I'm planning on buying a Wii and looked at the manual for my Yamaha RX-V1800 and the online manual for the Wii about connecting everything together.

The Yamaha manual doesn't mention game consoles at all and the Wii manual doesn't mention AVRs. I did a google search on the topic and found some references to HDMI but I didn't think the Wii had HDMI.  Clearly I can connect the Wii to the front of my AVR but that's 1. not attractive and 2. I don't see how I'd get the best video/audio that way.  FYI, my Yamaha is connected via HDMI to a Sharp 1080p LCD televsion.

So, the question is - how do I hook the Wii up to maximize the video and audio?

joetag,

I don't have a Wii myself, but I am pretty sure it ships with a composite video/audio cable - the yellow/red/white RCA connector cable.  That should hook up in any of your available video inputs in the back of your Yamaha (looks like you have 5 to choose from).

For better video, you can get a component video - which has the red/white audio RCA audio cable connections and the Red/Green/Blue video connectors for video.  Nintendo makes one, I've seen it on Amazon, and I am sure there are others out there.  The RX-V1800 has three component video inputs on the back.  Ahough the Wii doesn't display in high def, the component video cable will get you 480p video which is a better resolution than 480i on your HDTV.

I don't think there is an optical out for audio on the Wii (perhaps someone else can chime in here), so you are pretty much limited to standard stereo.

When considering whether or not to go component...consider what games you will be playing. I did not see much bang for the buck given that at best it is 480P. Most games are cartoonish....Plus, it is only stereo sound.

I did not even bother running my Wii through my AVR, opting to go direct to my Plasma screen. I had wired my LR out of my TV into my AVR for when I am running my over the air antenna, so it worked out OK.

Technically it is better with component, but consider if it is worth the expense. You do have to buy that as an accessory.

Thanks guys. I wanted to get a PS3; apparently there's a new/cheaper/slimmer on available on Sept. 1 because it also solved my problem of not having a Blu-ray player. But I was voted down by my wife and my grandsons (5 and 7).

I contacted Yamaha who got back to me fairly quickly and they echoed what Scottiemon said.  Now to spend $250 for the console and $5,000 for games...

joetag:

Thanks guys. I wanted to get a PS3; apparently there's a new/cheaper/slimmer on available on Sept. 1 because it also solved my problem of not having a Blu-ray player. But I was voted down by my wife and my grandsons (5 and 7).

I contacted Yamaha who got back to me fairly quickly and they echoed what Scottiemon said.  Now to spend $250 for the console and $5,000 for games...

If finances allow, get the PS3 too! I have both. I love playing the Wii with the family, and use the PS3 when gaming alone. And....YES...BluRay! My PS3 is used primarily for Blu. I got mine not long after they came out, and paid a lot more than they will be going for with the new slim version. At this price point, it is just about a no brainer, even if only for Blu capabilities.

Thanks Herbie. I found this bundle at Costco Online: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11474095&search=wii%20bundle&Mo=7&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=wii%20bundle&Ntt=wii%20bundle&No=7&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

I'll check Game Stop though.

Scottiemon - that's what I'm thinking. Amazon (and everyone else) is taking pre-orders for the 120GB new PS3 for $299.99. Compare that to any good Blu-Ray player and it really is a no-brainer. Sony is shaking things up!