I think there was a discussion of this once, but I have know idea how to input the correct search words to find it. (I did try)

So the receiver is a Yamaha A2040. The customer would like to show a sporting event from cable, during a party, but have music playing instead of the cable audio. Music would be thru the surround system speakers in that room.

Is this possible? If so, easy?

TIA

G

Yes it's easy. Assign the video input (ex. HDMI 2) for your audio input (ex. Pandora)

You can also use the digital input on some named input for digital audio, then input analog audio from the cable into that same input's RCA jacks. When you want the cable input with that picture, switch audio from AUTO to ANALOG.

The other method is more versatile as any image and sound inputs can be combined that way.

FWIW - Denon/Marantz have made this really easy with the Option button on the remote - you can have a audio source playing and then assign a video source on the fly.

Thanks all! Got it! Just have to think of a way to automate all or most of it for the homeowner lol.

Don't use CEC and connect the TV using an optical cable. That makes it work. I like to listen to various sources and watch TV, too- CEC makes it a PITA and I wouldn't consider using that with a universal remote or other automation system, regardless of the fact that the commands can be repeated.

I always set the Video In on all of my audio inputs for every job. I then make sure I put the Yamaha cursor commands on the page for those audio sources on my remote. It is really simple to select the "screen off" option from the on-screen display with the cursor buttons, and all of my customers have understood how to do this.

Use Savant and click the check box that says "enable independent services".  From their matrix you will have it in any zone, even fed to an AVR with 1 HDMI cable;)