Connecting HD-DVR Through Optical?

Alright, I'm a newbie to the forum so if I'm in the wrong place for this particular subject then I do apologize.

Here's the basic rundown:

I've just purchased my first HDTV (Panasonic 42" Plasma TC-P42X1) and will be installing it this week. I will be hooking it up to the Panasonic SC-PT670 HTIB as well as the HD-DVR box provided to me by my cable provider (Comcast; and I do have HD channels to take advantage of) and a PS2.

Given that the TV only has one HDMI port, I'll be hooking it up to the HTIB receiver. But, the receiver itself only has one HDMI port so I am wondering what the best option is for me to do in order to also have the surround sound option when watching the cable box and playing PS2. Should I just use an optical cable to hook up from the box to the receiver or does that simply cover the audio? If so, how would I get the video signal since there is only one HDMI port on the receiver?

Sorry that these are probably very basic questions...this is my foray into the actual setup of an HD system on my own so I'm still learning the specifics of all the different cables and their functions.

You can use component or HDMI cables for HD video. Since you only have one HDMI input, I'd start by seeing whether a component connection will work for one of your sources. If it does, you're good to go. If HDMI provides a better picture with both sources, then get a switch so that they can both use the single HDMI input on your receiver or your TV. I use an HDX-301 switch from monoprice that cost about $30.

If you use component for video, you will need to run a separate optical connection for audio. You may also need to run separate optical or coax audio connections even when using HDMI. I'm not familiar with your surround system, but many Panasonic HTIBs do not process audio over HDMI.

You can use component or HDMI cables for HD video. Since you only have one HDMI input, I'd start by seeing whether a component connection will work for one of your sources. If it does, you're good to go. If HDMI provides a better picture with both sources, then get a switch so that they can both use the single HDMI input on your receiver or your TV. I use an HDX-301 switch from monoprice that cost about $30.

If you use component for video, you will need to run a separate optical connection for audio. You may also need to run separate optical or coax audio connections even when using HDMI. I'm not familiar with your surround system, but many Panasonic HTIBs do not process audio over HDMI.

Right...well, that's why I had the thought that I could just use an HDMI from the cable box to the TV so the video doesn't have to pass through the receiver at all but then also use an optical cable from the box to the receiver for surround sound. That way I wouldn't need a switch (until I buy a third component that uses HDMI down the road). Would that work?

Right...well, that's why I had the thought that I could just use an HDMI from the cable box to the TV so the video doesn't have to pass through the receiver at all but then also use an optical cable from the box to the receiver for surround sound. That way I wouldn't need a switch (until I buy a third component that uses HDMI down the road). Would that work?

Yes, that should work.

Yes, that should work.

Awesome. So then I guess the next question would be this: is there any downside to using optical for audio instead of HDMI? I've done a little research on it and so far opinions seem rather divided but it sounds like optical could provide a quality just as good as HDMI.

Awesome. So then I guess the next question would be this: is there any downside to using optical for audio instead of HDMI? I've done a little research on it and so far opinions seem rather divided but it sounds like optical could provide a quality just as good as HDMI.

For your DVR I doubt there would be any audible difference.

Awesome. So then I guess the next question would be this: is there any downside to using optical for audio instead of HDMI? I've done a little research on it and so far opinions seem rather divided but it sounds like optical could provide a quality just as good as HDMI.HDMI is better when it comes to the new HD codecs and multichannel PCM. But, since your DVR only outputs DD 5.1, optical is just as good.

Which HDMI and optical cables do you guys recommend? The price range seems be incredibly wide and aside from the cables that are designed for 120Hz, I'm not sure what the extra benefit is exactly.

Also, for my PS2, will using composite cables yield a higher quality than component or should I just stick with the latter until I get a 360 and/or PS3 with HDMI?

Which HDMI and optical cables do you guys recommend? The price range seems be incredibly wide and aside from the cables that are designed for 120Hz, I'm not sure what the extra benefit is exactly.

Also, for my PS2, will using composite cables yield a higher quality than component or should I just stick with the latter until I get a 360 and/or PS3 with HDMI?

Go to www.monoprice.com

Which HDMI and optical cables do you guys recommend? The price range seems be incredibly wide and aside from the cables that are designed for 120Hz, I'm not sure what the extra benefit is exactly.

Also, for my PS2, will using composite cables yield a higher quality than component or should I just stick with the latter until I get a 360 and/or PS3 with HDMI?

As the previous poster stated, www.monoprice for cables. The less expensive the better (around $5).

Composite is the lowest form of video connection and will not transmit HD at all. It is limited to 480i whereas component is capable of carrying 1080p, HD.

Thanks, guys. I did mean component, just got them mixed.

So all things considered, the so-called "cheaper" HDMI cables are just as reliable in terms of picture and sound quality as the more expensive ones?

Thanks, guys. I did mean component, just got them mixed.

So all things considered, the so-called "cheaper" HDMI cables are just as reliable in terms of picture and sound quality as the more expensive ones?

Yes...