Hi,

I would like to seek the advice from all sifus here regarding the following:

Because of too many hdmi/coaxial/optical output, i decided to vest in an av receiver instead of buying splitter/converter. but my problem is my current budget can only cover the receiver and no budget for speakers yet, so my question is whether i can output the sound signal from the receiver to my exiting htib speakers, as the htib itself already have amplifier?

Thanks.

Question is why still use a Htib if you have a AVR?...is it cause of the HTiB DVD function and subwoofer?

Why not go the other way round....fix the HTiB to the AVR.
Use the output from the HTiB to the input of the AVR.
Connect all the 5.0 speakers to the AVR also. Whereas the Sub can still be connected to the HTiB. Or use the the AVR Sub out to the HTiB in and use the HTiB to power the Sub alone.
Theoretically it will work, but it depends on your HTiB, AVR and stuff.
You can also look around for a 2nd hand Sub around RM500 can get.

If your AVR has an Optical out to the HTiB (which also have Optical in) also easier. Can use the AVR as a Preamp to the HTiB.

Better you give specific models as this is very delicate stuff that needs proper specs to make it work.

This post has been edited by azbro: Dec 30 2009, 11:14 AM

My htib model is Philips soundbar hts8100. I not sure how to do the other way round as the soundbar is attached to the dvd player itself. The sub woofer also cant connect directly to the avr as the connector is different.

Thanks for yr reply.

You need to buy speakers as well for your new AVR. Don't think soundbar speakers will be able to connect to AVR.

Bro..I get what you mean.

1. You still wanna keep the Soundbar Speakers whatever...
2. You wanna add more ports cause your sound bar has limited inputs..
3. You have a really tight budget...

First...your Philips specs:
For input.
1. Its equipped with Coaxial Digital in (For DD/DTS) on the Subwoofer. I can't guarantee the Coaxial Digital will decode DTS or not.
I'm sure it decodes but a member bought a Philips Soundbar was having problems with DTS...not sure which model...but so far those that bought the normal HT version dun have DTS problems using Digital in.
2. It also has the normal RCA (Red and white) inputs for normal stereo sound. It you use this method of connecting the AVR to the Philips, your Philips will only decode is as Dolby Pro Logic II.

Next the AVR...you never specify what actually you want to buy...
I can assume is a low range type like the Pioneer 51X series.
Afaik, low end AVR have limited outputs...so, dun expect it to have Coaxial output to fix to the soundbar to get DD/DTS. But most have preouts to connect to another amp at another zone/room.

Conclusion: If you buy the AVR and wanna fix it to the HTiB, you can only use the RCA cable to connect to it. Meaning....only Dolby Pro Logic II and Not Dolby Digital or DTS sound.

Advance level:
If you insist on using the Soundbar speaker for the AVR, you have to do some dismantling of the unit (void warranty) to connect the speakers to the Avr. The philips Sub box also looks like its a powered version...you have to do some experiment whether it will work or not without the soundbar. Try input a RCA (red and white) from a old DVD player to the subwoofer box. No need to 'on' the soundbar, hear whether got sound or not from the box.
Problem will be the built in DVD player. Your Soundbar doesn't have a Preout to anywhere. Actually, if you know some electrical guys, they can easily mod it for you.

End of the day, if its all to confusing for you...sell of the Soundbar and upgrade to the AVR...check the shop which you bought the soundbar if can do some trade in or not.

This post has been edited by azbro: Dec 30 2009, 04:39 PM

wow! look like a tedious job.

anyway, what will happen if my connection is as follows:

Multimedia player ----coaxial in at AVR----coaxial out at AVR---coaxial in at Philips soundbar

FYI, most budget AVR have only normal RCA preouts that are either Stereo or 5.1 channeled.
Your Philips can only accept Stereo from the AVR...
Take note, for Digital in...Coaxial and Optical (Toslinks) are different cables and connections.

If your Media Player has Coaxial..then you are lucky..no need to buy AVR

Media Player Coaxial --->coaxial in at Philips soundbar's Subwoofer.

ok, my situation is like this:

Currently my setup have the following components:
1) HDTV has 3 hdmi input (but the one in front of panel i am not going to use)
2) HTIB
3) Media Player
4) Astro b.yond decoder

Video
now the htib and media player have taken out 2 hdmi input at HDTV, i still lack 1 hdmi input for the b.yond decoder. I could buy a hdmi switch to solve this but this will cost me more than 100 bucks.

Sound
For sound pula, my media player has optical output and my htib has coaxial input, anyway i have a converter to do the job. but now the astro b.yond decoder need another coaxial input which my htib only has 1 coaxial input. I have to get another coaxial splitter to solve this.

Actually i already has plan to build my av set. So i thot currently to get an avr first to do all this input/output things first before i have enuf fund for speakers. I think i can allocate 2k for the avr, can get truehd & dtsma type?

Hope u can understand....

This post has been edited by ape: Dec 30 2009, 07:10 PM

Why can't u use the 3rd HDMI input of your HDTV? That would resolve the video connection problem.

As for the audio, you can get a good AVR for 2K and below that can have 3 HDMI input and can do HD audio.

But careful if you want to connect the HTIB speakers. The Philips ones have special connectors, so you have to cut the wires and connect directly to the amp with a plug. But I think you might just blow your speakers cos the power rating for these HTIB speakers are very low.

Thanks. I think by connecting cable to the third hdmi input in front of the HDTV is not so tidy.

Is there any option in the avr to only bypass the signal and not amplify them?

You can connect the AVR to the HTiB using those highlighted area.

This picture taken from the very popular Denon1910
[attachmentid=1373584]

But for your particular Philips soundbar. only those RCA Red/White connectors and Optical out (you'll need to converter it to coaxials) is applicable. Difference between RCA (stereo) and Opticals is DPLII and DD/DTS.
Theoretically, it should work.

Just one question, where did you get the Converter for the Optical to Coaxial...I also wanna buy it.
Later, when you have enough money, you can sell of the Soundbar and get the Speakers and subs.


This post has been edited by azbro: Dec 31 2009, 09:12 AM

Bro azbro, appreciate for yr reply.

btw, I got the converter from futureshop last time.

Do you remember its price?....I wanna get a WDTV live (only Toslink) but my Philips HT has only Coaxials.

If not mistaken, is RM200++. I heard jalan pasar also has this converter.

My god..RM200 for a converter..err..next time..