looking for a geek

[Jeanne Douglas]

Got my U-verse installed today and the guy also hooked up my Roku box
and my Blu-ray player.

Unfortunately, my receiver is 7 years old and doesn't have an HDMI
output, so the blu-ray is hooked directly to the tv, so I can watch
them, but with only the tv speakers, not my surround sound system.

Does anybody know how I can fix this little problem?

Oh, by the way, everything worked first try (tv connection, phone,
computer, and wifi settings for my tablet and cell phone). Now I just
have to learn my new channel lineup--gulp!

--
JD

"Osama Bin Laden is dead and GM is alive."--VP Joseph Biden

[Mike Painter]

On Mon, 15 Oct 2012 20:36:04 -0700, Jeanne Douglas
<hlwd...@NOSPAMgmail.com> wrote:

>Got my U-verse installed today and the guy also hooked up my Roku box
>and my Blu-ray player.
>
>Unfortunately, my receiver is 7 years old and doesn't have an HDMI
>output, so the blu-ray is hooked directly to the tv, so I can watch
>them, but with only the tv speakers, not my surround sound system.

Does your TV have audio out ports?
Feed the audio out to your receiver.
If not you are probably stuck (with buying a new TV)

For Roku, if you have HDMI to the TV, you can use the cables that came
with the box to feed to your receiver.
Just make sure you turn the TV sound down in this case as there is a
*very* small delay between the two, only noticeable when sound comes
from the TV and the stereo.

>
>Does anybody know how I can fix this little problem?


>
>Oh, by the way, everything worked first try (tv connection, phone,
>computer, and wifi settings for my tablet and cell phone). Now I just
>have to learn my new channel lineup--gulp!

I dumped cable and satellite TV several years ago and just recently
bought a Roku.
Between that and Hulu I'll never go back.
Acorn TV (British shows.) alone on Roku has been where I spend 95% of
my time.
Add Playon to your computer and you can get both Hulu and Hulu plus as
well as a growing number of cable channels.
Note also that all the major networks stream their shows on line.
Hulu Plus on Roku is not the same as on a computer.

There is a rumor that Dish may start offering a la carte selections on
line also.

--
"When one person suffers from a delusion it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion it is called religion." ~ Robert Pirsig

[Dakota]

On 10/15/2012 10:36 PM, Jeanne Douglas wrote:
> Got my U-verse installed today and the guy also hooked up my Roku box
> and my Blu-ray player.
>
> Unfortunately, my receiver is 7 years old and doesn't have an HDMI
> output, so the blu-ray is hooked directly to the tv, so I can watch
> them, but with only the tv speakers, not my surround sound system.
>
> Does anybody know how I can fix this little problem?
>
> Oh, by the way, everything worked first try (tv connection, phone,
> computer, and wifi settings for my tablet and cell phone). Now I just
> have to learn my new channel lineup--gulp!
>

Your TV almost certainly has stereo audio outputs and your receiver is
sure to have them. They use RCA connectors like we used to use to
connect VCRs to TVs. Red and white for audio and yellow for video. You
won't need the yellow for this application. You'll be limited to
stereo though.

Some HDTV's have coaxial or optical audio outputs. Your receiver may
have compatible inputs. If so, you'll have surround again.

Post the make and model numbers of your TV and receiver and I'll check
for a solution.
----------
A good place to find cables and other electronic gizmos and supplies
is monoprice.com. I've shopped there for years and have always been
pleased with the quality, prices, and service.

Compare the prices at the link with what your local store charges for
HDMI cables.

http://tinyurl.com/l98ztv

[Mike Painter]

On Mon, 15 Oct 2012 23:44:56 -0500, Dakota <ma...@NOSPAMmail.com>
wrote:

>Your TV almost certainly has stereo audio outputs and your receiver is
>sure to have them.

That's what I thought until I bought my new LCD set, a low end Sanyo
which I got at a *very* good price.
Everything goes in and nothing comes out.

[Jeanne Douglas]

In article <k5ioo7$o65$1...@dont-email.me>, Dakota <ma...@NOSPAMmail.com>
wrote:

> On 10/15/2012 10:36 PM, Jeanne Douglas wrote:
> > Got my U-verse installed today and the guy also hooked up my Roku box
> > and my Blu-ray player.
> >
> > Unfortunately, my receiver is 7 years old and doesn't have an HDMI
> > output, so the blu-ray is hooked directly to the tv, so I can watch
> > them, but with only the tv speakers, not my surround sound system.
> >
> > Does anybody know how I can fix this little problem?
> >
> > Oh, by the way, everything worked first try (tv connection, phone,
> > computer, and wifi settings for my tablet and cell phone). Now I just
> > have to learn my new channel lineup--gulp!
> >
> Your TV almost certainly has stereo audio outputs and your receiver is
> sure to have them. They use RCA connectors like we used to use to
> connect VCRs to TVs. Red and white for audio and yellow for video. You
> won't need the yellow for this application. You'll be limited to
> stereo though.
>
> Some HDTV's have coaxial or optical audio outputs. Your receiver may
> have compatible inputs. If so, you'll have surround again.
>
> Post the make and model numbers of your TV and receiver and I'll check
> for a solution.

Thanks. I'll try to figure it out, though if the info's not on the front
I've got another problem because there's no way I can move either. I'll
figure something out.

> ----------
> A good place to find cables and other electronic gizmos and supplies
> is monoprice.com. I've shopped there for years and have always been
> pleased with the quality, prices, and service.
>
> Compare the prices at the link with what your local store charges for
> HDMI cables.
>
> http://tinyurl.com/l98ztv

I'll also check amazon's prices for their own brand of all this stuff
(just bought their brand of AA batteries).

[Jeanne Douglas]

In article <bump78pv1lek4ac1u...@4ax.com>,

I got a good deal on the u-verse, but I bought the Roku hoping to save
even more money.

I also have amazon prime so I can see a lot of their tv episodes for
free.

> There is a rumor that Dish may start offering a la carte selections on
> line also.

Well, I can't have any kind of dish, but if they do it and pick up
business (and why wouldn't they?), the others might be forced to follow.

One can always hope.

[Dakota]

Whew! I'm glad I gave myself an out by saying "almost" certainly. I'm
looking forward to checking the manuals on Jeanne's gear.

[Dakota]

Did you save the receipts somewhere? If you bought them on-line,
there's probably a record.

[Jeanne Douglas]

In article <k5javn$f1m$2...@dont-email.me>, Dakota <ma...@NOSPAMmail.com>

Nope, this is one of the things I actually bought in a physical store.

But I found the info.

The receiver is Pioneer VSX-9300TX.

The tv is Panasonic TH-42PX60U.

[Mike Painter]

On Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:46:46 -0700, Jeanne Douglas
<hlwd...@NOSPAMgmail.com> wrote:

>
>The receiver is Pioneer VSX-9300TX.
>
>The tv is Panasonic TH-42PX60U.

http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/TH-42PX60U?t=specs&support says
it does have audio out so that should solve your surround sound
problem.

[Dakota]

Thanks. I'll do some checking.

Back already.

Great news. Your TV has an optical audio output. It's shown on page 34
of the manual at the link below.

Your receiver accepts an optical audio input so you're good to go.
You'll find it on page 18 of the receiver manual.

You'll need a TOSLINK cable to connect the TV to the receiver. It's
probably TMI but here's a link to the wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TOSLINK

Don't let anyone talk you into to an expensive TOSLINK cable. The
fancy ones don't work any better than the cheap ones unless you're
equipment is very far apart. I'm talking 25 feet or more.

Best Buy sells a six foot TOSLINK cable for $5.99. I don't know if
there's a Best Buy where you live but here's the link anyway.

http://tinyurl.com/93tk8tj

Once it's connected, all the audio from broadcast TV, your Roku box,
and your Bluray player will be routed to your receiver, decoded by the
appropriate surround sound processor, sent to your speakers, and
finally to your ears. For the first few days it will probably go to
your neighbors ears as well. :)

You'll probably want to turn off the TV's speakers and you'll have to
select the correct input on your receiver. It should be a one-time
process to set everything up. User's manuals are written by and for
geeks so you may have trouble finding the settings. Feel free to
contact me by email if you want some help.

Here are the links to the setup manuals for your TV and receiver:

TV

service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH37PX60U-ENGLISH.pdf

Receiver:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_11221/138551425VSX-9300TX%20OPERATING%20INSTRUCTIONS.pdf

I couldn't figure out how to use tinyURL to shorten the links because
of the way my browser processes .pdf downloads. Sorry.

[Jeanne Douglas]

In article <k5qqt2$dh8$1...@dont-email.me>, Dakota <ma...@NOSPAMmail.com>

Amazon has a 6-ft one for $5.49.

Of course I can't buy ANYthing until Nov. 1. I get paid (formerly my
salary, now my pension) once a month, so I've learned to live with
loading up all my bills and purchases to the 1st week of the month. I
buy my groceries the last 2 weeks with the $50 my neighbor pays me to
use my parking space.

> http://tinyurl.com/93tk8tj
>
> Once it's connected, all the audio from broadcast TV, your Roku box,
> and your Bluray player will be routed to your receiver, decoded by the
> appropriate surround sound processor, sent to your speakers, and
> finally to your ears. For the first few days it will probably go to
> your neighbors ears as well. :)
>
> You'll probably want to turn off the TV's speakers and you'll have to
> select the correct input on your receiver. It should be a one-time
> process to set everything up. User's manuals are written by and for
> geeks so you may have trouble finding the settings. Feel free to
> contact me by email if you want some help.

Thanks.

What I need is someone strong enough to move the tv and the receiver to
get at the back (why doesn't everybody put everything on the front; what
do people do when they wall-mount?) I wasn't all that strong before but
now with 2 shoulders so arthritic they both need to be replaced it's
pathetic.

> Here are the links to the setup manuals for your TV and receiver:
>
> TV
>
> service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH37PX60U-ENGLISH.pdf
>
> Receiver:
>
> http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_11221/138551425VSX-
> 9300TX%20OPERATING%20INSTRUCTIONS.pdf
>
> I couldn't figure out how to use tinyURL to shorten the links because
> of the way my browser processes .pdf downloads. Sorry.

I actually found the manuals. But it's good to know where to find the
info I need so I don't need to plow through so much.

Oh, one question I couldn't find an answer to-what my tv is HD-wise. The
u-verse guy thought (based on its age) that it was 1080i no 1080p, but I
have no clue.

[Dakota]

My Social Security check is deposited on the second Wednesday of each
month. That bizarre scheme means there's a cycle of two four week
months followed by a five week month. Even though it's predictable, it
results in a lean month four times a year.

>
>> http://tinyurl.com/93tk8tj
>>
>> Once it's connected, all the audio from broadcast TV, your Roku box,
>> and your Bluray player will be routed to your receiver, decoded by the
>> appropriate surround sound processor, sent to your speakers, and
>> finally to your ears. For the first few days it will probably go to
>> your neighbors ears as well. :)
>>
>> You'll probably want to turn off the TV's speakers and you'll have to
>> select the correct input on your receiver. It should be a one-time
>> process to set everything up. User's manuals are written by and for
>> geeks so you may have trouble finding the settings. Feel free to
>> contact me by email if you want some help.
>
> Thanks.
>
> What I need is someone strong enough to move the tv and the receiver to
> get at the back (why doesn't everybody put everything on the front; what
> do people do when they wall-mount?) I wasn't all that strong before but
> now with 2 shoulders so arthritic they both need to be replaced it's
> pathetic.
>

I've occasionally used the camera on my cell phone to 'peek' behind a
flat screen TV to locate a connector and determine it's orientation.
If I've got room to do that, I can generally feel around for the
connection and plug the cable into it. TOSLINK cables are small and
flexible and they plug in without any fuss. You do have to have them
oriented correctly though.

I'm assuming your TV sits atop a cabinet that holds the other
equipment. You may be able to gently pull out the receiver enough to
reach in and grab the dangling TOSLINK cable. (I emphasize 'gently'
because you don't want any of the other wires or cables to come loose.
I'm guessing you've got only the power cable, an antenna cable, and
the speaker wires connected. Those cables are generally fastened
tightly enough that you don't have to worry about pulling them loose.
HDMI cables seem to work there way out of their connectors with little
effort.)

Bending a wire coat hanger may help if the TOSLINK cable is too far
away to reach. Again, you don't need to actually see behind the
receiver to plug the cable in if you can take a peek with your cell
phone first. The connection for the TOSLINK cable is near the top of
your receiver so there's little chance that you'll bump into the power
or speaker cables. It's near the antenna connection though.

I was fortunate to live for years in Vermillion, SD, where USD is
located. Having a endless supply of bright, optimistic college
students around made my life much easier than it would otherwise have
been. If you aren't able or willing to try to install the cable
yourself, you may be able to find a helper at a nearby college. Some
of them have 'rent a kid' programs that will send someone over for
very little money. That way you'll get brains along with the brawn.
Failing that, a neighbor's kid might be an option.

>
>> Here are the links to the setup manuals for your TV and receiver:
>>
>> TV
>>
>> service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH37PX60U-ENGLISH.pdf
>>
>> Receiver:
>>
>> http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_11221/138551425VSX-
>> 9300TX%20OPERATING%20INSTRUCTIONS.pdf
>>
>> I couldn't figure out how to use tinyURL to shorten the links because
>> of the way my browser processes .pdf downloads. Sorry.
>
> I actually found the manuals. But it's good to know where to find the
> info I need so I don't need to plow through so much.
>

I like to keep my manuals on a computer because it gives me the option
of increasing the size of the type and allows searching.

>
> Oh, one question I couldn't find an answer to-what my tv is HD-wise. The
> u-verse guy thought (based on its age) that it was 1080i no 1080p, but I
> have no clue.
>

According to the specs on page 46, the number of pixels is (1,024 (W)
× 768 (H). Therefore, the maximum resolution is 720p. On a 42" HDTV,
it's difficult to see much of a difference between 720p and 1080i. It
wasn't very long ago when we were happy with broadcast TV at 640×480
and VHS at 300×480. DVD's max out at 720×480. All things considered,
watching at 1020x720 is quite a leap forward. Your next step should
1080p at 1920x1080 but there's no reason to be in a hurry.

[Jeanne Douglas]

In article <k5r6tl$6fe$1...@dont-email.me>, Dakota <ma...@NOSPAMmail.com>

That's a clever idea.

> If I've got room to do that, I can generally feel around for the
> connection and plug the cable into it. TOSLINK cables are small and
> flexible and they plug in without any fuss. You do have to have them
> oriented correctly though.
>
> I'm assuming your TV sits atop a cabinet that holds the other
> equipment. You may be able to gently pull out the receiver enough to
> reach in and grab the dangling TOSLINK cable. (I emphasize 'gently'
> because you don't want any of the other wires or cables to come loose.
> I'm guessing you've got only the power cable, an antenna cable, and
> the speaker wires connected. Those cables are generally fastened
> tightly enough that you don't have to worry about pulling them loose.
> HDMI cables seem to work there way out of their connectors with little
> effort.)

And the uverse box and the Roku and the combo VHS/DVD recorder.
Everything's hooked into the receiver but the new blu-ray.

> Bending a wire coat hanger

Wire hangers!!!! No wire hangers!!!

<giggle>

> may help if the TOSLINK cable is too far
> away to reach. Again, you don't need to actually see behind the
> receiver to plug the cable in if you can take a peek with your cell
> phone first. The connection for the TOSLINK cable is near the top of
> your receiver so there's little chance that you'll bump into the power
> or speaker cables. It's near the antenna connection though.
>
> I was fortunate to live for years in Vermillion, SD, where USD is
> located. Having a endless supply of bright, optimistic college
> students around made my life much easier than it would otherwise have
> been. If you aren't able or willing to try to install the cable
> yourself, you may be able to find a helper at a nearby college. Some
> of them have 'rent a kid' programs that will send someone over for
> very little money. That way you'll get brains along with the brawn.
> Failing that, a neighbor's kid might be an option.

Actually my next door neighbor's a musician so I'll probably ask him
when I get the cable. And if not him, one of his buddies, either in the
building or not.

> >> Here are the links to the setup manuals for your TV and receiver:
> >>
> >> TV
> >>
> >> service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH37PX60U-ENGLISH.pdf
> >>
> >> Receiver:
> >>
> >> http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_11221/138551425V
> >> SX-
> >> 9300TX%20OPERATING%20INSTRUCTIONS.pdf
> >>
> >> I couldn't figure out how to use tinyURL to shorten the links because
> >> of the way my browser processes .pdf downloads. Sorry.
> >
> > I actually found the manuals. But it's good to know where to find the
> > info I need so I don't need to plow through so much.
> >
> I like to keep my manuals on a computer because it gives me the option
> of increasing the size of the type and allows searching.

True. Most of the time. But in this case I only need one page in each so
it's quicker to just open the book.

> > Oh, one question I couldn't find an answer to-what my tv is HD-wise. The
> > u-verse guy thought (based on its age) that it was 1080i no 1080p, but I
> > have no clue.
> >
> According to the specs on page 46, the number of pixels is (1,024 (W)
> × 768 (H). Therefore, the maximum resolution is 720p. On a 42" HDTV,
> it's difficult to see much of a difference between 720p and 1080i. It
> wasn't very long ago when we were happy with broadcast TV at 640×480
> and VHS at 300×480. DVD's max out at 720×480. All things considered,
> watching at 1020x720 is quite a leap forward. Your next step should
> 1080p at 1920x1080 but there's no reason to be in a hurry.

Nope. I'm waiting till a 3D tv is necessary. I always keep my tvs for a
lonbg time. The one I replaced with this plasma 7 years ago was a 30
inch CRT monstrosity; it was good that some extra money came in because
the old one's picture was starting to get wonky (it WAS 20 years old)
And the 23-inch in the bedroom (LCD) replaced a 19-inch CRT. It's going
to get the DVD player that the blu-ray replaced.

Oh, yeah, my old DVD and the blu-ray are multi-region and convert PAL to
NTSC because I buy some of my discs from Amazon UK. I just got a box set
of the 1st 4 seasons of the new Doctor Who from the UK for about the
same price as a single season at Amazon US. And 3 more seasons of Judge
John Deed (Martin Shaw, yummmmm!). And the 1st 2 seasons of "Strike
Back" (the real 1st 2 seasons; for some reason when Cinemax bought the
series to show in the US they started with Season 2 and call it Season 1
and, damn it!, I want to see the real Season 1.

Right now I'm trying to decide on my 1st blu-ray to watch. Strike Back,
Superman vs. the Elite, or Batman: Year One.

[Dakota]

Now I'm puzzled. It seems to me that the Roku's HDMI output would
connect to the TV. Because your TV has only two HDMI inputs, and the
Bluray and Roku take up both of them, the uverse box should be
connected via the YPbPr (red, blue, and green) Component Video
cables. That's the only vacant TV input that can accept HD programming
from the uverse box. The uverse TOSLINK should connect to one of the
receiver's two TOSLINK inputs and the TV should connect to the other
one. The Roku has no digital audio out except over the HDMI cable so
it shouldn't connect to the receiver at all.

That way the TV would receive HD video from all three devices and the
receiver would get digital surround sound audio signals from each of
them as well. Digital audio signals would reach the TV over the HDMI
cables from the Bluray and Roku boxes and be routed to the receiver
over TOSLINK. HD from the uverse box would connect to the TV via the
Component Video cables with the digital audio directly connected to
the receiver using the receiver's second TOSLINK input.

The VCR/DVD recorder connections would stay as they are.

It's probably hard to visualize all those connections from my
description. It's about time for me to crash. I'll prepare some
diagrams when I get up and send them to you.

Amazon has good prices on Component Video cables. I'd read the reviews
rather than choosing by price alone though.