Onkyo video issues...are any models "safe"?

[woecarlson]

Was looking at the RC-260 and the RC-180, but was curious about a few things:

1) Has anyone noticed if this has the same video stutter with 1080/24 mode as the 608 and apparently 707?
2) What is the difference between the RC line and the TX line?
3) Between these two models, does anyone have any positive or negative experience with one or the other?

Thanks!

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by woecarlson

Was looking at the RC-260 and the RC-180, but was curious about a few things:

1) Has anyone noticed if this has the same video stutter with 1080/24 mode as the 608 and apparently 707?
2) What is the difference between the RC line and the TX line?
3) Between these two models, does anyone have any positive or negative experience with one or the other?

Thanks!

1) I heard that the 608 has that issue, but don't know about the 707 and the other models you just mentioned (AVS is a good place to check for things like that).

2) You go to Onkyo own web site, here: @ http://www.us.onkyo.com/prod_class.cfm?class=Receiver
-> And then you click on the litlle square (right top corner) of each receiver you'd like to know about (specs), so perhaps four models like the RC260/RC180/TX708/TX808, and then you go to the top of the page and click on the box called "Compare" (top right corner), wait few seconds, and voila! a direct comparison between the four receivers that you're interested in.

3) My personal experience is with the 805/876/906 receivers and PR-SC886P pre/pro.
* And if you're talking about the 608 and 707, from what I know and read extensively; the 707 would be my 1st choice (after the 807 of course).
** And if it's about the RC-260 and RC-180 you're referring to; the RC-180 would be my first choice, of course (as it is pretty much the same receiver as the 807, except for few minor differences of not great importance, unless when doing your comparison from your #2 question, you find something worthwhile to you personally).

Anything else?

[Johan1981]

My 707 indeed has the stutter issue, though it only is there with OSD on. If you need OSD you are going the wrong way of course, but without OSD it really is a non issue. It seems to be a problem with the Faroudja chip, or the way Onkyo deals with the OSD and their chips. The models with the Reon chips seem to be clear from the 1080/24p stutter problem, even with OSD on.

[woecarlson]

I really would prefer the OSD if at all possible...it's very hard to see the display where our AVR is located, so it does make changing settings, etc much easier.

Do you happen to know which models have the Reon chip that is stutter-free?

[DLFB]

without doing research, I visit about 3-4 A/V or home theatre related forums and there's way too many existing threads about problems with Onkyo receivers.

I'll personally stay away from this brand.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by johan81

My 707 indeed has the stutter issue, though it only is there with OSD on. If you need OSD you are going the wrong way of course, but without OSD it really is a non issue. It seems to be a problem with the Faroudja chip, or the way Onkyo deals with the OSD and their chips. The models with the Reon chips seem to be clear from the 1080/24p stutter problem, even with OSD on.

Makes perfect sense. That OSD feature is the culprit indeed. Thanks for bringing it up.

Originally Posted by woecarlson

I really would prefer the OSD if at all possible...it's very hard to see the display where our AVR is located, so it does make changing settings, etc much easier.

Do you happen to know which models have the Reon chip that is stutter-free?

I always turn the "Immediate Display" OFF from all my Onkyo products, as it is THX recommendation for a better picture quality.

You know, you just have to turn it OFF after you started the movie, for serious watching. Because when the movie is playing, you don't need OSD no more.

* Onkyo model receivers that have the HQV Reon Video Processor chip are:
TX-SR875
TX-NR905
TX-SR876
TX-NR906
TX-NR3007
TX-NR5007

~ And also Integra receivers from the higher end.
...And also some Onkyo/Integra pre/pros, also from the higher end.

A good one for you and that I not only own but also highly recommend is the Onkyo TX-SR876. It can be found sometimes at Accessories4Less for only $850 ($800 for the Silver one). ...And even less (about $500 to $700) from private sales at various audio sites (like Audiogon for example), in the "Buy & Sale" sections.

But like I said above, it is a non-issue if you turn that damm "Immediate Display" OFF.

[SkullPhyre]

I have a 875 I have had for 2.5 years with no issues. EVER.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by SkullPhyre

I have a 875 I have had for 2.5 years with no issues. EVER.

Do you have the latest Video Firmware Update on your 875?
...You know, with all the video parameter adjustments added for the HQV Reon video processor, and with some video issues resolved with it.

[woecarlson]

Where is that "Immediate Display" option in the Onkyo menus? The only thing I saw before that helped was turning off all video processing, and I just really like the OSD. I know there are several that feel it is pointless, but I'm in the camp that appreciates the attractive OSD since it's impossible to read anything on the AVR display where we keep it.

Thanks for the recommendations on those specific models...will do some searching around now!

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by woecarlson

Where is that "Immediate Display" option in the Onkyo menus? The only thing I saw before that helped was turning off all video processing, and I just really like the OSD. I know there are several that feel it is pointless, but I'm in the camp that appreciates the attractive OSD since it's impossible to read anything on the AVR display where we keep it.

Thanks for the recommendations on those specific models...will do some searching around now!

1. Go in the Main Menu.
2. Then Go to "Miscellaneous".
3. Then go to "OSD Setup".
4. Then select < OFF > at the right of "Immediate Display".
5. Voila!

[woecarlson]

What exactly does the "Immediate Display" control? Does it turn off the OSD entirely? I do like the volume level on screen, as well as the "Home" menu.

On that subject, I see the RC-180 does not have the "Home" menu per se, but rather just the OSD over HDMI with an Audio button on the remote. Does anyone know if this means the Audio options are overlayed or if it takes you to a separate menu page? Would the volume level show on screen when you adjust it on the RC-180?

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by woecarlson

What exactly does the "Immediate Display" control? Does it turn off the OSD entirely? I do like the volume level on screen, as well as the "Home" menu.

1.The Volume Level display, informations about the audio format, the number of channels used, the resolution, and stuff like that.
2. Yes it turn the OSD from your TV screen, but it is still indicated in the front panel display of the receiver.
3. The Menu Setup still remains though, no problem with that.
-> If you truly like the Volume to be display in your TV screen, fine you can just leave the "Immediate Display" On. But be prepare to perhaps encounter few inconveniences about picture quality, as THX specifically recommend that you turn it Off.

On that subject, I see the RC-180 does not have the "Home" menu per se, but rather just the OSD over HDMI with an Audio button on the remote. Does anyone know if this means the Audio options are overlayed or if it takes you to a separate menu page? Would the volume level show on screen when you adjust it on the RC-180?

1. Yes the RC-180 has a Home Menu setup. Is that what you meant?
2. You can always check the Audio format from your BD player, it will always show on your TV display.
3. Your Main Menu setup with all the submenus are always active.
4. The Volume level would show up if you have the "Immediate Display" On.

* If you are into lots of info showing on your screen and overlaid over the HDMI pictures, plus nice graphs & colors and all that stuff that has nothing to to with picture & sound quality; I suggest you look at Denon receivers, Yamaha too, and even Pioneer Elites. They all have better looking GUI and fully loaded with attractive designs.

Conclusion: The Onkyo receivers will show you all you truly need to see.
...Even the volume level right on your TV screen.