Best way to setup Blue Ray player/system

Flyer88 · 02-09-2010, 01:36 PM

Ok, so at one point I really enjoyed the electronic gadget setup but these days it confuses the crap out of me. I have a 52" Sharp Aquos TV (LCD/1080p/120mhz), oldish Denon receiver (probably 10yrs old, model AVR 1200), and a new (Santa) Samsung Blueray disc player. Need to hook up to TW cable (also have Roadrunner for internet service)...what do I need cable wise and what is the best way to set up (which compontent hooks into which)? Also want to hook it up to internet so that I can get the Netflix stream and Pandora - will I need another router, wireless????

Thanks in advance!

legion · 02-09-2010, 02:06 PM

HDMI for the video is the only thing that will give you a 1080p picture. I'd run HDMI directly from the BLU-RAY to the TV, then run the best audio you can to the receiver (optical if it will do it).

gr8fl4porsche · gr8fl4porsche's Garage

The simplest way to hook up modern components is to use the TV as a monitor and everything else feeds into the receiver. HDMI makes this easy. But you will not have that option on your older receiver.

To allow your Bluray player to feed surround sound I would run everything component cable and digital audio (Toslink) if available.

I doubt you could tell the diff between component cables and HDMI on your TV. Maybe, but probably not.

Is the Bluray player a multi-media device capable of internet streaming and wireless connection? Or are you inferring your cable box is capable?

Bottom line - wires are better.

Flyer88 · 02-09-2010, 02:26 PM

Thanks Chris! So I need a HDMI cable for the Blueray and another for the connection to the TW Cable? Also, Any ideas on the hookup of the Blueray to internet?

gr8fl4porsche · gr8fl4porsche's Garage

You need to tell us how you want to handle the sound output for the tv and movies. I guess you could feed video to the tv and the sound back to the receiver for theatre sound.

I don't use TV mounted speakers in my system. Everything, including video games, go through the receiver.

Flyer88 · 02-09-2010, 02:32 PM

Randy,
Would it be better/easier to replace the old receiver...I have other places I could use it. I have a HD cable box but don't know if I need something else to make the connection to the Blueray??
Thanks!

Moses · 02-09-2010, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyer88

Thanks Chris! So I need a HDMI cable for the Blueray and another for the connection to the TW Cable? Also, Any ideas on the hookup of the Blueray to internet?

For internet your Samsung probably came with a wireless dongle. Mine did. Or you can just run an ethernet cable.

You want to run HDMI cable from your Samsung to your receiver. And HDMI from the receiver to the TV. If your receiver wont accept HDMI, then you won't be getting 1080p.

And YES! if you can swing it, get a new HDMI receiver.

Moses · 02-09-2010, 02:34 PM

Also, the Samsung player is FANTASTIC! You get Youtube, Netflix, Blockbuster and Pandora!

Flyer88 · 02:41 PM

Any receiver recomendations? I only have a 2 speaker + center setup now but wouldn't mind upgrading. Mine didn't cone with the wireless dongle.

Moses · 02-09-2010, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyer88

Any receiver recomendations? I only have a 2 speaker + center setup now but wouldn't mind upgrading.

Describe your room. I have a novel idea for you!

Flyer88 · 02-09-2010, 02:41 PM

Moses,
I bought the BD-P1600...kind of an impulse. I don't watch many movies but the boys and my wife do. I bought the TV for Final 4 last year and mainly watch sports on it.

Flyer88 · 02-09-2010, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moses

Describe your room. I have a novel idea for you!

It is 16x20 with a fireplace on the 16 side...tv is to the left of the fireplace on an angle facing the opposite corner of the room (sectional couch).

Moses · 02-09-2010, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyer88

It is 16x20 with a fireplace on the 16 side...tv is to the left of the fireplace on an angle facing the opposite corner of the room (sectional couch).

Check out the Yamaha YSP 4000. It's an all in one unit. Receiver and speakers. Surprisingly good surround sound effects. Read the reviews, great stuff.

Flyer88 · 02-09-2010, 03:09 PM

Wow that looks cool! Ouch on the price though. Do you have it?

Moses · 02-09-2010, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyer88

Wow that looks cool! Ouch on the price though. Do you have it?

Not so pricey considering it replaces your receiver, center channel and other speakers. I have it and I'm continually impressed by it.

Oh, and you really do need to add a subwoofer. Then the thing rocks.

gr8fl4porsche · gr8fl4porsche's Garage

I like Pioneer Elite for affordable receivers but anything with multiple HDMI connections will work.

imcarthur · imcarthur's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moses

Read the reviews, great stuff.

Please . . . no offense, but I would dispute the 'great' part. It is pseudo-surround sound. They play with phasing on some of the drivers to trick your ear/brain into thinking that it is surround. It is not. Have you ever put one speaker in a stereo out of phase? You get this weird non-localized sound. This piece works on the same concept with a combination of in-phase & out-of-phase drivers. They probably add delay to further the effect, but it is only an effect . . .

Ian

Moses · 02-09-2010, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imcarthur

Please . . . no offense, but I would dispute the 'great' part. It is pseudo-surround sound. They play with phasing on some of the drivers to trick your ear/brain into thinking that it is surround. It is not. Have you ever put one speaker in a stereo out of phase? You get this weird non-localized sound. This piece works on the same concept with a combination of in-phase & out-of-phase drivers. They probably add delay to further the effect, but it is only an effect . . .

Ian

Go listen to one. Then tell us what you think.

Flyer88 · 02-09-2010, 03:54 PM

I like the idea of not having to run wire and mount a bunch of speakers...but still getting the surround effect. I really appreciate all of the imput as the last big audio purchase that I made was a pair of Polk SDA-2s in 1989 - currently in the storage room of the basement

Keep the ideas coming! Moses, I am going to go give the Yamaha a listen for sure!

imcarthur · imcarthur's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moses

Go listen to one. Then tell us what you think.

I can't deny that I am biased.

I installed a pair of $50K stereo speakers in the editor of Stereophile's house yesterday for him to review.

Yamaha has always been at the forefront of effects. But Dolby Digital & DTS circuits are designed & all software is mixed with multiple speakers + sub in mind as per standard 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, 9.2 etc specifications. Sound bars have been designed to appeal to the general consumer who is after a no fuss/no muss option. That is fine in itself, but it is a compromise.

Ian