I'm not an expert. I don't understand all the codecs and jargon and what's pragmatically good to have or not.

However, a discussion of sales triggered curiosity. I have a Sony XBR-55X800B (2015), Integra DTR 50.6 (with a Harmon PA2400 amp for the front channels), and Apple TV 4K as content source (HBO, Net, Prime).

It's not clear to me how much UHD content is available now, and whether or not features like HDR and deep color depth are beneficial (and how ubiquitous they are now; I don't think my TV supports these types of features beyond just UDH resolution support).

So I'm wondering about things (as I prioritize visuals over audio, but not wanting to compromise the latter too much):

1. Should I connect the Apple directly to TV (HDMI) and use HDMI ARC to send audio to the receiver (LPCM?)? Or is it better to connect the Apple to the receiver directly (other option has no real visual benefit) and derive some audio benefit? Or no difference either way given my current components?

2. Should I upgrade my TV - that will allow for better visuals (using features like HDR, etc)?

3. Should I upgrade my receiver - that will allow for better audio (newer codecs?)?

4. Do nothing - components are fine for now given current content?

Thanks!

Nothing really wrong with the equipment you have.

I'd connect all source material to HDMI inputs on the AVR and then the output to the TV.
I think your TV only supports ARC and you would need eARC to fully support the latest protocols.

It all depends on what more you want to achieve other than superficial specifications.

Unless you desire ATMOS Surround Sound including adding the speakers and have a room that will benefit then your scenario seems adequate.
But when you get the bug adequate is hard to stick with.

The ATV -> TV -> Rcvr vs. ATV -> Rcvr -> TV comes down to two questions:

1. Do you actually have at least 5.1 sound (2 x front [mains], 2 x surrounds, center, sub)?
   
2. Does your TV do digital pass-through?
   

If the answer to both is "yes," then I'd go ATV -> TV -> Rcvr.

If the answer to (1) is no: Doesn't matter.

If the answer to (1) is yes and the answer to (2) is no, then ATV -> Rcvr -> TV.

My reasoning for my first answer: I've seen far more people complain about Rcvr -> TV video and audio problems than TV -> Rcvr problems with audio.

Our LG TV does digital audio pass-through, so we get both Dolby Digital and DTS to our receiver, via the optical digital connection from TV -> Receiver.

As for the TV upgrade: It would appear you currently have a 55 in. UHD TV. How far do you typically sit from it and with what size would you replace it?

My wife has drawn the line at a 55 in. TV. Being as we sit 12-15 away from the TV, no amount of increased resolution will make one whit of difference in PQ, for us. But, if you sit more closely or are talking about a much bigger display: Then maybe yes.

Thanks guys. Looks like I can stick w/ what I've got.

Good question, I should mentioned in the OP. Speaker config is 4.1 (2 front, 2 surround, 1 sub). 2 front powered through the Harmon amp (useful for music); 2 surround powered by the Integra.

Not sure if TV does digital pass-through. You mean audio? It does have an optical out.

I'd entertain moving to 65" or 1 step up. Although that may be too much - I sit about 6' from the TV; I could make it longer if I reconfigured the room (but that's less than ideal as it would put the back of the TV in front of windows).

Sounds like not much to be really gained at this point. Save some money for when upgrading will make a difference.....

Thanks again!! I'll go with ATV -> Rcvr -> TV

Hmmm. Bigger is better? More power, ruff ruff ruff. Or maybe not.

Definitely don't want to turn my head to see edge to edge. But having life size picture seems cool But maybe not.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:


Good question, I should mentioned in the OP. Speaker config is 4.1 (2 front, 2 surround, 1 sub). 2 front powered through the Harmon amp (useful for music); 2 surround powered by the Integra.

No center channel?

That may be the most important speaker in an AV system.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:


My wife has drawn the line at a 55 in. TV. Being as we sit 12-15 away from the TV, no amount of increased resolution will make one whit of difference in PQ, for us. But, if you sit more closely or are talking about a much bigger display: Then maybe yes.

smschulz -

She drew the line at 55 in. because she doesn't want the TV dominating the room.

Truth be told: Where the TV's located there isn't room for anything much larger, anyway. So, even had she not drawn the line, I don't know as we could've gone much bigger.

I don't have a center channel. I had one (twice actually) and it didn't do anything for me. 2 fronts was enough and imaging still correct.

And I was a little annoyed with having music coming out from the center channel and having to switch DSP modes back and forth.

But really, center channel added nothing perceivable for me. Maybe because I'm using floor standing towers instead of small fronts?

Be aware that ATSC 3.0, the next generation of why we moved to digital, is now out there. Some stations are starting to set up "lighthouses" to start development. Once they go live, they only have to support ATSC 1.0 for about five years. There are only a few new TVs that support ATSC 3.0, but expect the number to increase soon.

ATSC is native 4K.