I have a Panasonic HDTV, a Panasonic Blu-Ray player, a DirecTV HD DVR, and an XBox 360. My TV only has 2 HDMI inputs, so until recently my Xbox was plugged in via the RGB cable. I decided to get an HDMI switch so that I could have the Xbox hooked up with an HDMI cable. I plug the HDMI cables from the Xbox and the Blu-Ray into the switch, and then plugged the switch into the TV. My DVR is still directly linked via the HDMI cable. I have noticed however that whenever I use the Blu-Ray player or Xbox, that when I go back to the DVR I have no sound. The length of time seems to vary. Last night I had completely power down, and then start the DVR and TV together before getting the sound back. Can someone explain to me why this is happening?
LOSS OF SOUND WHEN SWITCHING INPUTS!
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The most likely first place to look is HDMI handshake problems. It may be that your switch and/or the cables you are using with it are not doing a good enough job establishing the HDMI handshake between devices. You might try swapping some cables first. I would also try adding one HDMI device at a time to the mix and see if anything changes. Finally, problems with HDMI handshakes can often be improved by altering the order of turn-on of the connected devices (which is sort of what you are doing when you power down and restart a device). You really have to experiment. You are finding out why there is so much "love" for HDMI. 
Hello c1fowler . .
Not-a-thing-incorrect w/ those suggestions of JazzGuyy!
BUT - - do also "consider" spending just a few dollars {less than $8/ea} to buy On-line some new cables which are certified!
These WILL make a difference!
www.bluejeanscable.com
{Article} = http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/hdm ... -cable.htm
+
www.monoprice.com ...or, specifically, { here @ $6.75 / 24 ga- CL2 + certified} = http://www.monoprice.com/products/produ ... 1&format=2
eli
Not-a-thing-incorrect w/ those suggestions of JazzGuyy!
BUT - - do also "consider" spending just a few dollars {less than $8/ea} to buy On-line some new cables which are certified!
These WILL make a difference!
www.bluejeanscable.com
{Article} = http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/hdm ... -cable.htm
+
www.monoprice.com ...or, specifically, { here @ $6.75 / 24 ga- CL2 + certified} = http://www.monoprice.com/products/produ ... 1&format=2
eli
Thanks for the advice, I shall give both a try. I thought maybe since I had my HDMI cables clustered together, that might be an issue. I seperated them some, but have not tried to see if it made a difference. Maybe I should have done a little more homework on the cables I purchased.
Why are those so cheap? I spent at a minimum 30 bucks for each of my cables.
Hello c1fowler - -
That "phenomena" has been perpetuated by "M......" Corporation so very long that it's now Very, Very wealthy!
Obscene costs for ~ $99 HDMI cables / recommendations for totally-unnecessary ~ $199 "Power Conditioners" and the like were the case prior to the Web Sites Stores ...
The Canadian tv Group performed a rather interesting "review / testing" of just such silly cables verses the Certified HDMIs @ $7 -$8 / each .... results & performance on the HDTV were EXACTLY the same for either one!
No one should use excessive lengths, of course ... the "shorter, the better" applies ..... However, that "Blue Jeans" has Certified ones @ 15-20 feet & more! {NOT = $6 - $8, of course....Thanks for asking!}....eli
[..here is that Link, courtesy of the very best HDTV and Audio Authority I've know - - 'Michael'- - from another Electronics Blog] =
http://hdguru.com/canadian-broadcasting ... -scam/240/
DO realize that 3D sets will present 'different cabling challenges.'
That "phenomena" has been perpetuated by "M......" Corporation so very long that it's now Very, Very wealthy!
Obscene costs for ~ $99 HDMI cables / recommendations for totally-unnecessary ~ $199 "Power Conditioners" and the like were the case prior to the Web Sites Stores ...
The Canadian tv Group performed a rather interesting "review / testing" of just such silly cables verses the Certified HDMIs @ $7 -$8 / each .... results & performance on the HDTV were EXACTLY the same for either one!
No one should use excessive lengths, of course ... the "shorter, the better" applies ..... However, that "Blue Jeans" has Certified ones @ 15-20 feet & more! {NOT = $6 - $8, of course....Thanks for asking!}....eli
[..here is that Link, courtesy of the very best HDTV and Audio Authority I've know - - 'Michael'- - from another Electronics Blog] =
http://hdguru.com/canadian-broadcasting ... -scam/240/
DO realize that 3D sets will present 'different cabling challenges.'
c1fowler
As an aside, none of those Items which are included w/ your Set Up 100% need "HDMI" cables except that Blu Ray!
Even that HD S.T.B. will be perfectly-fine with another set of Quality {RG-6} RBG + the two R/W for audio (I take it that you have no Audio System?) ........ http://www.monoprice.com/products/produ ... 1&format=2
Doing so will "free up" your two 'HDMI' Ports so that the new multi port 'Switcher' will NOT be required! ...eli
As an aside, none of those Items which are included w/ your Set Up 100% need "HDMI" cables except that Blu Ray!
Even that HD S.T.B. will be perfectly-fine with another set of Quality {RG-6} RBG + the two R/W for audio (I take it that you have no Audio System?) ........ http://www.monoprice.com/products/produ ... 1&format=2
Doing so will "free up" your two 'HDMI' Ports so that the new multi port 'Switcher' will NOT be required! ...eli
eliwhitney
Don't I need HDMI for 1080P? That being said, I do know (after buying my TV) that my TV does not process 24fps but 60fps. So I only really get 1080I. My Blu-Ray down converts 1080P and I can not watch true 1080P thru the DirecTV DVR. So what if I just put the RGB cables back on my XBox and called it good? I thought with HDMI cables I was actually getting a better picture. If I read your reply right, that isn't the case.
That takes me to this question. I finally am able to get Netflix thru my XBox, but notice the picture on movies ranges from a little grainy to pretty grainy. Is there anything I can do to fix that?
Don't I need HDMI for 1080P? That being said, I do know (after buying my TV) that my TV does not process 24fps but 60fps. So I only really get 1080I. My Blu-Ray down converts 1080P and I can not watch true 1080P thru the DirecTV DVR. So what if I just put the RGB cables back on my XBox and called it good? I thought with HDMI cables I was actually getting a better picture. If I read your reply right, that isn't the case.
That takes me to this question. I finally am able to get Netflix thru my XBox, but notice the picture on movies ranges from a little grainy to pretty grainy. Is there anything I can do to fix that?
c1fowler ..
... 1080p ... can only be experienced with Blu Ray & special ~ ~$29.99 Movies and MUST have a Certified HDMI 1.3a. ... yes, the rest would be fine. Another "benefit" of hook-ups with the RGB cables is that these obviously can not become involved w/ "handshake issues!' Those copyright issues get "involved" via HDMI Cables due to the multiple internal conductors verses only (3). [that's partially what brought HDMI about, way back when .. ability to prevent mass copying w/o paying]
To date, there are no S.T.B.s by either Satellite Company of which I'm aware that DO deliver more than .. {480 i or p / 720p / 1080i} ... P.Q. & "HDMI Cables" aren't really one in the same, in my experiences.
Saves separate cable for Audio, yes, but, "IF" a separate Audio System (to receive & enjoy that Dolby 5.1 which IS an integral part of HD Broadcasts + your Blu Ray Movies!), then even that 'advantage' become moot. There'll be a Toslink Optical cable or Digital / Coaxial Audio connection, usually directly to the Amplifier {except in all-HDMI Units, naturally}
Take a few minutes to peruse this "explanation" - - in particular ... "Myths & Misconceptions" =
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/hdmi-cables.htm
re: ... grainy P.Q. w/ Netflix ... ? are those downloads in 'Std' or 'HD', pls?
P.S. - edited so, "Honest" Time after correction s/b showing 21:28 .... sorry!
... 1080p ... can only be experienced with Blu Ray & special ~ ~$29.99 Movies and MUST have a Certified HDMI 1.3a. ... yes, the rest would be fine. Another "benefit" of hook-ups with the RGB cables is that these obviously can not become involved w/ "handshake issues!' Those copyright issues get "involved" via HDMI Cables due to the multiple internal conductors verses only (3). [that's partially what brought HDMI about, way back when .. ability to prevent mass copying w/o paying]
To date, there are no S.T.B.s by either Satellite Company of which I'm aware that DO deliver more than .. {480 i or p / 720p / 1080i} ... P.Q. & "HDMI Cables" aren't really one in the same, in my experiences.
Saves separate cable for Audio, yes, but, "IF" a separate Audio System (to receive & enjoy that Dolby 5.1 which IS an integral part of HD Broadcasts + your Blu Ray Movies!), then even that 'advantage' become moot. There'll be a Toslink Optical cable or Digital / Coaxial Audio connection, usually directly to the Amplifier {except in all-HDMI Units, naturally}
Take a few minutes to peruse this "explanation" - - in particular ... "Myths & Misconceptions" =
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/hdmi-cables.htm
re: ... grainy P.Q. w/ Netflix ... ? are those downloads in 'Std' or 'HD', pls?
P.S. - edited so, "Honest" Time after correction s/b showing 21:28 .... sorry!
c1fowler ...
Depending upon your "tolerance" for weird bits of data, this might be interesting, too =
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI
... goes from "once upon a time" until 3D and 1.4 editions plus some ~ 154 references at the bottom!
eli
Depending upon your "tolerance" for weird bits of data, this might be interesting, too =
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI
... goes from "once upon a time" until 3D and 1.4 editions plus some ~ 154 references at the bottom!
eli
eliwhitney
Again thank you for all of the information, I will give it all a read later tonight. As for the 1080P, I thought DirecTV offered movies in 1080P, they even list them as such on their site if I am not mistaken.
I think I will switch my XBox back to the RGB cable, and then got back to only having HDMI on my other two units. I don't have my surround sound hooked up at the moment. I regret not getting on here sooner to ask questions.
Live and learn I guess!
Again thank you for all of the information, I will give it all a read later tonight. As for the 1080P, I thought DirecTV offered movies in 1080P, they even list them as such on their site if I am not mistaken.
I think I will switch my XBox back to the RGB cable, and then got back to only having HDMI on my other two units. I don't have my surround sound hooked up at the moment. I regret not getting on here sooner to ask questions.
Live and learn I guess!
eliwhitney
As far as the XBox and Netflix downloads go, I can't answer if they are SD or HD, I don't know. Would the cable connection matter either way?
As far as the XBox and Netflix downloads go, I can't answer if they are SD or HD, I don't know. Would the cable connection matter either way?
c1fowler (back) - -
I'll leave this "open" for the technically astute amongst us to correct me - but - it's my view that there's currently insufficient Capacity available between Satellites & your dish (generic) antenna to "beam" stuff to Customers in .. 1080p ..
AND - recall the lack of 1080p Set Top Boxes, even "IF" the signals got to them.
"IF" one wants to view same from a proper disc, it HAS to be with a HDMI connection, very-preferably Certified as well.
eli
I'll leave this "open" for the technically astute amongst us to correct me - but - it's my view that there's currently insufficient Capacity available between Satellites & your dish (generic) antenna to "beam" stuff to Customers in .. 1080p ..
AND - recall the lack of 1080p Set Top Boxes, even "IF" the signals got to them.
"IF" one wants to view same from a proper disc, it HAS to be with a HDMI connection, very-preferably Certified as well.
eli
eliwhitney
Again thank you for all of the information, I will give it all a read later tonight. As for the 1080P, I thought DirecTV offered movies in 1080P, they even list them as such on their site if I am not mistaken.
I think I will switch my XBox back to the RGB cable, and then got back to only having HDMI on my other two units. I don't have my surround sound hooked up at the moment. I regret not getting on here sooner to ask questions.
Live and learn I guess!
Those 1080P movies are really done as downloads through the Internet, not directly from the satellites. I have no personal experience with them but have heard from those who do that the 1080p quality is closer to 720p and not comparable to a Blu-Ray disc at all.
Again thank you for all of the information, I will give it all a read later tonight. As for the 1080P, I thought DirecTV offered movies in 1080P, they even list them as such on their site if I am not mistaken.
I think I will switch my XBox back to the RGB cable, and then got back to only having HDMI on my other two units. I don't have my surround sound hooked up at the moment. I regret not getting on here sooner to ask questions.
Live and learn I guess!
Those 1080P movies are really done as downloads through the Internet, not directly from the satellites. I have no personal experience with them but have heard from those who do that the 1080p quality is closer to 720p and not comparable to a Blu-Ray disc at all.
c1fowler,
1080p and component: If your TV only accepts 1080i as you said why bother with wiring for 1080p requirements on equipment that is currently not handling 1080p signals, i.e. your X-Box? Component analog wiring would be fine for the 1080i of the X-box (if you do not mind the extra audio connection).
Calibration: I suggest that you at least use a calibration disc to calibrate the TV’s “component analog” input using the DVD player within the X-box, and separately calibrate the TV’s Blu-ray HDMI input using that BD player.
1080p on component analog standard: The industry standard for “component analog” rejected a modification proposal to allow 1080p to be included as part of its standard specs, but that does not mean that 1080p cannot pass thru that wire.
1080p and HDMI: 1080p was already a standard feature within HDMI version 1.0 (December 2002), version 1.3 brings more features to the HDMI capability, but 1080p is not new. Any decent quality short HDMI cable rated for high speed would handle 1080p. HDMI LLC does not allow manufacturers to use the version (1.3a for example) nomenclature on their products (equipment or cables) they must rather indicate the functionality (in the case of cables is the speed category, not the version).
http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/articles/2006/07/hdmi-a-digital-interface-solution.php
HDMI wiring: The wiring changes you have done are on the path that is not on the DVR input, which as you said, the DVR is still connected directly to the TV, adding a switcher on the other input should not affect the other TV DVR input (although the quality of the switcher could affect the voltage/hand-shaking of the X-Box and Blu-ray, which is not the actual problem), so I suggest for you to unplug and replug both endings of the DVR cable, it may happened that while rewiring the other input (for the switcher) your existing HDMI cable male endings for the DVR got slightly wiggled out of the female jacks (TV and DirecTV).
Best Regards,
Rodolfo La Maestra
1080p and component: If your TV only accepts 1080i as you said why bother with wiring for 1080p requirements on equipment that is currently not handling 1080p signals, i.e. your X-Box? Component analog wiring would be fine for the 1080i of the X-box (if you do not mind the extra audio connection).
Calibration: I suggest that you at least use a calibration disc to calibrate the TV’s “component analog” input using the DVD player within the X-box, and separately calibrate the TV’s Blu-ray HDMI input using that BD player.
1080p on component analog standard: The industry standard for “component analog” rejected a modification proposal to allow 1080p to be included as part of its standard specs, but that does not mean that 1080p cannot pass thru that wire.
1080p and HDMI: 1080p was already a standard feature within HDMI version 1.0 (December 2002), version 1.3 brings more features to the HDMI capability, but 1080p is not new. Any decent quality short HDMI cable rated for high speed would handle 1080p. HDMI LLC does not allow manufacturers to use the version (1.3a for example) nomenclature on their products (equipment or cables) they must rather indicate the functionality (in the case of cables is the speed category, not the version).
http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/articles/2006/07/hdmi-a-digital-interface-solution.php
HDMI wiring: The wiring changes you have done are on the path that is not on the DVR input, which as you said, the DVR is still connected directly to the TV, adding a switcher on the other input should not affect the other TV DVR input (although the quality of the switcher could affect the voltage/hand-shaking of the X-Box and Blu-ray, which is not the actual problem), so I suggest for you to unplug and replug both endings of the DVR cable, it may happened that while rewiring the other input (for the switcher) your existing HDMI cable male endings for the DVR got slightly wiggled out of the female jacks (TV and DirecTV).
Best Regards,
Rodolfo La Maestra