The Home Theater thread

audioholic · 27th December 2012, 09:22

Hello experts, please look at my issue and pour in your thoughts.

I already purchased a HTS system from sony along with my Bravia LED EX520. The HTS is not that much of an enthusiasts pick. The only reason I even looked at it was that it would integrate with the TV seamlessly. They both can work together as we all know and there is no need to individually control it or set it up. Personally, I would have gone for a custom setup from Onkyo or Yamaha, but as my parents will be making use of it and in case I am not in town or around, I did not want them to face problems with multiple connections, remotes etc. It will make them avoid the setup.

Its been a year since I brought it. The synchronisation is excellent and SQ is just okay. But one major problem is that, ARC through HDMI is not working. I tried everything, called the sony guy home. He did not even know such a feature exists. Basically, the TV manual states that HDMI 1 is meant for audio return. So the HT is hooked to that. When I go to the TV options, and select speakers as audio system, the TV is able to switch on the HT, and it transfers volume control to the HT. So if we change volume in TV, it will redirect to HT, cool. But there is no audio sent in the return channel. Home theater is able to send audio and video to TV, but the opposite is not happening. The HT switches to TV mode and gets synchronized too, but no audio. I have to then go to Audio In in the HT and deliver audio through a two channel cable.

This is a problem everytime I transfer audio to HT. I have to manually go to audio in. Though the TV can send 5.1 through Pro-Logic and that is also a beauty, still, I want to know why my ARC is not working. After eating the head of the service guy, his senior called me and said the problem could be due to HDMI cable. I am using the cable supplied by Sony itself. How can I make sure its a problem with the cable? If cable was not compatible, how can it perform other functions effortlessly? Please advise on what I should do?

NetfreakBombay · 27th December 2012, 12:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by audioholic

his senior called me and said the problem could be due to HDMI cable. I am using the cable supplied by Sony itself. How can I make sure its a problem with the cable? If cable was not compatible, how can it perform other functions effortlessly? Please advise on what I should do?

He might be correct. ARC requires HDMI 1.4 compatible cables. You can buy a cheap Chinese cable for testing for 2- 300 Rs from any electronics parts shop.

Just to be sure, does your HT support ARC?

audioholic · 27th December 2012, 12:24

As per the manual of both the TV and the HT, they have described about ARC and the procedure to be followed. I did the same thing but things dont work. But if I buy a cheap Chinese cable, how do I know its compatible with 1.4? As per sony guy ARC requires 1.3. Now how to find out which version of cable I am having?

Another problem is my TV is setup in such a way that there are no cables seen around. The cables are concealed. In order to change the cable, I need to get the TV off its mount and then change. So, I am ruling out other problems. But why would the TV be able to control the HT if the HDMI cable is not compatible with ARC? The sony cable looks to be of high quality. So let me check which version it is.

NetfreakBombay · 27th December 2012, 13:49

Yes it makes sense to rule out other issues first since concealed wiring would make it difficult to mess around with cables.

Quote:

Originally Posted by audioholic

As per the manual of both the TV and the HT, they have described about ARC and the procedure to be followed. I did the same thing but things dont work. But if I buy a cheap Chinese cable, how do I know its compatible with 1.4?

1.4 requires ethernet cables inside HDMI, so these cables are sold with 1.4 label (cost 50 Rs extra in case of Chinese and 200 in case of branded).

E.g.: http://www.flipkart.com/prolink-ultr...CDD4K6VKZFCKJS

Quote:

Originally Posted by audioholic

As per sony guy ARC requires 1.3. Now how to find out which version of cable I am having?

If you have bill for that cable, it would have sony part #.

Quote:

Originally Posted by audioholic

But why would the TV be able to control the HT if the HDMI cable is not compatible with ARC?

Controlling the HT requires CEC that was part of HDMI 1.3, so any cable would work for that purpose. ARC is required just for sending actual audio data.

In some TVs and HTs, there is a workaround to use HDMI 1.3 cables for ARC. This is done by sending ARC start commands over CEC and use two wires that were previously unused for audio data.

CEC : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI#CEC (same link has ARC details)

robimahanta · 29th December 2012, 17:04

Guys what "Crossover freq" do you prefer? I prefer around 80Hz but Audyssey sets it at 40Hz while the sound tech I spoke to says it should be above 100Hz.

audioholic · 29th December 2012, 17:38

If it is for the sub, then I think 40hz is on the lower side. However, it depends upon your preference. Hits, slams and crashes fall comprise of higher frequencies. So, I would go for a 80hz or 90hz setting. However, experts can correct.

robimahanta · 29th December 2012, 19:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by audioholic

Hello experts, please look at my issue and pour in your thoughts.

Iopposite is not happening. The HT switches to TV mode and gets synchronized too, but no audio. I have to then go to Audio In in the HT and deliver audio through a two channel cable.

This is a problem everytime I transfer audio to HT. I have to manually go to audio in. Though the TV can send 5.1 through Pro-Logic and that is also a beauty, still, I want to know why my ARC is not working. After eating the head of the service guy, his senior called me and said the problem could be due to HDMI cable. I am using the cable supplied by Sony itself. How can I make sure its a problem with the cable? If cable was not compatible, how can it perform other functions effortlessly? Please advise on what I should do?

I had a similar problem with ARC when I used a sony HT but somehow when I put a optical cable to the the optical input in the HT from the TV, things sorted out. Just try out with a optical cable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by audioholic

If it is for the sub, then I think 40hz is on the lower side. However, it depends upon your preference. Hits, slams and crashes fall comprise of higher frequencies. So, I would go for a 80hz or 90hz setting. However, experts can correct.

Yes its for the sub, somehow after the upgrade from Polk I am unable to find the sweet spot. Keeping at 80hz for now. Maybe repositioning would help things

audioholic · 29th December 2012, 22:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by robimahanta

I had a similar problem with ARC when I used a sony HT but somehow when I put a optical cable to the the optical input in the HT from the TV, things sorted out. Just try out with a optical cable.

Thats another issue. My HT doesnt have optical input. So, the only way I will be able to send multichannel audio to it is through HDMI. Else, I have to rely upon pro logic. Though it works fine, the HT has to be in audio in mode and not tv. Will change the cable as I think I have HDMI 1.3 cable.

audioholic · 4th January 2013, 18:56

An update: The problem was solved! Thanks Robimahanta and netfreakbombay. The culprit was the cable indeed. When I had been to buy some books I came across a cable branded 'Nitho'. Packaging and box looked good, and unlike the ones I had found with lots of printing mistakes etc. The cost was just 300 so thought of giving a try. It works flawlessly now. The cable too is thick and well moulded. Thanks for the information.

vivekiny2k · 4th January 2013, 22:07

This is a question for mounting a projector. I understand that ventilation and vibration is a big cause of concern for the lamp life. I was looking up projector mounts (wall, not inclined to do it in ceiling), and then realized I could install a wire shelf instead of those wall projector/TV mounts. These will be better ventilated and sturdy (the projector mount has only two vertical anchor points). Anybody has any thoughts?

something like this (only 1.5 feet long)

vcash · 5th January 2013, 15:42

Finally setup the HT and thought I would share some pictures. Some casing work for the speaker cables is yet to be completed as is a DVD shelf and a comfortable couch but I am done for the most part.

Modest setup includes:

Panasonic 50ST50 Plasma
Denon AVR-1513
Energy Take Classic 5.0 speakers
Polk PSW-110 Subwoofer
Zotac ZBOX (Cedar Trail) running XBMC
Tata Sky+ HD

Here are a couple of pictures:

Cheers!
V

diyguy · 6th January 2013, 13:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by vivekiny2k

This is a question for mounting a projector. I understand that ventilation and vibration is a big cause of concern for the lamp life. I was looking up projector mounts (wall, not inclined to do it in ceiling), and then realized I could install a wire shelf instead of those wall projector/TV mounts. These will be better ventilated and sturdy (the projector mount has only two vertical anchor points). Anybody has any thoughts?

something like this (only 1.5 feet long)

I have my projector sitting on my ceiling mount (mount is upside down) on my window ledge aligned with a bottle opener on one side

I did not screw this in permanently yet but have secured it with plastic ties.

The Home Theater thread-image1522377741.jpg

The Home Theater thread-image3462798820.jpg

This projects above my HT theatre setup on the wall opposite my bed. The projector just peeps over the headboard of my bed.
The projector is 5 years old and so far no bulb issues, touch wood!

Bass&Trouble · 6th January 2013, 17:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by vivekiny2k

and then realized I could install a wire shelf instead of those wall projector/TV mounts. These will be better ventilated and sturdy (the projector mount has only two vertical anchor points). Anybody has any thoughts?

3 things:

1. There is a chance the projector can get misaligned during dusting etc. You will have to readjust at those times.

2. Good wall mounts allow the projector to be moved along several axes. This allows you to perfectly align the projector with the screen and then tighten and leave it. It is far more difficult to get the wire thing installed absolutely perfectly aligned with the screen.

3. The wall mount looks far more elegant and will allow easy access to controls, connections etc from the bottom.

vivekiny2k · 6th January 2013, 22:19

I just realized the projectors are designed to be placed at the bottom of the screen height. which means if they are the the top (ceiling height), they have to be upside down. I managed by skewing the image to look flat on the screen but the actual projection is still a trapezium on the wall (visible when the monitor goes blank and all you see is the projector light). Right now it works perfectly as far as watching movies are concerned but I will invert it soon.

dusting is not an issue in this country, and alignment is one time issue, I will also use a bottle opener or such to do it

deepfusion · 7th January 2013, 11:02

I need some device which can be used for outputting sound using wireless microphones. The device might be a standalone music/hi-fi system, or one that could be connected to the existing home theater system (onkyo) that I have.

I had a sony hi-fi which was used for the purpose, but it has gone kaput.

Which one should I buy?

Please advise.

27th December 2012, 09:22	#1711
audioholic Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: BengaLuru Posts: 5,956 Thanked: 21,238 Times	re: The Home Theater thread Hello experts, please look at my issue and pour in your thoughts. I already purchased a HTS system from sony along with my Bravia LED EX520. The HTS is not that much of an enthusiasts pick. The only reason I even looked at it was that it would integrate with the TV seamlessly. They both can work together as we all know and there is no need to individually control it or set it up. Personally, I would have gone for a custom setup from Onkyo or Yamaha, but as my parents will be making use of it and in case I am not in town or around, I did not want them to face problems with multiple connections, remotes etc. It will make them avoid the setup. Its been a year since I brought it. The synchronisation is excellent and SQ is just okay. But one major problem is that, ARC through HDMI is not working. I tried everything, called the sony guy home. He did not even know such a feature exists. Basically, the TV manual states that HDMI 1 is meant for audio return. So the HT is hooked to that. When I go to the TV options, and select speakers as audio system, the TV is able to switch on the HT, and it transfers volume control to the HT. So if we change volume in TV, it will redirect to HT, cool. But there is no audio sent in the return channel. Home theater is able to send audio and video to TV, but the opposite is not happening. The HT switches to TV mode and gets synchronized too, but no audio. I have to then go to Audio In in the HT and deliver audio through a two channel cable. This is a problem everytime I transfer audio to HT. I have to manually go to audio in. Though the TV can send 5.1 through Pro-Logic and that is also a beauty, still, I want to know why my ARC is not working. After eating the head of the service guy, his senior called me and said the problem could be due to HDMI cable. I am using the cable supplied by Sony itself. How can I make sure its a problem with the cable? If cable was not compatible, how can it perform other functions effortlessly? Please advise on what I should do?
	() Thanks

27th December 2012, 12:24	#1713
audioholic Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: BengaLuru Posts: 5,956 Thanked: 21,238 Times	re: The Home Theater thread As per the manual of both the TV and the HT, they have described about ARC and the procedure to be followed. I did the same thing but things dont work. But if I buy a cheap Chinese cable, how do I know its compatible with 1.4? As per sony guy ARC requires 1.3. Now how to find out which version of cable I am having? Another problem is my TV is setup in such a way that there are no cables seen around. The cables are concealed. In order to change the cable, I need to get the TV off its mount and then change. So, I am ruling out other problems. But why would the TV be able to control the HT if the HDMI cable is not compatible with ARC? The sony cable looks to be of high quality. So let me check which version it is.
	() Thanks

29th December 2012, 17:04	#1715
robimahanta Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: BLR/GAU Posts: 935 Thanked: 9,712 Times	re: The Home Theater thread Guys what "Crossover freq" do you prefer? I prefer around 80Hz but Audyssey sets it at 40Hz while the sound tech I spoke to says it should be above 100Hz.
	() Thanks

29th December 2012, 17:38	#1716
audioholic Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: BengaLuru Posts: 5,956 Thanked: 21,238 Times	re: The Home Theater thread If it is for the sub, then I think 40hz is on the lower side. However, it depends upon your preference. Hits, slams and crashes fall comprise of higher frequencies. So, I would go for a 80hz or 90hz setting. However, experts can correct.
	() Thanks

4th January 2013, 18:56	#1719
audioholic Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: BengaLuru Posts: 5,956 Thanked: 21,238 Times	re: The Home Theater thread An update: The problem was solved! Thanks Robimahanta and netfreakbombay. The culprit was the cable indeed. When I had been to buy some books I came across a cable branded 'Nitho'. Packaging and box looked good, and unlike the ones I had found with lots of printing mistakes etc. The cost was just 300 so thought of giving a try. It works flawlessly now. The cable too is thick and well moulded. Thanks for the information.
	() Thanks

4th January 2013, 22:07	#1720
vivekiny2k Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: cincinnati, jabalpur,chennai Posts: 1,264 Thanked: 212 Times View My Garage	re: The Home Theater thread This is a question for mounting a projector. I understand that ventilation and vibration is a big cause of concern for the lamp life. I was looking up projector mounts (wall, not inclined to do it in ceiling), and then realized I could install a wire shelf instead of those wall projector/TV mounts. These will be better ventilated and sturdy (the projector mount has only two vertical anchor points). Anybody has any thoughts? something like this (only 1.5 feet long)
	() Thanks

5th January 2013, 15:42	#1721
vcash BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 453 Thanked: 22 Times	re: The Home Theater thread Finally setup the HT and thought I would share some pictures. Some casing work for the speaker cables is yet to be completed as is a DVD shelf and a comfortable couch but I am done for the most part. Modest setup includes: Panasonic 50ST50 Plasma Denon AVR-1513 Energy Take Classic 5.0 speakers Polk PSW-110 Subwoofer Zotac ZBOX (Cedar Trail) running XBMC Tata Sky+ HD Here are a couple of pictures: Cheers! V
	() Thanks

6th January 2013, 22:19	#1724
vivekiny2k Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: cincinnati, jabalpur,chennai Posts: 1,264 Thanked: 212 Times View My Garage	re: The Home Theater thread I just realized the projectors are designed to be placed at the bottom of the screen height. which means if they are the the top (ceiling height), they have to be upside down. I managed by skewing the image to look flat on the screen but the actual projection is still a trapezium on the wall (visible when the monitor goes blank and all you see is the projector light). Right now it works perfectly as far as watching movies are concerned but I will invert it soon. dusting is not an issue in this country, and alignment is one time issue, I will also use a bottle opener or such to do it Last edited by vivekiny2k : 6th January 2013 at 22:21.
	() Thanks

7th January 2013, 11:02	#1725
deepfusion BHPian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Gurgaon,N.Delhi Posts: 531 Thanked: 269 Times	re: The Home Theater thread I need some device which can be used for outputting sound using wireless microphones. The device might be a standalone music/hi-fi system, or one that could be connected to the existing home theater system (onkyo) that I have. I had a sony hi-fi which was used for the purpose, but it has gone kaput. Which one should I buy? Please advise.
	() Thanks