Onkyo Amp with Sky + and HTPC

Redsoxfan

I've just bought a secod hand Onkyo TX-SR577. All I want is a louder sound from my various devices for starters.

I have a Samsung Plasma with the following:
- HDMI in (one only)
- Optical
- DVI Audio
- Audio out
- Component

The Onkyo has 4 HDMI in, 1 HDMI out

I have a Sky + HD box and also have a HTPC running Linux with HDMI.

I currently use a HDMI hub to switch between Sky + and HTPC.

I originally thought that I should just connect the Onkyo to the TV using Optical and this would play whatever is on the TV (terrestrial, Sky, HTPC) via the Onkyo - is this correct?

Or, can I connect the Sky and HTPC via HDMI in to the Onkyo and then connect the TV via HDMI out?

New to this so all advice greatly appreciated.

eddiem74

• Onkyo HDMI Out -> TV HDMI In
• Sky HDMI Out -> Onkyo HDMI In
• Sky Optical Out -> Onkyo Optical In (Note: this will be required for DD Surround Sound assuming you do not have a Sky HD Box which now supports DD via HDMI(http://www.whathifi.com/news/sky-enables-dolby-digital-51-over-hdmi-on-sky-hd-boxes))
• HPTC HDMI Out -> Onkyo HDMI In (May need to ensure video/sound drivers are up to date)

Turn off TV Speakers.

You may want to consider a Harmony remote or similar to let you control everything with the push of a button.

Redsoxfan

Thanks!

So the amp will effectively work as a HDMI hub/switcher?

coylemj

Redsoxfan wrote: »

Thanks!

So the amp will effectively work as a HDMI hub/switcher?

Yes, I have an Onkyo with UPC HD and a blu-ray player and everything goes through the Onkyo so the TV is permanently set to the HDMI1 port and the internal speakers are disabled via menu setup option. This means that if I accidently press the volume +/- buttons on the TV remote , it will be ignored.

As the earlier poster has said, you needn't bother with optical or co-ax (digital audio) if your HDMI connections support digital audio which will be the case with Sky HD and Blu-Ray players.

Redsoxfan

Cheers - all set up - Sky and HTPC through HDMI, terrestrial through optical.

coylemj

Redsoxfan wrote: »

Cheers - all set up - Sky and HTPC through HDMI, terrestrial through optical.

As a matter of interest, what's on terrestrial (I assume you mean Saorview) that you don't get from Sky?

Redsoxfan

coylemj wrote: »

As a matter of interest, what's on terrestrial (I assume you mean Saorview) that you don't get from Sky?

We also have UPC Digital (in a different room) and we get the 11 or so analogue channels in the other room (via the old school cable), so in a word, Setanta.

Now, can anyone recommend a set of front speakers for this amp? I'm on a budget, so something less than €200 would be preferable. Happy to go second hand.

coylemj

Redsoxfan wrote: »

We also have UPC Digital (in a different room) and we get the 11 or so analogue channels in the other room (via the old school cable), so in a word, Setanta.

Gotcha, but you said 'terrestrial' which means an aerial. UPC is cable.

Redsoxfan

coylemj wrote: »

Gotcha, but you said 'terrestrial' which means an aerial. UPC is cable.

Point taken. I thought 'cable' would confuse people even more!

Redsoxfan

eddiem74 wrote: »

You may want to consider a Harmony remote or similar to let you control everything with the push of a button.

As a matter of interest, would a Harmony 700 do the job?

coylemj

Redsoxfan wrote: »

As a matter of interest, would a Harmony 700 do the job?

Harmony device compatibility check