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+--- Thread: new tv, round 2 (/showthread.php?tid=141206)
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new tv, round 2 - lazydays - 09-08-2012
So I recently posted that I wanted to buy a tv and I listed my most important features. The helpful people here pointed me to the PS55ST50 which meets all of the criteria I listed BUT I've run into a snag.
My current tv has monitor outputs (analog) which I run to my older stereo (which I like). After doing extensive googling it appears monitor outputs are either rare or non-existent anymore. I still want to use my amp and I still want to use a remote to control the volume. I can only think of two solutions.
1. Find a tv with monitor outputs. No idea how to find one.
2. Use a HDMI switchbox that includes analog outputs. So I would need an additional remote to switch between the sources but I would get my analog output. Something like http://www.amazon.com/Selector-Switcher-Splitter-Multiplier-Converter/dp/B003NLTCNE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=5IZQ455KZ8GR&coliid=I1OCGEB5T1W31N
3. Give up and not adjust the volume.
Buying an AV receiver is not an option. No space and I'm not willing to part with what I already have for an amplifier.
Am I missing anything? Am I too old? Time to give up tv to younger people? Watch it on my computer?
Re: new tv, round 2 - WHiiP - 09-08-2012
Well, being too old is obvious.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_9_17?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=digital+to+analog+converters&sprefix=digital+to+analog%2Celectronics%2C228
See if any of these are what you are looking for . . .
Re: new tv, round 2 - Ombligo - 09-08-2012
There are remotes that do both IR and RF, and will allow macros... maybe one of those with a switchbox will solve the problem?
I've used a Universal RF-20 with receiver for a few years without any problems. Not the most elegant remote but the price is right (~$70) for what it does. It will simultaneously run the TV (IR), sat box (IR/RF), AV receiver (IR) and Mac Mini (IR) from the adjacent room. The receiver picks up the RF signal and changes into a IR signal.
Re: new tv, round 2 - Stavs - 09-08-2012
Get a refurb Harmony One remote. They've been around $90 or so and are excellent. Also, look for switch boxes at Monoprice.
Re: new tv, round 2 - Ombligo - 09-08-2012
Harmony ones are great as long as you only have exposed IR gear. I have a mix of hidden IR and RF gear. Logitech has a RF extender for an additional $99 but no IR extender. That wouldn't work for me.
The Universal sends both an IR and a RF signal, then the included extender converts the RF back into an IR signal in a separate room or enclosed cabinet.
If I only needed an IR remote, a refurbed Harmony would be my choice as well.
Re: new tv, round 2 - sekker - 09-08-2012
I had the same problem, but solved it when I realized my Vizio Tv had pass through analogy audio out that came from the digital audio in from the HDMI cable.
Then, I couldn't find the remote to my receiver, and I purchased a Harmony 600 remoter from Target. (found the receiver remote a few weeks later, of course!)
This Pioneer receiver is 25 years old and still sounds great. I'm glad I was able to integrate it with the Harmony system.
I'm not sure about the Harmony One, but the 600 and 650 versions can be had for $45 or so as open box / refurb, and they work well.
Re: new tv, round 2 - Gareth - 09-08-2012
I would imagine a decent number of TV's still have digital audio outputs. In which case, get an adapter like WHiiP linked to, but get a good one as a cheap one may introduce noise into the audio signal.
One of the reasons audio outputs may be disappearing is because HDMI 1.4 includes an audio return channel (ARC). This means you can connect a single HDMI cable between your receiver and TV (and no separate audio cable) and still get the sound from the TV's internal tuner, apps, other sources sent to your receiver via that one HDMI cable.
In theory, you could get an adapter that would extract the audio off from the ARC and convert it to analog to send to your stereo. But you might have to give up that HDMI input and dedicate it to that task. I can't quite tell if this box would do what I'm describing (either way, it's expensive at $230, but it's what a quick Google search turned up): http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=SB-5610&d=ShinyBow-SB-5610-HDMI-Audio-Extractor-ARC-SPDIF-Analog-Stereo-Control-Box-%28SB-5610%29
edit: Here's one that specifically says it'll pull audio from the HDMI ARC and convert to analog: http://www.kramerelectronics.com/products/model.asp?pid=2093 But at $376, you'd probably want to keep looking for other solutions or adapters.
Re: new tv, round 2 - Bill in NC - 09-08-2012
Buy a soundbar instead?
Re: new tv, round 2 - deckeda - 09-08-2012
A soundbar with digital input would also do the job but in falls into the same category as my receiver suggestion: it supplants the existing analog amplifier.
I wouldn't want to give up the Accuphase, either --- but nor did I suggest it not be used. Just not used in that room. For video sound it's overkill for 2 ch quality, and is therefore already "less than it is" in that situation.
Adding a large flat screen to a room fundamentally changes the acoustics of the room. Combining "dedicated" listening and viewing activities in such a room really is a compromise already. Leave the Accuphase in the room and the sound changes regardless with a big TV.
Rather than spend upwards of $100 for a decent DAC I'd still rather use a basic surround receiver for $200 and gain the ability to easily add more modern sources later. And dedicate another room for music listening.
Think of this way, lazydays. Do you like the Accuphase for what it represents or for what it does? If the former, you're good and truly stuck. If the latter, you can sell it and buy a new receiver that won't embarrass. Think results, not emotions if you get my meaning.
Re: new tv, round 2 - deckeda - 09-08-2012
MrNoBody wrote:
Onkyo HT-RC330 - 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver
is $109 w/ Free Shipping direct from Onkyo
* Refurbished Models Warranty is 1 year
* Refurbished products do not include batteries, cables or labels.
330 Watts
Three 1080p capable HDMI inputs (V1.4)
Front USB for direct digital connection for iPod/iPhone
4 DSP Gaming Modes: Rock, Sports, Action, and Role Playing
On-sceen display via HDMI
Burr-Brown DACs
DOLBY Decoder: True HD, DD Plus
DTS Decoder: DTS-HD Master Audio
To get the $109 price, simply join "Club Onkyo" and you instantly get a $10 credit to use.
