New receiver, wow!

[Diablo829]

Based on the feedback in my recent thread I ended up getting a Sony STR-DG720 to replace my HTIB. I kept the speakers from it though except for a power sub I had to get. I now have all my components, PS3, 360, and Apple TV connected via HDMI. Direct TV is hooked to the TV via HDMI and optical to the receiver.

Wow, what a difference! I tested before even doing the auto calibration with Band of Brothers, and love it! Even high definition TV programs sound better over optical than my HTIB.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I got the Sony for a steal and now have to watch my Blu Ray collection all over again!

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by Diablo829

Based on the feedback in my recent thread I ended up getting a Sony STR-DG720 to replace my HTIB. I kept the speakers from it though except for a power sub I had to get. I now have all my components, PS3, 360, and Apple TV connected via HDMI. Direct TV is hooked to the TV via HDMI and optical to the receiver.

Wow, what a difference! I tested before even doing the auto calibration with Band of Brothers, and love it! Even high definition TV programs sound better over optical than my HTIB.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I got the Sony for a steal and now have to watch my Blu Ray collection all over again!

Now just keep upgrading ! It gets better & better !

[rob 14]

Why don't you connect the directv via hdmi to the 720.

[Diablo829]

Originally Posted by rob 14

Why don't you connect the directv via hdmi to the 720.

Only 3 hdmi inputs and I have 4 hmdi components. I figured the DTV could go to the TV and then receiver via optical because I just want to turn the tv on and watch with the tv speakers. And then I'd have to turn the receiver on as well to watch it, right?

[Justyntym]

I'm kinda looking at the sony to...

so how does the sony compair to the onkyo 606?

[Diablo829]

Originally Posted by Justyntym

I'm kinda looking at the sony to...

so how does the sony compair to the onkyo 606?

Without owning both, I don't know. The Onkyo will decode HD audio, whereas the Sony won't. But I use a PS3 which does the decoding so it doesn't matter. as it will pass the HD audio streams to the receiver. The Sony is also cheaper than the Onkyo, likely for that reason.

[Justyntym]

Originally Posted by Diablo829

Without owning both, I don't know. The Onkyo will decode HD audio, whereas the Sony won't. But I use a PS3 which does the decoding so it doesn't matter. as it will pass the HD audio streams to the receiver. The Sony is also cheaper than the Onkyo, likely for that reason.

Well that's the thing, I'm using the ps3 too...wondering if the onkyo is worth
the extra $100+.

[Old_Guy]

Congrats Diablo829, enjoy

[Driver_King]

I'm almost positive the 720 does HD audio. Update the PS3, set the PS3 to Linear PCM and have everything checked in the HDMI audio out menu. Also, be sure to make sure you are playing the lossless audio track applicable on the Blu-ray disc you want to play. Press the select button to make sure you're getting lossless surround.

[Diablo829]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

I'm almost positive the 720 does HD audio. Update the PS3, set the PS3 to Linear PCM and have everything checked in the HDMI audio out menu. Also, be sure to make sure you are playing the lossless audio track applicable on the Blu-ray disc you want to play. Press the select button to make sure you're getting lossless surround.

Yes, I does, that's what I'm saying. It will play HD audio. However it does not have on board decoding of HD audio and the Onkyo does. So you have to feed it an hdmi source from a player that does the decoding of HD audio, which the PS3 does.

[FIDDYPOP]

Originally Posted by Diablo829

Only 3 hdmi inputs and I have 4 hmdi components. I figured the DTV could go to the TV and then receiver via optical because I just want to turn the tv on and watch with the tv speakers. And then I'd have to turn the receiver on as well to watch it, right?

That is not correct, I have mine set up so that when the TV turns on so does the reciever and the appropriate input. Its pretty nice, and you can set it up so that the tv speakers play and the audio dpeakers play.

[Diablo829]

Originally Posted by FIDDYPOP

That is not correct, I have mine set up so that when the TV turns on so does the reciever and the appropriate input. Its pretty nice, and you can set it up so that the tv speakers play and the audio dpeakers play.

I just hooked it up today so still learing what it can do. But thanks for the clarification. Not sure if a Sony TV is required for that all to work, I have an LG, but will give it a try.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Congrats! Gotta love new toys!

John

[BluHavik]

Originally Posted by Diablo829

Based on the feedback in my recent thread I ended up getting a Sony STR-DG720 to replace my HTIB. I kept the speakers from it though except for a power sub I had to get. I now have all my components, PS3, 360, and Apple TV connected via HDMI. Direct TV is hooked to the TV via HDMI and optical to the receiver.

Wow, what a difference! I tested before even doing the auto calibration with Band of Brothers, and love it! Even high definition TV programs sound better over optical than my HTIB.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I got the Sony for a steal and now have to watch my Blu Ray collection all over again!

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

Now just keep upgrading ! It gets better & better !

Just be careful. It can become a disease. I find myself consistently checking out high-end, high-priced stuff. God help me when I get out of this apartment and can't use the 'I'd never be able to crank it up anyway excuse.'

[BluHavik]

I use the optical out from the TV as well. It depends on what I'm watching if I use the receiver or not. Most if not all HD channels use Dolby 5.1 if I'm not mistaken. So if it's HD I use the receiver, if not I just use the TV's speakers and save the wear and tear.

[Diablo829]

Originally Posted by BluHavik

I use the optical out from the TV as well. It depends on what I'm watching if I use the receiver or not. Most if not all HD channels use Dolby 5.1 if I'm not mistaken. So if it's HD I use the receiver, if not I just use the TV's speakers and save the wear and tear.

Agreed. What audio advantage will HDMI give me over optical for television viewing anyway? Just means I need to turn the receiver on every time even if I just want to use the TV speakers, which sometimes I like to do. I don't need Dolby surround for the morning news.

[FIDDYPOP]

Originally Posted by BluHavik

Just be careful. It can become a disease. I find myself consistently checking out high-end, high-priced stuff. God help me when I get out of this apartment and can't use the 'I'd never be able to crank it up anyway excuse.'

Oh man, I feel you there! I cant wait to buy a house. The wife already agreed that I can do whatever I want in the living room. Cant wait, I love to listen to metal and play movies loud.