Guest l6a6w6s6 Posted March 28, 2007 Posted March 28, 2007 Hi guys, I've been searching for the past couple of days here and other places but think some specific help might get me over the line. Previously my system has consisted of a VCR used as the tuner, with a ps2 and a wireless rca input from the computer in the next room running into it, and then the my dvd player seperately. Each of these run rca outputs into a JVC 6042S amp, which then powers two large speaker sets and then outputs an analogue AV signal to the AV input of the television. Recently I've purchased a HD ready Acer AT3220B LCD, which has an analogue tuner only. It has heaps of inputs including HMDI and 3 seperate RCA channels, so i could plug everything into it happily and easily, but the only hitch is it doesn't have any audio output at all to run to the amp. So I could run everything into it and use one remote except then I'd be stuck with the speakers the TV uses instead of my much superior existing setup. Therefore I am after a HD STB or PVR that can replace the role of the VCR as the main controller of the tuner (ST and HD TV), the PS2, the PC input and the DVD player. It seems however that the vast majority of STBs don't support this. What I am asking for is help in either an alternative setup or suggestions of models with AV component pass through and preferably HDMI to utilise this function of the LCD. So far I've seen a couple such as the Toshiba J-35 and DGTEC HD9000. If I can't find a suitable model I'll be using multiple remotes to switch inputs and outputs every time I want to switch between television stations, which is a huge pain in the bum. Sorry for the long first post and thanks for any help in advance.
mrplou Posted March 28, 2007 Posted March 28, 2007 STBs wont accept other AV inputs. It just doesn't work like that. Ideally, you should get a HDMI switching amp which upconverts other analogue inputs to HDMI and then have one connection from the amp to your LCD - being HDMI. The amp will then take care of all your audio and all video signals go via HDMI to the LCD. Universal remotes with macro functionality will also make life easier.
nis200979 Posted March 28, 2007 Posted March 28, 2007 STBs wont accept other AV inputs. It just doesn't work like that.Ideally, you should get a HDMI switching amp which upconverts other analogue inputs to HDMI and then have one connection from the amp to your LCD - being HDMI. The amp will then take care of all your audio and all video signals go via HDMI to the LCD. Universal remotes with macro functionality will also make life easier. Digital tuners with line in recording features: Panasonic DMR-EX75 or DMR-EX85 $799/$999 Sony RDR-HX760 $899 LG DBRH197 / DBRH1979 $749 / $949 and a really crappy DGTec thing at $599. Also, many DVR/PVR will take an analogue input via the RF Input, but why bother? (It is stuck inside, only good for satelite/analogue foxtel)
Guest l6a6w6s6 Posted March 28, 2007 Posted March 28, 2007 STBs wont accept other AV inputs. It just doesn't work like that. I don't understand, see here: http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/index.php/...;pid;99;pt;2#cb The Toshiba for one clearly has two inputs. Really the whole thing is quite silly. The VCR has long been used as a tuner and recording device, and come standard with support for multiple AV input lines. If the PVR is replacing this piece of technology as a tuner and recording device, then why has almost the entire range of set top boxes skipped this feature? I really don't want to be up for a new amp as well as stb, the other amp is only a couple of years old. nis200979 thanks for the informative post I will begin investigating the units in question.
Timmy Downawell Posted March 28, 2007 Posted March 28, 2007 mrplou is right... no STBs have analogue inputs like the AV/AV1/AV2 you have on your VCR because they are purely digital tuners. You will need to use either a switch box or AV receiver to do your switching if your TV has insufficient inputs for your equipment. Seeing as you'd need another remote for that then you should probably look into getting a Harmony universal remote, so when you press 'watch DVD' or 'watch STB' the volume control will be programmed to control either the receiver or TV as you have designated. These remotes can be bought for under $100 online.
Guest l6a6w6s6 Posted March 28, 2007 Posted March 28, 2007 Ok I've had a quick look at one of the cheapest ones there in the Panasonic DMR-EX75. According to what I've found it has: 1. Digital tuner (but only SD) 2. Hard driver to use as a PVR 3. DVD burner to burn recorded programs or record onto disc in real time. 4. Standard DVD/MP3 CD/audio CD player (can get rid of old player) 5. At least one AV input for me to run my PC connection into. 6. HDMI output to run to the TV and digital output to run to the AMP. At cheaper than the Toshiba J35 I was looking at earlier with many more features is there something I'm missing here? It seems too good to be true...?
nis200979 Posted March 29, 2007 Posted March 29, 2007 Ok I've had a quick look at one of the cheapest ones there in the Panasonic DMR-EX75.According to what I've found it has: 1. Digital tuner (but only SD) 2. Hard driver to use as a PVR 3. DVD burner to burn recorded programs or record onto disc in real time. 4. Standard DVD/MP3 CD/audio CD player (can get rid of old player) 5. At least one AV input for me to run my PC connection into. 6. HDMI output to run to the TV and digital output to run to the AMP. At cheaper than the Toshiba J35 I was looking at earlier with many more features is there something I'm missing here? It seems too good to be true...? SD not HD, but no consumer products have HD line in recording anyway, as it's always composite (yellow) or S-Video, never component or HDMI. (Unless BD or HD-DVD recorders are available for sale) In regards to STBs with line in (like Pioneer HD STB and Toshiba HD STB) it's purely as a Picture In Picture feature, there isnt a recording feature in it.
pgdownload Posted March 29, 2007 Posted March 29, 2007 Have you read the PVR FAQ I6? Its possible you're trying to duplicate your current setup with new technology and in the process missing out on some of its great benefits. The hybrid you mention is popular and many by it to be able to record both Foxtel and FTA SD TV. However I'd recommend getting a separate PVR (maybe the HD LG PVR for about the same price as the hybrid) and then look to a solution for other aspects of your setup. Regards Peter Gillespie
Guest l6a6w6s6 Posted March 29, 2007 Posted March 29, 2007 Just to clarify i never specified needing to record from the AV input. The main issue is using the STB as a control point for switching to external feeds as well as being the tuner just like my VCR does now. All I want is to be able to be watching televsion through the STB tuner, and then using the same remote switch to an AV input to see the signal from the PC (I have an external HD with downloaded TV shows and movies which I currently send with a wireless sender and receiver to an AV input on the VCR to save me burning everything to DVD). I understand that the RCA analogue signal be the same quality as the HD digital tv channels, all I am talking about is convenience. I want a setup that won't need instructions for a stranger to switch between various inputs.
Guest JimboTHX1138 Posted March 29, 2007 Posted March 29, 2007 Just plug it all into the TV and get a universal remote. Doesn't your current amp have any inputs? Why not use that.
Timmy Downawell Posted March 29, 2007 Posted March 29, 2007 Well as I said, get a Harmony remote, which will allow you to create a function to watch TV (STB) and will automatically know to use the volume +/- as you have set up.
Guest l6a6w6s6 Posted March 29, 2007 Posted March 29, 2007 I can't plug it all into th TV because the TV doesn't have any audio output to go to the amp. The amp doesn't have enough input channels to accept everything and doesn't have a high quality output like HDMI.
dvduser Posted March 29, 2007 Posted March 29, 2007 I can't plug it all into th TV because the TV doesn't have any audio output to go to the amp. The amp doesn't have enough input channels to accept everything and doesn't have a high quality output like HDMI. Well, buy a new Amp that has enough inputs
Guest JimboTHX1138 Posted March 30, 2007 Posted March 30, 2007 The best replacement for the VCR you are looking for would be a DVD recorder with an inbuilt digital tuner, take a look at some of those.
Timmy Downawell Posted March 30, 2007 Posted March 30, 2007 The best replacement for the VCR you are looking for would be a DVD recorder with an inbuilt digital tuner, take a look at some of those. I agree, that sounds like your best bet.
geelen Posted April 1, 2007 Posted April 1, 2007 your tv doesn't have a headphone out? Sure it won't be perfect, and it's only stereo, but it's certainly a good start before you plonk down more money on new gear...
tomohawk Posted April 4, 2007 Posted April 4, 2007 Nope doesn't even have that. What the hell?! Are you sure about that? I haven't seen a panel on the market that has speakers that doesn't have a headphone jack! What one did you buy?
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