Does the "600" Series Onkyos --Specifically the '605 -- Do TRUE HDMI Passthrough?

[Linksys2.4]

My TX-SR605 is connected to my Panasonic BD player by way of a Monster High Speed HDMI cable; the player's HDMI A/V OUT is going into the 605's HDMI IN, and a second HDMI cable is going from the receiver's HDMI OUT to my Sony KDS-50A2020's HDMI IN to pass video from the player straight through...

Using this scenario, should the 605 pass the 1080p video from my BD player through to the display with no degredation? Is there anything in the receiver to set -- outside of HDMI MONITOR: YES and IMMEDIATE DISPLAY: OFF -- in order to "tell it" that it needs to pass the video straight through with no processing?

[Steve]

Immediate display can be 'on' or 'off'. It won't really make any difference. Make sure you set your monitor type to 16:9 and HDMI audio out to 'off' and you should be good to go.

[Linksys2.4]

Originally Posted by fireman325

Immediate display can be 'on' or 'off'. It won't really make any difference. Make sure you set your monitor type to 16:9 and HDMI audio out to 'off' and you should be good to go.

Hello Fireman (Steve) and Thank You...

Just FYI, the Immediate Display SHOULD be off because according to all accounts, leaving this on does do some kind of "softening" of the the video when video is passed through -- this has been confirmed on almost all Onkyos according to reviews in Home Theater mag.

But as for the rest, yes, I do have HDMI AUDIO OUT set to off, so the speakers get the audio and not my TV, but I am concerned with the receiver PASSING 1080p video straight through -- is there anything else I need to set in the 605 to "tell it" to send video through with no processing, or does it automatically do this when it's HDMI IN, HDMI OUT?

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

Hello Fireman (Steve) and Thank You...

Just FYI, the Immediate Display SHOULD be off because according to all accounts, leaving this on does do some kind of "softening" of the the video when video is passed through -- this has been confirmed on almost all Onkyos according to reviews in Home Theater mag.

But as for the rest, yes, I do have HDMI AUDIO OUT set to off, so the speakers get the audio and not my TV, but I am concerned with the receiver PASSING 1080p video straight through -- is there anything else I need to set in the 605 to "tell it" to send video through with no processing, or does it automatically do this when it's HDMI IN, HDMI OUT?

It's my understanding that it goes straight through, but I can't say that for sure. I wasn't even aware of the need to turn Immediate Display to 'off' so I obviously don't have all the facts. Thanks for the tip about that though. I'll go turn it off right now.

[Linksys2.4]

Originally Posted by fireman325

It's my understanding that it goes straight through, but I can't say that for sure.

You have a 605 also, yes? Do you run your video through it?

BTW...nice pics of the HT! I just checked them out; how did you do the wiring for the surrounds with no wiring? Did you have the wires run in-wall? Wish I could that in my current apartment, but we just didn't drill holes in the walls for custom install...instead, my surrounds (and mains) are on Sanus stands...

I wasn't even aware of the need to turn Immediate Display to 'off' so I obviously don't have all the facts. Thanks for the tip about that though. I'll go turn it off right now.

Hey, no problem! That's what this hobby should be about, helping each other out for this passion we have for HT and cinematic audio and video! Unfortunately, most of these forums spiral out of control with flaming and "know it all" bashing of someone's thread within minutes of a thread going up...

You are welcome, and thank you for YOUR continued attempts at the 605 video passthrough resolution...yeah, from everything I have learned, that IMMEDIATE DISPLAY function somehow "softens" video going through the receiver(s) -- it's been recommended to leave this OFF.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

You have a 605 also, yes? Do you run your video through it?

BTW...nice pics of the HT! I just checked them out; how did you do the wiring for the surrounds with no wiring? Did you have the wires run in-wall? Wish I could that in my current apartment, but we just didn't drill holes in the walls for custom install...instead, my surrounds (and mains) are on Sanus stands...



Hey, no problem! That's what this hobby should be about, helping each other out for this passion we have for HT and cinematic audio and video! Unfortunately, most of these forums spiral out of control with flaming and "know it all" bashing of someone's thread within minutes of a thread going up...

You are welcome, and thank you for YOUR continued attempts at the 605 video passthrough resolution...yeah, from everything I have learned, that IMMEDIATE DISPLAY function somehow "softens" video going through the receiver(s) -- it's been recommended to leave this OFF.

I used to have the 605....but I don't remember this setting.....makes we wonder for those 2 years if I ever had it set this way....mmmmm.....

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

You have a 605 also, yes? Do you run your video through it?

Yes I do have a 605 and yes I do run all my video through it.

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

BTW...nice pics of the HT! I just checked them out; how did you do the wiring for the surrounds with no wiring? Did you have the wires run in-wall? Wish I could that in my current apartment, but we just didn't drill holes in the walls for custom install...instead, my surrounds (and mains) are on Sanus stands...

Thanks for the compliment, and yes the speaker wires are in the walls. I messed around and didn't use in-wall rated wire when I did it because I didn't know better at the time, but I plan to rememdy that in the next month or so. It wasn't as much trouble as you might think to run the wiring to begin with (thanks to an attic with plenty of room to move around), so I don't expect it to be too much trouble to change it, and the wire isn't that expensive from monoprice. I haven't been worried about it because there's no insulation in the walls involved, but I still want it to be done right.

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

Hey, no problem! That's what this hobby should be about, helping each other out for this passion we have for HT and cinematic audio and video! Unfortunately, most of these forums spiral out of control with flaming and "know it all" bashing of someone's thread within minutes of a thread going up...

You are welcome, and thank you for YOUR continued attempts at the 605 video passthrough resolution...yeah, from everything I have learned, that IMMEDIATE DISPLAY function somehow "softens" video going through the receiver(s) -- it's been recommended to leave this OFF.

I've always left that setting 'on' before because I like it to show when I adjust the volume on the screen. However, it only displays when I'm using a source like my 360 or Wii because they're not hooked up with HDMI. When I'm using my Dish receiver or PS3, there's no display because they're HDMI sources. That's why I thought that setting wouldn't matter. Supposedly it doesn't display an OSD with an HDMI source because that would require the receiver to 'process' the signal in some way so it can lay the OSD over the display. The other sources I mentioned are connected with component video cables, so the receiver has to convert that to an HDMI signal, and since it's already converting it, it's able to add the OSD. Either way it's no big deal to me and I still turned it off. I'm curious to see if I'll notice any difference.

[Linksys2.4]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

I used to have the 605....but I don't remember this setting.....makes we wonder for those 2 years if I ever had it set this way....mmmmm.....

Indeed, Fors; as I said to Steve, from everything I have learned, this setting SHOULD be OFF because if you're running video through the AVR, it somehow does something to soften the image...I just leave it OFF.

[Linksys2.4]

Originally Posted by fireman325

Yes I do have a 605 and yes I do run all my video through it.

Well, that's why I asked because you didn't seem to know if it passed video straight through; are you assuming it does without knowing?

Thanks for the compliment, and yes the speaker wires are in the walls. I messed around and didn't use in-wall rated wire when I did it because I didn't know better at the time, but I plan to rememdy that in the next month or so. It wasn't as much trouble as you might think to run the wiring to begin with (thanks to an attic with plenty of room to move around), so I don't expect it to be too much trouble to change it, and the wire isn't that expensive from monoprice. I haven't been worried about it because there's no insulation in the walls involved, but I still want it to be done right.

When we finally get into a house soon, I am going to convince the wife that doing in-wall wire runs are the way to go.

I've always left that setting 'on' before because I like it to show when I adjust the volume on the screen. However, it only displays when I'm using a source like my 360 or Wii because they're not hooked up with HDMI. When I'm using my Dish receiver or PS3, there's no display because they're HDMI sources. That's why I thought that setting wouldn't matter. Supposedly it doesn't display an OSD with an HDMI source because that would require the receiver to 'process' the signal in some way so it can lay the OSD over the display. The other sources I mentioned are connected with component video cables, so the receiver has to convert that to an HDMI signal, and since it's already converting it, it's able to add the OSD. Either way it's no big deal to me and I still turned it off. I'm curious to see if I'll notice any difference.

I understand your logic; I was just sharing with you what I have been told and what I read online via Onkyo receiver reviews and such -- if you CAN live without the onscreen menus for the receiver, I would just leave the Immediate Display OFF to be sure.

What about your INTELLI-VOLUME feature? Are you using it? For my DVD input, I have it cranked up to "+10dB" as well as on my CD input; it really makes the amp come to life...

[Linksys2.4]

So, can anyone confirm if the 605 can pass full 1080p video through its HDMI OUT? Does anything need to be set in the receiver if you're simply going HDMI IN/HDMI OUT?

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

Well, that's why I asked because you didn't seem to know if it passed video straight through; are you assuming it does without knowing?

I guess so. I always thought there was no processing of any kind, and that was the reason the OSD didn't work with HDMI sources; because they were being passed straight through. However, I don't know that I've ever been able to confirm that beyond the shadow of a doubt.

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

What about your INTELLI-VOLUME feature? Are you using it? For my DVD input, I have it cranked up to "+10dB" as well as on my CD input; it really makes the amp come to life...

I used that set to +3 (I think) with my old HTiB Onkyo speakers, but since I got my Klipsch setup I leave it at 0. I can still get volume that is unbearable to listen to.

[Linksys2.4]

Originally Posted by fireman325

I guess so. I always thought there was no processing of any kind, and that was the reason the OSD didn't work with HDMI sources; because they were being passed straight through. However, I don't know that I've ever been able to confirm that beyond the shadow of a doubt.

Didn't you ever get the itch to know for sure? That's what I'm trying to figure out...if it DEFINITELY passes video straight through its HDMI OUT...

I used that set to +3 (I think) with my old HTiB Onkyo speakers, but since I got my Klipsch setup I leave it at 0. I can still get volume that is unbearable to listen to.

Wow -- I wish my Polks were so efficient that I could leave my IntelliVolume settings on ZERO...

Do you recommend the Klipsch speakers? I will be on the hunt for new speakers soon, floorstanders to replace my bookshelves, and would like some recommendations...would you recommend Klipsch over Polk?

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

Didn't you ever get the itch to know for sure? That's what I'm trying to figure out...if it DEFINITELY passes video straight through its HDMI OUT...



Wow -- I wish my Polks were so efficient that I could leave my IntelliVolume settings on ZERO...

Do you recommend the Klipsch speakers? I will be on the hunt for new speakers soon, floorstanders to replace my bookshelves, and would like some recommendations...would you recommend Klipsch over Polk?

I personally love Klipsch, but mine are used almost exclusively for movie watching or TV or gaming. Virtually no music. Klipsch are more popular among people who use their systems for a minimal amout of music listening. If you use your system mostly for movies or gaming like I do then you should definitely take a look at them. I wouldn't say they're "better" than Polk, but they are considerably more efficient. Polk makes really good speakers though, and they sound good as well. It's just a matter of personal preference.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by fireman325

I personally love Klipsch, but mine are used almost exclusively for movie watching or TV or gaming. Virtually no music. Klipsch are more popular among people who use their systems for a minimal amout of music listening. If you use your system mostly for movies or gaming like I do then you should definitely take a look at them. I wouldn't say they're "better" than Polk, but they are considerably more efficient. Polk makes really good speakers though, and they sound good as well. It's just a matter of personal preference.

Nice job of getting yoruself out of that mess fireman...I was wondering how you were going to do it based on that question.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

Nice job of getting yoruself out of that mess fireman...I was wondering how you were going to do it based on that question.

Thanks. LOL I've walked through that mine field enough so I can do it now without much of a problem.

[Linksys2.4]

Originally Posted by fireman325

I personally love Klipsch, but mine are used almost exclusively for movie watching or TV or gaming. Virtually no music. Klipsch are more popular among people who use their systems for a minimal amout of music listening. If you use your system mostly for movies or gaming like I do then you should definitely take a look at them. I wouldn't say they're "better" than Polk, but they are considerably more efficient. Polk makes really good speakers though, and they sound good as well. It's just a matter of personal preference.

I see. But Klipsch doesn't do well as a "music speaker"? Is there a specific reason for this?

I only ask because my system is used for music and film playback.

[Linksys2.4]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

Nice job of getting yoruself out of that mess fireman...I was wondering how you were going to do it based on that question.

Did I ask something wrong?

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

Did I ask something wrong?

Sometimes, some people will become a "fanboy" for one manufacturer of speaker by bashing another manufacturer. This is a thin line to tread, and one that usaully causes alot of flaming and then the threads dies a tragic death. It has proven best to stay away from such claims as to which speaker manufacturer sounds "better" because it is rather subjective based on the listener's own ears. But don't get me wrong, there are better manufacturers out there, I am well aware of that!

[Linksys2.4]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

Sometimes, some people will become a "fanboy" for one manufacturer of speaker by bashing another manufacturer. This is a thin line to tread, and one that usaully causes alot of flaming and then the threads dies a tragic death. It has proven best to stay away from such claims as to which speaker manufacturer sounds "better" because it is rather subjective based on the listener's own ears. But don't get me wrong, there are better manufacturers out there, I am well aware of that!

Oh, of course; I am well aware of the FanBoy phenomenon...wasn't trying to create such a stir with the question...was just curious as to which speakers he would recommend.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

I see. But Klipsch doesn't do well as a "music speaker"? Is there a specific reason for this?

I only ask because my system is used for music and film playback.

Klipsch speakers are known to be "bright", and some people even consider them "harsh". This is because of the horn style tweeter. The brightness allows them to excel (in most peoples' opinions) for use as home theater speakers where movie watching or gaming is the primary use because they're very dynamic and "in your face". However, many people find the brightness to become very harsh and/or fatiguing for extended periods of music listening. Again it's all a matter of personal preference, and some people absolutely love Klipsch for music speakers, but I think most people who have Klipsch systems use them primarily for HT rather than music.

Other things to consider are what you're driving them with and how much power you're pushing. Some receivers have a more laid back type of sound and many people say that Marantz receivers in particular help "tame" the brightness somewhat and that a Marantz/Klipsch combination produces a very pleasing sound. Another thing to look at is the amount of power. Even though the Klipsch are among the more efficient speakers out there, I've still seen many posts stating that increasing the level of power (adding an amp for example) also helped to tame them. This could possibly be due to cleaner power from a 'smoother' running amplifier. I couldn't say for sure. The only receiver I've ever had is the Onkyo 605 I currently have. Either way, I can't comment on either of these possibilities from personal experience, but I've seen both posted enough times that I don't readily dismiss either one. I'm hoping to upgrade my receiver in a few months and the only two brands of receivers I'm really considering are Marantz and Pioneer Elite. I'm leaning mostly toward the Pio Elite due to availability and a couple of other extenuating circumstances.

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

Did I ask something wrong?

Not at all.