How do I connect Blu-ray DVD player and TV to my new HDMI Sony entertainment system?

Posted on September 3rd, 2009

Ok so I have a cable box that has no HDMI input/output. But I want to be able to watch all my DVDs and TV shows as well and have the audio on the new entertainment system which has HDMI-enabled receiver. So what configuration can I use to bypass the Cable box and still be able to watch all shows with the new entertaintment system?

One HDMI cable from dvd player to the receiver, and another from TV to receiver?

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  2. d3v10u5b0y - September 3, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    HDMI ports on the TV most likely only allow input, so HDMI from the TV to the receiver will not work.

    I understand that you have the following equipment:

    -Blu-ray disc player
    -Set-top Box w/o HDMI
    -Sony receiver
    -TV

    In this case, you should connect the blu-ray player to the receiver via HDMI, then the receiver to the TV via HDMI. This will allow full passthrough of full-HD video (if the TV is capable) and uncompressed HD audio (if the receiver is capable).

    Also, some Sony receivers upconvert analog input via the HDMI output. If your does this, then you might consider connecting the cable box to the receiver, as well. If you have an HD cable box, then your HD options (not including HDMI) would be DVI or component. If you have DVI, you can use a DVI/HDMI crossover cable to connect it to an available HDMI input on your receiver, then connect audio separately.

    If you have component, then there should be component inputs on the back of your receiver. If it’s not an HD cable box, using composite (red, white, and yellow) should suffice. The audio outputs from the cable box, especially if it’s an HD box, should at least include digital coaxial if not S/PDIF or even digital optical. These all provide about the same quality of audio w/ optical being the best option regardless just due to it’s superior technology. If you have any of these inputs on the receiver, I suggest using them over red and white stereo audio cables since they will provide much better audio quality.

    Now, if you only ever watch TV from the cable box, you’re basically done. But, if you ever watch TV from direct (basic) cable or an antenna of some sort, you will want to connect (if possible) audio output from the TV to the receiver, as well. Many newer digital displays now come with digital optical audio output as well as analog stereo audio output. Whichever is available to you, just connect the cables from the TV’s audio output to an available input on the receiver.

    If I had model numbers or photos of the specific equipment you have, I could have been a LOT more detailed. Otherwise, this should be sufficient in getting you started. Good luck.

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