Ok I just got my first home theatre system hooked up and I am having a few problems with my new STRDG720 receiver. All of my things are connected through HDMI aka my rogers HD cable box, my ps3. Audio and Video.

First Problem: Everytime that I am playing my ps3 for some time and I switch back to the SAT input (where the rogers hd box is plugged in) the speaker will not connect no sound is coming through any of the speakers or lighting up on the receiver. Even when I turn the Audio settings on TV + AMP no sound comes through. I have to unplug the actual HD box from the wall and wait for it to load up again before the speaker signs will appear on the receiver and I will have sound again.

Second Problem: Everytime I am switching through SAT, BD inputs etc there is a huge amount of blue screen lag time it flickers off and on about 7 or 8 times before the actual image is loaded on the screen. Is there anyway to reduce this? Sometimes it even happens when switching from just HD channels to SD channels on the SAT input. Also all the SD channels have the black vertical lines and stretching is no longer available in the settings under the rogers menu.

Obviously the first problem is much more important than the second one but I would like some help if any of you know how to fix this because it's really frustrating.

Here's a thread discussing HDMI issues. Unfortunately they are still a fact of life. Have you tried connecting the HDMI cables directly to the TV? If they work properly there (for lag time, etc) then the issue is very likely a handshake issue created by the AVR. Does your AVR have the latest firmware?

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=71112

I seem to recall several threads in the AVR forum with people disappointed with Sony AVRs and HDMI. You may wish to seek out those threads.

What is the make/model of your HDTV? Black bars are normal on some programmes - see the following post on that topic:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=76089

The TV may not allow you to stretch, however, you should be able to stretch using the # key (beside the zero) on the STB remote. Make sure you've properly set up the STB. What is the make/model of the STB?:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=17719

Yeah it seems to be a handshaking issue. I just got back in from the store and went to watch some TV and bam the lights on the receiver for the speaker are not lighting up and no sound again. Everytime I have to cut the power to the HD box just to get sound again. I am getting really almost regretting my purchase.

TV - 37HL57 is my TV's model. When I had the component cables hooked up from my TV to my actual HD box they're were no black edges when viewing any programmes. I'm wondering would hooking my rogers box through a digital optical device instead of the HDMI fix the problem with it shutting off. I am also not sure how to update the FW I tried reading through some of the faq and I will try again.

Your TV is an LCD display. For the best picture quality, you should watch 4:3 programming in 4:3 and 16:9 programming as 16:9. There is no need to stretch 4:3 programming, it reduces PQ and causes distortion.

The FAQ has no instructions on updating FW. For that you'd need to go to Sony to see if it's possible.

A proper setup of the STB (for audio and video) may help with the situation. See my link in the previous thread. Again, which STB do you have?

Pace -DC551p is the HD box model number pacific atlantic. Yeah I'm reading through trying to figure out what will help me. The Receiver was just released I just don't know what to think I don't want to go out and buy more cables and not fix this problem.

What I am finding weird no matter how long the receiver is off my ps3 always has sound ready to go, but the HD box's cuts out both on the TV sound and the amp.

There have been a huge number of issues with the Pace STBs and HDMI, as was mentioned in the HDMI issues thread. Exchange the Pace 551 for an SA4250HD. That may solve your problems.

Or use component video and digital audio (optical or coaxial) for the STB. That will solve the problem.

Thank you I will exchange it do I just phone rogers and tell them I want that specific model. Also will they charge me for the swap?

Call ahead, advise them what you have, tell them you're having (known) problems with the Pace, and what you want, and have them check if they have it in stock. The SA4250HD is the only one with HDMI, other than the SA8300HD PVR. Take the remote, remote manual, etc with you - they usually don't care about cables and the HDMI cable is yours anyway. No Charge. If you've programmed the remote, you may want to keep your remote and swap it at the store...

Thanks 57 just did and they have a few in stock so I will go and pick one up later today and see how it goes. I'm going to order an extra coaxial or optical just incase. I've read the differences on both so I will probably pick up an optical. Would it be better to use that with the HDMI even though they would both give the same digital audio quality or just stick with the HDMI if there are no problems for audio/video.

If there are no problems with HDMI, then use it. If there are problems, then either optical or coaxial should work equally well, although almost any cable with RCA connectors at both ends will work as a coaxial cable.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=76085 Cables & Connections.

I think I definitly owe you at least a beer for the help you have given in the last few months lol. Thanks again for the quick and timely responses.

Just got my new SA4250, and even the handshaking problem I had is gone. No more lag between switching devices and I am really impressed. Just figured I would update it incase anyone has the same problem.

Thanks for the feedback. Those Pace STBs should come with a warning "Do not use with HDMI". ;)

Next time I'm in Oshawa I'll be expecting that beer. ;)