HDMI Switch in A/V Receiver

[amilo]

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting Onkyo TX-SR606, and planning to use the 4x1 HDMI switch for switching multiple HDMI sources to my TV. This would simplify the in-wall cable layout that would simply go from the Onkyo A/V receiver to the TV.

My question is whether I need to have the Onkyo A/V receiver turned on all the time in the above set-up, even when I only use HDMI switch as a passthrough (no conversion)? My concern here is consuming unnecessary power in A/V receiver, especially when I don't care to have hi-def audio while watching regular TV program from set-top box.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[MrBoylan]

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting Onkyo TX-SR606, and planning to use the 4x1 HDMI switch for switching multiple HDMI sources to my TV. This would simplify the in-wall cable layout that would simply go from the Onkyo A/V receiver to the TV.

My question is whether I need to have the Onkyo A/V receiver turned on all the time in the above set-up, even when I only use HDMI switch as a passthrough (no conversion)? My concern here is consuming unnecessary power in A/V receiver, especially when I don't care to have hi-def audio while watching regular TV program from set-top box.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Yes, the receiver does have to be on in order to switch/pass through the HDMI signal from the source to the display. If you want to watch HDTV from the cable or satellite set-top box, then you should be able to also use the component video (1080i) and stereo audio outputs on the set-top box directly into the TV and this will bypass the receiver.

Most cable boxes do support the use of both HDMI and component video outputs simultaneously.

Hope that helps.

-Chris

[amilo]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the confirmation and suggestion. It is really helpful.

I have some old composite (RCA) cable, and I'm just wondering if I can use that same cable for the component video connection. They seem to have same spec that is known as RG59U or something. Are they inter-changeable?

[MrBoylan]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the confirmation and suggestion. It is really helpful.

I have some old composite (RCA) cable, and I'm just wondering if I can use that same cable for the component video connection. They seem to have same spec that is known as RG59U or something. Are they inter-changeable?

If the cable is well-shielded RG-59 with good solid RCA connectors, they'll be fine. Just make sure you keep the connections straight (red to red, green to green, blue to blue) from source to TV or from source to receiver.

-CB

[smk613]

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting Onkyo TX-SR606, and planning to use the 4x1 HDMI switch for switching multiple HDMI sources to my TV. This would simplify the in-wall cable layout that would simply go from the Onkyo A/V receiver to the TV.

My question is whether I need to have the Onkyo A/V receiver turned on all the time in the above set-up, even when I only use HDMI switch as a passthrough (no conversion)? My concern here is consuming unnecessary power in A/V receiver, especially when I don't care to have hi-def audio while watching regular TV program from set-top box.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Hi

Actually the SR-606 does not have to be on to pass the signal. I have just configured a system that way succesfully. The SR- 606 will pass HDMI signals in standby mode. (See page 79-81 of the manual.)

Here is what you need to do:

In the setup menu go to #7 Hardware setup, then select #5 HDMI set Control to ENABLE and Power Control to ENABLE, leave TV Control as DISABLED.

This will result in the signal from a previously selected HDMI port being passed through to the HDMI OUT port when the receiver is in Standby Mode. (Note: select the source you want to be outputted prior to going to standby mode.)

If you enable TV control then turning on the TV will turn on the receiver, so you do not want to turn that on if you want to only play TV sound. If you do set it to enable, you can then still simply switch the receiver to standby and the TV will still play in pass-through mode.

Interstingly enough if your TV is RIHD compliant, if you are using the reciver to play TV content, shutting of the TV will also shut of the receiver.

[ziapiyya]

The best way around is to buy in the best hdmi splitter.