Need help with entertainment center wiring...

In two weeks, the dealership will install a dual coax plate which will replace the exsisting phone/cable plate; one side will be dedicated to Cable, and the other will be dedicated to Satellite; Both coaxes will run to wall plates in the Cat's entertainment center.

Here are the inputs my TV has in the back:

• 1 RF input
  
• 2 Composite input
  
• 1 S-video input
  
• 1 Component input
  
• 1 15 Pin D-sub(VGA)
  
• 1 AV Output
  
• DVI: (HDMI)
  
• 1 Digital Audio output
  
• 1 HDMI
  

I have a Satellite receiver box, an HD-DVD player, an HD converter box (air/local programming). Please help me connect the dots.

Satellite coax in to Satellite receiver. Receiver to what TV input?

HD-DVD player is currently connected to TV HDMI input.

Antenna coax in to HD converter box. Converter to what TV input?

Cable coax directly to TV RF input?

Is there a stream-lined approach to connecting all these separate components to the TV, using fewer remotes?

Any help is appreciated; electronics and wiring, in general, is not my forte!

TC

How old is the TV? Looking at your input selection it seems pretty up to date. Any newer flatscreen will have a built in HD tuner. If this is the case you don't need the HD converter box.
I assume you know this but had to ask.

The TV is not quite two years old. We bought it December 2007.

The reason we keep the HD converter installed, is because we can't get the newer local network channels without it; i.e., 7.1, 9.2, etc., by running the antenna directly to the TV. It's entirely possible that the TV's not configured correctly to receive the new channels...just another example of why I need help putting it all together.

TC

What type of outputs do the other boxes have. If the Satellite receiver has S-Video use that if not use one of the composite inputs. Use the composite from the digital converter to the TV. The best hope for the remote mess is to find a universal that will recognize all the boxes. As far as the TV setup, they are all a little different so you will just have to read the book. Good luck!

As far as the TV inputs, use component or the HDMI inputs for HD sources, i.e. HD DVD or satellite receiver if equipped. Otherwise use the S-video or composite. If your TV is 12/2007 it probably doesn't have a built-in ATSC tuner (digital) so you will have to use the converter box.

As far as a remote solution, I use the inexpensive One-4-All or Radio Shack remotes and a JP1 or JP1.x cable. You can create upgrades to combine all your remotes into one. The JP1 cable allows you to program the remote from a PC and not have to use all the codes. These remotes have been around since the 90's. The best part is the software is free and has great support and you can build the cable for $10 or order a nice one from one of the founding members for around $30. I've been using this method for about 10 years. The group site is:

http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/

At home with my whole house A/V system, I have a URC 10820 remote (10 device button - $15) that I have complex macros that switch between the inputs on the TV and audio system and startup the device. I haven't had time to build one for the WC yet, but it's on my plate. I don't watch a lot of TV in the trailer so its always on the back burner.

There are a lot of compatible remotes.

Thanks for the tips and ideas gang. Mucho appreciated!!

Jetskier, I'll look into this JP1 you speak of a little further. Thanks for the web site.

TC

If you need a quick starter course, I can get you started so you don't have to read volumes.

Is the starter course something you can share here? I don't want you to go to a lot of trouble just to help me out with my wiring illiteracy.

TC

If you ever used a One4All remote, you might be familiar with the process of programming a remote by pressing the setup key, then pressing a device button (i.e. TV, DVD) entering a 4 or 5 digit code for a particular device. You do this for each device, but it's hard to do macros and key moves because you can't see what programmed. The JP1 software makes this easier and more customizable.

Start with this doc:

http://www.hifi-remote.com/jp1/help/

read sections 1 through 3 first for the concept.

Section 4 and beyond is the software. IR is the main program where you define your devices (TV, Sat, DVD,Receivers). It has a screen shot.

Dish Network is CBL/SAT 0775. This is a standard device in most all Radio Shack/One4All remotes that you can program without using JP1. With JP1 you can take this device and move the functions around to other buttons on the remote using the Remote Master or KeyMaster programs and then import them into IR to upload.

It's intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it you can program a lot into a remote.

Another cool feature is the file section of the forums. Most devices have been developed. You can download them and modify to your liking and save it.

At home I have 4 satellite receivers, 1 DVD, 1 network media player, a TV, A/V receiver, whole house A/V controller, Play Station, X10 home automation) on one remote.

The way I have it setup to watch a DVD, press and hold the DVD button and the remote starts flashing a macro to turn on the TV, turn on the a/v receiver, switch the inputs on the TV and A/V receiver and start playing the DVD. It all occurs in less than 5 seconds. You don't have to reach for the 3 or 4 remotes.

You program a macro just like you were to do it manually by pressing the buttons on each remote.

Here's a beginners thread....

http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1009

If you want to buy a built cable, you need to get it from Tommy Tyler: http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9405

It's by far the best value @ $34 shipped.

If you decide to get into it, I can learn the buttons from the Concertone remote and extract the codes for each function and make an upgrade. It will get me motivated to make a remote for the trailer. I have the TV, Concertone, Dish Sat on remote address7, the Dish digital converter box.

So you're saying I can set up ONE remote to run all these:

TV
Cable
Satellite
HD converter box
HD-DVD player
and
Concertone??

TC

yes.

Will it take the place of my tower fan remote too?

TC

What's a tower fan?

If it is an IR remote, then yes. An upgrade can be made for anything. You'd be amazed. RF no.

This tower fan:

http://www.amazon.com/SPT-SF-1521-Remote-Controlled-Tower/dp/B000OKLVCC

I know you have to point the remote right at the fan's LCD display or nothing happens.

TC

I just found the fan upgrade section. Here's a list of what others have made:

http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=category&cat_id=105

You thought I was joking too!

Tell you what...after the dealership runs new coax for dedicated cable and satellite on Monday, we'll get serious about putting it all together. I'm extremely intrigued with all the info you've been providing!

The DW will flip when I surprise her with one remote for everything.

BTW...I will never doubt you again, oh GREAT jetskier!

TC

I just made the device upgrade for the concertone remote (remote model zx500 v1.1). There were 57 buttons total, but you probably won't use all of them. Buttons like angle, zoom, subtitle aren't used for anything but special functions on a dvd. I'll test it before I upload to the jp1 file section. It's nice that the concertone has discrete inputs for all the main functions like tv, radio, dvd, etc. This helps for macros. I don't know if they put a discrete "on or a discrete "off". It has the power/standby button, but that is a toggle.

O.K., knowing I will have three separate dedicated wall outlets in the entertainment center AND spending hours upon hours on Google, this is what I've come up with so far:

Dedicated satelilite wall plate
Dedicated park cable wall plate
Dedicated antenna wall plate

Satellite:
satellite wall plate to satellite receiver (RG-6 coax)
satellite receiver to HDTV (HDMI/DVI cable)

HD-DVD:
HD-DVD player to HDTV (HDMI cable)

OTA:
antenna wall plate to Winegard HD receiver (RG-6 coax)
Winegard HD receiver to HDTV (Component - red, green, blue)

PARK CABLE:
park cable wall plate to HDTV via RF cable in (RG-6 coax)

Does this look right so far

TC

I've also been reading about special surge protectors designed for home theatre/satellite systems that protect against dirty signals and lightening strikes. What I'd like to know is: do I even need it in the Cat, and if so, who sells them?

TC

One more thing lest I forget to ask...

Is there a way to still utilize the surround sound in the Cat without actually using the Concertone? If so, how do I make the connection?

TC

Here's a few more specs from my TV: Is there anything here that would lead one to believe I shouldn't need the Winegard HD digital receiver?


Features:
Integrated ATSC/NTSC Tuner
Resolution: 1366x768 (WXGA)
Brightness: 500 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio: 800:1
Response time: 16ms
Viewing Angle: 170 ?
3D Comb filter
DVI
PIP
MTS/SAP
AV/SV/Component and PC input

TC

What are the specs on your sat receiver?

You don't need the winegard since you have the ATSC tuner built in (as you posted)

You would need to get a dedicated audio receiver to replace the concertone to utilize the 5.1 speakers setup. Most are 120V though. You'd also need to figure out how to switch the bedroom and outside speakers. Some audio receivers have it built in, or you could buy a speaker switch.

jetskier wrote:What are the specs on your sat receiver?

You don't need the winegard since you have the ATSC tuner built in (as you posted)

You would need to get a dedicated audio receiver to replace the concertone to utilize the 5.1 speakers setup. Most are 120V though. You'd also need to figure out how to switch the bedroom and outside speakers. Some audio receivers have it built in, or you could buy a speaker switch.

The satellite is just a basic Dish Network 311

Specs:

OUTPUT CONNECTIVITY

SVHS Output jack
1 set RCA-type audio/video output
Off-air antenna input (F-connectors)
2400 baud internal modem/phone jack

Remote

One Infrared (IR) 4-component universal remote control - Can be programmed to operate (via IR) up to three additional components.

TV1 Connections

1 set RCA-type audio/video outputs
1 S-video output
1 RF modulated output (channel 3/4)
1 TV antenna/cable input

After looking at the 311 specs, I guess HDMI is not even an option. I understand S-Video is the next best thing though.

As for the ATSC tuner, I wonder how come I can't get the digital channels without going through the Winegard, i.e.: 7.1, 9.2, etc.? Maybe I don't have something programmed correctly.

Any recommendations on receivers?...switches? And...how would I hook up the Cat's speakers to the receiver? Is there a trick to it? Not sure I'm going this route, but would still like to know. Knowledge is power!

TC

The basic 311 won't have component. Simply use Svideo or Composite.

Sometimes there is a second ATSC coax input. My old mitsubishi 55" has one for NTSC and ATSC OTA. Also check the menus to see if it is scanning for digital.

You can get a cheap 5.1 receiver at Walmart for $100ish. Since you have an inverter that is true sine, you shouldn't get any noise.
Example Speaker switch:

http://www.cablewholesale.com/specs/audio-switch/41s1-16406.htm

I get all sorts of good stuff from this place. Cheap, good quality and fast shipping.

Everyone,
I ask Rod Batts how to use all the tv/video hookups in a 2010 WC 28 RKBS and this is what he sent me.
when you are hooking up cable, you will need to
follow this procedure. There is a wall plate that has two coax hook ups on it.
There needs to be a jumper wire installed there connecting the two. There is
another wall plate that only has one coax hook up on it. That needs to go to the
back of the TV. You will also see another wall plate with a single RCA jack.
TV/VIDEO OUT. That needs to go to the video in on the back of the TV. You will
then see a wall plate that has two RCA hook ups on it. That is for the audio.
Hook the red and white, audio from the back of the TV to those two hook ups, and
put the radio on input 2, and that should give you surround sound. If you are
using satellite, then remove the jumper wire, and go from the top coax to the
back of the receiver for sat in. Where it says out to TV, that goes to the
bottom coax. The wall plate that has all of the RCA's on it are for outside
sources. You will very seldom use that. Hope this helps. Thanks,
Rod

I hope this helps some out
Lou

Thanks Lou,

I appreciate your sharing Rod's set-up procedures. However, the instructions Rod gave you involves hooking up your TV to your Concertone. After 4 Concertone failures, my objective is to by-pass it all together.

I see from your signature you've got the new 28RKBS. I'll bet you're enjoying that rear kitchen!

TC

We have not been out and actually used it but we anticipate it is going to be great and we are going to find out soon (2 weeks and 6 days and then off to Destin, Fl.)

The one thing Rod did not explain was on the wall plate that has all the RCA hookups, there is a slide switch and it has to be switched to the bottom position before the TV will actually play over the surround sound. Sorry this wasn't more help to your situation.

Here's a link to the learned buttons on the Remote once you download the required JP1 software, cable and acquire a remote to program. It has all the extended function codes for each button.

http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=file&file_id=7120

Well, the Cat's back! Got my new dedicated park cable and satellite connections. I'll have to budget some time this weekend to start connecting all the pieces.

Jetskier, I'll let you know when I'm ready to do the JP1 and All-In-One remote. If should be interesting!

Stay tuned...

TC