[krakow]

Hi All,
I have a pretty basic newbie question so even pointers to resources for reading would be okay.

I have an older receiver (a Yamaha RXV 631) and it still works fine. The only problem is it's lack of HDMI inputs. I have a newer 52 inch led tv and have two HDMI sources - an Oppo BDP 83 and a recently purchased Roku player both of which output HDMI. With the Oppo, I can configure it so that I can pass sound through the receiver and the HDMI to my TV directly. Works beautifully with Oppo. But with my Roku, I only have one HDMI output slot and I dont know how to route it through my receiver. Direct connection to TV works but I cannot use the Paradigm bookshelves I have attached to my receiver.

My question is - short of buying a newer HDMI compatible receiver (I have been looking at the lower end Denon and Marantzes and willing to buy if that is the recommended option), are there other cheaper routes I can take? I will buy a newer receiver if it comes to that but just want to explore my options.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions and advice.

[dougme57]

What model Roku do you have? Does it have component out?

[krakow]

Thanks for your response Doug. No my Roku only has HDMI and A/V out (a regular singular analog jack).

[Peter J]

The DVDO Edge has more functionally that what you've asked for, and I suppose one could purchase a receiver for similar money. In my case, I had a very good pre/pro without HDMI and this provided a workaround as well as upscaling video.

It has automatic switching between sources and splits audio out of the HDMI signal for your receiver.

Even after I switched to a pre/pro with HDMI, this handles all video going to TV, which is set up as video monitor only.

Google for lots more info and reviews. It's a very cool device.


http://www.dvdo.com/


Edited to add: I bought a used one for $250.

[JRace]

Does your tv have a digital output?
Not all will pass a 5.1 audio signal, but yiu would still get 2ch audio to your yammy.

[dougme57]

Check out a HDMI splitter at www.monoprice.com. You can run analogue audio from your Roku into your receiver. I don use a Roku but my understanding is most of the stuff you stream is not 5.1 so this will be a very inexpensive option with no upgrades.

[krakow]

Thanks everyone, for your responses. Some very interesting ideas in here. The DVDO device seemed to be something very new, though for that is pretty close to the price of a regular HT receiver like a denon or a marantz at accessories4less or maybe even an emotiva USP if I ever start saving money (and convincing my better half)  to go the pre/pro route in the future.

It looks like the cheapest route currently will be hdmi splitters from monoprice or (if my TV has it) an digital output from the tv to the receiver.

[WC]

Why not just run the sound from the AV out to the receiver. It may be easier to just have the TV Muted and have the receiver do all the sound. 

[fredgarvin]

Why not just run the sound from the AV out to the receiver. It may be easier to just have the TV Muted and have the receiver do all the sound. 

The AV out is not HD. It's either HDMI for HD or rca for standard def. There is no separate audio out.

You might try this switcher, it has toslink and digital coax out for you r receiver;

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=7974&seq=1&format=2

[Peter J]

DVDO Edge has been around for a while, although it broke new ground in bang for buck in video upscalers. Gees,  I remember the Faroudjas of yesteryear at something like $5k, but that was yesterday.  Now you're seeing upscalers in recievers, but I'm not sure of their quality.

Some food for thought:  Higher end non-HDMI recievers and pre/pros are selling for peanuts now. So one might couple a great sounding older unit with an Edge and have a really nice setup that will upscale all your video sources for not a lot of coin.

This thing fills a narrow but worthy notch in the AV world. I was able to stair-step upgrades, get upscaled video and video switching, two things my Theta CasaNova lacked. And even after sidelining it, I still have a good upscaler.

[WC]

The AV out is not HD. It's either HDMI for HD or rca for standard def. There is no separate audio out.

Are both outputs active at the same time on the Roku? If they are, run the HDMI to the TV and the analog audio from the AV jack to the receiver. If not just get a HDMI splitter.

[fredgarvin]

Are both outputs active at the same time on the Roku? If they are, run the HDMI to the TV and the analog audio from the AV jack to the receiver. If not just get a HDMI splitter.

No they're not both active. I agree, the splitter is the way to go.