Connectivity question: non HDMI AV set up

[admin_exported]

I have purchased a Sony television 46Hx923 with a Sony s580 Blueray player. I need to connect these to my (non HDMI) Pioneer C502 AV receiver.

The guys at Sony advised that for 5.1 connectivity, all I needed was one optical lead going from the Pioneer to the tv and it should take care of DTS sound etc automatically - is this true? Or is it better that I connect my bluray to the receiver via coaxial (Sony bluray player does not have optical) and Sky+hd box via optical? :?

Note: I do not intend to use 5.1 all the time - just for sports and movies. I have a 2.1 soundbar that will do the trick for all other times.

You assisatnce is greatly appreciated!

 

[The_Lhc]

I have purchased a Sony television 46Hx923 with a Sony s580 Blueray player. I need to connect these to my (non HDMI) Pioneer C502 AV receiver. The guys at Sony advised that for 5.1 connectivity, all I needed was one optical lead going from the Pioneer to the tv and it should take care of DTS sound etc automatically - is this true?

No.

Or is it better that I connect my bluray to the receiver via coaxial (Sony bluray player does not have optical) and Sky+hd box via optical?

That's how I'd do it, although you'll never get HD audio from the bluray player using a coaxial connection, only standard DD and DTS.

 

[Anonymous]

Many thanks, I am aware that I would not get HD audio.

Unfortuntaley, I do not have sufficient funds to buy a half decent receiver, maybe in early 2012!

 

[Frank Harvey]

You can set some Bluray players to downscale the audio from HD, to DTS HR and Dolby Digital Plus, which can be sent via optical. This is around 1.5meg of info, which is higher than standard DD/DTS, and will sound better. I don't know your Sony player so I'm not sure if it's possible on yours, but worth a look.

 

[Anonymous]

This is very useful to know - I will find out if my player can downstream and post in here in due course.