Digital receiver with many optical audio inputs.. any ideas?

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jamie777

16 posts

Geek

#95890 16-Jan-2012 11:24

Guys,

I currently have a Sony 7.1 receiver (approx 4 years old) that has 2 optical audio inputs. Devices are changing quite a bit, and now want to connect PS3, XBOX360, Apple TV (modded!), MySky and possibly some more when I get them via optical cable.

Any suggestions on a good, not too expensive AV receiver?

Thanks :)

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#569381 16-Jan-2012 11:27

Just out of interest initially, is there any reason you're not using hdmi for some of those devices?
That would obviously cut down the need for opticals

Also do some have digital coax outputs on board as well? - Same signal, just different connection type.

jamie777

16 posts

Geek

#569391 16-Jan-2012 12:02

Thanks for reply Jaxson :)

The receiver (model HT-DDW1600) only has 2x HDMI (DVD & Video 2) and 2x Opt (Video 2 & SAT). I guess I could use DVD for audio to get anther input.

I was under the impression that it was only 'HDMI' pass-through. A long time ago I plugged PS3 using only HDMI and didn't get all audio tracks? Could be config problem, but was easier to get opt cable!

Also done some reading, and MySky (NZ) requires opt out for surround sound? Apparently???

Jaxson

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#569396 16-Jan-2012 12:11

Isn't there a co-ax input under the opticals?

That would give you 3?

PS3 hdmi sound issue would probably be fixable by adjusting the sound settings in the PS3 itself.

These are just ideas is all.

jamie777

16 posts

Geek

#569413 16-Jan-2012 12:45

Yep, there is and it would. Will check to see what output options on devices are. I'm pretty sure ATV, PS3, XBO360 doesn't support, maybe Sky. Thanks for your replies :)

If you/anyone else has suggestions on receivers in general, very keen to here!

Thanks once again.

bazzer

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#569415 16-Jan-2012 12:48

I think Jaxson's point is if you're thinking about buying a new receiver, why are you worrying about optical inputs when you can get one with multiple HDMI inputs?

jamie777

16 posts

Geek

#569423 16-Jan-2012 13:01

Yep, got that... should really rename topic! :)

I was going down the opt in route as already using it and seems to be working well. Also went this way due to limited HDMI inputs so have purchased things like 360 cable (component + opt audio), PS3 audio problems through HDMI (whether that was config or HDMI pass-through setting...), forums suggesting only opt audio out on MySky etc....

Don't get me wrong, am definitely open to change. It sounds like with a 'newer' mulitple HDMI reciever I shouldn't have too many problems!

clevedon

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#569553 16-Jan-2012 17:31

MySky HDi will run DD 5.1 audio through optical or HDMI.

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tangerz

625 posts

Ultimate Geek

#569642 16-Jan-2012 20:58

clevedon: MySky HDi will run DD 5.1 audio through optical or HDMI.

...or Coax!

Jaxson

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#569653 16-Jan-2012 21:13

Yeah I haven't bothered doing a seriass count up, but with 2x hdmi, 2x optical and 1x digital coax, I have a feeling you could probably set this all up fine with what you have already.

But if you want to spend some money on a new bit of kit then go for it. There are quite a few new receiver type threads already on here, just have a look around and see what you find.

Dunnersfella

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#569732 17-Jan-2012 07:35

Just a quick question - is your Sony sysyem utilising a passive or powered subwoofer?
Or, in other words, does your subwoofer plug into a power outlet? Or does it draw its power from the receiver?

jamie777

16 posts

Geek

#569772 17-Jan-2012 09:13

Powered subs... plugged into the wall :)

I need to do a count of all inputs, and output possibilities from devices. Just for information sake, here's a copy of the back panel of the unit:

It's a pain in the *** really, as digital audio/hdmi/conponent inputs are shared between function.

Thanks for all your suggestions guys, rather than going for the easy (but possibly expensive) option, I need to re-look at how these things plug in. I have a feeling I'm still not going to have enough, but hoping I can shift some outputs around. I'm more than happy with the performance of the sonr receiver though!

:)

Jaxson

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#569776 17-Jan-2012 09:26

jamie777:
It's a pain in the *** really, as digital audio/hdmi/conponent inputs are shared between function.

Isn't that a good thing, rather than have a fixed input that can only be used on just one function.

What it means though is that some of your gear won't necessarily be plugged into 'sensible' named functions. So you might end up with a CD player plugged into 'TAPE' or whatever, but that's just what you have to play with. I use a harmony universal remote to hide this entire 'background' configuration from the end user.

If you haven't got enough 'functions' to cover your gear etc, or you want features like HD audio that perhaps your current gear can't support then you do need to look at upgrading. Over to you how you want to proceed, it's your gear/lounge/money etc.

Jaxson

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#569779 17-Jan-2012 09:33

2x hdmi
2x optical
1x digital coax

PS3,
XBOX360,
Apple TV (modded!),
MySky

How about:

PS3 - hdmi for video and audio or optical
xbox - optical if that's what audio output the cable you have already purchased provides
Apple TV - hdmi or optical
MySKY - hdmi or digital coax or optical

Definitely use hdmi for any HD source.

jamie777

16 posts

Geek

#569804 17-Jan-2012 10:42

Thanks Jaxson. Unfortunately that won't work exactly because the functions tie up all inputs :(

ie.
SAT = COMPONENT/OPTICAL/COMPONENT
Video2 = HDMI/OPTICAL/COMPONENT
DVD = HDMI/COAX/COMPONENT

It's cool though, I'll figure something out :) Thanks for all your help.

richms

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#569840 17-Jan-2012 11:39

Usually when the optical/coax is tied to a HDMI input it is because the reciever is just a HDMI switch.

IMO save yourself some hassle and pick up a used component/optical switcher off trademe for a few bucks and run thru that, then you can replace the reciever at a later date.

Richard rich.ms

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