How should I connect the S550 to a non-HDMI receiver for audio ??? I just bought this player. I am really excited to join the Blu-ray world. I already have a 720p LCD.I love my DTS Sony receiver, and thought the sound could not get any better, but it sounds like it will if I use the right connections. Right now, my receiver is connected to my Sony DVD player via digital coaxial. It looks like from the first review that the only way to get full HD sound is to use the 8 analog ports between the player and receiver. Is that right? I should ignore the coaxial and optical ports? Thanks. How should I connect the S550 to a non-HDMI receiver for audio ??? I just bought this player. I am really excited to join the Blu-ray world. I already have a 720p LCD.I love my DTS Sony... » Read More How should I connect the S550 to a non-HDMI receiver for audio ??? I just bought this player. I am really excited to join the Blu-ray world. I already have a 720p LCD.I love my DTS Sony receiver, and thought the sound could not get any better, but it sounds like it will if I use the right connections. Right now, my receiver is connected to my Sony DVD player via digital coaxial. It looks like from the first review that the only way to get full HD sound is to use the 8 analog ports between the player and receiver. Is that right? I should ignore the coaxial and optical ports? Thanks. « Show Less
526139
Thanks, I ordered the cables but now I'm not sure how to hook it up to my 6.1 Sony receiver. All the rear jack labels match but I have one conflict:The Sony DVD has 2 surround back but my receiver has one. I am currently using the receiver to mix the extra info to the rear (5.1) as I don't have any physical back speakers. If I set the DVD player to 5.1 & omit the cable, will I lose any info? I know it sounds confusing but I just want to make sure the player will send the info to the available speakers.
526140
Yes, that is correct. Coaxial and optical cables cannot carry HD audio signals; they simply cannot support the required bandwidth.
526141
For the analog out on the S550, I purchased four pairs of 6-ft Monster-like caliber cables at Monoprice.com. They sell them at lengths of 3 and 12 ft, and longer if needed. Great prices, service, and products at this site. Any red-and-white RCA cable will work, but I just wanted the best ones at a good price for delivering HD audio.http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp;_id=10218&cs;_id=1021803&p;_id=2864&seq;=1&format;=2Just in case, here are the audio settings I use on the S550:Output Priority: Multi Channel AnalogAudio (hdmi) : 2ch pcmBD Audio setting : directAudio ATT: offDolby Digital : Downmix PCMDTS : Downmix PCM48khz/96khz PCM : 96khz/24 bitAudio DRC: wide rangeDownmix: Dolby Surround For the analog out on the S550, I purchased four pairs of 6-ft Monster-like caliber cables at Monoprice.com. They sell them at lengths of 3 and 12 ft, and longer if needed. Great prices, service, and products at this site. Any red-and-white RCA cable will work, but I just wanted the best ones at a good price for delivering HD audio.http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp;_id=10218&cs;_id=1021803&p;_id=2864&seq;=1&format;=2Just in case, here are the audio settings I use on the S550:Output Priority: Multi Channel AnalogAudio... » Read More For the analog out on the S550, I purchased four pairs of 6-ft Monster-like caliber cables at Monoprice.com. They sell them at lengths of 3 and 12 ft, and longer if needed. Great prices, service, and products at this site. Any red-and-white RCA cable will work, but I just wanted the best ones at a good price for delivering HD audio.http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp;_id=10218&cs;_id=1021803&p;_id=2864&seq;=1&format;=2Just in case, here are the audio settings I use on the S550:Output Priority: Multi Channel AnalogAudio (hdmi) : 2ch pcmBD Audio setting : directAudio ATT: offDolby Digital : Downmix PCMDTS : Downmix PCM48khz/96khz PCM : 96khz/24 bitAudio DRC: wide rangeDownmix: Dolby Surround « Show Less
526142
DTS sounding better than lossless is possible, apparently, after reading forum posts on blu-ray.com. DD and DTS bitrates are higher on BDs than on DVDs. As for the subwoofer, I was told that if you use analog, you have to boost the SW level on your AVR while in multichannel analog mode by +10 if your front speakers are large or by +15 if your fronts are small.While lossless should sound better than lossy, there might be more work needed with analog setups to get it sounding better than lossy.
526143
Confused on the required cables to connect the analog out to my analog in on receiver. Would standard RCA type cables handle the bandwidth or should I look for premium "digital" ready type? My Sony is on the way to my home.
526144
I bought this player with the intention to use the 7.1 analog output. However, after experimenting with the player I found the standard DTS signal decoded by my receiver to be superior to the HD DTS decoded by the player. In particular, the signal to the subwoofer was very low volume and nothing I did (especially after contacting the ignorant Sony Tech analyst) could make it louder. I would definitely recommend getting the 350 and using the digital optical or coaxial port.
2209289
I have this receiver and wanted to let you know that on this model the HDMI ports are ONLY FOR Video. You need to use an optical cable to get at least 5.1 sound. The advantage of HDMI is that the audio and video signals are on the same cable. I don't know why it doesn't work like that on this one? It is not the top of the line so the newer ones probably have it. I think the norm now is 7.1 or 7.2 channels. It is a good receiver though. I don't even have a subwoofer hooked up to it and it still sounds good. I hope that helps you out. You can plug an optical cable from the tv to the receiver but it might be only 2 channel surround sound. I use that setup for my roku 3 I hope this helps. I have this receiver and wanted to let you know that on this model the HDMI ports are ONLY FOR Video. You need to use an optical cable to get at least 5.1 sound. The advantage of HDMI is that the audio and video signals are on the same cable. I don't know why it doesn't work like that on this one? It is not the top of the line so the newer ones probably have it. I think the norm now is 7.1 or 7.2 channels. It is a good receiver though. I don't even have a subwoofer hooked up to it and it still sounds good. I hope that helps you out. You can plug an optical cable from the tv to the receiver... » Read More I have this receiver and wanted to let you know that on this model the HDMI ports are ONLY FOR Video. You need to use an optical cable to get at least 5.1 sound. The advantage of HDMI is that the audio and video signals are on the same cable. I don't know why it doesn't work like that on this one? It is not the top of the line so the newer ones probably have it. I think the norm now is 7.1 or 7.2 channels. It is a good receiver though. I don't even have a subwoofer hooked up to it and it still sounds good. I hope that helps you out. You can plug an optical cable from the tv to the receiver but it might be only 2 channel surround sound. I use that setup for my roku 3 I hope this helps. « Show Less
1614933
A/V Guru: I was wondering if you could elaborate on the core differences between the Onkyo HT-S3300 and the Denon DHT-391XP. I currently only have an Xbox 360 and a HD cable box, and am looking for a system that can handle those two components as well as (which is the actual reason for getting the system) my music (via computer and Ipod). As this is the main reason for investing in a system, I would prefer to have a quality base setup. Looks like the Onkyo has a few more features on the receiver, and I was wondering if you could let me know why those are there (pretty naive on this whole subject, sorry). I see that the Onkyo has the "green, blue, and red" input cords like those that come from the Xbox, while the Denon does not. And the sony receivers systems in this price range seem to be much sleeker (but input wise more similar to the denon). So does it sound like I actually need all of the extra inputs that the Onkyo offers? And with all this in mind do you have recommendation
805454
just got my 5600 today and set up was nice.. can not figure out for the life of me how to get sound out to my receiver.. My older sammy had a audio out RCA connection. all i see with this is digital optical or something like that.. tried the head phone jack with one of the supplied 3-1 cables and no sound..any advise appreciated.
1220264
William: Since you've had the 9040 for a week now, could you please be more specific and give us some details about what you have experienced? Does it do a great job of upscaling non-hd material to 1080p? I plan on buying one, but need to hear from someone how it performs when hooked up to an HDTV and/or Home theater system.? I would appreciate any additional information you can provide so I can learn a little more prior to pulling the trigger on this a/v receiver. Thank a lot William.
722298
Jeffrey - I don't have that; where can I get it? I did a search on monoprice, but nothing relevant showed up. SocialLogic - I dunno what it's called but it's definitely not the coaxial input port (coaxial is the same used for subwoofer, I thought - and this receiver has two inputs, since it is 7.2)I've had it for about 10 days, and I'm still tweaking around with the settings. What audio mode do you guys generally use when playing Blu Ray? :)
957407
Thanks Chris. Yes I checked the DVD player tp make sure it has DTS code. I didnt use the optical cable for the digital sound connection but I used the digital coax which I believe should work just fine on DTS. I called customer service but they answered via email and didnt really know how to solve the issue. I am disappointed at Pioneer receiver. Appreciate ur sharing with me. Thanks. By the way, does digital sound has some echo in it?
277149
Thanks, Rushead. Excellent explanation. I'm concluding that if I go with the BD55, I can use its 7.1 audio outputs with the 7.1 audio inputs on my Pioneer 1015. Might be the best way to go, since I'm sensing the Dolby TrueHD and DTS might be significantly better than regular DD and DTS in 5.1.
1638545
Tom,Yep, did the test tone both from the Onkyo and BD player. All 6 speakers responded. I did set the BD player for PCM for all formats for 5.1ch. It's my understanding when using the Onkyo DVD Multichannel during playback, the Onkyo ignores its own speaker settings and uses whatever is coming from the BD player. Perhaps I need to tinker with the speaker settings in the BD player. Thanks,Dennis
871062
What if I have an old Naiamichi analog receiver (pre-surround sound). Is it worth it to go for the BD80, over the BD60, because of the "high clarity audio" feature? I do have an HDTV. In theory, with the BD80, you can connect HDMI to the HDTV and then audio to the analog receiver and have better sound quality, but I don't know if the difference is noticeable. What do you think?
616497
To all owner of HT-S63000,please help me to get surround sound when i only watch TV,i do get surround sound when play sonny BD hook-up via HDMI cable to TV,i did link the remote to opperate all 3(tv,av,bd)
426355
Hi there, if you have your tv and movies also attached via digital or optical audio, you will get 5.1 surround on your system if it is broadcast in 5.1. If you want equal sound from all speakers, as 7.1 and 5.1 are quite discrete and are only truly noticeable when movement or something like a loud explosion occurs, then cycle through the audio options of the receiver until you find the mode that gives the sound you are looking for. I usually set my receiver to DVD direct and it will send sound as recorded on the DVD. If you want other modes, look in the manual under the different audio modes and pick the one you like best. I hope that helps a bit and doesn't add to the confusion. True HD, I believe is only sent over HDMI that carries both video and audio. I may be wrong, and digital or audio will do this also. I have had the pleasure of DTS experience through 7.1 and it is incredible. Haven't played with True HD yet. you may want to check out AVS forums for more understanding of HT.
884880
What about audio? Specifically, if I have the STR-dg810 as my receiver. I have Blu Ray DVD and HD sat receiver, both of them would use the HDMI connection. However, I also have a Wii I woud like to connect, but Wii only has component video out. So, I should connect the Wii component video out directly to the TV as the receiver won't up convert the signal to use the HDMI out port. Does this also mean the receiver won't pass through the Wii audio to my speaker system? Am I stuck with only having Wii audio via my TV's speakers?
277154
I'm just trying to understand this stuff myself but, as I understand it, the optical connection works with Dolby Digital and I guess DTS up to 5.1. The other issue is just for people who need 7.1 (2 more speakers) sound with newer higher resolution sound modes. I just got surround sound in the last year and I am still thrilled with Dolby Digital 5.1. I'm not about to buy whole new receiver and speakers plus more expensive BR player to upgrade a sound system I love. Heck I don't even think I could fit 2 more speakers into my TV room.
672839
Audio and video are separate. The signals (audio and video) come out perfect from this device and I love it! I purchased it, because I have an older Harmon Kardon Receiver with no HDMI capabilities. I wanted to have the 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound...from my new Blu-ray player. My new Blu-ray player only had the HDMI connection, so I needed the converter to run the 1080p video to my TV and I used the optical out (on the converter) to get the 5.1 signal to my old receiver. The converter has HDMI out and Optical out. This device is meant to send audio to a device (such as my older receiver) that do not have HDMI input. The Optical out (via fiber optic cable) carries the sound. The HDMI out goes to the TV...for video and the optical goes to the receiver, or audio device. HDMI carries audio and video in one cable, so I am not sure about what you are trying to do. Bottom line...this converter will take your HDMI signal and split the audio and video. The video will go out through the HDMI and into your video display and the audio will come out of the optical connection. If your audio device does NOT have an optical connection, this device will not work for you. You mention 2 channels. Are you trying to send sound to 2 speakers (stereo mode) from your slingbox? If so, I would recommend buying a receiver with HDMI inputs. I am not 100% sure about what you are trying to do, but I am sure I can help you figure out how to fix your problem. I have been dealing with A/V equipment since the late 80's. If you tell me all the audio and video equipment you have, I can probably tell you exactly what you need. It looks like you may be looking at the wrong device, for what you are wanting to do.
722304
hi Jeffrey -short answer: I want my receiver to receive input from my cable (for cable tv) and transmit it to the TV via hdmi cable; that rear-end view of the model showed that there was a "cable receptacle", but that turned out to be only for FM radio. long answer: I'm running all my connections through the wall, and wanted this to be covered as well. The only "long" connection would be the lengthy HDMI cable connection between Onkyo receiver and my Sharp HDTV. Everything else (connections from cable company, nintendo wii, Blu Ray player, Alpha Gamma player, PS1/2/3/4/5/6, etc should all be going through the receiver -- all of which will sit in one corner of the room). Thanks :) hi Jeffrey -short answer: I want my receiver to receive input from my cable (for cable tv) and transmit it to the TV via hdmi cable; that rear-end view of the model showed that there was a "cable receptacle", but that turned out to be only for FM radio. long answer: I'm running all my connections through the wall, and wanted this to be covered as well. The only "long" connection would be the lengthy HDMI cable connection between Onkyo receiver and my Sharp HDTV. Everything else (connections from cable company, nintendo wii, Blu Ray player, Alpha Gamma... » Read More hi Jeffrey -short answer: I want my receiver to receive input from my cable (for cable tv) and transmit it to the TV via hdmi cable; that rear-end view of the model showed that there was a "cable receptacle", but that turned out to be only for FM radio. long answer: I'm running all my connections through the wall, and wanted this to be covered as well. The only "long" connection would be the lengthy HDMI cable connection between Onkyo receiver and my Sharp HDTV. Everything else (connections from cable company, nintendo wii, Blu Ray player, Alpha Gamma player, PS1/2/3/4/5/6, etc should all be going through the receiver -- all of which will sit in one corner of the room). Thanks :) « Show Less
25172
If you're using a receiver that does its own DTS and/or Dolby decoding, you'll need to select "Bitstream" instead of "PCM" for the s/pdif and/or HDMI audio output. If you're using HDMI, the HDMI cable carries both audio and video signals. You don't need any other connections. If you're using digital coaxial or optical toslink audio cables, then you'll also probably be connecting the video via RGB component video. It is indeed possible to run with separate HDMI for video and coax/optical for audio. However, it is simply not necessary if you're using HDMI and only adds another layer of complexity. HDMI makes things simple. There is more info available here: http://hometheater.about.com/od/blurayandhddvd/qt/Blu-Ray-Disc-Player-Audio-Settings-Bitstream-Vs-Pcm.htm This ICOM BD780 player makes testing your audio outputs unnecessarily difficult. DO NOT rely upon the audio tests built into the menu system of this player! IT LIES! Pop in a 5.1 DVD or BD and test with that. Make sure that the movie is actually playing to test; most disc menus only play in stereo and not 5.1 surround sound. When I have this player set up in bitstream mode, the built-in audio tests fail to output to all of my speakers. However, when playing a 5.1 DVD or BD, it works just fine and outputs in full glorious 5.1 surround sound. I hope this helps anybody else who is frustrated by this otherwise decent player. The lack of an online manual or support website is just disgraceful.