dts Digital Entertainment

Connecting your high-definition components

The very best way to connect your high-definition components is with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connections. This amazing interface can handle gigantic amounts of the highest-quality high-definition data — both video AND audio. So first, check to see if your components have HDMI inputs / outputs. Then, find the scenario below that best matches your situation:

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1. Your high-def TV, high-def DVD player, and AV receiver all have HDMI connections.

This is the best possible scenario. Do this: Using an HDMI cable, connect your Blu-ray Disc or HD DVD player’s HDMI output to the AV receiver’s HDMI input. Then, connect the receiver’s HDMI video output to your high-def TV. The receiver processes the HD audio signal and passes it to your speakers; it also processes the HD video signal and passes it to your high-def TV. Simple, all digital, no loss in quality, and you get true high-definition audio and video. Plus, because HDMI allows communication between components, the audio and video “move together” when you change sources with your receiver’s remote. Note: your AV receiver must be able to process very high-quality video signals.

2. Your high-def TV and high-def DVD player have HDMI; your AV receiver doesn’t.

Use a HDMI connection between TV and player, for full high-definition video. Then, use a coaxial digital audio connection between player and receiver. Remember: because movies and music with DTS-HD encoded content contain a DTS Digital Surround “core”, your older receiver will play back DTS-HD material with DTS surround audio at twice the data rate of other DVD video surround formats. So, you’re still going to get higher quality sound than you’re used to hearing.

3. Your high-def DVD player and your AV receiver have HDMI; your hi-def TV doesn’t.

For high-definition audio, connect your player’s HDMI output to your AV receiver’s HDMI input. For the video hook-up, use a Component Video connection between your player and your hi-def TV. You will get regular high-definition video (1080i/720p) with this connection, which is excellent but not quite as good as full high-definition (1080p).

4. Other scenarios.

If your HDMI scenario doesn’t match 1, 2, or 3 above, consider upgrading to new components when the time is right for you. HDMI connectivity helps you get the most from the new high-definition entertainment.