Background video - listen/watch different sources

I think a neat solution might be to introduce a DVDO Edge into your system. Take the HDMI out for your TV source to the Edge, where you split off video and send that via HDMI directly to your display; the audio goes via HDMI to your processor. By selecting the audio input at your processor, you can decide what audio accompanies the video.

In my application, video goes directly to a projector, audio to an audio-only processor. What you see and hear is entirely up to you. And the Edge can do wonderful video processing.

db

Just to clarify, Yamaha used to have a specific setup that allowed you to watch video from one input and listen to music from a separate input without a separate video connection from the source to the TV. It all went through the receiver. They have dropped this function on newer models. You now need to have a separate connection between video source (cable box) and TV to do this.

Dtc,

After understanding the issues in more detail, I have to agree with Chadnliz that HDMI is a step backwards. By combining the video and audio signals in one cable they have, in practical hook up terms, probably caused as many problems as they've solved. In trying to solve Dtjdorris's problem, I suggested using the HDMI cable for the video signal only and Dtc suggested using it for the audio signal only. And Dbphd suggested using the DVDO Edge device which separates out the video and audio signals. And it sounds like Yamaha's previous ht receivers were capable of splitting the video and audio signals internally but,probably to save costs, their current ht receivers can no longer do this. HDMI is only a good idea if everyone has the same simple requrements (connecting a satellite/cable box or Bluray player to a tv) and uses compatible equipment. This 'compatible equipment' may be the driving force behind HDMI since the manufacturers were envisioning, and drooling over, the propect of consumers replacing their now suddenly almost obsolete components with their new 'HDMI compatible' products that so simplify hook ups. HA.

So, Dtjdorris, are you clear on the solutions suggested? Thanks.

I do this all the time in my audio room. As stated above, you need to route all video signals directly to the TV. I use the TV as a video switching device and do not mix the audio & video signal. All direct tv receivers have digital outputs that you could route to the receiver, dac or SSprocessor. I generally will listen to music and watch football, basketball or Tennis at the same time.

I really do not recommend mixing the audio & video signal in the same device as I think the video degrades the audio signal.

Let me elaborate on my suggest. I would suggest using HDMI as the normal hookup - cable box to receiver to TV. Also use HDMI from Blu Ray/CD to receiver to the TV. That allows you to take full advantage of the 1080p/24 signal from a Blu Ray. That would be your normal setup. For the special case of watching football and listening to another source, also run component video cables to TV. For the football game, simply flip the TV input to component rather than HDMI. The audio source is then played as normal through the receiver. With this setup, the normal receiver settings are used the majority of the time, which should simplfy the setup for the rest of the family. This setup also minimizes the number of cables. The football lover then just has to learn the special trick of changing the TV input for games with alternate sound.

Mds - I am not too concerned about mixing the audio and video signals on hdmi for cable or blu ray. Cable audio is not that good anyway and the only way to get 1080p/24 and the high def audio signals from blu ray is through HDMI.

Noble100 - one reason for developing HDMI was to provide the bandwith for the new 7.1 high def audio formats. Existing digial formats just could not handle it. In general I like the one cable solution. It usually simplifies the hookup and means you have to buy fewer cables. My biggest complaint is that they did not provide any easy way to secure the cable to the box. It seems that most of the early compatibility issues have been worked out. New blu ray players do not even have component video out.

One final note - for short runs, there is no reason to pay high prices for HDMI cables. You can get 6' category 2 certified cables for less than $10.