HDMI and separate audio?

pjhepworth · 07-01-2009, 10:57 AM

Hi

Does anyone know whether AV Receivers can handle passing through an HDMI video signal and use a separate audio source?

I have built a HTPC using the Asus M2NPV-VM, which I currently have hooked up to my TV via component, and the audio going to the amp.

As I'm upgrading my system, I want to switch to HDMI, so my plan was to get a DVI to HDMI converting cable, and hook that up to a new amp, which passes through to the TV, then I wanted to take a separate audio cable to the amp.

Is this possible with the current HDMI Receivers??

Thanks
Paul

Steppenwolf · 07-01-2009, 11:40 AM

I think they can, but I should no more in less than an hour. I have an A-V technician coming for some work and I'll ask him.

My Sky HD box in connected to the Onkyo 706 by HDMI plus an Optical digital cable. I have been told that the latter is required if I want to record Digital Audio signals from sky programmes.

Likewise, my DVD player is connected to the Onkyo by HDMI plus a coaxial digital cable. The latter might not be necessary, but it does not seem to be interfering in any way.

Of course, a high quality HDMI cable carries signals from the Onkyo to the TV in both cases.

HouseofMu · 07-01-2009, 12:26 PM

Most decent AV amps allow you to assign a digital audio (optical/coax) input to a HDMI input. You may then also have an 'Audio Select' button that allows you to toggle between audio from HDMI or the other.

(speaking from experience of a Yamaha V3800 AV amp)

If the amp allows HDMI standby passthou, the audio will only be from that on the HDMI input. (ie Sky -> amp -> tv giving stereo audio)

pjhepworth · 07-01-2009, 12:27 PM

I think this is going to depend on the Receiver.

The one I was looking at getting can do it (Sony STR-DG820) using Digital Assign, and as this is in the lower end of the market, then I think better models should be able to handle this too.

dwhite · 07-01-2009, 1:11 PM

I was just going to post that the only one I know, that didn't was a STR-DG820, but this was recently fixed by a firmware update. So make sure you get one with the new firmware update.

joey3002 · 07-01-2009, 1:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwhite

I was just going to post that the only one I know, that didn't was a STR-DG820, but this was recently fixed by a firmware update. So make sure you get one with the new firmware update.

I am having the same issue with a DG720... How do I know which firmware is on it and which I need? Can you update it yourself?
thanx