Audio Video Receivers (AVRs) and Cabling

When installing your 3D HDTV it will require a bit of attention to cables and any additional components you may have for your home theater. For example, the HDMI cable from your television to your set top box, or audio equipment, needs to be labeled as 'High Speed'.

Specifically, the High-Speed designation means it is compatible with the updated HDMI standard to support 3D formats, known as version 1.4a. 3D HDTVs equipped with HDMI 1.4a compatible inputs can show full HD (1920 x 1080p) 3D movies and TV shows from compatible 3D Blu-ray players, as well as content from compatible game consoles and set-top boxes.

3D pass-through is an optional feature for repeater devices, such as audio-video receivers (AVRs). Only newer receivers with HDMI 3D pass-through ports can pass full HD 3D signals. Table 1 shows the recommended hookup diagram assuming that the television, set top box, Blu-ray player and AVR are all HDMI 1.4a equipped. If you’re not ready to replace your AVR, here are a few options:

Options for AVRs without HDMI 3D pass through

Option #1:
Connect a high-speed HDMI cable directly from your 1.4a equipped Blu-ray player and/or set top box to your 3D HDTV for video. Next, connect a toslink (optical) or digital coaxial cable from your BD Player and/or set top box to your AVR for audio. You may need to adjust your AVR's audio delay feature and/or upgrade AVR firmware to correct for lip sync errors. Table 2 shows the recommended connection diagram for this scenario.

In the BD Player's 'Audio Setup' menu make sure that 'Bitstream' is selected for Dolby and DTS and the downmixing option turned OFF if you have a 5.1 speaker setup on your AVR. You may have to assign the optical or coaxial input on the AVR in order to receive the audio stream. If so, enter the setup menu on the AVR and select 'Input Setup'. Once selected, scroll to 'Digital Audio' and assign 'Optical' or 'Coaxial' to the specific input chosen.

Option #2:
Use a Blu-ray player that includes two HDMI 1.4a outputs. Connect the primary HDMI output to send 3D video to your 3D-capable TV, and the second output to pass high quality digital audio to your AVR. Note: the second output on the Blu-ray may need to be assigned for audio only. If so, enter the audio setup menu and select 'Audio Only' for the second output.

Set Top Box Changes

Besides your 3DTV you will need a digital cable or satellite HD set-top box (STB) and be a subscriber to a cable or satellite service providing 3D content. You may also need an additional HDMI cable (HDMI 1.4, see above) to run between your set top box and television. Once connected you may need to contact your service provider to allow 3D viewing.

Note: 3D over-the-air broadcasting is being adopted at varying speeds around the world.

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3D Blu-ray players
3D Technologies