Can't get sound to work with PS3 and DirecTV DVR HD box

Jbnine · 07-31-2010, 06:57 PM

I've been racking my brains out trying to figure this out. I am trying to hook up a DirecTV HD DVR box,and PS3 to surround sound system.

I have HDMI going from DirecTV to TV.
I have optical audio from DirecTV to receiver.

I have HDMI from PS3 to TV.
I have audio (red/white) from PS3 to receiver.

I changed the settings on the PS3 Sound Settings and I get sound to come out of the surround sound speakers when the optical audio is unplugged from the DirecTV box. If I plug it in I get TV sound over the PS3 video. I tried to power off the box thinking it would work, but it didn't. I have been using the setting on the receiver called "TV/CABLE".

Surround Sound System: Sony - BRAVIA 1000W 5.1-Ch. DVD Home Theater System - DAVDZ170

TV: Sharp Aquos.

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

BIslander · 07-31-2010, 07:22 PM

The unit has a single input with three different kinds of connectors. If there are two or three connected devices, the system auto selects in the following order: coax, optical, analog stereo. That's why unplugging the optical feed from the cable box enables the analog audio from the PS3. I would think turning the cable box off would do the same thing. But, perhaps not.

Meanwhile, you should get an optical-coax converter so that you can get digital audio from your PS3. You can get one at monoprice.com.

Jbnine · 07-31-2010, 08:05 PM

Thanks for the reply. I thought the same about turning off the cable box, but for some reason it looks like there is still some sort of power running to the box even when powered off with remote. I suppose this is due to the DVR. So to fully power down the unit you have to unplug it. Or you can unplug the optical wire.

Would a analog to coax/optical converter solve the issue?

BIslander · 07-31-2010, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jbnine

Would a analog to coax/optical converter solve the issue?

I doubt it. I only suggested that because you'll get better audio from your PS3 using digital, especially with Blu-rays.

But, an optical switch would solve your problem. Plug the satellite box and the PS3 into the switch inputs. Select the one you want to hear. There will only be one source feeding your sound system.

07-31-2010, 06:57 PM	#1
Jbnine What is HD? Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 2	Can't get sound to work with PS3 and DirecTV DVR HD box I've been racking my brains out trying to figure this out. I am trying to hook up a DirecTV HD DVR box,and PS3 to surround sound system. I have HDMI going from DirecTV to TV. I have optical audio from DirecTV to receiver. I have HDMI from PS3 to TV. I have audio (red/white) from PS3 to receiver. I changed the settings on the PS3 Sound Settings and I get sound to come out of the surround sound speakers when the optical audio is unplugged from the DirecTV box. If I plug it in I get TV sound over the PS3 video. I tried to power off the box thinking it would work, but it didn't. I have been using the setting on the receiver called "TV/CABLE". Surround Sound System: Sony - BRAVIA 1000W 5.1-Ch. DVD Home Theater System - DAVDZ170 TV: Sharp Aquos. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

07-31-2010, 08:05 PM	#3
Jbnine What is HD? Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 2	Thanks for the reply. I thought the same about turning off the cable box, but for some reason it looks like there is still some sort of power running to the box even when powered off with remote. I suppose this is due to the DVR. So to fully power down the unit you have to unplug it. Or you can unplug the optical wire. Would a analog to coax/optical converter solve the issue? Last edited by Jbnine; 07-31-2010 at 08:23 PM.

07-31-2010, 07:22 PM	#2
BIslander Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bainbridge Island, WA Posts: 875	The unit has a single input with three different kinds of connectors. If there are two or three connected devices, the system auto selects in the following order: coax, optical, analog stereo. That's why unplugging the optical feed from the cable box enables the analog audio from the PS3. I would think turning the cable box off would do the same thing. But, perhaps not. Meanwhile, you should get an optical-coax converter so that you can get digital audio from your PS3. You can get one at monoprice.com.