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component, s-video and composite newbie

Finaaly broke down and got a Pioneer DV 656A and a Pioneer elite vsx-41 receiver. My tTV is an old tosiba which take only the composite video input.

1. Should I hook my DVD to my receiver to each other with the Component or the s-cable? Will this have any effect, or setup problem for the TV which is composite only?
2. Do I need to hook up all the 5.1 RCA audio cables between the DVD and the receiver, or is this taken care of by the video cable?
3. How do I hook up the TV so I can get signals into the surround sound system and out of the receiver?

Thanks in advance the manual suck...
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ivanj OP
35 posts
 
I'm getting a buzz through the system when I have the TV outputs line level into the receiver and select the TV as the source (all the other inputs are dead quiet.) In other words I trying to watch a TV program through the surround system. I do get sound, it's just that there is a buz -20 db.

I'm not using a cable box or VCR - the cable goes directly into the TV. There is no input on the receiver for the cable.

I've tried using various shielded cables. Any other suggestions?

Thanks again.
reubent
6,986 posts
 
Ivanj,

Cable TV is notorious for causing ground loop issues. You likely need to isolate the cable TV input from your system. There are a couple of manufacturers that make isolation devices for this purpose. Mondial makes one and I think RadioShack also makes one. The Mondial unit cost about $70. I think it is called "Magic Block" or something like that.

So, a good test for this would be to select TV on the receiver. Hear the buzz? Disconnect the cable input while listening. Did the buzz go away? If yes, the problem is your cable is causing a ground loop.

I hope this helps.

Enjoy,

TIC
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ivanj OP
35 posts
 
I called Radio Shack and they told me to clean up the cable ground at the pipe driven into the ground before I invest in a $100 magic box. Anyone try this? Will it work or is the ground hum endemic to the cable system and needs a "magic" not a Mundane, solution?
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ivanj OP
35 posts
 
I found the solution for $6.99 plus shipping. Its Calrad part number 75-504 DC Ground blocker and Isolation Transformer. Go to
http://www.calrad.com/calrad/cat-59page3.htm

I guess Mondial sells a more sophisticated unit for $99; it must be MAGIC.
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