Newbie with what cables and how to hook up

by hofiveo February 26, 2008 10:18 AM

Posted in: Home Interconnects & Wiring Advice

Hello, I am new to this HT set up and have questions on what cables to use and how to hook my components up. I know i will be using Monster for all my cables just do not know what series, M or THX. I will list my components and the hook ups they have on the back.

TV - Sony Vega FD trinitron KV-36FS10(old but get compliments on picture) - Under "Video IN" #1 has S-video then regular a/v jacks, #3(no #2) has just a/v jacks and #4 has component with left and right audio. vhf/uhf for cable. Then under "Out" under Monitor just a/v jacks and under "OUT" Audio var/fix just audio.

Cable Box - Scientific Atlanta Explorer 2200 - Cable in/out, S-video out, Digital audio out(looks like a regular audio jack) and regular a/v jacks.

Sony RDR-VX500 VCR/DVD Recorder(old too) - Cable in/out, Line 1 in is a/v jacks, then "line out" is a/v jacks, then component/audio "out", S-Video out and Digital coaxial and optical audio out.

Sony STR-DA2100ES receiver - "Video 1" S-Video in/out & a/v jacks in/out, "Video 2" a/v jacks in/out, "DVD" S-Video in and a/v jacks in, "TV/SAT" S-Video in and a/v jacks in, "Digital" optical TV/SAT in, MD/Tape in/out, SA-CD/CD in, "Digital" coax DVD in and SA-CD/CD in.

I will have the receiver on whenever the tv is on to watch cable or dvd. I want the option to have the TV speakers working with the receiver speakers. with the mix match of jacks and components i do not know which is the best way to hook this stuff up. I want the best(why choosing Monster Cable) picture and audio possible now with what i have. My speakers are Infinity Primus HCS SAT with Infinity PS-8 sub. the speakers and receiver was given to me through my dads friend. i will upgrade in the future but want the best now with what i have. I have to run rear speaker wire from behind tv in the wall up to crown molding, wire ran in/up wall, then out wall and ran behind crown molding then in wall down to wher speakers are mounted on wall. one run is ~ 43' and the other is ~34'. What kind of connection is required on the back of the Sony receiver? what size gauge wire also? Sorry for the long post. I figured i come to the people who have the best to get the best way to connect this stuff up. Thanks for all the help and i can not wait to enjoy this HT expierance!!

Discussion:

KT on February 27, 2008 12:37 AM

Hi, you may want to go through these links (if you haven't already) before a detailed response is posted.

http://www.monstercommunity.com/article/10049/Home-Theater-Connection-Guide/

Complete System Guide


http://www.monstercable.com/connection/

Complete System Guide with Connection descriptions

I see the runs for your speakers. You might want to include the wattage of the reciever/speakers.  This will help in determining the gauge best suited for you.

Cheers!

hofiveo on February 27, 2008 11:27 PM

Well, those confused me because they do not show everything seperate. Here is what I came up with

2 Component cables(MC 400cv) one from dvd out to receiver;  the other is from receiver to tv.

1 S-Video(MC 200sv) from cable box to receiver to TV/SAT in.

2 Digital coax cables(MC 400Dcx) one from dvd out to dvd in on receiver; the other from cable box out to SA-CD/CD in on receiver, this last one is tricky. All my digital input is assignable, i went to the manual about assigning and under "Selectable audio inputs for each input" it has SA-CD/CD coax(the one i plugged into from cable box) under that it has Video 1, Video 2 and SA-CD, will this work? Or do ineed to hook up the S-Video from Cable box to Video 1 to assign the digital coax from cable box to sa-cd/cd in on receiver to assign it to video 1. Yell

1 Sub-Woofer cable(MC 400sw) sub out receiver to sub

1 Power Center MP HT850

As far as my receiver watts and speaker watts     receiver is 110  speakers are 10-100

For my Comcast cable line - wall to power center(PC), PC to cable box, cable box to TV.

Let me know what you think, i appreciate the help. Thanks!

KT on February 28, 2008 1:18 AM

Hi,

I guess it's a little confusing and tricky in the beginining.  It seems you have a good solution going especially when you included Clean Power. 

I am  not entirely sure of your digital assignments, but from what you mentioned, it should work but can always try the alternative.  You also have an option for purchasing 1 video component (connect direct from DVD to TV) as i am not too sure your reciever upscales video resolution, instead of purchasing 2, and enable progressive scan on your dvd player. (DVD Menu Setup -> Picture -> Progressive -> YES.)

With what you mentioned on your wattage and runs, 16 gauge seems a good fit.

Please keep in mind i am not entirely familiar with your setup and am suggesting from what i gather. I hope this helps. Cheers!