Anyone good with electronics/home entertainment setup?

korme · 03-17-2021, 12:38 PM

I've exhausted all of my other resources. My girlfriend gifted me an entertainment system for Christmas this past year, and while I successfully hooked up the surround sound speakers and bluetooth and all of that, I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get it connected to my SmartTV.

On the pictures below, I've shown what I'm working with. I believe I need to use the optical port on my TV to connect to the AUX area on the receiver. The optical port on the receiver is reserved for the DVD player. I've tried an Optical to RCA converter but it didn't do anything.

This area is not at all a skill of mine so forgive me if I explained everything poorly, but I can provide more information if anyone has questions.

I would appreciate some help as currently thing this isn't getting hardly any use.

TV back

Amp back

cartman · 03-17-2021, 12:59 PM

Doesn't look like the receiver has any HDMI on it. The receiver needs to be the hub, with the various HDMI inputs coming into it (cable box, bluray, video game, etx), and then there is an HDMI out that connects to the TV.

MCK · 03-17-2021, 01:00 PM

I think this option would work, don't know if it is the best though

Get an HDMI Converter
Plug the red, yellow, and white cables from your equipment into the little HDMI connector box
Connect the HDMI cable into the converter box
Plug it into the HDMI port of your TV or receiver

JPhillips · 03-17-2021, 01:08 PM

Does the TV have Bluetooth? That looks like the optimal way to connect.

cartman's right, it's bizarre that there are no HDMI ports.

JPhillips · 03-17-2021, 01:11 PM

dola

In looking at another picture, is there an HDMI on the front?

Kodos · 03-17-2021, 01:19 PM

I can't imagine why they would sell a modern system without HDMI hookups. Was it bought new?

korme · 03-17-2021, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPhillips

dola

In looking at another picture, is there an HDMI on the front?

No

korme · 03-17-2021, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodos

I can't imagine why they would sell a modern system without HDMI hookups. Was it bought new?

Sure was, my girlfriend tried her best, but she obviously wanted to get a deal.

korme · 03-17-2021, 01:24 PM

So walk me through if I get an HDMI converter, then the red yellow white ends would go in FL, FR and VIDEO or AUX (both) and VIDEO, then the other end goes in the converter, then the other end of the converter gets an HDMI cord which connects to HDMI2 or HDMI (ARC)?

I have limited understanding of HDMI here, as I thought it was video input, so not sure how it would instantly give sound to my regular setup. Thanks, this is hard.

cartman · 03-17-2021, 01:29 PM

A converter is going to limit the quality of the picture. The best RCA/composite plugs can do is 720p, so no 1080p or 4k if you go that route.

HDMI carries both video and audio in the same cable.

Kodos · 03-17-2021, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by korme

I have limited understanding of HDMI here, as I thought it was video input, so not sure how it would instantly give sound to my regular setup. Thanks, this is hard.

HDMI includes sound as well.

korme · 03-17-2021, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cartman

A converter is going to limit the quality of the picture. The best RCA/composite plugs can do is 720p, so no 1080p or 4k if you go that route.

HDMI carries both video and audio in the same cable.

I guess then I'm trying to understand why this would affect the picture at all? I'm not using HDMI with my Smart TV, everything is just on the screen already. I know that sounds extremely stupid. I don't know a better way to explain that. I only use HDMI to connect the playstation, but if I'm watching cable (youttubetv) or any streaming service, it's not necessary. So that would be the ARC HDMI slot? That's an audio output?

korme · 03-17-2021, 01:44 PM

And if the converter is going to limit quality, do I have any other options?

cartman · 03-17-2021, 01:50 PM

ARC stands for Audio Return Channel. It is way to have the audio from the TV fed back to a receiver that supports ARC and have the receiver handle the sound, not the TV. Without any HDMI on the receiver, you are indeed very limited on your options.

Mota · 03-17-2021, 02:07 PM

Unfortunately it looks like that receiver is strictly for audio.

If you want to hook it up to your TV, I'd suggest you return this one and get a different model. Honestly, you can probably buy a used one online pretty cheap that has HDMI, lots of people sell their older models whenever a new feature comes out. I sold my receiver for $150, and the only reason the guy bought it was because his remote broke and he needed a new one.

Mota · 03-17-2021, 02:25 PM

If you're just looking at outputting the audio from your smart TV to your receiver, you could use this:
Sorry! Something went wrong!
It's an optical to RCA adapter. You'd actually need the RCA cables as well. Most people have a set of those sticking around in a cabinet somewhere. Then you'd plug it into your AUX input.
If you ever want to hook up an Apple TV or a PS5 into that setup though, it wouldn't work. You'd need a received with HDMI for sure.

korme · 03-17-2021, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mota

If you're just looking at outputting the audio from your smart TV to your receiver, you could use this:
Sorry! Something went wrong!
It's an optical to RCA adapter. You'd actually need the RCA cables as well. Most people have a set of those sticking around in a cabinet somewhere. Then you'd plug it into your AUX input.
If you ever want to hook up an Apple TV or a PS5 into that setup though, it wouldn't work. You'd need a received with HDMI for sure.

Bought one of those last week, no dice. I think I may be out of luck.

JPhillips · 03-17-2021, 04:53 PM

This may end with poor quality sound, but you could use a Bluetooth transmitter plugged into the headphone jack of the TV and connect to the amp via Bluetooth.

spleen1015 · 03-17-2021, 09:51 PM

You mentioned optical on the receiver is reserved for the DVD player.

How about hooking up the DVD player to the tv via HDMI and then the tv to the receiver with the optical. Will the optical also pick up the DVD audio through the tv?

It has been almost 20 years since I cared about something like this, so I don't know much about current tech. Just a stab in the dark.

ISiddiqui · 03-17-2021, 10:30 PM

Yeah, I think that's the only option. DVD to TV (use HDMI) and then optical from TV to the reciever.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

Mota · 03-18-2021, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spleen1015

You mentioned optical on the receiver is reserved for the DVD player.

How about hooking up the DVD player to the tv via HDMI and then the tv to the receiver with the optical. Will the optical also pick up the DVD audio through the tv?

It has been almost 20 years since I cared about something like this, so I don't know much about current tech. Just a stab in the dark.

It seems to be an optical OUT, not in. The only IN on the receiver is the RCA connectors.

korme · 03-19-2021, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spleen1015

You mentioned optical on the receiver is reserved for the DVD player.

How about hooking up the DVD player to the tv via HDMI and then the tv to the receiver with the optical. Will the optical also pick up the DVD audio through the tv?

It has been almost 20 years since I cared about something like this, so I don't know much about current tech. Just a stab in the dark.

Dvd player built into the receiver. I don't own a dvd player anymore lol

korme · 03-19-2021, 07:00 PM

I think I've resigned myself to passively telling my SO we have to sell my Christmas gift and get something very similar! She's not one one for tech.

thesloppy · 03-19-2021, 07:44 PM

I'm still not exactly sure what you're trying to do, but there is an HD output on that receiver/DVD player, it's the component RCA connections that are green & blue & orange, labeled Y Pb/Cb Pb/Cr.

To get the receiver/DVD player to input into your TV you would need an HDMI/Component converter like below, connecting those component outputs & the audio outputs (labeled FL & FR) to the converter, and then HDMI from the converter to your TV input:

Sorry! Something went wrong!

To get the audio from your TV into the receiver you would have to use a 3.5mm to RCA converter & plug the 3.5mm jack into your TVs headphone out & the RCAs into the receiver's AUX inputs:

Sorry! Something went wrong!

...having written all that out, neither of those solutions are that great & could result in further issues or just plain crappy sound/video & you might be right that you're better off just spending that time & money on a replacement.

03-17-2021, 12:59 PM	#2
cartman Death Herald Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Le stelle la notte sono grandi e luminose nel cuore profondo del Texas	Doesn't look like the receiver has any HDMI on it. The receiver needs to be the hub, with the various HDMI inputs coming into it (cable box, bluray, video game, etx), and then there is an HDMI out that connects to the TV. __________________ Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint Last edited by cartman : 03-17-2021 at 01:00 PM.

03-17-2021, 01:00 PM	#3
MCK n00b Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Baltimore, Maryland	I think this option would work, don't know if it is the best though Get an HDMI Converter Plug the red, yellow, and white cables from your equipment into the little HDMI connector box Connect the HDMI cable into the converter box Plug it into the HDMI port of your TV or receiver __________________ www.pwpt.net - Duckpin bowling tour www.dpbatour.com - Duckpin bowling tour

03-17-2021, 01:08 PM	#4
JPhillips Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Newburgh, NY	Does the TV have Bluetooth? That looks like the optimal way to connect. cartman's right, it's bizarre that there are no HDMI ports. __________________ To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.. - Mr. Rogers Last edited by JPhillips : 03-17-2021 at 01:10 PM.

03-17-2021, 01:11 PM	#5
JPhillips Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Newburgh, NY	dola In looking at another picture, is there an HDMI on the front? __________________ To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.. - Mr. Rogers

03-17-2021, 01:19 PM	#6
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	I can't imagine why they would sell a modern system without HDMI hookups. Was it bought new? __________________ Author of The Bill Gates Challenge, as well as other groundbreaking dynasties. Last edited by Kodos : 03-17-2021 at 01:19 PM.

03-17-2021, 01:24 PM	#9
korme Go Reds Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bloodbuzz Ohio	So walk me through if I get an HDMI converter, then the red yellow white ends would go in FL, FR and VIDEO or AUX (both) and VIDEO, then the other end goes in the converter, then the other end of the converter gets an HDMI cord which connects to HDMI2 or HDMI (ARC)? I have limited understanding of HDMI here, as I thought it was video input, so not sure how it would instantly give sound to my regular setup. Thanks, this is hard.

03-17-2021, 01:29 PM	#10
cartman Death Herald Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Le stelle la notte sono grandi e luminose nel cuore profondo del Texas	A converter is going to limit the quality of the picture. The best RCA/composite plugs can do is 720p, so no 1080p or 4k if you go that route. HDMI carries both video and audio in the same cable. __________________ Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint Last edited by cartman : 03-17-2021 at 01:30 PM.

03-17-2021, 01:44 PM	#13
korme Go Reds Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bloodbuzz Ohio	And if the converter is going to limit quality, do I have any other options?

03-17-2021, 01:50 PM	#14
cartman Death Herald Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Le stelle la notte sono grandi e luminose nel cuore profondo del Texas	ARC stands for Audio Return Channel. It is way to have the audio from the TV fed back to a receiver that supports ARC and have the receiver handle the sound, not the TV. Without any HDMI on the receiver, you are indeed very limited on your options. __________________ Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint

03-17-2021, 02:07 PM	#15
Mota College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jan 2001	Unfortunately it looks like that receiver is strictly for audio. If you want to hook it up to your TV, I'd suggest you return this one and get a different model. Honestly, you can probably buy a used one online pretty cheap that has HDMI, lots of people sell their older models whenever a new feature comes out. I sold my receiver for $150, and the only reason the guy bought it was because his remote broke and he needed a new one.

03-17-2021, 02:25 PM	#16
Mota College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jan 2001	If you're just looking at outputting the audio from your smart TV to your receiver, you could use this: Sorry! Something went wrong! It's an optical to RCA adapter. You'd actually need the RCA cables as well. Most people have a set of those sticking around in a cabinet somewhere. Then you'd plug it into your AUX input. If you ever want to hook up an Apple TV or a PS5 into that setup though, it wouldn't work. You'd need a received with HDMI for sure.

03-17-2021, 04:53 PM	#18
JPhillips Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Newburgh, NY	This may end with poor quality sound, but you could use a Bluetooth transmitter plugged into the headphone jack of the TV and connect to the amp via Bluetooth. __________________ To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.. - Mr. Rogers

03-17-2021, 09:51 PM	#19
spleen1015 Coordinator Join Date: Sep 2003	You mentioned optical on the receiver is reserved for the DVD player. How about hooking up the DVD player to the tv via HDMI and then the tv to the receiver with the optical. Will the optical also pick up the DVD audio through the tv? It has been almost 20 years since I cared about something like this, so I don't know much about current tech. Just a stab in the dark. __________________ Why choose failure when success is an option?

03-17-2021, 10:30 PM	#20
ISiddiqui Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Decatur, GA	Yeah, I think that's the only option. DVD to TV (use HDMI) and then optical from TV to the reciever. Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk __________________ "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages" -Tennessee Williams

03-19-2021, 07:00 PM	#23
korme Go Reds Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bloodbuzz Ohio	I think I've resigned myself to passively telling my SO we have to sell my Christmas gift and get something very similar! She's not one one for tech.

03-19-2021, 07:44 PM	#24
thesloppy Pro Starter Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: PDX	I'm still not exactly sure what you're trying to do, but there is an HD output on that receiver/DVD player, it's the component RCA connections that are green & blue & orange, labeled Y Pb/Cb Pb/Cr. To get the receiver/DVD player to input into your TV you would need an HDMI/Component converter like below, connecting those component outputs & the audio outputs (labeled FL & FR) to the converter, and then HDMI from the converter to your TV input: Sorry! Something went wrong! To get the audio from your TV into the receiver you would have to use a 3.5mm to RCA converter & plug the 3.5mm jack into your TVs headphone out & the RCAs into the receiver's AUX inputs: Sorry! Something went wrong! ...having written all that out, neither of those solutions are that great & could result in further issues or just plain crappy sound/video & you might be right that you're better off just spending that time & money on a replacement. __________________ Last edited by thesloppy : Today at 05:35 PM. Last edited by thesloppy : 03-19-2021 at 07:47 PM.

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