G45 HTPC > Denon AVR-790 via HDMI - No Picture

I built an HTPC this summer (Intel G45), and connected it via HDMI to my 3-yr old Olevia HDTV (1080i). I've never had a single problem with display of any kind between the two, including BluRay playback.

I just completed a major re-wiring project so that I could move all components into a cabinet at the back of the room, and I purchased the Denon AVR-790 to handle all inputs with the single HDMI output to the TV. I connected my HTPC and DirecTV to HDMI inputs on the Denon, my Wii connected via component which is upconverting to the HDMI output.

DirecTV and Wii are working perfectly. However, I can't get any video/audio from the HTPC. If I take the HDMI cable from the Denon output, and plug it directly to the HTPC, it works fine. I just can't get any signal from the HTPC through the receiver. I tried 3 different cables from the HTPC and the receiver. I've updated the video and chipset drivers, however I'm not even seeing the boot screen so not sure it's even an OS/driver issue. I am at a loss as to what to try next.

Still working on this issue. Is anyone else successfully running an Intel G45-based HTPC to a Denon receiver via HDMI, output via HDMI to HDTV? I'd like to figure out if I've got a global Intel-Denon issue, or something more specific to my particular setup.

This is the HDMI cable I ran. As I mentioned in the previous post, when I connect the PC directly to the TV via this cable, it works perfectly, as do the DirecTV and Wii with the receiver connected via this cable. Is there any possible reason this cable might not be compatible with the HTPC->Receiver->TV communication chain?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812189139

I'm really stumped here, I don't know what else to try. This situation blows a huge hole in my project. My only remaining option is to give up on the HTPC and just buy a Blue-Ray player, but my family really enjoys the added functionality of the living room PC.

Side Note: I've never used DVI to HDMI before, as the PC had always been hooked to the TV via HDMI directly. However I noticed a spare adapter sitting on my desk so decided to give that a shot. With the adapter in the DVI-out of the PC, then HDMI cable to the receiver, I was able to get a picture. I had to run sound via SPDIF-out.

It doesn't make any sense to me why that would work whereas direct HDMI won't. What am I losing potentially with this connection method?

I've got the Intel DG45ID, latest BIOS, G45 chipset and video drivers (Windows 7 32-bit), so I think those bases are covered.

kipster - thanks for the tip, I will do some research on the registry edits you mention. Sounds like your setup is almost identical to mine, so at least I know the combo *should* be workable which make me feel a little more optimistic. The only thing though is I don't even see the boot screen, so the problem seems to be pre-Windows, which means drivers/registry haven't come into play at that point. But I'll still look into it.

cybrsage - I'll try HDMI 4. I have tried both 1 and 2, but not 4. I did notice that each HDMI port has a little different default settings based on the device label. I'll take a closer look at those and see if I can note a difference.

Really though, there aren't that many settings available. Basically I have upconvert/upcale OFF, though I tried several combinations of resolution upscaling as well. I've tried input mode set to Auto as well as HDMI. I'm not really sure there's anything else to change.

nobisita - I read some other posts about issues with when the device is turned on, so I tried that as well. Shut down PC AND receiver. Turned the receiver on to the HTPC input, then turned on the PC, no dice. Then tried it vice-versa. Interesting thing is, through the DVI-to-HDMI adapter, it doesn't seem to care what's on when, I get a picture immediately regardless of what order I turn on or switch inputs, and I can go back and forth between inputs just fine.

I am curious as to what the difference is in the signal between direct HDMI as opposed to DVI-to-HDMI. Why no picture direct, but picture pops right up with the DVI-to-HDMI adapter? Seems like the answer to that has to point to the cause of the issue.

I have not resolved it yet, but I have a whole list of things to try this weekend thanks to everyone here.

I do already have the latest BIOS and chipset/video drivers installed.

Right now I'm up and running with the DVI-to-HDMI adapter, with sound connected separately via SPDIF out. Perhaps I'm imagining things, but the picture quality just doesn't seem as good as when I am connected directly to the TV via straight HDMI.

I was able to play a Blu-Ray using the PowerDVD 7.3 which came free with my drive, so it doesn't appear I have any HDCP issues with this configuration. But I'm not getting HD sound - I believe I need to upgrade to PowerDVD 9 for that though. I'll be the first to admit I don't understand all the different formats and such. I am definitely NOT an audiophile, so I don't honestly know if I'm set up to the best advantage sound-wise.

I have read that alot of people have issues getting 5.1 sound out from HDMI. Before I got the receiver, I know I also only had the option of Stereo when I used HDMI for sound.