Audio hookups

Dtc, the reason I asked for model numbers of his equipment is that I know some Sony Blu-ray players, and maybe all, only output LPCM 2ch or bitstream from the digital audio output. If he has a multichannel speaker system, I believe it will be better to use the bitstream. Look here at "Audio Features Coaxial, Optical" under Product Specifications.

http://store.sony.com/blu-ray-disc-player-zid27-BDPS1100/cat-27-catid-All-Blu-ray-DVD-Players?_t=pfm%3Dcategory

If he connects the Blu-ray player and cable box to the TV with HDMI, and they are set for bitstream, he will get a bitstream signal from the digital audio output on the TV, and this can be connected to a digital input on the RX-V1400. Also, changing inputs on the TV will change sound from the RX-V1400 at the same time, rather than having to make an additional change on the RX-V1400 to select the appropriate sound for the picture.

Rbaker, I have some ideas but need more info.

Is the player a Sony BDP-S5200?

Receiver has no digital inputs, coaxial or optical?

TV - brand, model, age, or anything you can provide?

Initial thought for a very cheap solution, assuming receiver has no digital inputs, HDMI from player to the TV, player menu set to PCM as you said, then use player's digital output to this DAC,

http://www.parts-express.com/fiio-d03k-coaxial-optical-dac-digital-analog-converter--230-120

then the DAC's L&R analog out to the receiver. Obviously, a better DAC would improve the sound, however this one is probably as good as the one in the older DVD player, if it was a lesser priced model.

Tls49, it is a Sony BDP S5100-- thanks for the idea for the DAC and the link,will check it out.

Tis49 - I have not run into BR that can only do 2 channel digital out. If that is the case for the Sony then he can bit stream the lossy signal. If he bit streams to the TV then he needs a TV that can decode the bit stream and send it to a digital out. Not all HDMI TVs do that. But again, he would have to bit stream a lossy format. I prefer not to send the digital signal to the TV, but I also have a universal remote with macros, so switching inputs is not an issue.

Question - the Sony spec for coax/Toslink is 2 channel for 96/24. Are you sure it does not do multichannel for 48/24, which is what Dolby Digital uses? I will say I do not use this type of very entry level BR.

RBaker - If using the BR player for 3D movies, or any movies, it sounds like an upgrade to the receiver and speakers may be warranted. 3D video with 2 channel audio is a bit of a mismatch.

If the receiver does not have a coax digital input, then you need some sort of external DAC, as tls49 suggested. Just make sure the BR down mixes any multi-channel signal to 2 channel.