How do i connect my dvd/surround sound to my dvr cable receiver so cable tv has sound?

Question

i have a visio 46" tv connected to a motorola dvr cable box model dct6412, 3 via the component 1 on the back of my tv... and i have a philips dvd/surround sound model hts3544 connected to my tv with a hdmi cable.. also if possible i also have a ps3 i would like to have working with my surrond sound also..the dvd player works on surround sound but the cable tv or ps3 doesnt??? why???

Answer 1

You are sending the cable box video to the TV via component (no mention of how/where audio connects). You have your TV and DVD/surround receiver(?) connected via HDMI (I assume since surround sound works from the DVD this is output of Phillips to input of TV). Finally the PS3 is unconnected.

You need the output of the cable box connected to the Phillips receiver via optical or digital coax to provide surround audio. You also need the PS3 connected similarly to the Phillips for surround audio (optical or coax) and to the TV (component 2?) for video.

If you don't have an optical and digital coax input on the receiver you will either have to use analog stereo (red/white jacks ... and Prologic on the receiver to provide matrix surround) or buy an optical or digital coax (whichever is appropriate) 2x1 switch to allow two devices to share an input on the Phillips.

Just remember there may be menu or switch settings to set to be sure the right ports connect/are active.

I hope that is all clear. E-mail if not.

Answer 2

A dedicated AV reciever would be a good investment for you in the future.  Then you could run your components through the receiver.  I have a Harmon Kardon receiver that supplies sound for my surround sound system, TV (via cable box), xbox 360, cd player, HD-dvd player, and dvd recorder.

Answer 3

I don't believe your surround system will be able to accept more than one digital coax in.  If that's the case, run a digital coax cable from Motorola DVR to Philips.  If you want to be able to utilize your ps3, you'll need a dedicated HDMI A/V receiver.