Home Theater Wiring

[codeunderstanding]

Im wiring for a 5.1 surround sound system in my basement. For components I will have a receiver, dvd player for now up grade to blue ray player later, and direct tv box. I still have a vcr but I dont know if it pays to put that in with the system? I dont have a HD tv yet but will get one eventually. I would like to wire it to have the option of using the speakers on the tv when just watching regular tv programs, and then when I want to watch a movie on tv or the dvd player to use the surround system. I was wondering what type of wiring diagram would work well with this how I want to set itup Would I be ok to use rca cables or should I use hdmi cables.

 

[LarryFine]

Would I be ok to use rca cables or should I use hdmi cables.

My preference is to use a single cabling method between the AV receiver and the monitor, which means that, since not all sources provide the same video output type, the receiver must be able to up-convert standard video to the type the monitor receives.

The second-best method is to run one of each type to the monitor, which means having to switch video inputs every time you switch sources, greatly increasing installer complexity and user difficulty, while lowering the WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor.)

I'm not personally a big fan of all-digital video. (Audio, yes - video, no.) I prefer component-video cabling, which is just as hi-def as HDMI is, without the 'hand-shaking' signal-compatibility issues that sometimes plague digital-video connectivity.

In all cases, you want to try to use the best signal type available from each source. For example, the VCR's output will only be composite video (yellow RCA), perhaps S-video, requiring either the up-conversion or multiple cabling described above.

The satellite tuner and DVD player should each have either component-video or HDMI, or perhaps both. Again, you must choose components that are compatible with both your present equipment and future upgrades, which is not always easy.

If you'd like to speak with me, PM me for my phone number. We can discuss my own system, as well as many I have installed for customers and family. I also can recommend a high-WAF universal remote that will make system operation simpler.

 

[jrannis]

Run all of your sound through your 5.1 system and buy a harmony remote.
You can program it anyway you want on your desktop.
Only down side is if you are using a PS-3 as your blue-ray player. You will have to use the game controller to operate it....

 

[egnlsn]

Use a 4X1 switch to control which source you want to watch, with the output of the switch going to the TV set. If it's component, also run a digital audio cable (coaxial) from the switch to your A/V receiver. If it's HDMI, run individual digital audio cables from each source to your A/V receiver. You can either watch whatever utilizing the TV speakers only, or you can turn on your A/V receiver and select the appropriate input. No need to run the video through the A/V receiver at all.

If you're going with DirecTV, you would probably want to do HDMI. PPV or OnDemand movies won't play via component because of content protection. DVD players that upconvert (including Blu-ray players) only do so via the HDMI output, anyway.


If you wanted to do so, you could use a matrix switch and connect another TV set to it. You could then watch the same thing or different things on each TV.

Adding a Harmony remote would also be a good idea.

 

[mxslick]

Best method is to use a receiver with upconverting (Denon's AVR-3xxx line), send HDMI to your TV, so you'll get the audio and video with minimum fuss.

Be careful about what remote you set up, as the IR-based remotes are fussy in operation.

I always recommend using AMX or Crestron control systems as they will work very reliably and after initial program code writing are easy to operate and pretty foolproof. (And the touchscreen has a high WAF)

AMX controllers and touchscreens, etc are available at killer prices on eBay.