Need advice on connections

[debv1947]

Hello and first let me apologize for my ignorance. I have a question about my new equipment and how it was connected. There is no problem but I don't know if it is connected in the best way and Sony tech support was noncommittal.

I have a Sony KDL-46XBR8 TV, a Sony Blue Ray BDP-S550 and a Sony Home Theater HT-SS2300. My TV source is a High-Definition DVR from Comcast (Motorola DCH3416) This is a once in a lifetime purchase for me so I had it installed by a professional installer. The young man seemed very knowledgable and assured me that he was connecting the system in the way that would provide optimal video and audio.

Here is how it is connected. He connected the DVR to the audio receiver via BOTH HDMI and optical digital cable. He connected the Blue Ray to the audio receiver also with BOTH HDMI and optical digital cable. He then connected the receiver to the TV with HDMI cable. I am fine with getting all of my audio through the receiver.

I am reading in these forums though, that maybe I would get better audio if there was only an HDMI connection. There seems to be great controversy on this topic. The installer insisted that I would get better quality audio by having both connections.

I welcome any advice, suggestions or feedback. I've only had the system for a week and haven't really tested it fully but I am confused about the connection. Thank anyone who can help.

[Kevin D]

Well the receiver is only going to use either the HDMI or the optical for audio, not both. Having both is not going to make it any better either.

The cable box will sound the same using optical or HDMI, but the Blu-ray player will sound significantly better using HDMI rather then optical.

I didn't check the manual, but I would be surprised if the receiver would allow you to use HDMI for video and optical for audio. I would unplug the optical cables and if you still have sound, leave it like that. If you don't have sound, consult the manual on how to switch those inputs back to HDMI.

Kevin D.