Hooking up Home Theater (simple version)

[wolfercdat]

We just got with the 21st century and bought a flat screen TV with all the fancy applications and a home theater system with a blue-ray player so it has more fancy applications.  There are no other gaming systems or electroincs that we want to connect to the system.  

1)  I've connected the Uverse system to the HTS via a cable with yellow/red/white plugs because other forums said uverse didn't work well with HDMI cables.

2) I've connected the HTS to the new TV via the HTMI cable

The questions I have are these....

First Question....Did I hook it up correctly so that our uverse system will go through the surround sound?

Second Question....If I hooked it up correctly, how do I get the uverse system to start talking to the HTS?  I know that the HTS is working correctly with the TV because I was able to program both the TV and HTS and verify the speakers were functioning correctly.

Third Question...Will I continue to use the remote for the HTS since it has all the bells and wistles on the remote that the uverse remote doesn't seem to have or does the uverse remote function as a remote for all of them and because our old system was so old the technician didn't need to explain the other functions to us?

[aviewer ACE - Master]

wolfercdat - You have two choices - connect all your devices to the HD with both video and sound & one connection to the TV (what you did) & select the device via the HT

or

connect all devices to the TV and sound to the HT - Select the device via the TV & turn on the HT & select the sound there.

Your connection from the STB to the HT is neither HD or surround. For HD you must use HDMI or component (3 jacks for video, two for sound). For surround sound you must use HDMI or optical.

If you are lucky, you will find a good code on the remote aux button for the HT. If not, Here is info on Logitech Harmony  -

I have recommended to many people that were unable to find codes to support their devices with the U-verse remote that they get a Logitech Harmony remote.

Many of those people feel they do not want to, or should not have to, spend their own money for a remote.

Others, have a very complex setup and are willing to spend their money to maximize their viewing experience.

The U-verse remote is effective for only a subset of basic activities with the most popular equipment, The Harmony provides more efficient control of complex setups across a broader range of equipment.

Until sometime in 2011 the Harmony only offered expensive models (over $100). In 2011 they introduced the model 300 ($30) followed by the model 200 ($20). Although, these only support one activity - Watch TV - they are more effective than the U-verse remote.

This writeup shows the functional differences between the two remotes to assist in deciding whether or not to go for a Harmony.

U-verse remote vs. Logitech Harmony Model 300 - Both can control four devices (STB, TV, DVD, Aux) under one activity - Watch TV.

Logitech Harmony Model 300 -

Must be able to do something no other remote can do to convince you to spend $30 to buy it so Logitech can make a profit.

Monster library of supported devices. (amazing how libraries grow over the years). You can predetermine support of make & model via web site (http://myremotesetup.com/EasyZapper/New/Main.asp?WebProcessAction=Start&ReturnUrl=%2FEasyZapper%2F%2... Since device support is defined in detail, a Logitech customer service rep (CSR) can help with any problems,

To program - Enter device make model in computer  based wizard. When device is supported, all functions are supported. IR signals can be learned from device remote. CSR can download changes that affect only you,

IR/function/button  map - You can map any button to any function. You can pick buttons based on your preference, instead of someone else's. Logitech can add any new IR code format to function mapping via download.

Watch TV button - Turns on/off selected devices. Sets correct input. Ability to sequence devices and introduce delay between devices.

Change from Watch TV mode to individual device control with one button push. And, vice-versa. Same volume/mute buttons will affect different devices (STB, TV, HT) depending on device selected and the one user selected for the Watch TV activity. Note that the U-verse phantom mute can be unmuted with four button pushes - device mode, STB, mute, return to watch TV mode.

Able to buy more advanced remotes for more money - more devices, more activities(e.g. Watch OTA, Watch DVD, Watch TV with HT sound), more display (LCD screen) of functions. Multiple activities appears to be a concept unique to the Logitech Harmony. It allows the same buttons to be applied different sets of devices based on what the viewer is watching (i.e. an activity). It is especially valuable for complex setups and/or people with only basic knowledge of the operation of the remote.

*****************************************************************************************************

U-verse  remote is provided free to watch U-verse TV. Support for some functions on some other devices is included so that it can be called "universal". But there is no business driver to spend money to assure full support of all functions on all possible devices .

Limited library of supported devices. Vague lists by type/mfgr. No model detail. No definitive/comprehensive list of codes. If support is not accomplished, there is no way to find out if it should be supported until you find that the remote works for you. Since device support is not defined in detail customer service rep cannot help with problems.

To program- Enter an arbitrary code that may be difficult (or impossible) to determine or step through every possible entry. Possibly finding some partially supported sets.  No IR learning.

IR/function/button  map - Button/IR map cannot change. IR/function map can only change if U-verse globally changes STB software. No ability to provide individual tuning.

Watch TV (ATT/power) -  Turns on/off selected devices. Does not set input. No ability to sequence devices or introduce delay.

Default mode of operation is Watch TV (Channel change on STB, Volume on TV, Power up STB/TV). To vary operation requires reprogramming with more arbitrary codes applied to individual functions. No clear distinction between Watch TV and individual device control (i.e. difficult to change operation between Watch TV and controlling individual services.)

Point anywhere remote is only extra cost upgrade - provides RF (with STB distinction) and learning. New buddy TV is good if you already have supported equipment (e.g iphone). But, it probably has similar limitations to the standard remote because it would be based on that design

[oz_1 ACE - Master]

I would use the HDMI connections and adjust the picture accordingly if you own any Sony

Blue-Rays when you get to the menu punch in the numbers 7669 (SONY) and it directs you to hidden cookies with screen adjustments for color,contrast,brightnes and etc.etc.

Then you are 95% there while on a Uverse channel try and find the color bars that HD net

has up at various times and correct the color and black level for that particular HDMI input.

[aviewer ACE - Master]

wolfercdat - I thought I might add some insight to selecting how to connect.

The first one is good if you are always going to use the HT for audio. You always have to turn it on & you do not change anything on the TV.

But, if you prefer just theTV for day to day viewing & only use the HT for special programs , then the second way provides day to day simplicity & a few more buttons to push when you use the HT.

Of course, you can connect both methods & get a Logitech Harmony model 700 remote & go crazy with possibilities.

I suggest when first connecting - connect the TV first, then add in the HT. It may be easier to see how the connections work if you do one step at a time instead of going for the whole thing & wondering what you have.

[wolfercdat]

Aviewer....in the first line you say to connect all the devices to the HD, what does HD stand for?  I'm  assuming it stands for the HTS.  Also, the same post says to select the device via the HT...how do i do that?  

What does STB stand for?  Is that the uverse box?  If I understand you correctly, you're saying that the three cables I used to connect uverse to the HTS are not a good idea because it won't give me HD or surround and that I must use a HDMI cable from the uverse to the HTS.  Is that what you're saying?

Thank you

[aviewer ACE - Master]

wolfercdat - Sorry for saying HD when I meant HT or HTS.

I need to know the brand/model of your HTS to look up to see how it selects inputs. It most likely is a menu similar to one on TVs that selects the input.

STB is Set Top Box - the U-verse box. It does not output HD signal on the yellow (composite) jack that you connected. Yes, I am saying to get HD signal to your TV it needs to come from the HDMI or component(Red,Green,Blue) jacks.

These jacks can either be connected directly to your TV or routed through the HTS.

[wolfercdat]

Aviewer - thank you very much for the help; you're quickly becoming my new best friend!

The HTS is a Samsung (Blu-ray Home Entertainment System HT-EM54C)

The TV is Visio (Model E420VSE)

I understood the rest of your instructions, but I'll wait for your next post until I know what else I need to go pick up at the store. If I'm understanding correctly I need to purchase another HDMI cable so I can connect the Uverse box to the HTS.  In answer to one of your other questions, yes I do want to use the surround sound for everything.  I think it would get way too confusing for my family to figure out.  The Uverse remote by itself was enough of a mind boggler!!!!

[aviewer ACE - Master]

Samsung site does not recognize HT-EM54C. Google does get hits - sold at Costco - I will need to search deeper for manual.

I will be going out @ 3 & will have to delay further work til later.

Try monoprice.com for best prices on HDMI cables.

There are different kinds of complication. Just using the TV for casual viewing could be considered least complicated. Only you have to work the HT.

[aviewer ACE - Master]

On the Samsung site I found a HT-EM45C, but not the manual, yet. Also, HT-EM53C. with manual. That one does not seem to have multiple inputs to select from. Does yours have multiple inputs or just one.

What inputs does yours have?

I need to leave this for now.

[wolfercdat]

I too couldn't find my model on their website, which I'll have to call them about on Monday.  The users manual says I'm supposed to log on so I can set up Smart Hub, but I can't unless I have a valid model number.

The back on my HTS has Speaker Output Connectors for the surround sound, iPod connector, LAN terminal, TX Card Connection for wireless, HDMI out, HDMI in (there are two of these), Aux In (there are two of these), Video Out, Extrenal Digital Audio In, and FM Antenna.

Hope this helps.

[aviewer ACE - Master]

wolfercdat

Here is a link to a manual for your family of HT - 

http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201207/20120702190836651/02434A_HT-E5500W_ZA_CMS_03_070...

You have the TV connected HDMI to the HT - You can connect up to two HDMI inputs. Then select via the function button. e.g. If you are watching U-verse on HDMI1 & you want to watch a DVD you would press the function button three times.

It is unlikely that the U-verse remote will fully support the HT, but give it a try. It is also unlikey that the HT remote will support U-verse. I did not even see your TV on the list. If you want to use one remote for u-verse, TV & HT, it will have to be a Logitech Harmony.

Here is a page that shows selecting the input by pressing the function button to cycle through all possible sources -

[wolfercdat]

Aviewer...thank you

I went out and purchased the HDMI cable and connected the Uverse to the HTS using it.  I ran it into the HDMI 1 port.  The output HDMI from the HTS I ran to the TV.  I plugged it into the HDMI port located across the back of the TV.  This port doesn't specifically say it's the input HDMI.  There is another set of various ports located along the side of the TV in case the user wants to connect the TV to auxillary item.  These ports include HDMI, RGB Audio, and 5 component ports for green, blue, white, and red plugs.  I'm assuming that I should be using the HDMI port located in the back since it's going from the HTS to the TV.    Would this set up be correct now that I have the correct cables?

I read through your last post and found the function button you mention.  Right now I can't get the uverse remote to put anything on the tv screen.  I tried to program the remote to turn the tv on and off but I couldn't even get it to do that.  I'll try again after I write this post.  Based upon your post, I've decided to (at least temporarily) to use two remotes.  The ATT one to scroll through the uverse options and the HTS remote to control the blu-ray and TV (though at the moment I'm having to manually turn the TV on since none of the other remotes are reading the signal from the TV).

[wolfercdat]

Aviewer....well I'm getting a little closer.  I figured out how to get the Samsung remote to now control the on/off switch for the TV (yea, I get rid of one remote!)  

Using the function button you mentioned earlier, when I scroll through the various functions, when I get to HDMI 1 the TV says "no signal" BUT the Uverse box will turn on the HD light.  I think that tells me that the uverse box is recognizing something but I still can't get the signal from the uverse box to make it all the way through the system.  Could it be that I'm not having the correct "function" button pushed on the uverse remote itself?  I've been pushing ATT but I have also tried the TV button, DVD button, and AUX button and nothing else has worked.  I'm wondering if it's because with my old system we linked the other functions to the remote so they would all be controlled by the uverse remote.  In this system I'm trying to control part of the system with the HTS remote.  Should I try and link the HTS to the uverse remote?  Seems to me that would really confuse the signals.

[aviewer ACE - Master]

wolfercdat - I looked at the manual for your TV & do not see any inputs on the side - om;y switches. The one(s) in the back are inputs. The key is can you find that input on yhe selection menu.

I like to start as basic as possible - meaning using the U-verse remote for U-verse, the TV remote for the TV & the HT remote for the TV. Once I am comfortable with how each remote affects its device then I would try to move it to the combined remote.

[aviewer ACE - Master]

Use the TV remote to be sure the TV is on the correct input.

Use the HT remote to be sure the HT is on the correct input.

The U-verse does not matter because it outputs even when off. If you see the blue att screen you can turn it on & change channels.

[wolfercdat]

Aviewer...you and I are definitely on the right page as far as making it easy.  So far we're getting there, but I may be at a road block.

Using the TV remote I selected Input HDMI 1.  I looked behind the TV to verify that it was indeed plugged into the HDMI 1 port.

Using the HTS remote here's what happens when I scroll through the functions:

If I select D. In the TV asks about setting up US Optical Cable

If I select Aux the TV asks about connecting analog

If I select R. iPod the TV asks about connecting an iPod

If I select HDMI 1 the TV goes blank for a little while and then the Uverse box lights up the blue HD light and immediately the TV says No Signal!

If I select HDMI 2 the uverse box blue light goes off and the TV still says No Signal!

If I select FM I hear static and the TV shows various FM radio channels

If I select BD/DVD the TV shows the Smart Hub function menu for the HTS

Any suggestions?

[aviewer ACE - Master]

Looks like it is good between the TV & HT.
Connect the U-verse STB directly to the TV.
If it does not work try the second HDMI port.

[wolfercdat]

Aviewer you've been great and patient but I give up!!

I went ahead and plugged the HDMI from uverse into the input HDMI 2 port on the TV and then connected the HDMI output port on the TV (it's located on the side) to the HTS input HDMI 1.  I've got horrible reception on the TV from Uverse and no sound.  In addition, now the settings on the HTS are all messed up and none of the remotes are talking to each other.

Oh well, I tried...you were actually very helpful but there's probably something very minor that I'm missing in relaying to you; some button or setting that I don't realize is important.

[wolfercdat]

The worst part about it is that now that I've moved everything none of the old settings are working now either....I've tried to move the HDMI cables back where I had them and none of the remotes are working properly and I can't get movies or internet to come up.  I'm very discouraged.

[aviewer ACE - Master]

wolfercdat - Not good news that the STB to TV does not work. It should be as simple as that.

The remotes have no connection to each other. Each remote controls its own device & some may be programmed to other devices.
Not sure what could have gotten messed up on the HTS settings. You can step through the sources with the function button.

It may be that the TV or HTS does have compatablity problems with U-verse (where you started). I believe the optical connection only carries sound. If that is true & you have an HDMI compatibility you wil not be able to have the signal go through the HTS. You will need to do the following -
Connect the TV to STB via component (five wires) for HD picture and stereo sound.

Connect the HTS to the TV via HDMI for all sources except U-verse.

Connect U-verse to the HTS via optical for surround sound.

To watch u-verse without HTS set TV to component input. To watch it with HTS mute TV & set HTS to optical input.

To watch other HTS sources set TV to HDMI input.

I need to call it a day for now - Tomorrow is another day - Maybe check with Vizio to see if they have a patch for the HDMI.

[wolfercdat]

aviewer - in the end we had att come out and look over the system.  Most of it was fine....what we have now is 

HDMI cable from Uverse to HTS and a yellow cable that connects audio from uverse to the HTS

HDMI cable from the HTS to the TV

HDMI cable from the Uverse to the TV

When we want to watch Uverse we set the TV to HDMI 1 and if we want the sound to go through the HTS we set the HTS to auxilary

When we want to watch something on the Blu-ray or take advantage of any on-line connections available with the HTS we set the TV to HDMI 2 and put the HTS on DVD

It's alot of cables but at least we can watch everything now.  I'll be going out and getting that universal harmony remote you talked about so I don't have to switch between remotes constantly.

Thank you again for your help.

[aviewer ACE - Master]

wolfercdat - Thanks for the thanks. It is difficult on both sides to communicate trouble shooting, but you provided great detail,

Glad you got the HDMI working. If you want a lot of options to watch, you need a lot of cables. Next step is to add your computer to the mix.

I have not seen an optical cable so I guess the yellow sound cable is it (not a composite video cable) This may be the first connection you described that I mistook for a composite video cable.

Radio Shack has a web sale on the Logitech Harmony Model 700 (the one I have) til 7/31 for $80. - http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11888469

Glad I could help.