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Onkyo TX-SR608 wont output HDMI (digital) audio from Zone 2 - looking for alternative

post #1 of 13
3/2/11 at 2:26pm
Thread Starter 
I have the Onkyo TX-SR608 and came to the realization after purchase that it cannot output digital audio to Zone 2. The issue is this, I am trying to get Audio to outdoor speakers from my Time Warner Digital HDMI SetTop Box.

Currently, I have to attach my outdoor speakers to my zone1 front speakers to get sound outside. The problem with this is, I have to crank up my volume to get suitable sound outside and its just too loud inside.

So I guess my question is, can I still have my HDMI cable from my cable box into my receiver and additionally connect rca audio cables? Basically, use the HDMI for Video and RCA cables for Audio? I was under the impression I can only use HDMI or analog at one time. I of course don't want to compromise my video, so can anyone assist? I don't understand why Zone 2 cannot output Digital Audio. It is a major disadvantage!

If this is not possible and I have to stick with my current setup, how can I boost my audio outside? would it be possible to put a small amplifier between the speaker output and the outdoor speakers, or some other solution?

Any suggestions would be greatly helpful,
Thanks
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post #2 of 13
3/2/11 at 2:54pm
AFAIK, there are currently only 3 AVRs on the market today (all Yamaha) that can output HDMI audio to Zone 2. Most of us simply connect an analog cable from the source in addition to the HDMI cable (as long as the source will output over both although most cable/sat boxes do).
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post #3 of 13
3/2/11 at 4:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdsmoothie View Post

AFAIK, there are currently only 3 AVRs on the market today (all Yamaha) that can output HDMI audio to Zone 2. Most of us simply connect an analog cable from the source in addition to the HDMI cable (as long as the source will output over both although most cable/sat boxes do).

Which are the Yamaha receivers that can output HDMI audio to Zone 2? Because I have already looked at two(RX-667 and RX-A800) and they only output analog to Zone 2.
Thanks
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post #4 of 13
3/2/11 at 5:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Herby View Post

Which are the Yamaha receivers that can output HDMI audio to Zone 2? Because I have already looked at two(RX-667 and RX-A800) and they only output analog to Zone 2.
Thanks

Beginning with the A1000/2000/3000. Check out their spec page.



http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio..._u/?mode=model
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post #5 of 13
3/2/11 at 6:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by phantom52 View Post

Beginning with the A1000/2000/3000. Check out their spec page.



http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio..._u/?mode=model

I should have checked just one more, Thanks.
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post #6 of 13
3/2/11 at 6:27pm
I think I am going with this http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2 Digital to Analog converter for the Apple TV and getting the Onkyo TX-SR608.
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post #7 of 13
3/2/11 at 7:01pm
Quote:
So I guess my question is, can I still have my HDMI cable from my cable box into my receiver and additionally connect rca audio cables? Basically, use the HDMI for Video and RCA cables for Audio? I was under the impression I can only use HDMI or analog at one time. I of course don't want to compromise my video, so can anyone assist? I don't understand why Zone 2 cannot output Digital Audio. It is a major disadvantage!

If all you're worried about is playing your set top box audio in zone 2, just connect a pair of RCA cables from your cable box audio out to the receiver. You can still leave the HDMI cable in place and get HD video and dolby digital audio from it. I assume your HDMI cable is connected to HDMI IN 3 (cbl/sat)? If so connect your RCA cable to the analog CBL/Sat red/white audio inputs on the receiver. Connect your outdoor speakers to the Zone 2 speaker terminals. Read your manual about Zone2 setup and go from there. You'll be able to have different volume levels in your main area and outside.

You don't need to get rid of your receiver.

I'm about 98.9% sure this will work. You can also play the radio outside and watch a movie inside at the same time.
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post #8 of 13
3/2/11 at 8:24pm
Thread Starter 
Guys,

Thanks so much for the quick reply's. After reading the reply's I experimented with the RCA cable, while keeping the HDMI connected and sure enough it works like a charm. I should have been smart enough to try this on my own, but I for some reason didn't think it could output to both.

Just an FYI: I am also using a HDMI splitter for (2) tv's and a HDMI to Cat6e Converter, so I can extend my video distance around 100'. I have to say, I was very concerned with all this splitting, again hoping my Receiver also had dual HDMI video outputs (nope). However, I must say I am pleasantly surprised at how great the picture actually looks with an inexpensive splitter and especially the HDMI to CAT6e converter. I just figured I would add that incase anyone was thinking about a similar setup.

Thanks again,
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post #9 of 13
3/2/11 at 9:10pm
Quote:


Thanks so much for the quick reply's. After reading the reply's I experimented with the RCA cable, while keeping the HDMI connected and sure enough it works like a charm. I should have been smart enough to try this on my own, but I for some reason didn't think it could output to both.

I don't understand why you guys get all frustrated and ready to replace a receiver when you haven't even tried setting the receiver up properly. I bet it didn't take long to plug in that RCA cable.

You're not gonna break the receiver by trying a few things out.

I'm glad it worked for you.
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post #10 of 13
3/15/11 at 4:50pm
@afrogt

I'm having the same frustration with zone 2. But one of the reasons I purchased this receiver is to not have as many cables. So now I'm finding out that if I want to listen to Pandora or listen/watch a game from outside I have to add more cables to the back of my entertainment center. It's frustrating.
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post #11 of 13
3/16/11 at 7:58am
My previous receiver was a TX-SR500. I was able to get sound to zone 2 (B on that receiver) by way of optical or digital coax.
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post #12 of 13
4/3/11 at 2:43pm
So you say the A series Yamaha's can do digital/hdmi to zone 2, and this is supported under the feature and spec sections on Yamaha's website:

"Multi-channel output in main Zone plus 2-channel HDMI output in a second Zone"

"HDMI (In/Out) (8 / 2 ) Ver 1.4a [Zone B Capable]"

However, in the A1000 owner's manual it states very emphatically on page 136 that "Only analog signals can be sent to zone 2".

Is the manual wrong? am I not understanding this correctly? I am currently designing a multi zone/room system that is HDMI input based. I really need a receiver/ preamp that can send HDMI and analog to the zone 2 pre-out.
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post #13 of 13
4/3/11 at 3:21pm
As with most any Zone 2 AVR, if you want an independent source from the main zone to Zone 2 you must connect an analog cable from the source. However, in Party mode, and just as the line item you quoted in your post, the AX000 series will pass 5.1 HDMI audio to the main zone and the same source (downmixed to 2-CH) to Zone 2.
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AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › Onkyo TX-SR608 wont output HDMI (digital) audio from Zone 2 - looking for alternative