Home Theater too complex to setup???

[jon s]

While HDMI one cable has made it simple to connect your Blu-Ray player to your AVR, do you think it's getting too complex to figure out how to set it all up? I have a Pioneer BDP-05FD connected to an Onkyo TX-NR906. I have the stereo analog, seven channel analog, coax and HDMI all connected to the receiver (the TOSlink, video, s-video and component connections are not used).

Just using the one player, I have to go through a maze of configurations!!! If i want to play CDs, I can either go coax or the analog two channel. If I want to watch movies, I can either go HDMI or analog 7-channel.

So, not only do I have to select which input to choose... I have to select which sound format i want... whether it is THX Ultra2, Neo:6, DD EX, THX Cinema, etc...

Start adding stuff like a regular DVD player and a PS3 and things get hairy... Just try to remember all the options you set up on each device and how to control them. I am now using a Harmony One and a Pronto remote to simplify matters, but the simplicity of the Harmony One denies complex configurations, while the Pronto's flexibilty breeds complexity...

whatever happened to power on and adjust the volume???

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by jon s

whatever happened to power on and adjust the volume???

Yeah! Where are the good ole days?

And what about treble and bass?

I suppose there's a price to pay for all this modern convenience! LOL!

I jest of course, but I sympathise with you as well. There has to be a smoother interface somehow.

[Johk]

Originally Posted by jon s

While HDMI one cable has made it simple to connect your Blu-Ray player to your AVR, do you think it's getting too complex to figure out how to set it all up? I have a Pioneer BDP-05FD connected to an Onkyo TX-NR906. I have the stereo analog, seven channel analog, coax and HDMI all connected to the receiver (the TOSlink, video, s-video and component connections are not used).

Just using the one player, I have to go through a maze of configurations!!! If i want to play CDs, I can either go coax or the analog two channel. If I want to watch movies, I can either go HDMI or analog 7-channel.

Just a question out of the blue, why don't you just connect the HDMI from the Pioneer BDP-05FP to the Onkyo TX-NR906? You don't really need the 7ch analog, stereo analog and digital coax...

Anyway, for my part I use two HDMI, on for my ps3, the other one for my cable box and I also use one stereo analog for my Airport express... That's it! And everything is controlled by my Harmony remote (except powering on the ps3, but I have the blu-wave IR for everything else). Also, I tend to not use the sound field options (theater, opera, game, etc.) and go direct...

Also it's fun for most of us to tweak some settings, I sure do like to have options!

[victorvondoom88]

I think that all the network enabled stuff and having to do updates all the time is a PITA. I personally deal with it since I love HT but I can see where people are just going with the HTiB's since its so plug and play.

[Rustmonkey]

Oh come now, it isn't that complex I have the Harmony Remote for Xbox 360 and I've programmed it to use all of my devices correctly... you just have to be a little creative in the configuration - just for perspective's sake, here's what I have, which can all be accessed simply by pushing the activity button:
Samsung LCD TV
Onkyo 606
PS3
PS2
Xbox 360
Xbox
Gamecube
Wii
Dreamcast
Samsung upscaling DVD player
Psyclone Selector Switch (ir controlled)
Pelican Selector Switch (ir controlled)
Home Theater PC
Digital TV running into TV


Everything is pumped through my 606 and upconverted to the HDMI output to the TV... except of course, the Digital TV (which runs into the TV first with Audio output via optical to the Onkyo) - same scenario with my DVD player... oh and the PC - Now it is somewhat complicated to initially hook up, but once everything is enabled correctly, setting up the remote should be a breeze - just make yourself a list as you go

[Uniquely]

Why are you running so many outputs from the same device? Do they provide something that you can't get via the HDMI?

I was thinking things were so much simpler these days.

I have my SAT box, PS3, and XBox 360 plugged into my Onkyo 606 via HDMI; then one lonely little HMDI cable running to my tv. My receiver allows me to set separate preference for each input, so I rarely have to change settings.

All I REALLY have to do is tell my Harmony whether I want to watch tv, play a blu-ray, or play a video game.

My next purchase will be a new PC with one of the newer graphic cards that passes video and audio via the HDMI, to use that 4th hdmi input on my 606.

[JJ]

Don't even get me started on how many useless features modern-day receivers have.