Lost in Basic Setup for RM6750 and Onkyo TXSR304 :(

[cksnipe]

Hi everyone,

I just bought a Polk RM6750 speaker system and a Onkyo TXSR304. I am really completely new to this, and I have no idea how to get this set up. I was reading the manual on the Polk website, but I do not really understand the dynamics of what else (such as wires, etc) that I need to purchase and how to connect everything. I have an HDTV and a ps3, and Im just looking to use all of these together to watch movies and play games. I would really appreciate it if someone could help me figure out what I need to buy (I was looking around on monoprice.com but I couldn't figure out what I need) and how to set everything up. I am using this in my apartment living room which is about 18X12. Thank you so much for your help!

[apphd]

Hi cksnipe, welcome to the club. I see the Onkyo only has composite video in/out capabilities. Do not use those to connect your video sources to your HDTV, unless your source (DVD, VCR, Cable box, sat. dish receiver, etc) only has those connections (composite) for outputs. Use the best connection available to send video to the TV. From lowest to highest: composite - component - DVI - HDMI. There are a couple others but those are the most common. The last three are all very close as far as video quality. Look at the back of everything you want to hook up to your TV, and the manuals for all your components. What is actually available as outputs from each device? How many inputs of each type does your TV have? Use this info to decide what cables you need to order. For example your DVD player has S video, component, and HDMI outs. Your ps3 has: composite, S video, component, HDMI, and DVI outs. Your cable box has composite, S Video, component, HDMI and the old standard coaxial RF. Your TV has: 1 HDMI input, 2 component, and 3 S video inputs. Since you only have 1 HDMI input on the TV you have to decide which of your 3 HDMI components is going to use the HDMI input if any. Which ones will use the component etc, etc. If you have a source that only has composite video out you can run that to the Onkyo first, then composite out from the Onk. to composite in on the TV. But as I earlier said for HDTV avoid the composite whenever you can. Your audio connections can all go to your Onkyo. Try reading through these: http://www.polkaudio.com/education/article.php?id=10
http://www.polkaudio.com/education/article.php?id=18
http://www.polkaudio.com/education/article.php?id=19
and http://www.polkaudio.com/education/article.php?id=15

[xandra]

ck:
Firstly: apphd's advice above is excellent specific info for you, but it's also real good idea to start getting the big picture. I'm a newbie at this myself so here's what I found helpful...

Write/Post a list of all inputs and outputs on each of your devices and I'm sure folks will pipe in. Alternatively: Crutchfield has a FABULOUS cable configurer (you'll need the same info to use it) It'll also help you in your future purchasing decisions...

for example:
'Onkyo Receiver' (info here not correct just an example):
Inputs: 2 HDMI, 3 Component, 1 S-Video, 2 Composite (A/V), 1 Composite Audio Only.
Outputs: 1 HDMI, 1 Component... etc....
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Some GOTCHAS:
lotsa cables go under different names
(rudest of all: references to RCA aka Composite aka Interconnects) - to add to this confusion you can buy composite audio or video only, or all 3.(Audio + Vid).

FORTUNATELY: Crutchfields Configurer has Pic's of the ports & cables., Plus... they have excellent LARGE pics of the backs of most devices they sell. If they've got your units... Print out the images

As for BUYING cables... Monoprice has excellent HDMI 1.3 cables, also a very useful S-Vid/RCA audio combo... both CL2 rated
(I favor these (CL2) even for non in wall use, since they're generally much better shielded - an issue for non-digital cabling, but beware, these tend to be thicker so less maneuverable...)

Personally, I'd love some advice on what and where to purchase good quality cabling that's not ludicrously expensive.
I've changed my setup countless times (some decisions are personal... do you want highest quality or ease of use) If I had it all to do again, I purchase real cheapies with perhaps 1 set of hiQuality audio (monoline has full stock of these - some just as good as hi-end), THEN when I'd settled on a setup, and knew the exact legnths I desired, I go about selectively replacing with brands reccomended by others here.

I'm not sure how vital it is to purchase really high-end cabling unless if your system is really high-end. Perhaps someone else with more knowledge will pipe in here.

Lastly: Onkyo's manuals are about the best I've seen - Curl up with a nice cup-o-coffee (or dry martini) and read thru at least twice, further: you can download the manuals & Setup guides (very useful for searching & protection for a lost manual)

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ASIDE: If you make use of Crutchfieds web-site, (and/or Phone support), you really should consider purchasing something from (tho I'd recc something other than cables as most of theirs tend to be pretty high). I feel it's important to support the places willing to provide this service - or eventually they'll dissappear.

HTH