HDMI and Surround sound not available on 360 simultaneously?

I recently heard that because of the layout of ports on the 360 you're not able to connect an HDMI cable and optical out at the same time because the optical port is on the adapter for analog video, which covers up the hdmi port.

It's sad to see such a major design flaw on the 360. How do all of those people with HD tvs and surround sound entertainment systems play their games? This is madness!

You can buy an audio dongle:

It's thinner, so the HDMI can be plugged in.

It also came free with my Elite.

Well, Microsoft has a cable for it, but of course it's overpriced.

http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=66794

You know its pretty easy.

HDMI into the amp of the surround sound system and another HDMI from the video out on the amp to the TV.

HDMI > Optical for audio output as HDMI can do lossless audio.

I love surround sound. Even on my crappy 2000 system games sound good.

i guess they can live in the same century as i do and run their audio through the hdmi.

what ticks me off is where is the port for my tin can on a string so i can talk to people on xbl... GAWD!

If you don't have a receiver that can do HDMI, there is a solution that does not involve buying an overpriced cable. I took the component cables, cut the plastic cover off, and it fits perfectly into the back of the unit with the HDMI cable. That's what I've done.romans828_2002

True. There are guides for this modding online.

I never knew HDMI could do surround sound. Wow.

I connect both audio and video via HMDI to my 7.1 A/V receiver which has 4 HDMI inputs and 1 output.

I never knew HDMI could do surround sound. Wow.

kkevguy47k

[QUOTE="kkevguy47k"]

I never knew HDMI could do surround sound. Wow.

DeadMagazines

Probably because the 360 is the console that complicates using HDMI for video and Optical for audio. Sure, it's not the optimal set-up, but not everyone has a reciever with HDMI or wants to upgrade at this time.

Rather than modding and buying extra cables just plug the optical cable for you surround sound in your tv and plug the HDMI cable into your 360 and it'll work. That's what I did..

I never knew HDMI could do surround sound. Wow.

kkevguy47k

Well, the 360 supports what the original XBOX and even PS2 did for some movies or games, and that's 5.1 surround sound.

The PS3 supports 7.1.

Of course, most people don't even have surround, and the few that do, most use 5.1. There you go.

Also, it should be noted, that the Xbox 360 does not support HDMI 1.3, only HDMI 1.2. The 360 originally supported HDMI at all.

This is the thread for this information, so now you have some more info. :)

You know its pretty easy.

HDMI into the amp of the surround sound system and another HDMI from the video out on the amp to the TV.

HDMI > Optical for audio output as HDMI can do lossless audio.

Wasdie

[QUOTE="kkevguy47k"]

I never knew HDMI could do surround sound. Wow.

DeadMagazines

You know its pretty easy.

HDMI into the amp of the surround sound system and another HDMI from the video out on the amp to the TV.

HDMI > Optical for audio output as HDMI can do lossless audio.

You know its pretty easy.

HDMI into the amp of the surround sound system and another HDMI from the video out on the amp to the TV.

HDMI > Optical for audio output as HDMI can do lossless audio.

You know its pretty easy.

HDMI into the amp of the surround sound system and another HDMI from the video out on the amp to the TV.

HDMI > Optical for audio output as HDMI can do lossless audio.

Wasdie

Lossless audio coming from the game... I wonder...

You can buy an audio dongle:

It's thinner, so the HDMI can be plugged in.

It also came free with my Elite.

lundy86_4

[QUOTE="kkevguy47k"]

I never knew HDMI could do surround sound. Wow.

SolidTy

Well, the 360 supports what the original XBOX and even PS2 did for some movies or games, and that's 5.1 surround sound.

The PS3 supports 7.1.

Of course, most people don't even have surround, and the few that do, most use 5.1. There you go.

Also, it should be noted, that the Xbox 360 does not support HDMI 1.3, only HDMI 1.2. The 360 originally supported HDMI at all.

This is the thread for this information, so now you have some more info. :)

Edit: mind you i should add that 360 does not support the codecs but would be able too.

[QUOTE="lundy86_4"]

You can buy an audio dongle:

It's thinner, so the HDMI can be plugged in.

It also came free with my Elite.

Messiahbolical-

Pretty sure on 360 there is no difference in sound between optical and HDMI.Chutebox

Your right there is no difference…The 360 can't output LPCM or decode the HD formats so sending the signal though HDMI won't make any difference..

[QUOTE="Messiahbolical-"]

[QUOTE="lundy86_4"]

You can buy an audio dongle:

It's thinner, so the HDMI can be plugged in.

It also came free with my Elite.

WilliamRLBaker

You know its pretty easy.

HDMI into the amp of the surround sound system and another HDMI from the video out on the amp to the TV.

HDMI > Optical for audio output as HDMI can do lossless audio.

Wasdie

You know its pretty easy.

HDMI into the amp of the surround sound system and another HDMI from the video out on the amp to the TV.

HDMI > Optical for audio output as HDMI can do lossless audio.

Wasdie

[QUOTE="lundy86_4"]

You can buy an audio dongle:

It's thinner, so the HDMI can be plugged in.

It also came free with my Elite.

Messiahbolical-

I got it free :?

Or you can just buy it used. It'll still work just fine.

[QUOTE="Messiahbolical-"]

[QUOTE="lundy86_4"]

You can buy an audio dongle:

It's thinner, so the HDMI can be plugged in.

It also came free with my Elite.

WilliamRLBaker

[QUOTE="kkevguy47k"]

I never knew HDMI could do surround sound. Wow.

SolidTy

Well, the 360 supports what the original XBOX and even PS2 did for some movies or games, and that's 5.1 surround sound.

The PS3 supports 7.1.

Of course, most people don't even have surround, and the few that do, most use 5.1. There you go.

Also, it should be noted, that the Xbox 360 does not support HDMI 1.3, only HDMI 1.2. The 360 originally supported HDMI at all.

This is the thread for this information, so now you have some more info. :)

The sound on the *DVD* is already compressed. No matter what cable you use between your 360 and amp, it will be the same once its decompressed; the loss occurs *during* the original compression. This is why sound is better on Blue Ray with its uncompressed audio.

Also as usual the manufacturers pull a fast one. The best upgrade in quality is usually obtained through better speakers anyway, and a very good digital to analogue converter (ie how good your amp is).

A signal going though an Optic Cable represents something like this.

001100101011

A signal going though an HDMI cable (even a gold plated one!), represents something like this.

001100101011

There is no reason in principle why HDMI > Optic (afterall the worlds network backbones use Optic), but they put better transducers on either end of the "new" HDMI (the bit either side of the cable), giving a higher bitrate; more zeros and ones in a given timeframe. Therefore you will likely need HDMI to get the best sound from your Blue Ray (it will accommodate the greater bit-rate coming off the disc), but don't sweat it if your using DVD.

You need a HDMI receiver to get the fullest out of HDMI.

1. HDMI to 360
2. HDMI from 360 to HDMI input on reciever
3. HDMI from reciever to TV

Follow those steps and you'll have surround sound on 360

You know its pretty easy.

HDMI into the amp of the surround sound system and another HDMI from the video out on the amp to the TV.

HDMI > Optical for audio output as HDMI can do lossless audio.

There are many solutions to this...especially this simple solution:

Run the HDMI cable to the TV (HDMI carries audio signals as well).Then run RCA cables from the TV OUT to your surround receiver.

[QUOTE="SolidTy"]

[QUOTE="kkevguy47k"]

I never knew HDMI could do surround sound. Wow.

GulliversTravel

Well, the 360 supports what the original XBOX and even PS2 did for some movies or games, and that's 5.1 surround sound.

The PS3 supports 7.1.

Of course, most people don't even have surround, and the few that do, most use 5.1. There you go.

Also, it should be noted, that the Xbox 360 does not support HDMI 1.3, only HDMI 1.2. The 360 originally supported HDMI at all.

This is the thread for this information, so now you have some more info. :)

How is it not a true 7.1 ?

There are many solutions to this...especially this simple solution:

Run the HDMI cable to the TV (HDMI carries audio signals as well).Then run RCA cables from the TV OUT to your surround receiver.

Bulova

That's the worst thing to do... your saying I should go full 7.1 surround in the TV and then go for stereo with RCA cables in your receiver.

[QUOTE="Bulova"]

There are many solutions to this...especially this simple solution:

Run the HDMI cable to the TV (HDMI carries audio signals as well).Then run RCA cables from the TV OUT to your surround receiver.

Bebi_vegeta

That's the worst thing to do... your saying I should go full 7.1 surround in the TV and then go for stereo with RCA cables in your receiver.

Yeah that would suck.

It's better just to have a receiver with HDMI passthrough.

Though i'm using optical, until I upgrade my receiver :(

[QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"]

[QUOTE="Bulova"]

There are many solutions to this...especially this simple solution:

Run the HDMI cable to the TV (HDMI carries audio signals as well).Then run RCA cables from the TV OUT to your surround receiver.

lundy86_4

That's the worst thing to do... your saying I should go full 7.1 surround in the TV and then go for stereo with RCA cables in your receiver.

Yeah that would suck.

It's better just to have a receiver with HDMI passthrough.

Though i'm using optical, until I upgrade my receiver :(

Optical is way better then RCA, alteast it can really do 5.1 .

[QUOTE="lundy86_4"]

[QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"]

That's the worst thing to do... your saying I should go full 7.1 surround in the TV and then go for stereo with RCA cables in your receiver.

Bebi_vegeta

Yeah that would suck.

It's better just to have a receiver with HDMI passthrough.

Though i'm using optical, until I upgrade my receiver :(

Optical is way better then RCA, alteast it can really do 5.1 .

Oh yeah, definately. It's good enough, but i'd prefer audio through HDMI, it's neater aswell :P

[QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"]

[QUOTE="lundy86_4"]

Yeah that would suck.

It's better just to have a receiver with HDMI passthrough.

Though i'm using optical, until I upgrade my receiver :(

lundy86_4

Optical is way better then RCA, alteast it can really do 5.1 .

Oh yeah, definately. It's good enough, but i'd prefer audio through HDMI, it's neater aswell :P

The sound on the *DVD* is already compressed. No matter what cable you use between your 360 and amp, it will be the same once its decompressed; the loss occurs *during* the original compression. This is why sound is better on Blue Ray with its uncompressed audio.

Also as usual the manufacturers pull a fast one. The best upgrade in quality is usually obtained through better speakers anyway, and a very good digital to analogue converter (ie how good your amp is).

A signal going though an Optic Cable represents something like this.

001100101011

A signal going though an HDMI cable (even a gold plated one!), represents something like this.

001100101011

There is no reason in principle why HDMI > Optic (afterall the worlds network backbones use Optic), but they put better transducers on either end of the "new" HDMI (the bit either side of the cable), giving a higher bitrate; more zeros and ones in a given timeframe. Therefore you will likely need HDMI to get the best sound from your Blue Ray (it will accommodate the greater bit-rate coming off the disc), but don't sweat it if your using DVD.

hywel69

EDIT: I forgot to mention that TOSLink can do EVERYTHING HDMI 1.3c can do, just companies haven't been using optical as an option much for the reason stated above.

[QUOTE="lundy86_4"]

[QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"]

Optical is way better then RCA, alteast it can really do 5.1 .

Chutebox

Oh yeah, definately. It's good enough, but i'd prefer audio through HDMI, it's neater aswell :P

Oh yeah, I know, but neatness is what I like :P

[QUOTE="Wasdie"]

You know its pretty easy.

HDMI into the amp of the surround sound system and another HDMI from the video out on the amp to the TV.

HDMI > Optical for audio output as HDMI can do lossless audio.

Chutebox

[QUOTE="hywel69"]

The sound on the *DVD* is already compressed. No matter what cable you use between your 360 and amp, it will be the same once its decompressed; the loss occurs *during* the original compression. This is why sound is better on Blue Ray with its uncompressed audio.

Also as usual the manufacturers pull a fast one. The best upgrade in quality is usually obtained through better speakers anyway, and a very good digital to analogue converter (ie how good your amp is).

A signal going though an Optic Cable represents something like this.

001100101011

A signal going though an HDMI cable (even a gold plated one!), represents something like this.

001100101011

There is no reason in principle why HDMI > Optic (afterall the worlds network backbones use Optic), but they put better transducers on either end of the "new" HDMI (the bit either side of the cable), giving a higher bitrate; more zeros and ones in a given timeframe. Therefore you will likely need HDMI to get the best sound from your Blue Ray (it will accommodate the greater bit-rate coming off the disc), but don't sweat it if your using DVD.

zero_snake99

EDIT: I forgot to mention that TOSLink can do EVERYTHING HDMI 1.3c can do, just companies haven't been using optical as an option much for the reason stated above.

Somthing makes no sense... why haven't they just use Optical for one-cable-solution instead of HDMI if there's more bandwitdh?

[QUOTE="DeadMagazines"][QUOTE="kkevguy47k"]

I never knew HDMI could do surround sound. Wow.

Probably because the 360 is the console that complicates using HDMI for video and Optical for audio. Sure, it's not the optimal set-up, but not everyone has a reciever with HDMI or wants to upgrade at this time.

[QUOTE="asylumni"]

[QUOTE="DeadMagazines"] Why did you single out the 360 then? Jamex1987

Probably because the 360 is the console that complicates using HDMI for video and Optical for audio. Sure, it's not the optimal set-up, but not everyone has a reciever with HDMI or wants to upgrade at this time.

No, I read it again and it makes sense. Both consoles can do video out over HDMI and audio out through optical. For PS3 there is a separate port for the optical connection. With the 360, it is integrated into the multi-out port, which means you either need the audio adapter or you need to alter the normal component adapter in order to use both HDMI and optical. It's definitely more complicated than the PS3's set-up, particularly if your console didn't come with the audio adapter.

[QUOTE="zero_snake99"]

[QUOTE="hywel69"]

The sound on the *DVD* is already compressed. No matter what cable you use between your 360 and amp, it will be the same once its decompressed; the loss occurs *during* the original compression. This is why sound is better on Blue Ray with its uncompressed audio.

Also as usual the manufacturers pull a fast one. The best upgrade in quality is usually obtained through better speakers anyway, and a very good digital to analogue converter (ie how good your amp is).

A signal going though an Optic Cable represents something like this.

001100101011

A signal going though an HDMI cable (even a gold plated one!), represents something like this.

001100101011

There is no reason in principle why HDMI > Optic (afterall the worlds network backbones use Optic), but they put better transducers on either end of the "new" HDMI (the bit either side of the cable), giving a higher bitrate; more zeros and ones in a given timeframe. Therefore you will likely need HDMI to get the best sound from your Blue Ray (it will accommodate the greater bit-rate coming off the disc), but don't sweat it if your using DVD.

Bebi_vegeta

EDIT: I forgot to mention that TOSLink can do EVERYTHING HDMI 1.3c can do, just companies haven't been using optical as an option much for the reason stated above.

Somthing makes no sense... why haven't they just use Optical for one-cable-solution instead of HDMI if there's more bandwitdh?