Hi, I'm relatively new at this but have used the forum for all of my research, and it's been fantastic. Here's my problem: I am trying to hook up my new DVD player (Denon DVD-1730) to my receiver (Onkyo TX-SR605) via an AudioQuest HDMI-X cord. When I play a DVD, all I get is audio--no picture (on my Samsung 4254 plasma, which is hooked up via component/optical). Is this because the Onkyo doesn't support HDCP, whatever that is? The Denon's manual mentions it but I find a reference to HDCP in the Onkyo's manual.

I bought all of the pieces in the last few weeks, and they're all major brands, so I'm surprised that all the components can't fully talk to each other. When I hook up the DVD player to the reciever via component/optical, it works fine, but I'd like to use the HDMI cord if possible. Am I missing something obvious??

Thanks!

Have you tried hooking up the HDMI cable directly from your DVD player to your TV? It would help rule out the receiver or player as the problem.

Your DVD player is hooked up to the Onkyo with HDMI? Are you running HDMI from the Onkyo to the plasma? Chances are that the Onkyo will not convert the video from one type to another. Most lower-end receivers will not.

Right. I'm running component from Onkyo to plasma, and trying to run HDMI from DVD to Onkyo. That's probably ill advised, eh??

I did just try the cable straight to the TV (thanks for the suggestion Tokerblue) and I got both audio and video, though the video was fractured and strange. So the cord is slightly defective, but it still did get video across. Long story short, I guess I'll do component everywhere until I upgrade to Blu Ray or HDDVD (when the long war is over) and then go HDMI at that point. A decent plan??

Right. I'm running component from Onkyo to plasma, and trying to run HDMI from DVD to Onkyo. That's probably ill advised, eh??

Well, it's just that receiver doesn't do HDMI to component video conversion. In fact, I'm not sure there is a receiver that can do that (although I haven't honestly looked.) I think some do the other way around, though.

I did just try the cable straight to the TV (thanks for the suggestion Tokerblue) and I got both audio and video, though the video was fractured and strange. So the cord is slightly defective, but it still did get video across. Long story short, I guess I'll do component everywhere until I upgrade to Blu Ray or HDDVD (when the long war is over) and then go HDMI at that point. A decent plan??

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that plasma have like 3 HDMI inputs? What's stopping you from buying another HDMI cable or two (cheap from monoprice, like $12-$18 for 3 to 6 feet) and running one from the player to the receiver, and then from the receiver to the plasma? Or even just running HDMI from the player to the TV and a digital audio cable from the player to the receiver, if necessary?

You could use component all around, sure, but I think HDMI might be more fully suited.

That makes some sense. Are those HDMI cables you mention good quality?? What do I look for as far as HDMI cable quality? Thanks for your help!

Well, it's just that receiver doesn't do HDMI to component video conversion. In fact, I'm not sure there is a receiver that can do that (although I haven't honestly looked.) I think some do the other way around, though.
Some can "down-convert".


Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that plasma have like 3 HDMI inputs? What's stopping you from buying another HDMI cable or two (cheap from monoprice, like $12-$18 for 3 to 6 feet) and running one from the player to the receiver, and then from the receiver to the plasma? Or even just running HDMI from the player to the TV and a digital audio cable from the player to the receiver, if necessary?

You could use component all around, sure, but I think HDMI might be more fully suited.
Yeah, qbertitis, why are you even using component to connect the TV?

Are those HDMI cables you mention good quality??They're fine.



What do I look for as far as HDMI cable quality?
You don't. You look for a good price. :)

Some can "down-convert".



Yeah, I figured there was, but I've never needed one, so I haven't looked into them. I guess there are uses. :)


qbertitis, I have two Monoprice HDMI cables. They're fine. The Monster brands are also nice, but WAY overpriced. Monoprice delivers fast, too.

I was doing component because I already had a couple of component cables and didn't feel like going to the extra time and expense of re-buying HDMI cables and rewiring. But I went out and bought Monster HDMI cables today and everything's working great. Now, to buy those Monoprice ones and return the Monsters....