Getting a projector. Best way to connect all sources to projector and TV.

[RimBlock]

Hi,

I currently have the following in the living room;

TV - Pioneer PDP-427XG
- 2x HDMI
- 2x Component

Amplifier - Yamaha 365
- 2x HDMI (in)
- 2x Component (in)
- 1x HDMI (out)

XBox360
- 1x Component
- 1x Optical
- 1x HDMI (not working correctly - screen freezes evey now and then when used)

Bluray - Samsung
- HDMI

Digital TV Box
- 1x Component
- 1x Optical
- 1x HDMI (diables sound from optical if used)

WD TV HD
- 1x HDMI
- 1x Optical
- 1x Component

They are connected thus;

Amp -> HDMI -> TV
XBox360 -> Component -> TV
Digital TV Box -> Component -> TV
XBox360 -> Optical -> Amp
Digital TV Box -> Optical -> Amp
WD TV Live HD -> HDMI -> Amp
Bluray -> HDMI -> Amp

I am hoping to get the following projector;

Projector - Panasonic AE4000U
- Component
- 3x HDMI

What is the best way to connect everything so I can use all the sources on either the TV or Projector (i.e. only one at a time but both possible without swapping cables).

Many thanks
RB

 

[rG-tom]

You want an AV receiver. Depends on your budget, but look at richersounds or some such for an idea, HDMI ones start from £120. You can then use this as a base for a surround sound system by adding a set of passive speakers to the mix

EDIT ignore, i didnt read the amp bit. Perhaps a receiver with more inputs is on the cards?

Tom.

 

[Demon]

Unless I'm missing something, you have an Amp with 2 Component and 2 HDMI Inputs, all going to 1 HDMI Output?
You also have 4 devices, The Xbox/Digital Box use Component for video, and the Blu-ray/WDTV use HDMI for video?

I'd connect them all to your amp, then 'split' the HDMI Out from the AMP into two, one going to your TV, the other your projector.

So,
Xbox 360 -> Component -> Amp
Digital TV Box -> Component -> Amp
Blu-ray -> HDMI -> Amp
WDTV -> HDMI -> Amp

Then the HDMI out from the amp, you want to put into a HDMI Splitter, get a proper one with EDID/HDCP handling, £35-£50, this will then connect to both the TV and Projector..

Amp -> Splitter -> Tv
-> Splitter -> Projector



The Amp will handle the audio for all the devices as it does now?

Does that sound plausible?

 

[ssmacc]

For component input to HDMI output you'll need an amp that supports 'upconversion', the Sony STRDH810 does this, as does the highly rated DENON AVR1911, it's worth having a good read before you pick, I'm in a similar situation and am not sure it's worth spending a lot of money just to put the Wii on the Projector, given that it will no doubt be replaced with a Wii2 that will have HDMI out...

 

[Demon]

For component input to HDMI output you'll need an amp that supports 'upconversion', the Sony STRDH810 does this, as does the highly rated DENON AVR1911, it's worth having a good read before you pick, I'm in a similar situation and am not sure it's worth spending a lot of money just to put the Wii on the Projector, given that it will no doubt be replaced with a Wii2 that will have HDMI out...

He says his existing Amp has 2 HDMI / 2 Component in and 1 HDMI Out, surely that does analog conversion to HDMI, or how does the component video get 'out'..?

But if it doesn't you are right, 1 amp with component -> HDMI conversion and enough inputs would be perfect, and as I mentioned, a HDMI splitter if it only has 1 HDMI Out, to drive both displays.

 

[ssmacc]

He says his existing Amp has 2 HDMI / 2 Component in and 1 HDMI Out, surely that does analog conversion to HDMI, or how does the component video get 'out'..?

But if it doesn't you are right, 1 amp with component -> HDMI conversion and enough inputs would be perfect, and as I mentioned, a HDMI splitter if it only has 1 HDMI Out, to drive both displays.

I'd guess the amp has a component out. I think most AMP's don't output component over HDMI, worth checking before you buy.

 

[RimBlock]

Ok, seems my explanation has lead to a little confusion.

Currently I have a number of sources connecting directly to the TV with digital output going to the amp;

XBox360 -> Component video & audio -> TV
Digital TV Box -> Component video & audio -> TV

XBox360 -> Optical -> Amp
Digital TV Box -> Optical -> Amp

I also have a couple of sources going to the amp for video and audio (over HDMI)

WD TV Live HD -> HDMI -> Amp
Bluray -> HDMI -> Amp

Amp -> HDMI -> TV

The reason for the direct connections to the TV is for using the Digital TV box without needing to turn the amp on but it is also routed to the amp for audio if I wish to use the amp for the audio (movies etc). The XBox360's HDMI connection is playing up so the component needs to be used which does not route through the amps HDMI output . The optical from the XBox360 gives the audio through the amp if I want it.

Ideally it would just be a split from the amp to the TV and projector but due to the combination of component and HDMI connections from the sources it is not so simple.

I will be spending the equiv of around 4k on the projector, screen, mount etc so buying a new amp is really out of the question. Splitters I could probably work in to the budget if they are reasonably cheap (up to 100 or so).

Any recommendations on splitters (brands/models) as most seem to be 2/3/4/->1 (switches rather than splitters).

Many thanks
RB

 

[Demon]

Ok, seems my explanation has lead to a little confusion.

Currently I have a number of sources connecting directly to the TV with digital output going to the amp;

XBox360 -> Component video & audio -> TV
Digital TV Box -> Component video & audio -> TV

XBox360 -> Optical -> Amp
Digital TV Box -> Optical -> Amp

I also have a couple of sources going to the amp for video and audio (over HDMI)

WD TV Live HD -> HDMI -> Amp
Bluray -> HDMI -> Amp

Amp -> HDMI -> TV

The reason for the direct connections to the TV is for using the Digital TV box without needing to turn the amp on but it is also routed to the amp for audio if I wish to use the amp for the audio (movies etc). The XBox360's HDMI connection is playing up so the component needs to be used which does not route through the amps HDMI output . The optical from the XBox360 gives the audio through the amp if I want it.

Ideally it would just be a split from the amp to the TV and projector but due to the combination of component and HDMI connections from the sources it is not so simple.

I will be spending the equiv of around 4k on the projector, screen, mount etc so buying a new amp is really out of the question. Splitters I could probably work in to the budget if they are reasonably cheap (up to 100 or so).

Any recommendations on splitters (brands/models) as most seem to be 2/3/4/->1 (switches rather than splitters).

Many thanks
RB

I have a projector/TV and lots of kit, so know the pain!

The issue is you are wanting to split Audio and Video to both displays, using a mixture of Component/HDMI, which is no mean feat unless you spend some money, or compromise.

If you bought something like the Yamaha RXV-667 (£500 from Richer sounds, and of course sell your existing amp to part fund it), this has Component inputs and can convert them to output over HDMI. Not only that, it can also send the audio out to the TV via HDMI, according to the manual (I'd confirm this before buying of course),
http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/audio-visual/av-receivers-amps/rx-v667__g/?mode=model (You can download the manual under 'support')..
So everything video/audio can connect to the Amp, and can connect to your Projector/TV through a HDMI Splitter. Audio can also be output to the TV, and the Amp can pass through audio/video when in standby, so you can use it as a 'switch' when in standby, and your TV outputs the sound..

The PT-AE4000 is £1800, I am wondering how you are going to spend £2200 on a screen/mount, I've had 3 screens and 4 projectors, and I'm thinking you may be going a little OTT on the mount/screen department, surely that budget can be cut a bit to accomodate a new AMP?

The issue you have is the component stuff, that is going to be a pain, as component splitters and long component leads = poor image quality, with a moderately cheap Component buffer/splitter being £50 upwards, and you'd need 2..

As for HDMI splitters, no need to spend a huge amount, I use something similar to this, with EDID Storage/HDCP compliant and buffered outputs (can use 15m HDMI Leads).
http://cpc.farnell.com/pair-go/pgsp201m/hdmi-splitter-1-2/dp/AV18756

 

[RimBlock]

The PT-AE4000 is £1800, I am wondering how you are going to spend £2200 on a screen/mount, I've had 3 screens and 4 projectors, and I'm thinking you may be going a little OTT on the mount/screen department, surely that budget can be cut a bit to accomodate a new AMP?

I was waiting for that question TBH.

I live in Singapore at the moment and the prices here are usually the retail US prices + international delivery + retail mark-up .

Factor in percentage of monthly earnings spent in both locations to pay the local price (both come out around the same percentage interestingly enough) and I believe it is the equiv of about 3.5k for the projector, screen (110 or 120" does not need to be motorised but would be nice + ceiling mount + cables).

Now, if you believe that I can get a good screen etc and the AE4000 and upgrade to the RXV-667 I would be very happy .

I have a projector/TV and lots of kit, so know the pain!

The issue is you are wanting to split Audio and Video to both displays, using a mixture of Component/HDMI, which is no mean feat unless you spend some money, or compromise.

If you bought something like the Yamaha RXV-667 (£500 from Richer sounds, and of course sell your existing amp to part fund it), this has Component inputs and can convert them to output over HDMI. Not only that, it can also send the audio out to the TV via HDMI, according to the manual (I'd confirm this before buying of course),
http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/audio-visual/av-receivers-amps/rx-v667__g/?mode=model (You can download the manual under 'support')..

I will take a look at this amp. I like the Yamaha I have although getting the source linked to the input in the menus is a right pain.

I am in the UK in Nov but I can forsee it being a major pain taking an amp back to Singapore with me (and two kids ).

Also, does the pass through work with the amp turned off ?. i.e. do I have to turn the amp on every time I want to watch tv for example.

Cheers
RB

 

[Bossk128]

A not-so-cheap but great performing solution could be a video processor from DVDO? The Edge can be got for about £400 2nd hand - but of the top of my head I'm not sure how many inputs it has.

 

[Demon]

I was waiting for that question TBH.

I live in Singapore at the moment and the prices here are usually the retail US prices + international delivery + retail mark-up .

Factor in percentage of monthly earnings spent in both locations to pay the local price (both come out around the same percentage interestingly enough) and I believe it is the equiv of about 3.5k for the projector, screen (110 or 120" does not need to be motorised but would be nice + ceiling mount + cables).

Now, if you believe that I can get a good screen etc and the AE4000 and upgrade to the RXV-667 I would be very happy .



I will take a look at this amp. I like the Yamaha I have although getting the source linked to the input in the menus is a right pain.

I am in the UK in Nov but I can forsee it being a major pain taking an amp back to Singapore with me (and two kids ).

Also, does the pass through work with the amp turned off ?. i.e. do I have to turn the amp on every time I want to watch tv for example.

Cheers
RB

Regarding the screen, I have a 108" manual pull down, it was £150, just to tide me over whilst I saved for something better, but I'm still using it, as it seems to work really really well, and borrowing a more expensive wall mount screen, there was no discernible difference in my room (light coloured walls/ceiling). The previous two screens where similar, but smaller, I've slowly upgrade to a larger and larger screen over the years. I've mounted it by cutting away the coving above the main room window, the screen housing is the same height and colour as the coving, so it's actually quite 'stealth', and when it pulls down, it blacks out the window (excellent light control). I then spent money on upgrading the projector, and although I've sold the screen with my previous projectors, allowing me to upgrade to a larger screen, I've never wanted to upgrade the quality of the screen.

With the AMP, it does look as if it only passes through HDMI audio/video sources in standby, so I guess for some you'd need to have the amp switched on, but could mute it.

If you don't already use one, I'd recommend a Logitech Harmony remote to control all the devices, it's 'activity' based design is brilliant, and you can tailor it every so easily to make any complicated setup a breeze to use, providing all your kit uses normal IR remotes that is!

 

[RimBlock]

Thanks for the replies.

I am trying to mix and match and it is a real challenge especially with the option of personal import from somewhere well known in the US.

It seems I can get the Epson 8500BU at a low price on personal import. Locally it is S$4500. Import inc delivery charges and tax is S$2770. The Epson 8100 locally is S$3088 and personal import of the 8350 (the 8100 successor) is S$1920.

Question 1.
Is the 8500 significantly better than the 8100 (8350) for an average non audio/videophile ?

I am settling on either the Yamaha RX-V667 or the Onky0 TX-SR608. Both seem to have the analogue up scaling and output via HDMI and HDMI 1.4 (for future proofing). Price locally is more or less the same as for personal import on these (S$830). I am resigned at this point to manually change the HDMI cable for the amps output to either the TV on or the projectors one. Maybe get a splitter at some point.

Question 2.
Is there really anything significant to separate these two models or are they more or less the same ?

The speaker package I bought with the RX-V365 with was the this one. It is only a 5.1 speaker package.

Question 3.
Any suggestion of what to add to it to get it to a 7.1 setup (i.e. use the rears as side speakers and get some new rears etc) ?

If you don't already use one, I'd recommend a Logitech Harmony remote to control all the devices, it's 'activity' based design is brilliant, and you can tailor it every so easily to make any complicated setup a breeze to use, providing all your kit uses normal IR remotes that is!

I may have to have a look at it. I used to have one of the old Phillips prontos and whilst it was fine, it was a pain to set-up macros to take in to account the status of all the devices controlled in the macro, for example. Basic control of multiple devices was great though. The flat panet Logitech version also looks nice. it is around S$500 here though so not cheap at all.

A not-so-cheap but great performing solution could be a video processor from DVDO? The Edge can be got for about £400 2nd hand - but of the top of my head I'm not sure how many inputs it has.

Have also seen a couple of devices on err... a classifieds site but for a HDMI and a Component unit I would be looking at S$300 each. A new amp for S$830 would add a lot more value to me.

Overall package with amp, projector, speakers (2 extra to add to what I already have), ceiling mount, screen (110"), 50ft (15 mtr) HDMI cable needs to come in under S$5K. THe more under S$5k, the greater the wife approval factor .

Thanks for all the suggestions.

RB