I purchased the Pioneer PDP-5040HD 3 happy years ago, I;m just now hoping to hook it up to my Cable Box and DVD player via HDMI.

- Cable box is a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HDC
- DVD player doesn't have HDMI, so never mind about that one until I buy a new one...

Purchased two 19 pin HDMI cables, hooked it up, and nothing. No video.

Went to refer the manual, and interestingly the Pioneer manual for my TV doesn't mention HDMI, and even the images of the rear of the media center don't have the HDMI ports that are there!

Any ideas? Is there a super secret setting on either device that needs changing? Did I buy the wrong version HDMI wire?

-Rob

Your TV doesn't have/support HDMI. You will have to use component cables to connect it. You could also use iLink (Firewire) to connect it if your cable box has that connection. Your DVD player will use component as well. You don't need to buy a new DVD player if it is a progressive scan player and does a good job with your DVDs.

You shouldn't have HDMI ports on the back of your Media Center unless it was switched for a newer Media Center (like the one for the 5060).

I promise, it has two HDMI ports on the back of the media center!

Is it possible they are not connected internally?

I'm not doubting you, it's just odd. HDMI was just being standardized (for the first time) when the 5040HD was being produced. I'd give Pioneer a call and see what the service rep can tell you.

I purchased the Pioneer PDP-5040HD 3 happy years ago, I;m just now hoping to hook it up to my Cable Box and DVD player via HDMI.

- Cable box is a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HDC
- DVD player doesn't have HDMI, so never mind about that one until I buy a new one...

Purchased two 19 pin HDMI cables, hooked it up, and nothing. No video.

Went to refer the manual, and interestingly the Pioneer manual for my TV doesn't mention HDMI, and even the images of the rear of the media center don't have the HDMI ports that are there!

Any ideas? Is there a super secret setting on either device that needs changing? Did I buy the wrong version HDMI wire?

-RobThe HDMI ports are shared with the component inputs for Input 1 and 3. They are turned off by default. You need to go into the options menu and turn them on (meaning switch to input 1==>go into the options menu==>turn on the HDMI port).