TV & Home Theater

[katanaguy]

What is the best way to hook this up for optimum performance? I do not have any HDMI ports. I do have Optical and DVI ports on my existing Motorola Moxie box DVR. I am thinking about purchasing this item. I believe the item comes with an optical cable but that's it.

[Aaron-BBY Retired: Social Media Specialist]

Hey katanaguy,

If an HDMI connection isn’t an option, the next best thing is going to be using digital optical. The optical cable would run from your Motorola DVR into the system itself, with the DVI cable running directly to your TV. If you’d like a visual guide, however, one can be found in the HT-CT100’s owner’s manual documentation that’s available through the following Sony website:

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/HTCT100_EN_ES_FR.pdf

Hope this helps you out!

Agent Aaron
Geek Squad® Community Connector
Go Ahead. Use Us.

[katanaguy]

Thanks AA.......so from what I see the HT-CT100 does NOT come with a DVI cable? only the optical cable?  Where then would this DVI cable connect to my tv..it does not have any DVI ports. Also I do not have a DVD player just the DVR which is not a player.

Since I do not have the HDMI ports anywhere will I suffer in audio quality as compared to the other hook up situation using the optical and DVI cables? Also, I currently control all TV viewing and volume functions with the DVR remote. Will I still be able to use the same remote for both the Sony Sound Bar & TV or will I know be stuck with the cumbersome usage of 2 remotes? Darn, where is Larry the Cable Guy when I need him.... Git-R-Done. Thanks for any help you can give me on this.

[Aaron-BBY Retired: Social Media Specialist]

---

katanaguy wrote:

Thanks AA.......so from what I see the HT-CT100 does NOT come with a DVI cable? only the optical cable?  Where then would this DVI cable connect to my tv..it does not have any DVI ports. Also I do not have a DVD player just the DVR which is not a player.

---

Hey again katanaguy,

Sorry, I had assumed that your TV had a DVI connection based on what you mentioned about your DVR.  I probably should have started by asking these questions:

• What model TV do you own?
• Does your DVR have any other connection types?
  

As far as the HT-CT100 is concerned though, it only appears to come with a digital audio cable.   That's somewhat surprising, especially considering that most home theater systems (and other electronics, for that matter) do not normally include the cables necessary to connect them to TV's.

Agent Aaron
Geek Squad® Community Connector
Go Ahead. Use Us.

[katanaguy]

Hi Aaron,

The tv model I have is a Toshiba 36AF12  The following link will show you the connections I have on the back of this tv:

http://www.retrevo.com/search/v2/jsp/mytrevo/myTrevo.jsp?page=man

On my DVR (I have no DVD player)  I have the following connection ports:

DVI-D      SP DIF (2 of these ports)   USB       Ethernet

Please let me know and thanks.

[Aaron-BBY Retired: Social Media Specialist]

Hey katanaguy,

Thanks for the additional information. After looking at the connection options for both devices, however, my greatest fear has become that this home theater system may only be used as a set of expansion speakers. In other words, its potential may be limited by your TV. I do not want to provide you with inaccurate information though, so there are two recommendations that I’d like to make.

First, assuming if you’re looking for a do-it-yourself solution, you may wish to consider purchasing a switch box. Switch boxes allow you to connect multiple devices that may not otherwise have compatible connection types with a minimum amount of signal degradation. Some models will even automatically detect what device is being used at any given time, allowing you to change from device to device without having to get up and fiddle with input settings. Should you choose this option though, make sure to look for a model that features support for HDMI, component and S-video cable connections!

Alternatively, you may want to speak with a home theater specialist at your local Best Buy® store for further assistance. Geek Squad® agents are always able to provide in-home consultations (albeit for a nominal fee), and should be able to help point you in the right direction.

Thanks,

Agent Aaron
Geek Squad® Community Connector
Go Ahead. Use Us.