.

Would a receiver like this one work for what I want to do?

Sony - BRAVIA 5-1-Ch. Micro Home Theater System
Model: HT-IS100

Do you recommend any certain brands? I think Bose is out of my price range.
Also should I get one with a built in DVD and/or built in Blueray DVD?

Thanks again

I assume you leave in the St. Louis area? As do I. I strongly recommend going to American (St. Louis Mills area and Gravois Bluffs). In my experience the sales people know what they are talking about. American also has better selection in all price ranges...not sure what your budget is.

Stay away from Bose...overpriced for what it offers.

Avoid all in one units if you can. If one component fails the other component becomes an orphan. Buy a receiver that allows for HDMI switching and has an HDMI output. They are available under $300.

Get an entry level Blu-ray machine instead of a DVD player. It will also play the DVDs you have.

To answer your specific question a surround sound system that has a HDMI output will probably work for what you are trying to accomplish