I am a bit of an noob when it comes to all of the ideal home theater/gaming options, and I could use this forum's help. I am willing to mail a $50 GameStop gift card to anyone who can help me come up with the ideal set-up here. Having the Geek Squad come out would cost me twice as much the way I look at it.

My equiptment is listed below, and below that I will try to explain how I have it set-up currently:

46" Sony Bravia XBR3 LCD
Comcast Cable Box (Motorola)
PS3
Xbox 360 Elite
Wii
Sony Bravia HDX500 Theater System
Slingbox Pro

Basically, I have (3) HDMI inputs on this TV, and they are all being utilized by the cable box, Xbox 360 and PS3. The surround sound system supports HDMI, but I'm just using component...cause like I said all (3) inputs are already being used. I also have the Wii connected via component cables as well. The audio from the RCA outputs (or is it inputs) on the TV is run through the Slingbox PRO, and then passed through back to the BRAVIA Home Theater system via RCA.

The Slingbox PRO is connected by running component cables from the cable box into a device called the Slingbox HD Connect. The Slingbox Connect add-on plugs into the back of the Slingbox via HDMI. Then, I have S-Video running from the Slingbox to the TV. The audio for the Slingbox (as mentioned above) is supported by running RCA cables into the back of the TV.

I always keep the BRAVIA surround sound on the "TV" function...so that I can utilize it on whatever I am doing....video games, cable, DVD's, etc. I obviously understand that RCA isn't the best audio, but it was the only way I could get "everything" to work. I know the TV, surround sound receiver and the PS3 all support digital optical as well, but I tried that and was unsuccessful (maybe I was doing something wrong), which is what lead me to just using the red & white RCA's.

Basically, I want to maximize the capabilities of my equipment...but I am in need of the help from you experts!

You need an AVR receiver and universal remote. It would make the switching much easier and also let you buy new speakers, sub, and all sort of new stuff.

If I were you, I would buy a reciever such as an Harmon Kardon Avr 247. Hook everything up to that using hdmi and optical and one hdmi to the tv and you're done. You'll have better sound and it will be easier to hook up. You can get one for about 350 from am@zon. It also has plenty of componet inputs for things like your wii and other devices. You can also hook up your bravia theater unit to it for a dvd player. I also would recommend a universal remote such as a logitech harmony 670.

To make the best use of your system, you need to use the AV receiver like a switch. I'm not sure how many HDMI connections your AV receiver has, but instead of plugging all your HDMI connections directly into your TV, you should have one HDMI going from the AV receiver to the TV and then plugging your components (Xbox, PS3, etc.) into your AV receiver. If you need more HDMI inputs, Monoprice has a switch that will help you there. (HDMI passes both video and audio, so you shouldn't need the optical cables at all...)

I'm not extremely familiar with the Slingbox, but I'm pretty sure it supports HD, and you're not getting HD to your TV over S-Video. Actually, I don't think the Slingbox needs to connect to the TV at all since it's getting a feed from the cable box, which then gets transmitted over the Internet.

Connect the Wii to an open component input the AV receiver, then run component cables from the component output to an open component input on the TV. No need to run audio from the AV receiver in this case.

Hope this helps!

Edit: I thought the Theater System included a receiver... apparently it doesn't. Agree with the others above and recommend a AV receiver.

With all those goodies, you're only cheating yourself if you don't get a quality receiver.

I dont understand why you dont just leave all your components connected to the tv through hdmi then use the optical out on the tv to your receiver, just make sure you set the tv to output audio through the optical out

^^^^^^ Most tv's don't pass digital audio from other sources through the optical out. Only from the tuner.

Are there any good receivers that aren't so DAMN thick? I have space limitation issues with my entertainment cabinet.

I dont understand why you dont just leave all your components connected to the tv through hdmi then use the optical out on the tv to your receiver, just make sure you set the tv to output audio through the optical out

I second that, I am pretty sure your tv sends the digital audio from the HDMI signals out through the optical connector in the back.

Hook up an optical cable from your TV to the Sat/CAble optical input on your Bravia theatre system, whatever HDMI source you watch on your tv will send the 5.1 Dolby digital signal to the Bravia system for full 5.1 sourround.

Leave the slingbox as is with the L/R RCA connections from the tv to take care of the wii audio.

Are there any good receivers that aren't so DAMN thick? I have space limitation issues with my entertainment cabinet.

A receiver would help, but anything good to improve upon your current settup would be "thick"

I second that, I am pretty sure your tv sends the digital audio from the HDMI signals out through the optical connector in the back.

Hook up an optical cable from your TV to the Sat/CAble optical input on your Bravia theatre system, whatever HDMI source you watch on your tv will send the 5.1 Dolby digital signal to the Bravia system for full 5.1 sourround.

Leave the slingbox as is with the L/R RCA connections from the tv to take care of the wii audio.


Will I need to keep switching the inputs on the BRAVIA theater system depending on whether I play Xbox 360, PS3, watch cable etc.?

Do I need to change a TV setting by switching to the optical output?

yes, but that is where the universal remote will come into play. if you want to play xbox360, hit one button and tv, xbox, receiver all change and you're good to go. I wouldn't recommend the optical out for a number of reasons. for one, you may want 7.1 and you're not going to get that from optical...

good luck

tum

Get a Sony STR-DG910. It has 3 hdmi inputs for your 360, PS3, and comcast. It can do lossless sound from your ps3. You can plug your Wii into the 910 via component. You only need one hdmi to your tv.

Get a Logitech Harmony 880 remote.

PM me for my mailing address. ;)

I second that, I am pretty sure your tv sends the digital audio from the HDMI signals out through the optical connector in the back.

Hook up an optical cable from your TV to the Sat/CAble optical input on your Bravia theatre system, whatever HDMI source you watch on your tv will send the 5.1 Dolby digital signal to the Bravia system for full 5.1 sourround.

Leave the slingbox as is with the L/R RCA connections from the tv to take care of the wii audio.

Most TVs will only pass 5.1 surround on the coaxial input. All other inputs are only stereo sound.

The coupon is mine - been around the longest :)

this is your receiver:

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR605-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B000OBLARC******pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1199406004&sr=1-1

Can not be beaten. Does everything you'd ever want. Can not find this functionality in any other recvr in this price range. I have 604, slightly older version and love it.

To be able to switch between all these sources, go HDMI accross. As most receivers have at most 3 input, get yourself a 5 port HDMI switcher:
http://www.amazon.com/5-port-HDMI-switch-Remote-Control/dp/B000FHGONA******pd_bbs_8?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1199406280&sr=8-8

U can order directly from manufacturer: monoprice.com . I have it and love it.
If you plan on adding more HDMI sources, do consider 8 port version .

As remote control, I most highly recommend Philips Pronto. TSU3000 can be had for under $200 on Ebay. Been using Prontos for 7 years by now.

Ok so here's my input:

With your current equipment, you are not going to be able to take full advantage of what it has to offer. The biggest culprit? Your Sony Theater System. After looking at its manual, it only does HDMI output, and does not allow any HDMI input. This is a big hiccup with the equipment you have. With your current equipment, the only way you can enjoy your surround system with all your equipment would be to use it for audio only. Connect everything into the Sony TV, and then get yourself an optical audio switcher (cheap at monoprice.com) to handle all the audio duties of each device. (Either do this or do as mentioned above, where your optical out on your tv will go to the optical in of your current sony receiver.) Your current home theater receiver will stay on the same input mode, and provide the digital audio connection via the switch into the single optical audio input it has. This could become a pain esp. with the PS3 and Xbox360 since they are really meant for a hdmi connection. This is the cheaper alternative though and worth considering.

Below I propose a better solution. First step? Sell your Theater system. Its just not really prepared to handle everything you are going to throw at it. I made this layout for you:

http://bradboob.com/misc/avshelp.jpg

- Your Sony TV will always stay on the same input, HDMI 1 for example, so there will be 2 open HDMI ports on your TV.

- This particular receiver is the Yamaha RX-V861. I currently own this receiver and I love it. Plenty of power and flexibility. There are many to choose from that provide similar abilities, such as Onkyo's lineup. Feel free to research and investigate.

- Since you probably use the cable box alot, simply connect it directly to the receiver via the DTV/CBL hdmi input. Easy access from the receiver to your tv.

- Use the DVD hdmi input from the receiver to go to a 2x1 hdmi switcher from monoprice.com (about 30 bucks). From there you can access the ps3 or xbox via remote control (the switcher has a small credit card remote).

- Don't want to use a switcher? Consider another receiver that has 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output, eliminating the need for the hdmi switcher. You'll want to make sure it can still output everything via the HDMI output, including the component and composite (yellow rca) inputs.

- The Nintendo Wii will connect via component video and stereo audio.

- The best part is that everything that goes into the receiver will output via the HDMI cable. And since the HDMI cable will also include digital audio from your equipment, you can really reduce cable clutter.



So to use the system, you simply turn on the TV and the Receiver, and then control what input you want to use via the remote on the Receiver. It's very programmable and allows you to customize programmability to make life easier (only on the Yamaha's with their "SCENE" feature. You can always upgrade to a dedicated universal remote as suggested above.


Now you may ask what am I gonna do about speakers? Well my suggestion would be to check out these from AV123.

http://www.**********/products_category_brand.php?section=speakers&brand=55

I own speakers (their rocket line) from this company and they are wonderful. Beautiful finishes on the speakers and high quality sound. The X-Series are amazing bang for your buck. Check out the whole site they have everything you could want.

I know this involves kind of a big switch in your setup, but I think it's for the best. You are going to allow yourself a lot of expandability and flexibility by going this route. I know you had said space was a concern, but i'm sure you will find a way that it could work. If you have any other questions feel free to ask, I'm happy to help!

Funny, you guys are really working for that gift card!

Yeah I know... i'm not sure why he thinks he needs to bribe us, people on this site are usually pretty helpful regardless. Anyways, I looked into it and your right, the xbr3 doesn't output audio through the optical with any of the hdmi or video inputs; only from the cable/antenna jack. So it sounds like your best bet would be to upgrade receivers, preferably one with 3 hdmi inputs like the Sony DG910, so that you dont have to deal with a switcher

Onkyo NR-905

Reon scaler, 4 HDMI inputs, 2 outputs, exceptional power. Say no more. gift card please :)

If you need a slim line receiver, look at the Panny digitals. Coupled with an hdmi switcher, you should be good to go.

defboob's post is the most deserving btw.

If you want to go with slim and digital I'd recommend this receiver..I got mine last year and it has done outstanding.

Under $400 and I can even get ya a 10% off coupon when ya buy it at Circuit City...:)

http://www.circuitcity.com/IMAGE/product/enlarged/jvc/EC.JVC.RXD401S.JPG

Features:

Powerful sound: This JVC A/V receiver delivers an awesome 110 watts per channel, bringing all of your music and movies to life with clear, powerful concert-style sound.

7.1-channel surround sound: Wrap yourself in full, rich surround sound with this 7.1-channel receiver.

HDMI connections: Get crisp, realistic digital images and detailed sound with this digital A/V interface. Offering you the convenience and performance of HDMI up-conversation, the JVC RXD401S lets you connect your components to the receiver with just one cable.

USB-PC link: Connect the receiver to your PC via the USB-PC link, and you’ll be ready to groove to all your favorite digital tunes.

Enhanced audio: Get the best sound from your favorite music and movies with Dolby® Digital EX, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic IIx and Dolby Pro Logic II decoding. You also get enhanced audio from DTS®, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6 and DTS 96/94 decoding.

CC converter: JVC’s exclusive dual-mode CC converter improves the sound quality of compressed audio and non-compressed sources. This assures that you get the clearest, sharpest sound possible.

Virtual surround back sound: Creates an even wider sound field without a surround back speaker.

Wide range of connections: Enjoy top-tier performance from HDMI connections. A Genesis deinterlacer, using technology from Faroudja, handles HDMI up-conversion. Component, S-video and composite connections offer lots of A/V flexibility.

Special features: Center channel alignment, 3D-PHONIC, quick speaker setup, one-touch operation and DSP digital equalizer

thx for the gift card bro....

I would do exactly like defboob explained.. just find a receiver that best fits your needs (price and size). I personally chose the Onkyo 705, but the Sony 910 and the panny mentioned in this thread are excellent choices for your needs.

if you're looking for a lower profile receiver, i don't know if they still make them, but Panasonic made a few good ones a year or 2 ago. they were pretty good, and were digital so they ran much cooler than other receivers, i would look into them if i was you. i don't how their current ones compare to other receivers though, if they even still make them...

Ok so here's my input:

With your current equipment, you are not going to be able to take full advantage of what it has to offer. The biggest culprit? Your Sony Theater System. After looking at its manual, it only does HDMI output, and does not allow any HDMI input. This is a big hiccup with the equipment you have. With your current equipment, the only way you can enjoy your surround system with all your equipment would be to use it for audio only. Connect everything into the Sony TV, and then get yourself an optical audio switcher (cheap at monoprice.com) to handle all the audio duties of each device. (Either do this or do as mentioned above, where your optical out on your tv will go to the optical in of your current sony receiver.) Your current home theater receiver will stay on the same input mode, and provide the digital audio connection via the switch into the single optical audio input it has. This could become a pain esp. with the PS3 and Xbox360 since they are really meant for a hdmi connection. This is the cheaper alternative though and worth considering.

Below I propose a better solution. First step? Sell your Theater system. Its just not really prepared to handle everything you are going to throw at it. I made this layout for you:

http://bradboob.com/misc/avshelp.jpg

- Your Sony TV will always stay on the same input, HDMI 1 for example, so there will be 2 open HDMI ports on your TV.

- This particular receiver is the Yamaha RX-V861. I currently own this receiver and I love it. Plenty of power and flexibility. There are many to choose from that provide similar abilities, such as Onkyo's lineup. Feel free to research and investigate.

- Since you probably use the cable box alot, simply connect it directly to the receiver via the DTV/CBL hdmi input. Easy access from the receiver to your tv.

- Use the DVD hdmi input from the receiver to go to a 2x1 hdmi switcher from monoprice.com (about 30 bucks). From there you can access the ps3 or xbox via remote control (the switcher has a small credit card remote).

- Don't want to use a switcher? Consider another receiver that has 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output, eliminating the need for the hdmi switcher. You'll want to make sure it can still output everything via the HDMI output, including the component and composite (yellow rca) inputs.

- The Nintendo Wii will connect via component video and stereo audio.

- The best part is that everything that goes into the receiver will output via the HDMI cable. And since the HDMI cable will also include digital audio from your equipment, you can really reduce cable clutter.



So to use the system, you simply turn on the TV and the Receiver, and then control what input you want to use via the remote on the Receiver. It's very programmable and allows you to customize programmability to make life easier (only on the Yamaha's with their "SCENE" feature. You can always upgrade to a dedicated universal remote as suggested above.


Now you may ask what am I gonna do about speakers? Well my suggestion would be to check out these from AV123.

http://www.**********/products_category_brand.php?section=speakers&brand=55

I own speakers (their rocket line) from this company and they are wonderful. Beautiful finishes on the speakers and high quality sound. The X-Series are amazing bang for your buck. Check out the whole site they have everything you could want.

I know this involves kind of a big switch in your setup, but I think it's for the best. You are going to allow yourself a lot of expandability and flexibility by going this route. I know you had said space was a concern, but i'm sure you will find a way that it could work. If you have any other questions feel free to ask, I'm happy to help!


You are clearly the winner, especially with all of the graphical assistance. I personally think I am going to go with the Sony receiver with the 3 inputs though. PM me with your address, and I will get the card out to you! Thank you for your advice...especially for laying it out in layman's terms for me.

Is the sound with HDMI really enough to blow me away? I mean, I'll be honest, I don't see muchpicture quality difference in my Xbox 360 Elite (w/ HDMI) than I did previously? Same thing with the HDMI from the cable box to the TV. Is the audio going to be leaps and bounds better than the RCA I have been used to. Sorry if this is a really dumb question!

You are clearly the winner, especially with all of the graphical assistance. I personally think I am going to go with the Sony receiver with the 3 inputs though. PM me with your address, and I will get the card out to you! Thank you for your advice...especially for laying it out in layman's terms for me.

Is the sound with HDMI really enough to blow me away? I mean, I'll be honest, I don't see muchpicture quality difference in my Xbox 360 Elite (w/ HDMI) than I did previously? Same thing with the HDMI from the cable box to the TV. Is the audio going to be leaps and bounds better than the RCA I have been used to. Sorry if this is a really dumb question!


Thanks dude, I sent you the PM! In regards to above, the sound through HDMI will pretty much be on par with the sound via optical audio output. It's digital 5.1 and when setup properly, is a huge difference coming from stereo output. HDMI also allows you a higher bitstream for new things such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, which you can take advantage of with HD-DVD and Blu-Ray standalone units.

With the HDMI Audio Connection:

- Video games will be in true 5.1 Digital Surround Sound
- Primetime TV Shows will broadcast in Dolby Digitial 5.1
- Movies via DVD will be able to play via their full audio encodings (Dolby Digital, DTS, etc)

Thanks again and please post back with updates and questions for fine-tuning what you want!

The one thing I'd add is that if you are playing any games where lag is a major issue going through the receiver can make things a bit tricky. I had been playing guitar hero on an older CRT set with a PS2, then I got a Sony A3000 RP set and an Onkyo 605 receiver. I tried playing the PS2 guitar game through my PS3->HDMI->605->HDMI->TV. I found the lag and synching issues made the game almost unplayable, and I happily went back to playing on the PS2 connected directly to the TV via composite and playing through the TV speakers.

Then I got Rock Band for my 360 (I have a non-HDMI version) and I experimented a little with my setup. I started with 360->Component->receiver->Component->TV (note the Onkyo 605 sucks at Component to HDMI A/D conversion but the fact that it does it at all actually makes it better than most receivers). This was hard to play, but better than the PS2 Guitar Hero through HDMI. My guess is the receiver is mostly passing the signal and is not processing it as much since it's all analog.

I found that the best setup for lag was Xbox 360 -> Component -> TV (video Only) and Xbox 360 -> Optical (didn't experiment with the analog stereo outs this may be even better but you give up true 5.1) ->Receiver (audio only)

Since I have a Harmony 880 remote I was able to program everything to change together with 1 button press with the video going straight to the TV and the audio straight to the receiver.

Basically if lag is an issue (only with my Xbox 360) I have it going straight to the TV and split the audio straight to the receiver. If lag isn't an issue I go through my receiver. I also toggle the receiver output (Component or HDMI) based on what the source is.

Basically this is what I have:
Xbox 360 as stated above (might experiment with VGA once it comes back from RROD repair)
PS3 -> HDMI -> receiver -> HDMI -> TV primarily a BD player HD audio is more important than lag
Wii -> Component/Stereo RCA -> Receiver -> Component -> TV
Comcast Box -> Component/SPDIF -> Receiver -> Component -> TV
PS2 -> Composit/Stereo RCA -> TV (only used for older GH games)

tkdee that's interesting, i havent heard any issues before of "lag" in regards to passing through the receiver. My Yamaha has never given me any of those issues. My 360 is connected via component and going out via HDMI to the projector. I guess it just comes down to how well the Receiver handles the signal - another good point to research before deciding on what to get.

Let it be known this guy hasn't paid me the giftcard yet....ha, umm hello Agis?

wow that's just shady man. hope it works out for ya.

Let it be known this guy hasn't paid me the giftcard yet....ha, umm hello Agis?

from the get go i wouldnt have expected to actually get the gift card.... no surprise he never sent it.

I would experiment with the HDMI switch placement ( going from game console to switch to tv versus switch to amp to tv). Is it even necessary with a good univeral remote. 2 HDMI jacks on TV + 2 on a HDMI switching amp equals 3 usable HDMI ports.


and I am not sure why the sling box is even connected to the tv. TV has it's own direct line to cable box, which is HD not SD. Sling box is to stream TV to a remote location not current location.