Home Theater & HDMI Input Question!

[jakemcilroy]

I'd be thrilled if somebody could lend a suggestion.

I'm going to buy a home theater system and looked at this one (link below).
Sony - BRAVIA 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker System - HT-SS2000

My question is....this has 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output.

I have DirecTV HD and an up-convert DVD player, but I don't have a gaming system (PS3, etc). I have my DirecTV HD and DVD player hooked up with 2 HDMI inputs directly into my TV right now.

When I hook up everything to my receiver system...Do I need 3 HDMI inputs? Do I need any HDMI inputs? Do I completely cross off systems with no HDMI inputs off my list?...or is the output what is important.

I'm confused for some reason. Any suggestions is appreaciated!

 

[scottie33]

I have all my electronics (cable, ps3, dvd player) all plugged into my receiver via HDMI. I then run one HDMI out of my receiver to my tv and let the receiver do all the input changes and never change the tv. With some high quality receivers you can get an upconvert from Component in to HDMI out.

If I understand your question correctly, you don't need to fill all 3 of those inputs, you could put up to 3 in there and just run one HDMI from there to the tv, and control all your inputs through your receiver.

I hope that answers your questions, this is how I have mine all hooked up.

 

[conmebol]

Depending on where you want to do the hdmi switching? Whether you want to use the receiver or the tv, it's up to you.

 

[alarson]

Id recommend running it through a receiver, from both a wire clutter and an ease of use standpoijnt. Heres why:

Receiver switching= 3 hdmi wires in from components, 1 hdmi wire out to tv from receiver- 4 wires... and only one wire going to the tv, which is especially important if youre thinking of mounting the tv. When you want to switch which component youre using youll only have to switch the input on the receiver.
TV switching= 3 hdmi wires to tv from components for video + 3 audio (coax or optical) from components to receiver. When switching components you will have to switch the video input on your tv as well as the audio input on your receiver.

 

[pulse]

Connecting either way works, but many prefer to run everything through the receiver (for the reasons mentioned). I kind of have a hybrid where I run some things through the receiver and some directly into the TV. As far as what to buy, if you buy the receiver with the 3 inputs and 1 output, it leaves you with many options, and if you ever get a new TV or receiver down the road about what to do with it.

 

[NebrClone]

Make sure it does audio and video both ways throught the HDMI, other wise you will be running a lot of expensive cables. Most don't on the low end. I do not think that model does.

 

[ISUFan22]

Seems simple. Run all HDMI cables to the receiver then run one to the TV. Run audio cables to the receiver which will pump the sound to your new speaker system.

This setup and receiver will allow you to switch between your cable box and DVD players with a push of one button.

Now, having said all that - search online at various places - I would not be surprised if you could get a better deal elsewhere. Just check up on whatever online store you're going to use here - LINK.

I have bought a few things from Best Buy online and did store pickup because they had the best price. But those are few and far between.

 

[jakemcilroy]

Thank you all - this helps a lot.

Lastly...on low end systems like this LG (ones that don't have any HDMI inputs) don't have the capability to input anything through the receiver? I'd have to route everything through the TV, which would be more wires and hassle. But..that being said, I COULD still watch my DirecTV HD and watch up-convert DVD's, etc, correct? I'd still have the sound?

LG - 1000W XM-Ready 5.1-Ch. Home Theater System/5-Disc Upconvert DVD - LHT764

I know this is confusing but I'm a real novice at this and my wife gave me $500 at best buy for Christmas for this stuff.

 

[ISUFan22]

Yes, you would have to run multiple video connections to your TV and switch the input options on your TV each time you moved from the DVD player, cable, etc.

I currently have an old receiver (without HDMI inputs) so I have to change the input settings on my TV and then change the receiver for sound when moving between devices. It can be a pain. Will upgrade to a better receiver eventually...just using the one I had before I went to HD.