Hello all. I am not sure if this belongs here or not but seems to be closest to what I'm looking for:
I would like to know if I can output a Dolby Dig signal from the cable box to my TV. Under audio options there are:
Dolby Digital (DD)
HDMI
Other
When I choose DD the Hdmi cable going to the TV looses sound. I then have a coax to my receiver and I get DD over the coax.
When I choose HDMI I get volume from the TV. But the Toslink cable from the TV to the input on Stereo becomes active but not Dolby Digital... With me?

What I want to be able to do it not have to switch between Dolby Digital and HDMI depending on what I'm watching.

Equip:
Scientific America 8300HD cable box
Samsung UN557000b TV
Pioneer VSX-D811s rec
HDMI form cable box to TV
toslink cable from TV to receiver...

thanx for any and all help, and if this is incorrect forum plz let me know and I will repost...

Not sure why you want to use DD instead of just running the sound through you HDMI cable. What is it you are trying to achieve by doing this?

Not sure why you want to use DD instead of just running the sound through you HDMI cable. What is it you are trying to achieve by doing this?

I am trying to understand why it is I can't a DD signal thru my HDMI. If I swithc the cable box to the HDMI setting I loose the ability to rec DD signals. My rec reverts to Prologic.

HDMI is two way.

The TV is telling the SA box that it is a stereo device, hence disabling DD.

You need a receiver that has HDMI inputs to do what you want....

And before you ask, the DD output on the TV is for the ATSC tuner.

HDMI is two way.

The TV is telling the SA box that it is a stereo device, hence disabling DD.

You need a receiver that has HDMI inputs to do what you want....

Hmmm OK. Why doesn't the tv just pass the signal "as is" to my receiver? Why does it convert it to stereo? I am not sure the HDMI setting on the SA box is DD in the first place. I guess I'll never know until I get a receiver that is HDMI compliant... darn.

Why would the TV talk to the SAbox? I would have thought the cable box, would pass the signal over the hdmi to the tv, the tv would then inturn pass that signal to the receiver...No?

Hmmm OK. Why doesn't the tv just pass the signal "as is" to my receiver? Why does it convert it to stereo?

It's the way it is set up on most TVs with a digital audio out. Some TVs do pass the signal as is, but most don't. Yours doesn't, mine doesn't. Don't look for any setting to change it, because there isn't one.

As to why, dunno. Never seen a convincing explanation as to why, but it just is.


Why would the TV talk to the SAbox? I would have thought the cable box, would pass the signal over the hdmi to the tv, the tv would then inturn pass that signal to the receiver...No?

Again, HDMI is two-way communication. It enables a lot of features, but it also can have some frustrating consequences. Welcome to the new input/output standards for AV. :p

It's the way it is set up on most TVs with a digital audio out. Some TVs do pass the signal as is, but most don't. Yours doesn't, mine doesn't. Don't look for any setting to change it, because there isn't one.
<OK, harsh, but ok>
As to why, dunno. Never seen a convincing explanation as to why, but it just is.
<OK waisted 5.00 at monoprice, no big deal>


Again, HDMI is two-way communication. It enables a lot of features, but it also can have some frustrating consequences. Welcome to the new input/output standards for AV. :p

<glad to be in good company>
thankyou all for all your help... anyone want to buy a 15' toslink cable :)

The TV would most likely pass the DD "as is", if you had an HDMI receiver.

Expecting a TV to convert from HDMI to toslink is more than passing "as is".

The TV would most likely pass the DD "as is", if you had an HDMI receiver.

Expecting a TV to convert from HDMI to toslink is more than passing "as is".

OK, but then why have a digital out? it is only passing a stereo (2 channel) signal... to me that does not make sense. All it does is add the TV's price right? Having a toslink out I mean.

It's for the digital tuner. To get Dolby Digital 5.1 sound from HD channels off of antenna-received stations. I think it also is for the QAM tuner for HD channels off of cable.

Again, don't ask me why most TVs don't have it pass along all multi-channel audio. Some do, though. I don't know which specific models, but I've seen members here report that they own TVs like that.

ok, but then why have a digital out? It is only passing a stereo (2 channel) signal... To me that does not make sense. All it does is add the tv's price right? Having a toslink out i mean.

:)

and before you ask, the dd output on the tv is for the atsc tuner.

It's for the digital tuner. To get Dolby Digital 5.1 sound from HD channels off of antenna-received stations. I think it also is for the QAM tuner for HD channels off of cable.

Again, don't ask me why most TVs don't have it pass along all multi-channel audio. Some do, though. I don't know which specific models, but I've seen members here report that they own TVs like that.

Price. It can't "pass along" a different media.

Ok, looking back at all the help I have received I think I strayed from my original question:
With my Scientific America box, when in the audio options screen if I choose HDMI will it (SAbox) send a DD signal? I know it does when I choose "Dolby Digital" but not over the HDMI cable, over a coax cable. The sound from the hdmi cable goes silent.
The way I set up my gear is to watch Tv thru TV speaker and when I watch HDTV content I use my receiver. I have to "activites" on my harmony 1100. I am not beyond a new receiver. But i want to know if anyone w/ the SA 8300HD has the HDMI setting enabled and sends DD to either the TV or receiver.

Thanks again for allyour patient help Brian CW

<snip PP66 owners manual>
Connect the Optical cable between the DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) jack on your TV and the Digital Audio Input on
the Home Theater.
When following the connection above, the Optical jack only outputs 2 channel audio. You will only hear sound from the
Home Theater’s Front Left and Right speakers and the subwoofer. If you want to hear 5.1 channel audio, connect the
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) jack on the DVD / Satellite Box (ie Anynet Device 1 or 2) directly to the Amplifier or
Home Theater, not the TV.:(
<snip>
Oh well that about sums it up. Oh well it was nice while it lasted. Thanks again for all your help
I guess that is why they don't sell you the manual b4 you purchase the TV :)
On a good note, I don't need a new receiver. the old PIoneer is still kicking
anyone interested in pictures of the set up?

I am trying to understand why it is I can't a DD signal thru my HDMI. If I swithc the cable box to the HDMI setting I loose the ability to rec DD signals. Where are you recording? Why not just leave the cable box on DD and use the reciever for your audio. If you are using the cable box to record it will record in DD. The TV will not accept a DD input so the HDMI can not send DD to the TV.

I am trying to understand why it is I can't a DD signal thru my HDMI. If I swithc the cable box to the HDMI setting I loose the ability to rec DD signals. Where are you recording? Why not just leave the cable box on DD and use the reciever for your audio. If you are using the cable box to record it will record in DD. The TV will not accept a DD input so the HDMI can not send DD to the TV.

because my wife does not like to watch tv thru the receiver. late at night she prefers just the tv speakers...Just the way it is...

What about a pair of red/white analog audio cables from the box to the TV? If it sends the signal over both them and the coax, then you can turn down the TV when you want to use the receiver, and then turn up the TV and turn the receiver off when you want to use just the TV. If you're using the TV speakers, it doesn't need anything other than stereo signals anyway.

My memory is hazy, but I think I helped set up my buddy's SA 8300 to do exactly that.

What about a pair of red/white analog audio cables from the box to the TV? If it sends the signal over both them and the coax, then you can turn down the TV when you want to use the receiver, and then turn up the TV and turn the receiver off when you want to use just the TV. If you're using the TV speakers, it doesn't need anything other than stereo signals anyway.

My memory is hazy, but I think I helped set up my buddy's SA 8300 to do exactly that.

problem is when i choose DD in menu the hdmi and rca jacks become silent so to speak only coax is "hot" ...that is why I wanted to use the tv as a repeater sort of...

That's weird. On my buddy's, the RCA analog outs were active with DD. I've watched him switch between the TV and receiver sound easily.

Oh well, I guess your box doesn't work that way. Not much else I can think of to help your situation.

I have to admit it has been a while since I tried that and perhaps a new box or two as the die every so often. I will give it another chance. Thanx for all your valuable info, i appreciate it

I decided to purchase the YamahaRX-V765 reciever. And as stated by others the HDMI now sends DD signals to my new receiver. And in the off position sends regular "through" to the tv so I have the best of both worlds now. Thanks for all your help.

I have a problem that is somewhat similar but I think relates to a handshake issue (not sure if this is the correct place to post).

Equip:
Scientific Atlanta 8300HDC cable box w/ Mystro firmware
TWC - Kansas City
Sharp LC-52D64U TV
Denon AVR-3802 Rec
HDMI from cable box to TV
Toslink cable from cable box to receiver

I get 5.1 audio to receiver after I go into: menu/settings/devices/audio:digital audio/dolby digital/exit

The only problem is whenever I change the TV input (xbox, dvd, etc) and go back to cable, the 5.1 switches back to stereo. So then I have to go back and repeat the settings thing to get 5.1.

I tried Toslink from TV to receiver and only get stereo like the previous post says.

The funny thing is that it only started doing this after a firmware change 4-5 months ago. I called up TWC and they said that it was probably a handshake issue. I haven't bothered to have them come out to see if they can fix it. I don't really want to change out box since I have some cool stuff recorded.

Any ideas?

My problem was fixed when I went to HDMI. Now it is DD all the time. Before that I had the exact same problem

Don't really want to spend the cash to replace a perfectly good receiver.

I reposted my question over on the hdtv recorder forum under twc.

Thanks

Don't really want to spend the cash to replace a perfectly good receiver.

I reposted my question over on the hdtv recorder forum under twc.

Thanks
Hello,
We have almost the same setup. I have: Sharp LC 42 D64U TV, Scientific Atlanta 8300HDC cable box, and a Yamaha 863 receiver. Mine is connected all HDMI. This is BEST WHEN POSSIBLE. Your Denon 3802 is a fine receiver but it predates HDMI. In your case, you really don't gain anything by routing the TV video through the receiver. Before the Yamaha 863, I had a ten year old Onkyo 747 in this mix. For best results, try this arrangement. Connect your SA 8300 cable box DIRECTLY to your Sharp TV's INPUT 1, using COMPONENT cables (red, blue, green)be sure to connect the red and white audio cables to the same input. Now, connect either an optical cable or a digital coax cable ( one or the other, not both,) the sound quality is the same, from the cable box to your receiver. Do not use HDMI here at all.

This arrangement will allow you watch the TV by itself late at nite without the receiver on. For full 5.1 surround sound, just turn on the Denon and turn the TV down.

One more thing, be sure to adjust your cable box !
In the SA 8300, devices, set the audio out to Dolby Digital. This will give you full DD 5.1 when available. Keep in mind that even the HD channels are not ALWAYS in 5.1! If an old movie or cop show, is in DD2 ch, it sounds good in pro logic IIx on my Yamaha. Make sure your receiver's opt/coax inputs and outputs are correctly assigned.

ONE MORE THING! Almost nobody thinks of this!
In the Video settings under display, set the aspect ratio to 16 /9, and picture size to NORMAL. Here is the biggie. IN Output Resolution, DESELECT ALL the BULLETS EXCEPT 1080I. THis will force the box to output everthing in 1080I. THe box will not have to search output resolutions every time you change channels. HDMI handshake problems will be reduced and channels will change smoother with fewer interruptions. Setting your box this way, will even force the box to output the old 480I analog signals (if you still have any, we do here)as upconverted 1080I digital signals.



ON your Sharp D64U TV: set the view mode to Dot by DOT.

Your Sharp TV is going to UPCONVERT everthing it sees to it's native 1080P resolution. By setting your box this way, your TV will always see a 1080I signal to work with.
I hope this helps you out some. Let me know.
HERB

I decided to purchase the YamahaRX-V765 reciever. And as stated by others the HDMI now sends DD signals to my new receiver. And in the off position sends regular "through" to the tv so I have the best of both worlds now. Thanks for all your help.
HI,
You have indeed made an excellent choice for your new receiver. I have been well served by my Yamaha 863. I know you will like your Yamaha more and more as you learn it's settings. I have found that these Yamahas have many secrets, and they give them up very slowly.
The HDMI passthrough is indeed the one feature I now want, but I can't run out and spend another $1000 for that one feature quite yet.

See my post to KC FLYER and set the video in your SA8300HDC box.

HERB