Hi all. I was lucky enought to purchase a Samsung 42 inch plasma today and I have ZERO buyers remorse, but I do have some trepidations in having to try to make sense of the cabling I hooked up 6 years ago to make everything work and look well on my current Sony Wega Behemoth that still looks good, but is going to be moved to another room SOMEHOW, either by hired help or 2 really really strong friends with a dolly.


So here is my question - what is the best way to hook this all up so I can watch DVD/HD/SD/Xbox360? My new TV is leaps more modern than the components I have, so any assistance in just how to do this properly with the best....

OK, I found my old POS system. It was nice many moons ago for an HTIB. Does this help any in assisting cabling this mess up? Obviously, I want HDTV signalling. Can my set up even do it?

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_HT_1700D/4505-6740_7-20017884.html


Sony DVD player: DVP-NS315

Rear, 1 x Component video output (RCA phono x 3)
Rear, 1 x Composite video/audio output (RCA phono x 3)
Rear, 1 x S-Video output (4 pin mini-DIN)
Rear, 1 x SPDIF output (RCA phono)


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sony Receiver: STR-K740P

Front, 1 x Headphones (Phone stereo 6.25 mm)
Rear, 1 x SPDIF input (TOS Link) -
Rear, 1 x SPDIF input (RCA phono) -
Rear, 3 x Composite video/audio input (RCA phono x 3)
Rear, 1 x Composite video/audio output (RCA phono x 3)
Rear, 2 x Audio line-in (RCA phono x 2)
Rear, 1 x Audio line-out (RCA phono x 2)
Rear, 1 x Monitor output (RCA phono)
Rear, 1 x Subwoofer output (RCA phono)
Rear, 5 x Speakers output (Click-fit x 2)
Rear, 1 x AM antenna (Click-fit x 2)
Rear, 1 x FM antenna (F connector)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Xbox360 : N/A

Component Cables (but only connected via RYW - not the other colors as I don't have the space I think...)


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Samsung HP-S4253

Rear, 2 x Component video input (RCA phono x 3) -
Rear, 1 x Composite video/audio input (RCA phono x 3) -
Rear, 1 x S-Video input (4 pin mini-DIN) -
Rear, 1 x VGA input (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)) -
Rear, 2 x HDMI (19 pin HDMI Type A) -
Rear, 1 x Audio line-in (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) -
Rear, 3 x Audio line-in (RCA phono x 2) -
Rear, 1 x Audio line-out (RCA phono x 2) -
Rear, 1 x SPDIF output (RCA phono) - \
Rear, 1 x SPDIF output (TOS Link) -
Rear, 2 x RF input (F connector) -
Rear, 1 x Composite video/audio input (RCA phono x 3) -
Side, 1 x S-Video input (4 pin mini-DIN) -
Side, 1 x Headphones (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) -

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Comcast Digital HD DVR Box
(I don't have it yet, so this is the unknown for this equasion...)


So, there you go.


I know I need to eventually upgrade my sound, but the budget won't allow for it. Gotta get the wife "honey do" lists down a few lines before I spend anymore on my basement.

Right now, everything falls into the Receiver and then to the TV so I can control everything on the multiple inputs on the receiver and get full surround sound for everything plugged in.

So, what can I do to make it even better? I am missing the boat with HDMI since I don't have a receiver that has the in/output so I am kinda lost when it comes to this stuff. Or do I need to bite the bullet and get upgraded "sound" now?

OR, if there is no other way, is there a good affordable (less than 400 bucks) HTIB replacement solution I can go with that will make this somewhat better?

Thanks in advance....

/rambling

On the Motorola HD DVR, turn the box off. Press menu. Set the HD output to 720p, and enable the bypass setting (also called 4:3 override) set to 480i.

I assume you already have optical digital connections from the each device to your Sony A/V receiver.

You might want to consider a few HDMI cables for the HDTV DVR and DVD player. Any improvement would be small, but it's an inexpensive tweak. You can order quality HDMI cables for about $10/ea from Monoprice.com.

I don't have everything yet - monday I will have it all barring any delivery problems.

My receiver does not have HDMI. I can't do that right now. This is why I am thinking its time to upgrade to a HTIB set up just to get this working correctly when I do figure this mess out. I just looked back there and almost puked when looking at all the cabling I have back there. I should take a picture. That might actually be a good idea. It might help when I have to disconnect. I used to have everything labled with a P Touch, but most stickers have fallen off.

Anyone? Please? I'll buy you a Yuengling or a Hoegarten!

There is no need to hook the video up to your receiver. Send optical or digital coaxial cables from all your source (cable, dvd, xbox 360) to the receiver. Then send either HDMI or component from all your sources to the tv.

done and done.

-Eric

EDIT: Your receiver appears to only have 2 digital audio inputs. You can either get a new receiver or just hook up one source via analog audio (red/white composite)

Don,

Your post above was not clear. Do you have an existing surround speaker setup? Perhaps one that came with your Sony receiver and DVD player?

Your current receiver does not support HD video signals. Hence, you can't use the video switching in that receiver.

You seem to think that you can't easily switch inputs unless it is done by a receiver. That is not the case. Modern displays have discrete IR inputs, which means they have a separate remote code for HDMI-1, HDMI-2, component-1, component-2, etc. This means that with a universal remote, you can send the code for the appropriate video input on the TV and the appropriate audio input on the receiver, to get video with the TV input you want and audio with the receiver input you want. Does that make sense? If not, ask for clarification.

Logitech's Harmony remotes are popular, because they make this very simple to setup. I would take a look at the Harmony remotes in the Remote area of this forum. I use the Harmony 720 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=681453), which may be a little more than you want to spend at $110-$130 (ebay), but there are other, less expensive models available.

It sounds like your receiver only has two digital audio inputs -- but you have three devices, and will surely acquire more in the future. For now, you would connect the DVD player to the receiver with SPDIF input (RCA phono), the Comcast HDTV DVR to the receiver with SPDIF input (TOS Link), and the Xbox360 to the receiver with L/R analog stereo.

For your video connections, would connect the DVD player directly to your TV with component, the Xbox360 to the [b]TV[/v] with another component input, and the Comcast HDTV DVR to your TV with HDMI. You can order a quality HDMI cable from Monoprice.com for about $10 if Comcast does not provide one for free (ask for one when they come). Fixed typo.

If you really want to look at a HTIB, the Onkyo HT-S790 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=757222) is probably the best thing going in your price range. However, this product does not have HDMI switching. As far as I know, none of the cheap HTIBs for 2006 offer HDMI switching, and the 2007 models with HDMI aren't out yet.

Thanks so much. It is starting to make sense, but I do have some clarification.

I do currently have 5.1 surround sound set up on my current WEGA and it works like a charm. On my universal remote, I can switch from input to input - be it Vid 1, Vid2, Vid 3, and DVD

But my fears are disconencting this all and trying to get true digital source thru the set. Your suggestion is pretty good without a doubt. I really think I am going to have a nightmare with all of this. LOL. I wa hoping to run everything close to the way I have it now - everything in the receiver - but it sounds like I have some real work to do!

Oh, while this is in my head. Theoretically - if I had an HDMI receiver/DVD player, this would be worlds easier, yes?

I am just so awful with this.

I do currently have 5.1 surround sound set up on my current WEGA and it works like a charm. On my universal remote, I can switch from input to input - be it Vid 1, Vid2, Vid 3, and DVDThe nice thing about the Harmony remotes is they automate everything. It eliminates all manual input switching with the remote. You click the "Watch DVD" button and it switches to the correct video input for the DVD player and the correct audio input on the receiver. You click "Watch TV" and it switches to the correct video input for the cable box and the correct audio input on the receiver. Greatly simplifies setup and use.

Oh, while this is in my head. Theoretically - if I had an HDMI receiver/DVD player, this would be worlds easier, yes?Easier to understand and connect, perhaps, but not any easier than a Harmony remote in practice.

Ultimately, you will want to get a HDMI receiver to experience the new audio formats available with Blu-ray. You can't experience the new and improved audio on Blu-ray with the ten-year-old digital optical and coax connections. You need HDMI. I would save your money and put a new HDMI receiver on the Christmas list. By then, HDMI receivers will be cheaper and we'll also have some HTIB choices with HDMI switching.

cool. But in the explaination above, I can still watch regular old DVDs and HD with the current set up without having to do much, right?

(btw, thanks. this is a huge help to me...)

cool. But in the explaination above, I can still watch regular old DVDs and HD with the current set up without having to do much, right?Yes, you just have to switch video inputs using your remote.

aren't they pricey? I know the rules, I can't say a price here ,correct? How would that be any easier than just clicking Vid 1 or DVD from my remote now?

I would call comcast now and ask for an HMDI cable. The comcast contractor that just brought my STB with an HDMI cable said the office would not give him the cable if I hadn't asked for it when ordering the box. They worry that the contractors are selling the HDMI's.

but can I even use it? I know the TV has the input, same with the HD, but don't they need to connect to the receiver?

And I am going to go pick it up. I don't need them to hook anything up, but after seeing my mess, I might let them.

but can I even use it? I know the TV has the input, same with the HD, but don't they need to connect to the receiver?

And I am going to go pick it up. I don't need them to hook anything up, but after seeing my mess, I might let them.The receiver is only for audio.

The only thing you need connected from the DVR to the receiver is the optical (sp/dif) cable, which handles all audio. I wouldn't let Comcast touch your setup.

aren't they pricey? I know the rules, I can't say a price here ,correct? How would that be any easier than just clicking Vid 1 or DVD from my remote now?The Harmony 720 or 880 will run you over $100, but there are other less expensive models, like the 550.

With a Harmony, you click "Watch TV" and it does the following:

Turns the TV on (if it isn't already)
Turns the Comcast DVR on (if it isn't already)
Turns the DVD player off (if it isn't already)
Switches to the HDMI-1 input where you have connected the Comcast DVR
Switches to the TV audio input on your Sony receiver

Pressing "Watch DVD" does the following:

Turns the TV on (if it isn't already)
Turns the DVD player on (if it isn't already)
Turns the Comcast DVR off (if it isn't already)
Switches to the Component-1 input where you have connected the Sony DVD player
Switches to the DVD audio input on your Sony receiver

Pressing "Watch Xbox" does the following:

Turns the TV on (if it isn't already)
Turns the Xbox on (if it isn't already)
Turns the Comcast DVR off (if it isn't already)
Turns the DVD player off (if it isn't already)
Switches to the Component-2 input where you have connected the Xbox
Switches to the AUX stereo analog audio input on your Sony receiver

Pressing the off button turns everything that was on...offThese activities are setup by a software wizard -- both Mac and Windows versions are included -- that runs you through a series of questions to setup your remote. First, it asks you what components you have -- you choose them from a drop down list. Then, for configuration, it'll ask, "Choose the TV video input below where you have your DVD player connected" and "Choose the A/V receiver input below where you have your DVD player connected," etc. It runs through these for each activity and then sets everything up automatically. You connect the remote to your PC/Mac with the included USB cable and it is programmed with these activities and your devices.

There is nothing you have to do with the actual remote to configure it. There are no device codes to input, no buttons to configure, and no macros to setup.

oh. no kidding. I'm 35 and there is still room to learn. LOL. Then I can use the coax from the DVD to the receiver too, then just run component to the TV for the best pic besides HDMI?

You want a Lager or a Hoegarten?


That sounds like a NICE remote. Does it do the On demand and guide menu that is typical with COmcast remotes, like record DVR, etc?

I've tried uni remotes before.

Weeks later, I removed the batteries and let my 3 yr old son use it as a toy. I ended up with the Comcast Remote that I set up to do everything minus the receiver. It didn't do what it said it was going to do, but after looking at that Harmony, this is obviously a completely different breed than the POS I bought about 3 years ago.

Thanks

Then I can use the coax from the DVD to the receiver too, then just run component to the TV for the best pic besides HDMI?Correct!

That sounds like a NICE remote. Does it do the On demand and guide menu that is typical with COmcast remotes, like record DVR, etc?Yes.

The below thread has pictures of their remotes, so you can see what each model has:

http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-harmony/thread.cgi?4251

2 beers for you.

cripes. I thought buying my TV was hard. Picking one of these out is going to be a bear. Which is good for about 100 that does as advertized? As a question - does the Xbox Harmony do the same sorts of things, like control everything ? I had no idea that they even had one.

Logitech® Harmony® 550 Advanced Universal - I really like the looks of that. I read all about it. Do you work at Logitech? LOL. This is perfect. Pretty good prices on ebay too.

Wait. Will this work on my older stuff???

Their "top of the line" Harmony 880 runs $150-$160, with a $30 mail-in rebate ($120 after rebate). Walmart had the next step down, the Harmony 720, for $100 on clearance, but most stores are sold out.

The lower-end Harmony 550 is about $75 shipped on Amazon. The Harmony Xbox360 remote sells for a bit under $100.

As a question - does the Xbox Harmony do the same sorts of things, like control everything ?Yes, although all of the Harmony remotes support the Xbox360; the only enhancement the Xbox360 version has is the extra colored buttons.

All of the modern Harmony remotes have a LCD where additional device/activity functions are found (and this is customizable, through the PC/Mac software). The 720 and 880 have a color LCD with a recharging base station, whereas the others have a black&white LCD.

Wait. Will this work on my older stuff???Yes, Harmony remotes support more devices than any other remote on the market.

ok, time to hit the sack after I get my dog out. I'll be sure to check back here!

My to do list - read more @ AV "stuff", buy one of the 550s, and just buy one more set of component cables.

I am sure I will amaze you with more dumb questions tomorrow.

Thanks so much. I'll run a tab.

ok, time to hit the sack after I get my dog out. I'll be sure to check back here!

My to do list - read more @ AV "stuff", buy one of the 550s, and just buy one more set of component cables.You might consider buying locally, so just in case you don't like the button feel/layout, you can return it without a hassle.

Great. I've been reading reviews about it. I think you have me sold on it...

OK, I jut picked up my HD DVR box from Comcast today. All I need now is my new TV and stand. They gave me Motorolla DCT3400 series set top box.

Will I still be able to hook this up to the above items and have surround sound and be able to watch regular DVDs and play my 360?

Your current receiver does not support HD video signals. Hence, you can't use the video switching in that receiver.

So does that mean that if I don't get the Harmony remote, I have to manually go behind my set up and change the cabling to get this to work with the current configuration?

So does that mean that if I don't get the Harmony remote, I have to manually go behind my set up and change the cabling to get this to work with the current configuration?You need to go behind your TV anyway, because your receiver does not support HD signals.

But you don't need the Harmony remote, it just simplifies switching between between your DVR, Xbox360, and DVD player). It's an ease of use thing, not something you must have to use your system.

OK, I jut picked up my HD DVR box from Comcast today. All I need now is my new TV and stand. They gave me Motorolla DCT3400 series set top box.

Will I still be able to hook this up to the above items and have surround sound and be able to watch regular DVDs and play my 360?Yes, provided you connect it up as follows:It sounds like your receiver only has two digital audio inputs -- but you have three devices, and will surely acquire more in the future. For now, you would connect the DVD player to the receiver with SPDIF input (RCA phono), the Comcast HDTV DVR to the receiver with SPDIF input (TOS Link), and the Xbox360 to the receiver with L/R analog stereo.

For your video connections, would connect the DVD player directly to your TV with component, the Xbox360 to the DVD player with another component input, and the Comcast HDTV DVR to your TV with HDMI. You can order a quality HDMI cable from Monoprice.com for about $10 if Comcast does not provide one for free (ask for one when they come).

You need to go behind your TV anyway, because your receiver does not support HD signals.

I don;t get it. When I need to change what I am watching, I need to pull cables to acheive sound and picture for things like DVD, STV, and Xbox? I can't just click VID 1, 2, etc like I do now?

I don;t get it. When I need to change what I am watching, I need to pull cables to acheive sound and picture for things like DVD, STV, and Xbox? I can't just click VID 1, 2, etc like I do now?Yikes! No.

But you do have to setup the cables in the back once, as indicated above. Once you do that, you can just click VID1, VID2, etc on the TV remote and DVD, TV, etc on the A/V receiver remote. The TV handles your picture and the A/V receiver handles the sound.

cool. I'll try to do it exactly as stated.

For your video connections, would connect the DVD player directly to your TV with component, the Xbox360 to the DVD player with another component input

I just checked , it only has one component on the DVD. I'm in trouble!

I just checked , it only has one component on the DVD. I'm in trouble!In your first post, you said the Samsung had two component inputs. Is that not correct?

My apologies, that statement had a typo. It should say:

For your video connections, would connect the DVD player directly to your TV with component, the Xbox360 to the TV with another component input

This is what the Samsung has:


HDMI Inputs 2






DVI Inputs No






S-Video Inputs 2






Component Video Inputs 2






Composite Inputs 2






RGB Inputs 1

You are fine then. My statement just had a typo. It said to connect the Xbox360 to the DVD player, which doesn't make any sense. You connect the Xbox360 to TV using the second component input.

cool. Can't wait to test your suggestions!

OK, its here, but what do these look like?

It sounds like your receiver only has two digital audio inputs -- but you have three devices, and will surely acquire more in the future. For now, you would connect the DVD player to the receiver with SPDIF input (RCA phono), the Comcast HDTV DVR to the receiver with SPDIF input (TOS Link), and the Xbox360 to the receiver with L/R analog stereo.

For your video connections, would connect the DVD player directly to your TV with component, the Xbox360 to the [b]TV[/v] with another component input, and the Comcast HDTV DVR to your TV with HDMI. You can order a quality HDMI cable from Monoprice.com for about $10 if Comcast does not provide one for free (ask for one when they come). Fixed typo.


The only one I know for sure is the Component, HDMI and Toslink. What do the others look like??

OK, its here, but what do these look like?A component video cable is a set of three cables, typically colored red, blue, and green.

The SPDIF (RCA phono) cable is digital coax. It looks just like any other RCA cable. If you have a composite video cable (typically with yellow connectors) lying around, you can use that to connect from the digital audio input (RCA) on your receiver to the digital audio (RCA) output on the DVD player.

You connect the Xbox to the stereo receiver with a right/left stereo pair. These cables are typically red and white.

I got it! I figured it out, thanks in HUGE part to you. What an amazing TV. And yes, I definitely need a Harmony remote. I have 1 remote for the DVD, one for Receiver, 1 for HDCable, and 1 for the TV. Maddening, but I'll get there!

Hey Don,
I second the recommendations of the Harmony remotes. I too, tried a different universal remote a few years back (it was a Sony I think) and it was worthless. I have a Harmony 880 now and love it. It can do it all, including record the DVR etc., like you asked. The rest of my remotes are in the cabinet.

Good luck!

Sweet. More ammo for my purchases.

What is the best way to get the "pre work" done for the harmony? Should I go look at the back of all of the equip to figure out how they are cabled up?

Well, I am astounded. I love this TV. I'd love to control the cable from my Samsung remote, but the new HD DVR box code is not going in....

But here is the result of my hard work and your direction!

http://www.sofakinggamers.com/Don/100_0002_3.JPG

http://www.sofakinggamers.com/Don/100_0003_3.JPG

I have some more questions about getting the codes to recognize. But on the Harmony side, will it really let me control the Receiver Volume, the DVD player, and the inputs on the TV????

I have some more questions about getting the codes to recognize. But on the Harmony side, will it really let me control the Receiver Volume, the DVD player, and the inputs on the TV????It sure will.

What is the best way to get the "pre work" done for the harmony? Should I go look at the back of all of the equip to figure out how they are cabled up?
1) Write down the make and model of the equipment you have, so you can select it from the list during Harmony setup. You already did this in your first post to this thread.

2) Write down what video input each device is using on the TV (ex: DVR is HDMI-1, DVD is component-1, Xbox is component-2, etc) and what audio input each device is using on the receiver.

Once you've got that info, setup is pretty darn simple. The Harmony software will ask you for that information and once you answer those questions, it's ready to go.