Have PS3... do I need HD capable receiver?

[GBMidge7]

Hey guys, I am new to blu (got my PS3 less than a month ago ), and I KNOW this has been asked a million times, but I have gotten conflicting info (from Best Buy employees, go figure)... but anyway. Since I have a PS3, I was wondering if I need a receiver with Tru-HD and the other hi-def codecs, or will any HDMI 1.3 capable receivers be fine since the PS3 decodes internally? I am only asking because the BB guys told me that even though the PS3 decodes internally, you still need a hi-def capable receiver, and I just didn't think that was right. Any help would be great, and I know I can count on you guys.. this site is great, by the way... all of your knowledge and comments are greatly appreciated.

[JJ]

Nope, with a PS3 you do not need a receiver that is capable of the HD codecs, although with current prices of the entry-level lineups such as the Onkyo 606 and the Sony STR-DG820, it's not too far of a stretch at $300.

But, no, you do not need one since the PS3 does all the decoding internally and just passes it through to the receiver as PCM. The Sony STR-DG720 is a good choice here!

[GBMidge7]

Awesome, thanks for the quick reply. My next question was going to be if you guys had any good examples of non-HD. And yeah, I know there are some amazing prices on entry level HD capable receivers, but I know I may also be able to find non-HD receivers for even cheaper. I am in my last year of veterinary school right now so I am trying to go as cheap as possible to upgrade my HTIB receiver.

And oh yeah, blu-ray is amazing... what a difference from my old DVDs. I love the PS3 as well!

[obiwopkenobi62]

If you do get a receiver , I would make sure that it is capable of full audio/video through HDMI though. Then you can run one single cable to your TV.

[aramis109]

Biggest issue is that you have to get a receiver that accepts audio via HDMI. I know the Onkyo 50x (504, 505?) does this, but finding one wouldn't be easy. Honestly you'll probably find that the availability and cost make it kind of prohibitive.

[GBMidge7]

Aramis, how about the STR-dg720, as the first replyer mentioned? And is there a way to know that it accepts audio and video? I guess I just assumed that receievers made within the last couple of years would be accepting of both.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by GBMidge7

Aramis, how about the STR-dg720, as the first replyer mentioned? And is there a way to know that it accepts audio and video? I guess I just assumed that receievers made within the last couple of years would be accepting of both.

yes it does, i used to have last years model.

[aramis109]

Outside of someone confirming it, it can be hard. You want to make sure that it doesn't say "HDMI passthrough". Some won't list it at all, some will say "HDMI repeater" which is ok. Probably the best way is just to ask folks.

It's kind of a shady practice by the audio companies in my opinion.

[GBMidge7]

Alright, awesome... again, thanks for all the helpful replies. I am going to start looking and see if I can find a sweet deal on a 7.1 receiver for cheap. I see BB has the str-dg720 on sale for 200 something... I'll start with that and see what else I can find. Anyone have any other suggestions outside of Sony for cheap? How about Yamaha or Denon?

[obiwopkenobi62]

Originally Posted by GBMidge7

Alright, awesome... again, thanks for all the helpful replies. I am going to start looking and see if I can find a sweet deal on a 7.1 receiver for cheap. I see BB has the str-dg720 on sale for 200 something... I'll start with that and see what else I can find. Anyone have any other suggestions outside of Sony for cheap? How about Yamaha or Denon?

Sometimes you can find an Onkyo605 which is what I have. It does 7.1, has 2 HDMI inputs. I was able to get mine for 299.00 awhile back. Best bang for my buck.

[callas01]

Sony 720 $219 @ amazon

Onkyo 606 for $250 @ ecost.com

[GBMidge7]

Nice... and with the exception of features like GUIs and other nice perks, a receiver like the 605 or str-dg720 aren't missing out on anything else that blu-ray has to offer,correct? I understand that some don't do the upconversion and things like that, but I know I can get around it by inputting those devices video straight into the tv. Not the cleanest looking thing to do but it'll work. And just to keep things going, any other good non-HD 7.1 receivers that I might find cheap?

[JJ]

The best one, in my opinion, is the STR-DG720. That should be the one you should look at and hopefully buy,

[GBMidge7]

Well, since it's on sale and I like Best Buy (except for the fact I generally know more than they do when I shop) and have reward zone and whatnot, that may what happens. Since you seem knowledgeable about this receiver, it does NOT have upconversion, correct? I have a 720p/1080i Samsung LCD, so I don't need upconversion to anything better than 720p... would the best thing to do with my 360 to be just to plug the component ins straight into the tv, with the optical from the 360 into the receiver?

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by GBMidge7

would the best thing to do with my 360 to be just to plug the component ins straight into the tv, with the optical from the 360 into the receiver?

yes.

[JJ]

Midge, I'm pretty sure it doesn't do upconversion, and like Cracky said, your best bet would be to do exactly what you just said.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by GBMidge7

Well, since it's on sale and I like Best Buy (except for the fact I generally know more than they do when I shop) and have reward zone and whatnot, that may what happens. Since you seem knowledgeable about this receiver, it does NOT have upconversion, correct? I have a 720p/1080i Samsung LCD, so I don't need upconversion to anything better than 720p... would the best thing to do with my 360 to be just to plug the component ins straight into the tv, with the optical from the 360 into the receiver?

No it will not upconvert. Yes plug your 360 straight into the TV, unless you can use an hdmi cable, xbox models vary, the 720 will only let you output via hdmi what has come in via hdmi, so component in will not go out via hdmi. It does have 3 hdmi inputs so you can do bdp, cable/sat, 360, its up to you. then you don't have to worry about the optical.

[GBMidge7]

I know I've said it a couple times already, but thanks SO much for the help everyone. Im really glad I found this site and have all of you as resources to help me out. Another question, though a little off-topic... since my TV is only 720p native, should I set the PS3 for 720p output for blu-ray or 1080i? I have had it set to output 720p and I think blu-rays (and games for that matter) have looked amazing, but I just figured I'd ask the best sources around . Thanks again!

[callas01]

There are many instances where 720p looks great, if that is the native resolution then that is what I would do.

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by GBMidge7

I know I've said it a couple times already, but thanks SO much for the help everyone. Im really glad I found this site and have all of you as resources to help me out. Another question, though a little off-topic... since my TV is only 720p native, should I set the PS3 for 720p output for blu-ray or 1080i? I have had it set to output 720p and I think blu-rays (and games for that matter) have looked amazing, but I just figured I'd ask the best sources around . Thanks again!

Set it for 720p. That way your set doesn't have to de-interlace the signal. Progressive is going to give you the best picture your set can display.

Also- just FYI but the 606 for sure and I think the Sony both have nifty GUI's. I think the Sony actually has one of the nicest ones in the business.