Right. Like I said, I KNOW they're *supposed* to work with just HDMI, but it doesn't. I guess I don't understand why using two cords if if works is a problem.

I guess I don't understand why using two cords if if works is a problem.

My HDMI cable is 10' long, while my optical cable is only 3' long. This considerably limits my choices of placement.

ETA: This is WAAAAAY WAAAAAAY up there on the list of First World Problems, I know. Believe, I'm really not shedding a lot of tears or losing any sleep over it. I just want to kick people who work for Sony. And possibly Vizio (their onboard manual just says, "I'm ARC ready, if your receiver is ARC capable, just plug us together with an HDMI cable we'll work!)

A (small) part of what was appealing about the new equipment was the possibility to place things in more convenient and aesthetically pleasing arrangements. Unless I go out and buy a new cable, I don't have that option currently.

Have you RTFM'd? Maybe there is a setting. A button you need to push. Like "monitor" or only plug into HDMI #2 or something wacky.

Have you RTFM'd? Maybe there is a setting. A button you need to push. Like "monitor" or only plug into HDMI #2 or something wacky.

Did you RMFPs? Because I mention that. Neither manual is particularly helpful, Sony's significantly less so than Vizio's. But to the extent that either manual says I need to do things to make it work, I have done that. The input/output that has the ARC is clearly labelled on both devices, and that is the I/O I'm using. I've dug through the various device menus the hard way to no avail. Even the HDMI cable is brand spanking new, and supposedly carries ethernet as well (not that I'm running ethernet over the cable).

Sean, try changing the digital output to "bitstream" or Dolby Digital on your TV and see if that somehow makes a difference. Also try turning on CEC in the settings section of your TV.

This link implies there may be more steps needed; I'm not sure how old it is. [link]

If I lived in LA I'd be happy to come over and futz around and swear at your AV equipment, but alas, I am too many miles away and I suck at remote tech support.

Re: big phones. I can fit a Galaxy S4 in my jeans pocket without issues, so I think people will adapt to the size of the iPhone 6. The bigger screen is AWESOME. I look at DH's iPhone now and wonder how I ever lived with something that tiny.

That said, the battery life on my S4 is CRAP. I can salvage it by turning off location services, but there are several location-based apps that I want to use during the day so I'd rather not do that. What Android phone has the best battery life? Are they all terrible?

This link implies there may be more steps needed; I'm not sure how old it is. [link]-

AHA! That did the trick! Now my Harmony is being kind of weird about it, but my main problem has been solved! Thanks, Gris!

What Android phone has the best battery life? Are they all terrible?

I've been very satisfied with my Galaxy S4 on just about every level, including battery life. You can get pretty granular about which antennas are on, sounds, vibrations, and haptic feedback, all of which drains battery. Some apps can be real power hogs, even when they're just on in the background.

More than anything though, the smartest purchase I've made with my Galaxy was spending an extra $50 or so for a battery charger with spare battery and carrying case (for the battery) (bought from Samsung directly). And I've never had a day where two batteries weren't enough to get me through the day.

Also, one of my main reasons for my extreme satisfaction is because every other phone I've owned (including like three iPhones) wound up with cracked glass eventually.

My Galaxy has taken a whole bunch of hits I thought for sure would crack the glass, but it's come through every time (and all I have is the flip-cover case and a glass protector sheet). This phone is a game day player.

Also, at least for me, it's been far easier to catch when I've fumbled it, and I've rescued it from countless more falls that my iPhones would have taken. Or so it seems. That's not really hard data on that.