problem w/ hdmi and bluray

[nep125]

I have a yamaha receiver that has 3 hdmi inputs and 1 hdmi out. I have a directv box in the hdmi cable/sat in and a bluray in the dvd hdmi in and they both go out through the hdmi out. I have never had a problem with the directv but the bluray dvd will cut in and out like it is losing signal or clipping. I switched into the other open hdmi port and the dvd gives the same problem and I assume its not the cables since i have no problem with the sat, has anyone had this problem. Do different higher end hdmi cables have more power and could that be the problem that the dvd is sending more than the cable can handle beacuse the receiver is brand new and shouldnt be the problem. If anyone has any advice or knows if high end hdmi cables actually do anything i would appreciate any tips.

[Charlutz]

You should be able to trouble shoot to figure out if it is the cables, the receiver or the BD player. When receivers first started offering HDMI switching, they had some problems with it. I thought they had mostly gotten those problems worked out in the last few years. Anyway, try troubleshooting by mixing and matching the cables. You know the one from the receiver to the tv is likely fine since as you say, your directv picture is fine. Try switching out the cable from the BDP to the receiver and replace it with the one you are using from the sat box to the receiver. If it is still having a problem, you know it is likely not a cabling issue. You can also try using the cable you currently have going from the BDP to the receiver and instead put it directly from the BDP to the tv. That should tell you whether it is a receiver switching issue or a cable issue. Some HDMI cables are better than others, but it doesn't usually come into play except for on really long runs. The good thing about digital signals is that either they work or they don't and if you have an issue with the one you have, you can try a better one, or replace the one you have as that particular one may be defective. Blue jeans cable, cables for less and monoprice all have good cables for less money if you figure out it needs replacement.

[bigslickwood]

Which model receiver and which DVD player is it?

Step 1. Run the cable from the DVD player directly to the TV. If it is still doing it, then it is not a receiver problem.
Step 2. Swap the good cable from the satellite with the cable from the DVD player to the TV. If it is still doing it, then this doesn't entirely rule out an issue with the brand of cable, but I would say it is unlikely. Problem is most likely with the dvd player.

I would guess it is most likely just a bad cable, not necessarily that you need a better kind with 'more power' or anything, just a new one. HDMI is just a twisted pair cable so no need for uber expensive shielding or any other marketing hype. Use as short of a cable as you can get away with and as long as all connections are good, the cable should be good.

[nep125]

thanks for the responses, I think I unfortunately figured it out and its a problem with heat. I hooked everything up yesterday and after setting it up everything ran great however after finishing installing and shutting the cabinet, watching a movie that night is when it started after the receiver had gotten hot. I tried it again this morning after the receiver cooled down and kept the cabinet open and pulled the tray out to keep it cool it played fine. I even have a little exhaust fan cut in the cabinet but it must not do enough...so basically I guess my only option is finding a new home for the receiver right? I also did what you had said and went dvd to tv....worked great, so it has to be heat is the only thing that trips the hdmi connection.
The receiver is a pretty new, its a yamaha rx-v2700 and for the price I dont think this should be an issue, I might try customer support and get it fixed.

[Dr Lecterr]

The heat could easily be the problem. Those receivers can get very hot. Maybe you could keep the recvr in the same spot and remove a portion of the back of the cabinet to allow more air flow?

[bigslickwood]

I have the similar Yamaha the rx-v659. I believe the only difference is that mine doesn't have the hdmi. It put's out heat like crazy.

I doubt they'll do much. I think in the manual it lists some minimum clearances for heat distribution purposes. Glad that it's something fixable.

[nep125]

I would cut the cabinet back (ideal fix) but its a built in against the wall ....so I just went hdmi from dvd to tv and optical for audio and its flawless so far no matter how hot it gets. anyone have preference on optical or coax?

[Charlutz]

There is no practical difference between optical and coax. Coax is cheaper and usually connects better and is less likely to pull out. I have optical. Go figure. Works fine.

Where is the receiver in your rack? Do you have anything else that puts out a lot of heat that is under the receiver? Can you relocate the receiver to the lowest shelf? I am surprised your vent fan isn't sufficient. Seems like you have it solved anyway. As long as you have a decent universal remote, the loss of the hdmi switching isn't that big a deal.

[nep125]

oh ya ive been doing plenty of remote programming on the universal mx 900 I could be an installer at this point...kinda annoying to have to switch inputs without the hdmi switching but all in all you are right its not a big deal as long as it works.

[Happy Hazard]

There is no practical difference between optical and coax. Coax is cheaper and usually connects better and is less likely to pull out. I have optical. Go figure. Works fine.


Actually there are practical differences in optical and coax. Optical is not subject to EMI and signal interference like coax is. Whether shielded or not, the coax can still be disrupted.

It is ideal to run optical if you have the choice.

[Charlutz]

You have a different definition of practical than I do. ;) Optical signals/cables are also more prone to problems with the connection or a kink in the cable disrupting the signal. About as likely as EMI. Neither are likely to be an issue for just about any application.