Please help with receiver connections? I have no idea what I'm doing.?

Question

I have a Harman Kardon AVR 347 with two input HDMI slots and one HDMI output, LCD TV with two HDMI inputs (one also says DVI - not sure what that means either since there is a DVI slot as well with digital audio next to it), upconverting DVD player with HDMI and component outputs, Directv Basic Satelite Box (in the process of upgrading to Comcast HD but not yet allowed in my building and way too expensive to buy Directv HD Box) with S-Video and Analog Audio (Red, White & Yellow Plugs - only using Red and White for audio).

Here's how it's connected right now, please let me know if this will work:
- DVD HDMI to Receiver (HDMI Input 1)
- Directv S-Video and Analog Audio to Receiver (Video 2 Input)
- Receiver HDMI to LCD TV (HDMI Output to HDMI Input 2)

Do I need any other connections? Can the HDMI cable to the TV handle the basic analog audio and S-Video connection from the Satelite? How can I make this setup better? What else do I need? Please reply with any advise, THANKS

Answer 1

actually you are not far wrong-the HDMI cable will handle 7.1 digital audio. if you live in the UK i would bin the s-video from the satellite in favour of a good quality two-way scart lead. find out if the scart input on your tv is RGB enabled (this signal splits the three primary colours red/blue/green into their respective feilds giving a much clearer and sharper image). if you live in the USA then without actually seeing the outputs on your cable box i can't help you-sorry :(. you are bang-on with the receiver HDMI set-up so no worries there. if the cable box has a SPDIF (sony/philips digital interface) port-optical output. connect an optical cable from this to your receiver to enjoy 5.1 surround sound in television broadcasts. the list is endless-its all about experimentation.

Answer 2

Your on the right track. Check to make sure your receiver can up convert the picture, if not then you need to run a s video from it to the tv. Also look to see you your sat receiver has a digital out put either optical or coax digital and hood that up. When you do move to the comcast hd your going to want to get the one with the dvr and hdmi (you need to specifically ask for it) it will cost a little more but you will get a better picture. Also you will want to run the cable box straight to the tv as the hdmi on them dosent talk well to av receivers.