Receiver for New HD Systems

[Sandan]

Since I started this I understand a lot more now.

I noticed an Onyyo TX-705 system that not only does switching but also up converts low res signals. I had no idea a receiver could do this, I thought on the BR DVD could do that for old DVDs.

Is this is this is a good idea and a good system. Seems to run around $700-800 and I can do that.

any similar systems I should look at and is this type of up converting a good idea ?

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Since I started this I understand a lot more now.

I noticed an Onyyo TX-705 system that not only does switching but also up converts low res signals. I had no idea a receiver could do this, I thought on the BR DVD could do that for old DVDs.

Is this is this is a good idea and a good system. Seems to run around $700-800 and I can do that.

any similar systems I should look at and is this type of up converting a good idea ?

Go for the Onkyo 805. Better processing, internal fan. I own this bad boy right now, and spent $600 for a refurbished model from Onkyo. It is the second refurbished model that I have purchased from them without major issue. They still offer a 1 year warranty on the refurb. If not, you should still be able to find the 805 for cheaper than that, if you buy it online. If you want it new and from an authorized retailer, Amazon sells this for $759 with free shipping. (If you do purchase from Amazon, have someone create an ASFN link there so ASFN can get a little revenue. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OBJW1S )

Besides, you will most likely want the extra power from the 705 to the 805. You will probably want the extra HDMI port as well. The 805 has 3, I wish it had 4. The next model up form the 805 is about $500 more than that though. Go 805, you won't be sorry.

Oh, and the upconverting may or may help. It depends on your TV and how good it upconverts signals. Most of them are equal to what the receiver can do, so you might not see much of an improvement, except that you will clean up the wires going to your TV.

Last thing, be sure to go to monoprice.com for any cables you might need. Don't pay Monster prices.

 

[Sandan]

yeah, finally figured that cable thing out after slapping myself once or twice.

Its like they have a cable monopoly

 

[Fiasco]

I have the Onkyo 875 and it doesn't play nicely with the DTV HR20. The complaints on AVSforum are legion about the combo.

The HR20 suffers from frequent audio dropouts. The 875 takes a second or two to "reacquire" and process the signal so when it happens it's extremely annoying. I have my hr20 hooked to a VCR via composite cables which then sends the signal back to my bedroom via coax. The dropouts are barely detectable on the bedroom TV. With my old sony receiver which didnt' have the advanced processing this wasn't noticable.

When FF or RW the HR20 the audio dropout causes the video to drop out for 5 seconds as well when using HDMI to pass audio. I have to use optical to pass audio and HDMI for video. I still have the audio dropout issue but the video is no longer affected.

I got my 875 on sale from 6ave.com for just a tad over $1000 which was a steal.

I have a SVS 7.1 speaker system ($1200) and the combo absolutely rattles the house. The quality of the speakers (seamless cabinetry) and subwoofer are first rate.

The 875 weighs about 60 pounds and generates enough heat to warm a small house.

 

[Sandan]

Now I have a few of these components this comment makes a lot more sense.

Is it just a problem with the Onkyo or is it generic ?

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Now I have a few of these components this comment makes a lot more sense.

Is it just a problem with the Onkyo or is it generic ?

Generic. A lot of receivers have this problem.

 

[Sandan]

Given that I use optical connectors for audio now I'm wondering how useful hdmi switching is then ?

It sound like the reason for getting that receiver is for the new sound protocols ? I could manage switching HDMI video with a a macro on a Harmony remote and use two inputs on the TV.

How much better are the new sound protocols ? And I assume that is only relevant when I go BluRay.

It will have to be a single button switch or Brighteyes will be 'displeased'

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Given that I use optical connectors for audio now I'm wondering how useful hdmi switching is then ?

It sound like the reason for getting that receiver is for the new sound protocols ? I could manage switching HDMI video with a a macro on a Harmony remote and use two inputs on the TV.

How much better are the new sound protocols ? And I assume that is only relevant when I go BluRay.

It will have to be a single button switch or Brighteyes will be 'displeased'

It was worth it for me. I don't have the severe audio drop outs like Fiasco listed above. You will need Bluray/HDDVD/HDMI receiver to take advantange of the new sound protocols.

 

[Sandan]

Which receiver do you have ?

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Which receiver do you have ?

I have the 805. I posted a link to the amazon price of the 805 in the 2nd post.

 

[Sandan]

opps

 

[Fiasco]

Generic. A lot of receivers have this problem.

It's not a problem with the receivers, it's a problem with the DTV HD DVR.

No other HD source that I have causes this problem.

Even if you use a combination of HDMI for video and Optical to pass audio the receiver still is usefull for switching.

The nice thing about my 875 is that no given input on the receiver is tied to a source button or to each other.

I can plug a source via HDMI into any HDMI input and the optical input (or component or composite) into any optical input and the receiver will mix or match them to your preference.

In fact, a common "what's wrong I got no signal?" post on AVSforum is because people plug in their components and the receiver (875) does nothing because they have not assigned the inputs throug the setup menus yet.

The receiver can take source from ANY input on the back and mix and match them to your preference.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

It's not a problem with the receivers, it's a problem with the DTV HD DVR.

No other HD source that I have causes this problem.

Even if you use a combination of HDMI for video and Optical to pass audio the receiver still is usefull for switching.

The nice thing about my 875 is that no given input on the receiver is tied to a source button or to each other.

I can plug a source via HDMI into any HDMI input and the optical input (or component or composite) into any optical input and the receiver will mix or match them to your preference.

In fact, a common "what's wrong I got no signal?" post on AVSforum is because people plug in their components and the receiver (875) does nothing because they have not assigned the inputs throug the setup menus yet.

The receiver can take source from ANY input on the back and mix and match them to your preference.

But that's not always the case. Most receivers have audio drop out problems. My old Onkyo 604 had audio drop out issues.