Connecting through amp, or direct to TV?

Orch

Orch

Orch

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Just something I'm pondering, perhaps you guys have some thoughts on.

I've just ordered a GT50 to replace my old 37" panny LCD. (can't wait :D)

I also have an Onkyo HTX-22HDX that previously have run everything through (PS3, SkyHD, ATV2 & PC).

However now that I only have the Sky HD box and my gaming/htpc rig I'm wondering whether it makes sense to run them direct to the TV and use the audio return function to send the sound to the amp.

So the amp will just have one HDMI connected to the OUT channel into the HMDI ARC channel on the TV, then the TV will have everything connected to it. (I hope I'm making sense).

My concern is that the amp will still auto on with the TV, and auto mute the TV and control the audio through the TV/Sky remote as it does now? I can't see why it wouldn't?

Is there any image/sound quality to be gained by doing this? I've had a slight AV sync issue that I just can't seem to nail down so perhaps this might help?

I guess it's a case of suck and see but wondered how other people set theirs up in similar situations?

Thanks.
 
I'd always use the receiver, personally. But then I also have slightly different default sound modes selected for each of my inputs, that wouldn't be possible with ARC.

I also wonder if your TV would correctly pass-through the audio directly, unaltered to the receiver, or if it'd have a problem with certain formats (e.g. DTS Master HD). Only way to find out is to check the manual or try it, but I still can't see any benefit from it.
 
That's a very good point actually. Will have to look into that.

If there's no real benefit I might as well stay as I am, and more importantly what the missus is used to using :D

Just thought as I'm moving stuff around be worth thinking about the setup.

Another thing I've just thought of that is that the Skybox still needs an optical connection straight to the amp to get HD sound anyway. Meh, might as well stick with how I am now I think.
 
What Sky box do you have? The DXR models are receiving updates at the moment to allow 5.1 over HDMI, I think some of the Pace and Samsung ones are getting the update later in the year.
 
Oh really? Wow that's great news. I'll have to check but I'm 80% sure it is one of the DXR models. What quality signal will it allow do you know? DTS? AC3?
 
The best any Sky box can do is AC3 (DD). Nothing is broadcast with DTS or any better CODEC than DD.
 
Thanks. Now I;ve just got to get home and check to see if my box is one getting the upgrade. Fingers crossed1
 
As has been said, ARC doesn't support the HD audio formats.

Stick everything through the AVR - then all you need to do is turn the TV on and off, and continue doing everything else via the AVR :)
 
Orch said:
Thanks. Now I;ve just got to get home and check to see if my box is one getting the upgrade. Fingers crossed1
Click to expand...

If it is (DXR 890 or 895), you can force the update by putting the box into eco mode (hold the power button on the front until the LED turns from orange to red), switch it off at the plug, then hold down the Back-up button on the box (not the remote) and turn the box back on at the plug. Keep the Back-up button held down until all the lights on the front light up, you should also get a message on your TV.

There's a thread on here about the EPG update with more information.
 
Mines a DRX780, is that bad news for my 5.1 HDMI hopes? Google seems to be lacking info
 
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