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post #1 of 15Old01-30-2018, 12:03 PM - Thread Starter
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Location: Buffalo, NY
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Hey everyone, I was wonder if there is a difference between using the HDMI or Optical when hooking up a HT setup?
I only use the front 3 speakers. So, I guess I don't have true SS, or any of the fancy audio tech..
The way I currently have it hooked up is: HDMI from TV to 4k player, HDMI from TV to Fios box, and a single Optical cable from the TV to the AVR. Fios, DVDs, Netflix all play to a single source on my AVR. I love the simplicity of it, but am I missing something by not using the HDMI?
Basically, is there any benefit from connecting another HDMI from the TV to the AVR (in place of the Optical) OR, connecting the 4k and Fios box to the AVR (with HDMI) and then another HDMI from the AVR to the TV?
Thanks for any help!
I only use the front 3 speakers. So, I guess I don't have true SS, or any of the fancy audio tech..
The way I currently have it hooked up is: HDMI from TV to 4k player, HDMI from TV to Fios box, and a single Optical cable from the TV to the AVR. Fios, DVDs, Netflix all play to a single source on my AVR. I love the simplicity of it, but am I missing something by not using the HDMI?
Basically, is there any benefit from connecting another HDMI from the TV to the AVR (in place of the Optical) OR, connecting the 4k and Fios box to the AVR (with HDMI) and then another HDMI from the AVR to the TV?
Thanks for any help!
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I'd go SOURCES (4K player, Fios box) --> HDMI --> AVR --> HDMI --> TV
It's clean, uses a minimum of cables, all the audio is handled by the AVR, video goes to TV.
It's clean, uses a minimum of cables, all the audio is handled by the AVR, video goes to TV.
My HT set-up (pics & gear list) | Quick 'n' dirty 'how to' Audyssey
post #3 of 15Old01-30-2018, 12:15 PM - Thread Starter
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Thanks, eljay.. is there any benefit from that method of set up? It would still be 3 cables total, like I have now. I'd then have to switch sources on the AVR to go from from STB to 4k to NF. If there's no huge difference, I'd prefer to stay the way I am for the simplicity of it for my wife and I.
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The only advantage that comes immediately to mind is lossless audio, but if your TV allows pass-through of lossless from source to AVR via HDMI (optical won't carry lossless), then you're probably no worse off with your current set-up.
My HT set-up (pics & gear list) | Quick 'n' dirty 'how to' Audyssey
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HDMI has the bandwidth to carry lossless surround sound signals (even if you're just using 3 channels), while optical doesn't have the bandwidth to carry basically more than a stereo signal at high bitrates. This means that with TV shows and movies that are encoded for surround sound, you'll only get compressed, lossy audio over an optical cable, while HDMI can carry fully lossless DTS-HD MA, Dolby TrueHD, Atmos, and DTS-X signals.
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Optical Digital Audio I/F (aka TOSLINK is SAME as SPDIF Coax and HDMI ARC) does NOT have the Data Capacity to carry the new Loss-Less Digital Audio Formats, such as Dolby True HD (incl. ATMOS Extensions), DTS-HD Master Audio and various Internet Loss-Less Formats such as FLAC, ALAC, WavPack and Monkey's Audio. So to listen to THOSE Digital Audio Formats without it being down-rezzed, you'll have to use HDMI I/F..or old 5.1/7.1 Analog Audio I/F from OPPO BD/UD Players that are one of the very few that Output ALL Digital Audio Formats via that I/F..which STILL works with my pre-HDMI High-End AVR.
Also note that since SMART TV's only have Digital Audio Output via ARC (embedded in HDMI Cable to AVR) and OPTICAL [they're STILL missing HDMI Output], there MAY be some Digital Audio formats that are NOT supported unless using an External Internet Streaming Device.
Also note that since SMART TV's only have Digital Audio Output via ARC (embedded in HDMI Cable to AVR) and OPTICAL [they're STILL missing HDMI Output], there MAY be some Digital Audio formats that are NOT supported unless using an External Internet Streaming Device.
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Last edited by holl_ands; 01-30-2018 at 12:32 PM.
post #7 of 15Old01-30-2018, 04:32 PM - Thread Starter
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Thanks everyone, I understand THAT part!
Now, would I want to hook up the TVs HDMI input 'Arc' to the AVRs output 'Arc' port?
Also, can I leave the sources plugged into the TV still so I only use the one source on the AVR?
Now, would I want to hook up the TVs HDMI input 'Arc' to the AVRs output 'Arc' port?
Also, can I leave the sources plugged into the TV still so I only use the one source on the AVR?
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Originally Posted by Manofsteelpt
Thanks everyone, I understand THAT part!
Now, would I want to hook up the TVs HDMI input 'Arc' to the AVRs output 'Arc' port?
Also, can I leave the sources plugged into the TV still so I only use the one source on the AVR?
Now, would I want to hook up the TVs HDMI input 'Arc' to the AVRs output 'Arc' port?
Also, can I leave the sources plugged into the TV still so I only use the one source on the AVR?
Yes on the ARC.
No, plug all of your sources via hdmi into the AVR. (Rather than on the TV). The only cable, other than the power cable, plugging into the TV would be the HDMI from the AVR.
Then all you need to do is change your source on the AVR as to what input you want to use.
If you really want to simplify it, get a harmony elite remote. If you hit, “Watch TV” it will turn on the TV, turn on the AVR, turn on your cable/dish, and select the correct input for your AVR with the press of one button.
With the hdmi hooked up to ARC, and if you have a smart tv with apps, you can view them on your TV and the sound will get sent TO the AVR from the TV.
Simply put, ARC allows 2 way traffic across the hdmi (Sound going OUT from TV to the AVR, even though everything else, sounds+video, flows FROM your AVR to the TV.
Hdmi Active Optical Cable
With having everything hooked up into various inputs on the back of your TV, don’t you have to change your input source on the TV in order to view other sources? With everything going into the AVR you won’t need to change the input source on the TV at all, as everything will flow into the TV from he AVR.
post #9 of 15Old01-30-2018, 06:05 PM - Thread Starter
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Location: Buffalo, NY
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Thanks!!!! I'll grab another high speed HDMI cable and play around with it. I think I got it, but I'm sure once it's all hooked up I'll grasp it.
Btw, nice H1 in ur avatar, this was mine I had a few Yrs ago.
Btw, nice H1 in ur avatar, this was mine I had a few Yrs ago.
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Just remember ARC usually needs to be enabled on the TV and AVR. It's often off by default.
As long as the devices play well with each other it's really a nice and simple setup. The equipment works together instead of feeling disjointed.
As long as the devices play well with each other it's really a nice and simple setup. The equipment works together instead of feeling disjointed.
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Originally Posted by 084runnerltd
Yes on the ARC.
No, plug all of your sources via hdmi into the AVR. (Rather than on the TV). The only cable, other than the power cable, plugging into the TV would be the HDMI from the AVR.
No, plug all of your sources via hdmi into the AVR. (Rather than on the TV). The only cable, other than the power cable, plugging into the TV would be the HDMI from the AVR.
I would possibly make an exception to that if it's a late model smart TV that does a great job of switching and universal remote control. I always did AVR switching until I got an LG B7.
But there could be issues in passing lossless HD audio unless it's an eARC set. But many Blu-ray players have a second HDMI port dedicated to audio for that reason.
post #12 of 15Old01-30-2018, 06:41 PM - Thread Starter
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Originally Posted by michail71
I would possibly make an exception to that if it's a late model smart TV that does a great job of switching and universal remote control. I always did AVR switching until I got an LG B7.
But there could be issues in passing lossless HD audio unless it's an eARC set. But many Blu-ray players have a second HDMI port dedicated to audio for that reason.
I have the same OLED.. leave it like I have it?But there could be issues in passing lossless HD audio unless it's an eARC set. But many Blu-ray players have a second HDMI port dedicated to audio for that reason.
If I don't use the Arc, would I just use the other hdmi port or leave my optical?
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Originally Posted by Manofsteelpt
I have the same OLED.. leave it like I have it?
If I don't use the Arc, would I just use the other hdmi port or leave my optical?
If I don't use the Arc, would I just use the other hdmi port or leave my optical?
If you don’t use ARC, you would just use another HDMI input..Or leave the HdMi in the ARC input and turn off ARC on your AVR and TV.
(And get rid of the optical, it won’t be needed)
Last edited by 084runnerltd; 01-30-2018 at 07:28 PM.
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Not to hijack this thread, but I had a lot of trouble with ARC. My television is a Panasonic VT60. I have two AVRs, a Yamaha RX-A3040 and Denon AVR-X6200. ARC worked better with the Denon, but it was still bad. The audio was choppy at best. Optical out works very well.
Anyone else have issues with ARC? I'm sure that I tried multiple HDMI cables, but it made no difference.
Anyone else have issues with ARC? I'm sure that I tried multiple HDMI cables, but it made no difference.
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Originally Posted by B T C
Not to hijack this thread, but I had a lot of trouble with ARC. My television is a Panasonic VT60. I have two AVRs, a Yamaha RX-A3040 and Denon AVR-X6200. ARC worked better with the Denon, but it was still bad. The audio was choppy at best. Optical out works very well.
Anyone else have issues with ARC? I'm sure that I tried multiple HDMI cables, but it made no difference.
Current 'ARC' technology is flawed. Especially with it's interface with older equipment.A new version is coming out with HDMI 2.1, and clearly, can only be used with 2.1 hardware. Will this be better ? Who knows ? I would not use it now. Anyone else have issues with ARC? I'm sure that I tried multiple HDMI cables, but it made no difference.
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When it comes time to connect your shiny new sound bar or AV receiver, your two main choices are HDMI or optical digital audio.
The simplest advice is to go with HDMI when you can. But if you can't it's not the end of the world.
Here are the pros and cons of each.
The basics
Both HDMI and optical pass digital audio from one device to another. Both are better than analog (the red and white cables). Both can pass multi-channel audio, like Dolby Digital. Both cables can be had pretty cheap.
Both HDMI and optical pass digital audio from one device to another. Both are better than analog (the red and white cables). Both can pass multi-channel audio, like Dolby Digital. Both cables can be had pretty cheap.
The biggest difference is that HDMI can pass higher-resolution audio, including the formats found on Blu-ray: Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. These formats can't get transmitted across optical.
In terms of simplicity, HDMI also passes video signals. So if you want just a single cable between two devices, HDMI is your pick.
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However..
Depending on your gear, you might not have the option for HDMI. Maybe you have an older receiver. Maybe you have everything connected to your TV, and you just want to get the audio out to a sound bar (and the only option is optical).
Depending on your gear, you might not have the option for HDMI. Maybe you have an older receiver. Maybe you have everything connected to your TV, and you just want to get the audio out to a sound bar (and the only option is optical).
In that case, optical is fine. Don't sweat not being able to connect with HDMI. For most setups, the sound will be just as good with optical as with HDMI.
One complication is if you have a sound bar, like the Sonos Playbar or Vizio S4251w-B4, that benefits from a surround sound signal and you connect it to one of the many TVs that can't pass such a signal via its optical outputs. Neither of those sound bars have HDMI inputs anyway, so the best way to connect them is directly from the source to the bar via optical, skipping the TV. That, or get a new TV.
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Better, a little..
Regardless of the gear you use, as mentioned there's also no way to get Dolby TrueHD or DTS HD Master Audio with an optical connection. However, that's not a huge deal.
Regardless of the gear you use, as mentioned there's also no way to get Dolby TrueHD or DTS HD Master Audio with an optical connection. However, that's not a huge deal.
While there is a difference between Dolby Digital and those high-res lossless formats, the difference isn't as pronounced as you might expect. On a decent system, with decent speakers, you might notice that the high-res formats are a little more open, a little smoother sounding.
On lesser gear, it's a lot less likely you'll hear a difference. Most sound bars, for example, lack the fidelity to do anything with the additional resolution. Many don't accept those formats at all.
Bottom Line
Use HDMI when you can. The cables are cheap, and having just one wire simplifies setup. If you can't, optical is fine. If your gear doesn't have HDMI, it can't take advantage of the high-resolution audio formats from Blu-ray anyway (unless you connect with analog, and decode from your Blu-ray player). On the other hand Dolby Digital is surprisingly good, and unless you have decent gear, you probably won't hear much (if any) improvement with Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD MA.
Use HDMI when you can. The cables are cheap, and having just one wire simplifies setup. If you can't, optical is fine. If your gear doesn't have HDMI, it can't take advantage of the high-resolution audio formats from Blu-ray anyway (unless you connect with analog, and decode from your Blu-ray player). On the other hand Dolby Digital is surprisingly good, and unless you have decent gear, you probably won't hear much (if any) improvement with Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD MA.
Got a question for Geoff? First, check out all the other articles he's written on topics such as why all HDMI cables are the same, LED LCD vs. OLED, why 4K TVs aren't worth it and more. Still have a question? Tweet at him@TechWriterGeoff then check out his travel photography on Instagram. He also thinks you should check out his sci-fi novel and its sequel.
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When it comes to HDMI / DVI connectivity, you have two choices: Copper or Fiber Optics. Which is right for you?
As digital displays become more popular, and more people understand that a DVI or HDMI 'pure digital' connection delivers the best HD picture quality available today, the decision of which type of cable to use is challenging and requires thoughtful consideration.
Today's video installations grow ever more complex, with source components positioned a good distance away from the display. The distance is the biggest factor in determining which technology to use.
There are two choices when it comes to choosing the technology for your connection cable. Copper or Fiber Optic. This subject has been debated since the introduction of optical and coax digital audio connections and it is believed that both are comparable, that choosing one over the other does not affect the audio quality. This is true for low bandwidth audio especially when the distance is short.
However, full motion uncompressed digital video signal is a different story. Due to the nature of digital signals and the natural impedance and inductance of copper, fiber optic conversion technology is usually the best connection medium for longer length DVI and HDMI signal extensions. Fortunately, with digital video, both technologies use the same connector type. The DVI/HDMI digital signal is both high-speed and high-bandwidth. Typically, 1080p signal would mean 1920x1080 pixels refreshing 60 times per second. At this high rate of speed and large bandwidth of data, the impedance of many copper cables can cause signal loss at about 15 feet - which results in digital artifacts (sparkles), pixilation (tiling) and/or no picture (blue screen).
A well built, high quality copper cable with low impedance in shorter lengths will do fine at 1080p and is used in conjunction with many fiber optic extension products. There are also some copper cables at longer lengths (50ft and beyond) that are known to pass 1080p video without pixilation or degradation. However, to accurately compare between fiber optic cables and copper cables, the two should be compared with same testing environment and set-up. Copper cables and booster technologies are somewhat dependent on the 'strength' of the transmitted signals. Computer video cards transmit the cleanest and strongest signals and many A/V components such as DVD players and Cable/Satellite receivers transmit weaker signals that may affect the end result.
In addition, the lifetime of these cables should also be considered. The optical conversion ICs are guaranteed to last at least 80,000 hrs of continuous operation. Fiber optic cables are also immune to lightning and other electrical interference such as RFI.
With Fiber Optic Conversion technology, there is theoretically zero impedance and thus zero loss as the digital electrical signal is converted into light-waves at the video source and the signal travels in light form till it reaches the display and is reconverted into digital electrical signals. Be sure to note the difference between 'boosters' and true optical conversion technology if you want to make sure all the pixels reach your display. 'Boosters' used over copper wire amplify the electrical signal to make it 'stronger' to minimize signal loss. However, the biggest problem with this technique is that when the signal is amplified, bad data may also get amplified at the same time, which can result in amplified digital noise and/or pixel loss. Another problem with many 'booster' solutions is that the DVI & HDMI signals can only travel up to about 60ft before the signal needs to be re-boosted. This is not only inefficient; it can be very costly. Last but not least, boosters are electrical devices that are not UL approved for in-wall locations. Custom installations that require in-wall capability over long distances require Fiber Optics because it converts the electrical signal into light-waves and thus maintains the integrity of the signal data up to 395 ft without interference by peripheral devices.
This is the very reason why IT infrastructures and cable TV companies are upgrading their networks to fiber optic. Considering the fact that the bandwidth of IT communication (generally less than 0.6Gbps) is much lower than uncompressed video data (1.65Gbps), it is easy to understand why fiber optic is better when it comes to high bandwidth digital signal transfer for long cable runs.
Recently introduced regeneration technology looks promising, however it needs more testing. These devices coupled with high quality low impedance copper cable may successfully extend the distance beyond 30ft. However, with fast moving 'full motion' gigabit HD video at higher resolution (1080p and above), this will be the true test between copper and fiber optic technology.
Connectivity products such as cables are one investment you will need to live with for at least 10 years. Consider it an investment as cable quality does make a difference and it will stay with your system for a very long time. Your current AV system may only do 720p or 1080i at this time and copper cables may be fine. However, as digital video technology is changing rapidly, you may be upgrading your DVD player or TV in the near future and you want to make sure your cables will work with your new system (especially, if you are burying the cables in the wall). Buy a cable that is guaranteed to work at 1080p regardless of whether it is a proven copper solution or fiber optic alternative. Fiber Optics may be more expensive, but the price differential may be worth consideration for future-proofing your system now.
It is always important to test your cable before your installation. Make sure to check the return policy with the merchant before making a purchase. You don't want to run the cable under the floor or inside the wall and find out the cable is not working out for your system. Test your new cable for at least a few hours to ensure it works on all of your system' supported formats.
Many thanks to Minsoo Park of PureLink for contributing this article.
Take the PureLink Digital Connectivity Audit to help map out your new home theater system with all of the latest video switching, processing and connectivity.
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