Harmon Kardon AVR240 Receiver ( Very intimidating manual and setup! Still not sure how to lock the speaker settings for use or set it up correctly!!!)
Comcast DCT3412I ( Comcast HD Box with DVR ( This box has an HDMI out but my TV only has component in’s )
RCA ( DRC8052N ) DVDR ( I would like to record from my DVR in any quality possible as the DVR drive only hold so much )
Mitsubishi 65″ HDTV (WS-65869) This has PIP but as I understand the comcast box only has 1 output? (Can I split it from the wall without losing quality)

I would like to use the PIP on the TV when watching sports but that is the last thing on my mind at this point…

Any information as to how to have the rear speakers STAY on is appreciated. I had this hooked up to a smaller 52″ HDTV (VERY SIMPLE DIRECT CONNECTION) and the rear speakers worked but would shut off when commercials would happen during a movie on TV and I would have to “switch” my surround mode again to have them turn on again, only to have them shut off again when a commercial happened again (we all know how often that is !!!) I figure this is only a matter of setting the receiver to “lock” the setting, but am unsure how….I don’t think it matters but I have Klipsch rear surrounds and HUGE OHM fronts with no center channel yet……………………anyone out there with a suggestion for a nice center they are happy with???

Thanking all in advance.
Dr. Evil

I can send pictures of the component backs or whatever information needed to lead me to a propoer connection, I have all the receits, manuals, and remotes for all the equipment listed………..can someone please help a fellow BASEBALL AND FOOTBALL fan realize big screen HDTV and SOUND?????

Patiently Waiting for a Response:
Doctor Evil 2002

what would be the best way to set up a Mac Mini as a HTPC? How do I integrate an iphone or ipodtouch as a remote to manage HTN in the home.

Thanks,

J.C.

I just purchased a Yamaha RX-V463 AV Receiver to replace a JVC RX-D402 AV Receiver in my home theater system.  The rest of the system consists of a Samsung  HL-R6168W DLP TV and a custom made HTPC running Windows XP Media Center which contains all of my music CDs on the hard drive, a DVD drive , and a Blu-Ray drive.

            All of the connections before and with the Yamaha receiver are via HDMI cables. I have attempted to get the TV to recognize input from my HTPC connected via HDMI through the Yamaha receiver but the TV does not recognize the signals from the new connections at all.

What connections and settings should I employ to connect the HTPC to the TV through the Yamaha receiver?  Thanks for your assistance.

Barry Thompson

Dvldwg

·  If your HDTV has a VGA interconnect, then you might want to connect your HTPC straight to the VGA port instead of the receiver. This will help solve any video scaling issues that may arise.

Of course, most (if not all) LCDTVs have a VGA input on them.  In my new setup, I have the LCDTV hanging on the wall in the family room.  On the other side of the room is my PC (nothing special, but I suppose it could be rebuilt some day to be a real HTPC).  In any case, as a PC it has video out in the form of VGA.  Of course I do not want a bit VGA cable running through the room, so my hope is to put some sort of jack on the wall by the PC and another on the wall behind the LCDTV.  Connect from the respective devices to the respective jacks will be easy enough (i.e. by use of standard VGA cables).  What confuses me is how to connect these jacks such that I have the best quality video from the PC to the LCDTV.  I intend to run whatever cable is necessary between these jacks down the walls and under the floor which is exposed below.  Could you help me to understand what might be the best strategy in terms of cabling and jacks to get to such a solution?

So there is the HTPC, NetGear Digital Entertainer HD, Apple TV, and now I just read the XBOX 360 Elite will do all this for you as well. I’m sure there are others.

Which is the best way to go? One big criteria for me is expandability, or at least knowing that what I invest in today will last and stay current for awhile (if that’s possible). I know technology does not stand still, but it would be nice to know what I buy today won’t be outdated in a week!

My current set-up consists of a Mitsubishi WD52725 Diamond Series 52″ DLP HDTV, an old Kenwood KR-V6050 dolby digital receiver, a new Toshiba D-VR5SU VHS/DVD Player/Recorder, and a Pioneer PD F1007 301 CD JukeBox. The cable HD DVR Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD from BrightHouse. Also a set of Bose 301 speakers. I tried connecting an HDMI cable directly from the DVR to the TV, but only got audio, no video! Currently do not have an HDMI output on my receiver, so I definately think I need to upgrade my receiver to newer technology. Once I do that I think I will add 2 rears and a sub to get the surround experience, which I want to do. Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

Back to my original question…which way to go as far as having control of all my media wirelessly, and able to play music and videos from my PC.

Thanks in advance!

GK (That’s me in the TV screen taking the photo…)

This Kenwood is ancient, but has been a workhorse. I plan on upgrading this piece with an HDMI ready unit. I’ll use this somewhere else in my home.

This Toshiba is pretty nice, very slow in powering up and opening the DVD platter though, don’t like that about it. Otherwise does just fine…has all the latest connections.

This Pioneer has aslo been a good performer. I want to get away from physical media, I want all my content available from my PC…one source.