Computer/Home Theatre gurus

[94cc0rd]

Alrite, So i have a computer, and I have a 32" LCD tv + HTIB (home theater in a box). I want to be able to hook up my computer to my TV and my sound to my htib. I'm pretty sure I need a "dvi to hdmi" cable for the video... What do I need for the sound to hook up my computer to my htib?

Also, a little more in-depth question: I have my htib receiver which also is a 5 dvd-changer, I also have a HD cable box, and finally my LCD tv.

Right now, i have the (red/yellow/white) cables hooked up from htib receiver to the cable box. My cable line is hooked up to the cable box, and the cable box is connected to the TV. So when I watch TV, I get my sound through my htib (surround sound). BUT when I switch to a DVD, I don't get sound through the htib, but if I change the tv settings, I get sound through the TV speakers.

Here's a quick ms paint of how the wires are setup for you visual people..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/sennett0r/tvwires.jpg

What cables do I need and how do I need to hook them up so that I can get my sound through the htib while watching a DVD?

ps: if I switch the red/yellow/white wires to hook up from the htib receiver to the tv, instead of to the cable box (how it is now), I get sound through the htib when watching a DVD but not when watching cable tv.

I hope all this made sense, if anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it!

[cdlong]

that's really weird about the sound, the main point of the htib is it works with minimal hookup. anyway...

you should hook the HD cable box to the htib via HDMI and the reciever to the tv the same way. that would be by far the easiest and should give you digital surround sound and high def picture for the cable and DVD. not to mention that your picture will be phenomenally better with the HDMI. after looking at your picture again, you have possibly the worst setup possible. for picture quality, the rank from worst to best is coaxial cable, composite (yellow), component (red/green/blue), DVI/HDMI.

what model htib do you have? if the htib doesn't have HDMI ins and outs you should use component (red/green/blue) video cables for both straight into the TV. for sound you should be able to hook digital audio (optical or coaxial (different coaxial, it looks like an RCA cable but it's orange i think)) from the cable box to the htib and standard RCA audio (red/white) to the tv, assuming you use the surround sound every time you watch a DVD.

as for the computer, i'm not positive about the DVI, but it sounds like it will work. as for the sound, you'll need a headphone jack to RCA splitter and the standard audio cables that you already have. or you could get something like this, http://www.shoptronics.com/sthe3pltodur.html.

if you tell me the models of everything, i can draw you a similar picture of the best plan based on what inputs everything has.

[94cc0rd]

ahh Thanks so much.

Ok... My TV model is Sony Bravia KDL-32S3000
My HTIB is Sony Bravia DAV-HDX265

[cdlong]

the down side of the htib systems is they don't have any room to expand. i've got a plan for you but it involves some compromises.

htib is easy, just an HDMI cable from the reciever to the TV and all the usually speaker cables and whatnot.

cable box, coaxial cable from the wall to the box, component video (RGB) and RCA audio from the box to the tv. it would be better to use HDMI here also, but the reciever doesn't have HDMI switching and the TV only has two inputs.

computer, DVI and RCA audio to the TV.

you could also run a RCA audio cable from the TV output to the htib so you can run surround sound from the cable box and computer if the need arises.

[94cc0rd]

Would it be possible to use HDMI from the htib receiver to the TV, and another HDMI from the cable box to the TV?

Also, is it true that HDMI takes care of audio AND video ?

I was talking to my friend and he said that If i hook up a HDMI from the HTIB receiver to TV, and one more HDMI from the cable box to the TV (instead of coaxial) then everything would work with the surround sound without switching up the cables and stuff.

Also, He said that since I was using coaxial from the cable box to the TV... I was not really watching HD channels in true HD... he said that coaxial is not capable of transmitting a HD signal so all the stuff i've been watching in HD, thinking it was HD, was really just the same ol' analog signal...

[ixfxi]

Home theater in a box.... gag. But if you must....................


Regardless of what its called, its a receiver. Its responsible for your audio & video, and power amplification. Its the core of your system.

So, you want all inputs (both audio and video) being managed by the receiver. Regardless of how you do it, whether its HDMI cables or RCA cables, etc.

I picked up the same Sony 32" TV (costco model though, which is a tad different). Connect your PC with a VGA cable (15pin, not DVI). You can also use a DVI -> HDMI cable, if you prefer HDMI. Problem with HDMI cables is that they are expensive.

PC is the only device that should direct connect with the TV (in terms of video). The audio should be taken from your PC with either a headphone -> RCA cable, or your PC may have a RCA digital output (preferred). The headphone out isnt a quality connection. I use a Maudio sound card which has high quality RCA outputs.

The cable's audio/video should go into the receiver and then out to the TV. Your TV should not use its internal speakers, turn those off. Use the receiver for all audio output, since its better quality. Your receiver should have one main video output, thats what will go to the TV.

Look at the back of your receiver and learn what inputs it uses so that you can make the right decision as to what type of cables to go with. HDMI isnt bad, but I personally prefer older (proven) technology. I use the composite video outputs with my DVD player.

Funny, I reverted back to 2.1 components (preamp w/ monoblock amps) after years of having a 5.1 receiver. I havent looked back since...

[94cc0rd]

So I should only have 1 cable going to the TV from the receiver and the cable box?

My receiver box only has 1 HDMI output so I'm assuming, I would connect the receiver via HDMI to the TV, and hook up the cable box to the receiver via component wires (R/G/B). Right?


As for the PC to TV, I can use either DVI -> HDMI or VGA -> VGA to the TV right?

If I had my computer hooked up to my normal monitor (via VGA), and bought a DVI -> HDMI and hooked up to my TV, would I be able to see my computer video on both the monitor and the TV at the same time or would it only be one or the other?

[94cc0rd]

Ok, let's just say I'm retarded but I figured out my problem with my surround sound only working with either the cable TV or the dvd.

[cdlong]

you had the output in the input (or vice versa) didn't you?

Would it be possible to use HDMI from the htib receiver to the TV, and another HDMI from the cable box to the TV?

yes. the reason i said to use compontent cables for the cable is because you don't have enough HDMI inputs for all three, but i didn't notice until now that the TV has a 15 pin RGB connection. use that for your computer and use the HDMI connections for the htib and cable. you can also use a straight headphone jack to headphone jack cable for the audio. as Mike said, the sound will be unimpressive but that's the case with most computer audio.

Also, is it true that HDMI takes care of audio AND video ?

yes. DVI is only video, that's why a simple adaptor will work between the two, it just drops the audio portion.

I was talking to my friend and he said that If i hook up a HDMI from the HTIB receiver to TV, and one more HDMI from the cable box to the TV (instead of coaxial) then everything would work with the surround sound without switching up the cables and stuff.

yes, except that you need an RCA cable from the TV to the htib so you can get surround sound for the cable and computer.

Also, He said that since I was using coaxial from the cable box to the TV... I was not really watching HD channels in true HD... he said that coaxial is not capable of transmitting a HD signal so all the stuff i've been watching in HD, thinking it was HD, was really just the same ol' analog signal...

yep.


The cable's audio/video should go into the receiver and then out to the TV. Your TV should not use its internal speakers, turn those off. Use the receiver for all audio output, since it's better quality. Your receiver should have one main video output, thats what will go to the TV.

the reciever doesn't have any video inputs or video switching whatsoever.

My receiver box only has 1 HDMI output so I'm assuming, I would connect the receiver via HDMI to the TV, and hook up the cable box to the receiver via component wires (R/G/B). Right?

no, those are outputs for the DVD player, see above.

[ixfxi]

the reciever doesn't have any video inputs or video switching whatsoever.

haha NICE.

home theater in a box, biaaaaaaatch!

makes me wonder why they would even offer HDMI inputs, without using a drop of video switching. video switching is what makes having a receiver CONVENIENT, especially since you're sacrificing quality when doing with receivers (in almost all cases, although less with higher end receivers).

still, i hate receivers and will never go back. NEVER.


NEVER.

[94cc0rd]

haha cdlong thanks for all the answers...

The retarded part wasn't that. I was confused with the red/white/yellow cables and had all 3 from my receiver to my cable box. Which in a way was working, but the yellow (video) cable from the receiver to the cable box was pointless. I simply moved it to from the cable box to the TV and BAM surround sound audio for both tv and dvd.

Then I found some cheapo HDMI cables, paid for them, picked them up, and hooked up 1 from my receiver to the TV and 1 from my cable box to the TV. I also hooked up the red/white composite wires from the TV AUDIO OUT to the receiver AUDIO IN and BAM again, HD tv for real this time, and audio through my surround with TV and DVD!!! :)

haha ixfxi: I realized that my HTIB receiver isn't the best, but it'll do :)

Now that all that is figured out, on to hooking up my computer to my TV/surround sound...

So since I'm using up both my HDMI inputs on my TV, I'm assuming I have to use the component wires. What cable will I need for this? Does a DVI -> Component cable exist? Or my TV has a VGA input, but I'm assuming that the component cables will provide a slightly higher quality picture...

cdlong, ixfxi: care to clue me in? :-D

[cdlong]

the VGA is the way to go. best picture, it's avaliable (as opposed to your HDMI which are both taken), the cables are relatively cheap, and you can't convert from DVI to component without some additional electronics. you may be able to use the ViVo (computer connection that looks like S-video but has a different pin configuration) to S-video and still use the monitor and TV at the same time. otherwise it's one or the other unless you have a laptop, a nice video card, or two video cards.

i even drew a sweet picture but i can't upload it at work, (e-mail maybe?), but you seem to have it covered now. crutchfield is nice because they have very detailed pictures of the back of everything. i've even used it when i can't read the back of my equipment in the dark. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-6rO6a90Rkyc/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=146350&i=15832S3000&tp=161

this is tha back of your TV, use the PC in block with your computer. RGB for video and the little headphone jack for audio. http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2007/158/h15832S3000-b_1.jpeg

[DRavenS13]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b11/DarkRaven106/searsBWTV.jpg

I got lost after the first 2 sentences of the OP. Sorry.

[ixfxi]

I got lost after the first 2 sentences of the OP. Sorry.

wow! thats what i usually say when i'm talking to a woman!!! !!!



well, a good looking woman.. that is. it happens all the time when they're talking....


and i'm staring at their boobies like a deer caught in the headlights. haha

[cdlong]

just for fun.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/360000-360999/360169_92_full.jpg

[ixfxi]

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2007/022/x022RXV861-b.jpeg

see, THIS is how many inputs/outputs a good quality home theater should have. no less, but more..? sure, why not! :-)

if you want dual video output, you'll need to check with your video card specs and see if the drivers allow such configuration. nowadays, everything is based on the fucking nvidia chipset and uses forceware (driver software), which typically allows cloned output provided that you have a DVI and analog vga output. You can configure a simultaneous clone output to your TV. I think i'm one of the few thats managed to stay away from nvidia (i use a matrox video card).

in the future, make plans to buy a nicer quality receiver and speakers - you'll thank me for it, trust me. if you watch movies and listen to music, the last thing you want to do is destroy your ears with shitty sound. unless you're a woman, since its against the nature of most women to turn music loud.......

.................MOST women. I wont see all, because I like to have hope that these strange, rare, amazonian women exist! haha

[94cc0rd]

Alrite. This is the video card I have.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814145083

So for my video I could use either of these two cables right?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10235&cs_id=1023504&p_id=2704&seq=1&format=2

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10201&cs_id=1020102&p_id=85&seq=1&format=2

I'm not sure because the DVI end of the cable and the DVI plug on my video card look slightly different. Also, looking at the specs of my video card, will I be able to see my computer display on both my monitor and my LCD TV?
Obviously, If i use the latter wire, I won't be able to use the monitor and LCD TV since I use the VGA for my monitor so it would be one or the other.

And is this the cable I will need for my audio?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021802&p_id=644&seq=1&format=2

[ixfxi]

I wouldnt use the DVI -> component cables for the video. The TV already has a specific port for PC, which is the analog 15-pin.
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41G1CXEZCGL._AA280_.jpg

While going with the component cables isnt bad, and may offer a slight benefit in appearance - I would prefer having extra component inputs for other, better devices later, if ever. I'm using the 15-pin VGA input on my sony. Besides, keep DVI port for your monitor, where you can appreciate the slight difference of DVI.

The y-cable you need looks like this: http://tyrell-corp.com/store/images/42-2483.jpg

It converts headphone -> RCA male (2x).

Peace

[94cc0rd]

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/360000-360999/360169_92_full.jpg

If I were to use VGA --> VGA cable, wouldn't I use the audio port shown in the picture above?

Let's say for some reason I went with the DVI -> Component, I would in that case need the headphone to red/white wire you posted right?

Also, If I used DVI to Component, Would I be able to see my computer on both my monitor and my LCD TV? The reason I keep asking is because I don't want to have to switch the wire from my TV to my computer or vice versa every time I want to see something on my monitor or TV.

[cdlong]

if you used this video cable
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10235&cs_id=1023504&p_id=2704&seq=1&format=2

and this audio cable
http://tyrell-corp.com/store/images/42-2483.jpg

you should be able to use the monitor and TV at the same time. you'll still have another component video input if needed, i doubt you'll need more than that.

[94cc0rd]

Is this the correct audio cable?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021804&p_id=665&seq=1&format=2

It's slightly different so I wanted to make sure before I bought it..

[S14DB]

just for fun.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/360000-360999/360169_92_full.jpg

Close. I would use the Digital optical out from the TV to the HTIB instead of the RCA. EDIT: looks like that HTIB doesn't even have one, lame. The set up is cool then.


I would ONLY Use the VGA in for the PC. A lot of the new HDTV's process the HDMI and DVI inputs some the Component too. Sony will void your warranty if you don't use the PC in port. If your HDTV has a PC/VGA input, I would only use it. The resolution will be better and you won't fry the board on the TV.

Buy your HDMI cables on ebay. Big Box stores just rape you on the price.

[94cc0rd]

Is there any way, using VGA, I can see the display on both my monitor and LCD TV?

Since you pointed out that the resolution will look better and it won't fry the board on my TV, you have convinced me to use the VGA/PC port on my TV, but I still don't want to have to switch the cables everytime I want to switch between my monitor and TV..

[94cc0rd]

This would work right?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10104&cs_id=1010404&p_id=2679&seq=1&format=2

So I'm going to pick up the VGA splitter, VGA M/M cable, and the 3.5mm RCA audio M/M cable. Does that sound right?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10201&cs_id=1020102&p_id=85&seq=1&format=2

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021802&p_id=644&seq=1&format=2

[cdlong]

yep.

this needs to be 12 characters

[ixfxi]

"Sony will void your warranty if you don't use the PC in port."

Huh? That doesnt make sense. Why would it void your warranty.

Second, the audio cable you are using to go from the sound card to the TV is wrong. Your TV uses one RCA female, I believe its a digital input.

I dont even understand why you would put any audio INTO the TV and then out to the receiver, doesnt make sense. Sound should go directly into the receiver.

- Mike

[pbcstylez]

why dont you just use a switch, and wire up both TV and Monitor to the switch. than run male vga's to both TV and Monitor coming out of the switch box. There will no running back n forth to unplug cables.

[94cc0rd]

oooohhh right.. this whole time i kept thinking i would hook the audio up to the tv...

[cdlong]

I dont even understand why you would put any audio INTO the TV and then out to the receiver, doesnt make sense. Sound should go directly into the receiver.

scratch that, i forgot the HDMI would cover the sound from the cable to the reciever and to the TV. you can send the computer audio straight to the reciever if you don't plan on using the TV speakers for the computer. or to the TV then to the reciever if you plan on using it both ways.

Second, the audio cable you are using to go from the sound card to the TV is wrong. Your TV uses one RCA female, I believe its a digital input.

i've got a small flat panel with the same type of connections, it's a headphone jack, trust me.

[S14DB]

"Sony will void your warranty if you don't use the PC in port."

Huh? That doesnt make sense. Why would it void your warranty.

- Mike

I'll get a picture of the statement in the sony manual when I go visit my mom over the weekend.

[94cc0rd]

cdlong: so are you saying i dont need any audio cable? all i need is the vga cable for the video?

[cdlong]

no, that's for the cable since the HDMI covers sound. you still need one for the computer.

[delphis]

simple enough setup.

VIDEO:
from cable box RGB to TV (preferably tv input)
from HTIB dvd video out RGB to TV (dvd input)
from computer use standard video cable or what ever your tv has on board.

AUDIO:
with the HTIB it pretty much limits you to a very slim setup. Depending if your HTIB has extra digital audio Inputs use those (use the optical from the cable box to HTIB) if you have an extra Digital audio in use that (usually orange in color called SPDIF (which most computers come standard with these days) if not just go analog style eith inch to dual rca(wont be surround sound)

cdlong, if he wants to watch tv through his surround sound system the setup mentioned will not work.

[ixfxi]

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2007/158/h15832S3000-b_1.jpeg

i've got a small flat panel with the same type of connections, it's a headphone jack, trust me.

haha yeah, i just looked at the close-up high-res, and its a mini headphone jack. what a pile of shit.

not to re-hash, but i think its a wiser choice to disable the internal speakers of the TV, then send the PC and all audio directly into the receiver.

no reason to waste time with the internal speakers, absolute garbage.

[cdlong]

simple enough setup.

VIDEO:
from cable box RGB to TV (preferably tv input)
from HTIB dvd video out RGB to TV (dvd input)
from computer use standard video cable or what ever your tv has on board.

AUDIO:
with the HTIB it pretty much limits you to a very slim setup. Depending if your HTIB has extra digital audio Inputs use those (use the optical from the cable box to HTIB) if you have an extra Digital audio in use that (usually orange in color called SPDIF (which most computers come standard with these days) if not just go analog style with inch to dual rca(wont be surround sound)

cdlong, if he wants to watch tv through his surround sound system the setup mentioned will not work.

the setup you suggest won't work and is inferior to what we've been talking about. HDMI has better picture quality than component (RGB) and carries digital audio too. the reciever has no specific digital audio inputs and only one set of standard audio jacks.

not to re-hash, but i think its a wiser choice to disable the internal speakers of the TV, then send the PC and all audio directly into the receiver.

no reason to waste time with the internal speakers, absolute garbage.

you're right, sound quality wise, the reciever is a better choice. but he could probably hook it up either way and be happy. i only suggest running it through the TV for simplicity's sake and so he has the option to run i t both ways.

[94cc0rd]

I will probably only use my surround sound whether it be with my computer, cable, or DVD...

But, as mentioned, my HTIB receiver isn't the greatest. I just checked the back of it and theres no more audio inputs. The only audio input is hooked up to my TV.

So does that mean I have to run audio from my computer to the TV?

[cdlong]

yes.

sorry, i'm confusing myself.

[ixfxi]

the setup you suggest won't work and is inferior to what we've been talking about. HDMI has better picture quality than component (RGB) and carries digital audio too.

why do you say this?

component inputs are great, HDMI is not superior. its more of a preference.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/dvihdmicomponent.htm

personally, i learn towards analog and prefer old-school, proven technology.

[cdlong]

the main reason i say that is, with HDMI, the signal stays digital from start to finish. with an analog cable in there, the DVD player has to convert the signal to analog and the TV converts the analog signal back to digital. converting the signal can introduce noise and errors.

i didn't realize they were so close in quality. and considering the source, i doubt he'll know the difference. and the suggested setup won't work anyway. well, i guess it would if you ran analog audio through the tv for the computer and cable.

[S14DB]

why do you say this?

component inputs are great, HDMI is not superior. its more of a preference.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/dvihdmicomponent.htm

personally, i learn towards analog and prefer old-school, proven technology.

The guy sells component cables. Think he would be biased?

Quality is the same. But when that article was posted in 2005, HDCP and 5C weren't around. Ether was 1080p. None are supported by Component. BluRay? HD DVD? Tivo Series3? Not going to have a fun time with Component.

Sorry, your going to loose your analog goodness.

[ixfxi]

The guy sells component cables. Think he would be biased?

Quality is the same. But when that article was posted in 2005, HDCP and 5C weren't around. Ether was 1080p. None are supported by Component. BluRay? HD DVD? Tivo Series3? Not going to have a fun time with Component.

Sorry, your going to loose your analog goodness.

http://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/

Read some of the articles on there, you'll learn more rather than being close-minded and pig-headed.

Saying an article is old and out-dated, or saying that they're biased because they sell "cables" is absolutely retarded. They sell all types of cables, INCLUDING HDMI AND DVI, but all high quality -- which in your advice, you never mentioned anything about buying a high quality cable.

Digital is digital, and analog sure is old analog - but what the fuck are the quality of the cables? Are they shit, made in china, high resistance cables? This plays a bigger factor over "which input do i use."

Calling the article out-dated or saying they are biased is the same shit I read from time to time when people try talking negatively about Daniel Stern's lighting website, saying that just because he sells bulbs, he's biased.. (against HID), or against HID cheap retrofits. Ironically, he can and does sell HID components -- just quality stuff.

I'm sure we can go on and on, especially in a topic where you can spend more on cables alone - then in the home theater in the box...

[exitspeed]

I have a question about home speakers and things like that.

I'd like to run speakers throughout my house (living room, kitchen, master bath, lower level, garage, and back porch) from a central receiver and hooked up to a HDD.

My question I guess is: Do you guys recommend any speakers that are a good bang for the buck? Obviously I need a lot of'em. And what kind of receiver set-up I should have. I'm pretty green as far as this stuff goes.

[94cc0rd]

uhh.. Ok so I got the VGA splitter and hooked up my computer to my TV. When I turn my computer on, I can see the windows loading screen but when windows actually opens my TV says

"Unsupported signal. Check your device output."

Can someone help me out?

and.. i bought the wrong damn audio wire.. dammit :x

[94cc0rd]

ahh Never mind... wrong resolution for the TV...

and I found what I need for my audio...

monoprice.com rocks!

[94cc0rd]

OK... So I hooked up the audio from my computer to my LCD TV using the PC in audio input, but no audio through my surround and no audio through my TV speakers...

I'm stumped yet again..

[cdlong]

play with the settings on your tv.

[94cc0rd]

I've tried playing with all the audio settings on the TV already... :(

[94cc0rd]

Just messed around with the settings... the cables... blah blah... nothings working :(

[ewuzh]

I skimmed through the thread but I didn't read the whole thing so forgive me if this hasn't already been posted.

You should have your PC audio output hooked up to one of the inputs on your receiver. If your audio is connected from the PC to your TV directly, that is wrong and of course you won't have sound out of your surround setup.

I don't know what kind of sound card you have on your PC, but I have a sound card that does digital coaxial out (single RCA looking plug). I have a single coaxial cable (transfers entire 5.1 signal to the receiver) going from the PC to my receiver's digital coax input. If you don't have this, then you're probably using the analog RCA red/white plugs, which should also be hooked up to your receiver.

[94cc0rd]

Well, the thing is, my receiver only has 1 audio input (red/white). Everything else is output...

I use onboard sound on my motherboard so its just a regular headphone jack for the speakers I normally use.

[ixfxi]

damn dude, stop asking for so many hand outs. you eventually need to learn how to read, diagnose, and do things yourself. theres nothing wrong with some discussion, but think a bit and try to do things yourself.

to answer your question with the audio out, have you considered plugging in some headphones to verify that you're plugged into the correct port? maybe you have a setting that isnt setup properly. for instance, is your sound card muted through windows, or the volume too low? do you have PC speakers you can test with, or headphones? is your tv volume set to OFF so that it goes directly out to the receiver?

you need to inspect these things and try to figure them out

[ixfxi]

I have a single coaxial cable (transfers entire 5.1 signal to the receiver) going from the PC to my receiver's digital coax input. If you don't have this, then you're probably using the analog RCA red/white plugs, which should also be hooked up to your receiver.

his shit receiver only has 1 set of inputs for audio.

then, his tv uses a headphone jack input for the PC. its analog and stereo.

[94cc0rd]

Mike: I was mistaken.. my TV uses mono-RCA. but on to the things you've listed...

Yes I tried plugging in headphones on the receiver...
Yes I made sure the volume on windows was fine...
Yes I have PC speakers and have tested them, they work fine...
Yes the TV speakers are set OFF so the audio goes straight to my surround...
Yes I have messed with pretty much every setting on my TV that has to do with audio...
I've also looked through both my TV manual and my HTIB manual...

I do realize I've asked for a lot of handouts in this thread and am very appreciative but this time I'm completely stumped like I was when I first made this thread...

[94cc0rd]

Alrite... Well, I called Sony Tech Support and it seems like I'm SOL...

The tech said that with the TV audio output going to the Surround sound receiver, the TV will not receive the audio INput through the PC IN.

He said the ONLY way I could get audio from my computer to my surround sound would be to get a wire that was 3.5mm on one end and composite (red/white) on the other end and manually switch the wires up everytime I wanted audio from my surround sound.

:-/

I guess that's what I get for buying a cheap Home Theater in a box...

[S14DB]

http://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/

Read some of the articles on there, you'll learn more rather than being close-minded and pig-headed.

Saying an article is old and out-dated, or saying that they're biased because they sell "cables" is absolutely retarded. They sell all types of cables, INCLUDING HDMI AND DVI, but all high quality -- which in your advice, you never mentioned anything about buying a high quality cable.

Digital is digital, and analog sure is old analog - but what the fuck are the quality of the cables? Are they shit, made in china, high resistance cables? This plays a bigger factor over "which input do i use."

Calling the article out-dated or saying they are biased is the same shit I read from time to time when people try talking negatively about Daniel Stern's lighting website, saying that just because he sells bulbs, he's biased.. (against HID), or against HID cheap retrofits. Ironically, he can and does sell HID components -- just quality stuff.

I'm sure we can go on and on, especially in a topic where you can spend more on cables alone - then in the home theater in the box...

Did you read everything I posted? or did you just read the first sentence and then form your opinion?

Component cables are a dead technology simply by the fact that it is not certified for 1080p, HDCP and 5C. If I have or plan to get a BluRay, HD DVD, Tivo Series3 then Component is useless to me.

Like betamax vs VHS, it doesn't matter which is better. Just which is better supported.

[ixfxi]

Component cables are a dead technology simply by the fact that it is not certified for 1080p, HDCP and 5C.

Like betamax vs VHS, it doesn't matter which is better. Just which is better supported.

Okay okay.... you win, you're right and I'm wrong.

I guess newer technology is fucking superior, you own the world, we're all just sharing it with you.

You're a fucking tool. HDMI is not even a fucking standard, it cant be run in long distances and doesnt have error checking, regardless of how digitally superior you seem to think it is.

Nothing worse than people who think OLD shit is bad just because its old. Its old and its good because its fucking PROVEN.

[98koukile]

1.) You couldn't tell the difference between my component and my hdmi if I did picture in picture, the components were free from the cable company and the hdmi was like a $90 cable.
2.) If you want to use the tv solely for PC and not watch tv at the same time then your setup is fine, if you wanted to do PiP then I would suggest using the S-video port if you PC is equipped. Probably a better quality feed also but I have a laptop so its got that for hooking up to a projector

[ewuzh]

HDMI cables are 5 dollars a piece, just like components. Retail marks up prices on cables so unbelievably it's plain old robbery. Any idiot who pays 90 dollars for any cable is getting shafted.

I use DVI to HDMI from my PC because the only other option is VGA or S-video, both of which terribly suck in comparison. The analog picture (especially text) is so blurred compared to DVI from the lack of razor sharp 1-1 pixel mapping. So I can't say I've tried component output through my PC, but with xbox360 at 720p or 1080, it does look just fine to me.

[S14DB]

Okay okay.... you win, you're right and I'm wrong.

I guess newer technology is fucking superior, you own the world, we're all just sharing it with you.

You're a fucking tool. HDMI is not even a fucking standard, it cant be run in long distances and doesnt have error checking, regardless of how digitally superior you seem to think it is.

Nothing worse than people who think OLD shit is bad just because its old. Its old and its good because its fucking PROVEN.
http://www.hdmi.org/ Industry standard.

HDMI uses a BCH error correction code for the packets. See pages 61, 62 and 63 of the current HDMI spec manual.

Even though Vinyl is superior to MP3's You can't play vinyl on a iPod. Just like Beta vs VHS the best standard doesn't aways win out. Until component(AACS) at least supports 1080p let alone DRM. I don't think it's going to last in the long run.

[ixfxi]

please............

stop talking.



run your HDMI cable 30 feet, tell me how well your error correction works.

[ewuzh]

You should probably be rethinking your HT setup if you require a 30ft video cable.