What should connect to TV's HDMI ARC?

No comments in here?

My nearly 5yo Vizio TV is being replaced by SquareTrade with a new 2017 4K, HDR10 Vizio. I was thinking I needed to replace my 975 But was thrilled to see this far more affordable option, the 42AVR. I'm still waiting for the TV to be delivered, but am reviewing the instructions for the Switch while waiting. I see how the switch is connected to both the TV and the 975 (specifically the HDMI ARC input). I also see how the 975 needs to be connected to the TV. But which one should be connected to the HDMI ARC Port on the TV, the 975 or the Switch? I'm guessing the Switch, but as clear as the directions are otherwise, I don't see this detail addressed?

How are folks using the Switch? Are you plugging all of your sources into it or just the 4K sources and leaving the others going thru the 975? I'm leaning towards the former b layout.

Happy New Year's folks,
pat----

I would stay with plan b layout myself. The device will allow 4k pass thru and split out the audio to send to your 975. I am not sure how much broadcast or streaming 4k video is available to your new display but I would treat it as a 4K source along with any other 4k source if you can stream better than 1080P. If you connect the TV to the 975 arc feature then any signal coming from the TV will be limited to 1080P and anything above that may not play at all. That isn't a major issue unless you can stream better than 1080P. The manual wants the TV connected to the 975 ARC input for the OSD and to ensure a handshake occurs.

I would connect any of your 4k sources to the switch box, and any non-4k sources to the 975. If the new Vizio is a smart TV with apps, you would want to connect the 975s HDMI-ARC to the TV HDMI-ARC input to take advantage of those apps, while sending audio back to the 975.

Thank you very much XenonMan and Helson. I received the tracking number for my new TV today and it should be delivered this Thursday. I know what I'll be doing Saturday now!

New question. Am I correct in my belief that I can insert the Switch into my 1080P system and that it'll still work? That way I could get everything up and running before I have friends coming over Saturday to help me swap in the new TV.

Thanks,

The switch should pass through 1080P if that is the way you have it but the 975 will do that. Unless you sit closer than 7 feet from the TV you won't be able to tell much difference in picture quality.

Thank you XenonMan. My couch is about 20' from the display.

This is a good explanation as to why 4K and 8k may not be the best display resolution for most people.

http://carltonbale.com/does-4k-resolution-matter/

Yes, but ... try to buy a large screen TV with anything less than 4K these days. I'm not sure anyone's making them any more.

There are still some older sets out there for a great price but... you are right they are scarce and part of the past. I guess my point was that for most people, the technology is beyond what we can see unless we sit right on top of the screen.

Xenon, I would agree if we are only talking about resolution. However a lot of 4K TV offer the high dynamic range and increased color depth (HDR10 and/or Dolby Vision) that 1080P sets don't. This gives a performance increase that is easily visible at all normal viewing distances.

I agree with the better viewing of all the different shades of purple but how much material is really available that you don't already own in a less fortunate format. While HDR10 and Dolby vision probably offer better viewing and crisper colors is there a significant delta in a dark room?

Well, we're getting into the human perception of color and contrast so of course there's no guarantees neither written nor implied.

See this LINK which covers this and other topics pretty well.

EEman & XenonMan,
I just got a 65" LG C7. I've ALWAYS been a plasma fan & when that technology "died" I figured I'd stick with my old plasmas. I was at the "shoot out" in NYC & saw an OLED. Impressed but until I did the calibration myself I was on the fence. I did; I bought one. Better than plasma ever was...HDR,WCG etc., etc make this a terrific experience. Broadcast TV will probably NEVER use this format but hard discs & streaming are "trying". It's still the best I've seen to date. My LG upconverts broadcast TV[cable] to a picture far above anything I've seen for the consumer. Just my 2cents

Great! I am holding out for an OLED also. My Panasonic plasma is still going strong but if it dies OLED is next. How does it look on fast moving images. I understand OLED has no ghosting images. I love the plasma for that reason as I watch a lot of sports on it.

Great Feedback. Thanks. I'm in the middle of a remodel and plan on the 65" OLED.

Out of curiosity, was there a reason you went with the curved screen (C7 model) rather than the flat screen (B7)?

EEman,
2017 LG C7 was NOT curved. I think the only difference was the stand[which I don't use]. LG no longer makes curved TV's.
XenonMan,
If you're a gamer this TV is for you. I don't remember the exact number of ms but it's VERY, VERY fast[21ms but don't hold me to it!!!!!]

Folks,
I can't believe that there are ONLY a handful of us who kept our 975's, used the new switch & are happier than a "pig in s__t! Where are ALL the 975 owners & what are you all doing about 4K, HDR & WCG. This switch WORKS...... period.

I bought the switch then I bought the Oppo 203 and found out it also breaks out the audio to it's own dedicated HDMI for people with "old" receivers. Oh well, I guess I need to buy a 4K Xbox so I have a reason to use the switch.

I've got a Sony UBP-X800 and it has a second HDMI out for the audio, too. So I kept the 975 and ran the 4k straight to the TV and the audio to my trusty Outlaw.

I am a happy 975 HDS-42AVR user. I bought the unit originally when 2 of the 3 HDMI inputs my Panasonic Plasma suddenly failed to accept a signal from 975. I could hook up a 32" visio to the 975 without issue. For some unknown reason the HDMI 2 input which is also the ARC output continued to work as an ARC (which worked for OTA and smart TV). I called in a technician who replaced the main board including all of the HDMI ports on the Panasonic but this didn't solve the problem, so he but back in the original board and $200 poorer I tried the HDS-42AVR based upon assurances from Transformative Engeering that it would work.

I hooked up all of my inputs to the HDS-42AVR and then left the ARC line in place. Suddenly everything worked just like it was supposed to (other than a workaround was required to get the 975 setup menu displayed). Given the wonderful picture on my Plasma I was happy as a clam until 6 months later and the last HDMI input on the Panasonic failed. I replaced it with an LG OLED 65C8PUA from Costco. The price drop on the price of the plasma from February to September more than paid for the HDS-42AVR.

I really don't need the HDS-42AVR any longer but am keeping it if I ever want to go to a 4K source external to the TV.