Rob J in WNY's updated theater gallery photos...

[talstarone]

Good Morning Rob,my Friend.
I hope you are still having an oppertunity to enjoy your awesome HT System.

[Rob J in WNY]

Originally Posted by talstarone

Good Morning Rob,my Friend.
I hope you are still having an oppertunity to enjoy your awesome HT System.

Thanks, Todd! You are always up on keeping in touch and I really do appreciate it! I hope you are doing well, too! Your theater system has grown by such leaps and bounds that I feel left behind! LOL!

[Rob J in WNY]

There's a lot to say, and it's all fun!

My beautiful Sony KDL-40XBR4 LCD TV now resides in my bedroom, along with my Sony BDP-S570 BD player. The S570 is networked via Wireless-N and it's doing a great job. Even got the latest firmware update for it the other night.

I love having the 40" TV in there! I didn't think I would, but I do, and it's really nice. Streamed "Godzilla vs. Mothra" over the wireless connection via the "Crackle" service in the Sony S570's XMB web menu. Fun! Audio is handled through an old Philips MCD700 "Micro Theatre" 2-channel component system. Not the best, but better than the TV's speakers (though the XBR4's built-in TV speakers are actually about the nicest-sounding ones I have ever heard in a flat-panel TV, to be sure).

Okay, now for something very, very cool, thanks to Best Buy.

Two days ago, I received an email from Best Buy offering a Reward Zone members-only coupon which allows purchasers of any TV $1,299.00 and up to receive a free Dynex DX-19L150A11 19" 720p LCD HDTV.

So, yesterday, I stopped by Best Buy to purchase a couple bargain BD movies (Casino and Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, respectively) and remembered the email offer. I asked the manager in the TV/Electronics department if my Panasonic VT20 plasma TV purchase from nearly two weeks ago qualified me for the Dynex 19" LCD TV. She promptly looked up my account, printed the coupon right there in the store, and within minutes, she happily handed me the "suitcase" carton containing the 19" TV!

What's more is that deal I got my Panny VT20 on got even sweeter this week - by $100.00! So, I got the $100.00 back - plus tax - (a touch over $108.00 total). I chose getting it back as a gift card! Hey, Christmas is coming up, along with a few great Blu-ray movie releases as well!

So, now my young son, who inherited my Sony BDP-S350 Blu-ray player just last week (hooked up to an old, but pristine, Zenith 20" CRT standard def TV via composite video...lol) will get an HDTV for Christmas! It'll be perfect for his room. I will be ridding his room of two CRTs, actually. I will use the Dynex LCD for both his computer monitor and for his Blu-ray player, eliminating the Zenith TV and Sony Trinitron-tube flat screen monitor I gave to him. I may even line-in the audio from the player to his computer's soundcard so that the computer speakers, which are going to be vastly better than the Dynex TV speakers, can be used if desired.

Lastly, I made some creature advances on my main home theater system.

I set up accounts (such as YouTube and Pandora Radio) and matched up the Viera Cast desktops on both the Panny VT20 TV and Panny BDT300 BD player. TV has wired connection to my network, and BD player has Wireless-N. I set up an optical connection from the VT20's digital audio output back to the receiver, so that I get multichannel audio over digital HD channel OTA broadcasts (my cable TV is a poorly shared - but free - communitywide DirecTV basic channel service). I don't watch much TV, so it serves the basic purpose of general TV watching. The OTA picture, on the other hand, is simply amazing, along with its Dolby Digital 5.1 channel audio.

I programmed the volume control for my Pioneer Elite SC-05 into the Panny BDT300 player remote (it now controls everything nicely), and programmed the VT20 TV and BDT300 player remote functions into the Pioneer SC-05's remote, completing all remote control functionality. I still do not need a universal remote!

So, I've been a busy little bee as of late. The Panny VT20's screen phosphors are most assuredly broken in now, and I wonder if I'll have that professional calibration done. I would like to find someone, by name, who has a fine reputation for video calibration in my area/region. For now, the THX mode is doing a very good job, but from what I have researched, a proper calibration of the VT20 will deepen black-levels and stretch the actual contrast ratio to nearly 3,000:1 (stock THX mode, by itself, hits about 1,700:1, give or take).

Now, I'd like to think about a small, multichannel audio setup in my bedroom. In a pinch, I already have an older, Sony receiver (STR-DE845 - no HDMI - but a strong 5.1 channel model). The Sony receiver doesn't do lossless, but I'd tolerate lossy for now in the bedroom. It seems that small, simple receivers, HDMI-equipped, and which process lossless audio, are very affordable now - under $300.00. I don't know, but we shall see.

Life is good!

[talstarone]

I am very glad to hear that things are going well for you,my Friend.
I hope you have and enjoy a Great Tuesday,Rob.

[Rob J in WNY]

Just another quick update.

Having the Pioneer Elite SC-05 receiver now for the last year and a half has been a highly satisfying experience. Unfortunately, there has been little publicized about firmware updates for it.

I finally did a little digging around and managed to find one downloadable firmware update, which I hope would address the only real concern I have had with this receiver.

On most occasions, sooner or later, the receiver would lose its network streaming connection, whether using DLNA (local network MP3 files) or internet media (such as the receiver's Home Media Gallery "Internet Radio" options). I may get hours of continuous streaming, or only a few seconds. Most of the time, the connection is lost after a half hour or so. As I have had a few different routers on my setup (both 10/100 and gigabit routers), I could not blame the hardware. I tried swapping ethernet cables as well. I chalked it up to a bad network adapter on the SC-05. Still within warranty, I had not yet taken the receiver out for service, as it is laborious to do so and I was always hopeful for some sort of solution.

Enter the firmware update...

Factory firmware version: 3.7.30.7468
Issue Date: 6-11-2008

Newer firmware version: 3.7.34.7682
Issue date: 11-20-2008

Obviously, not a recent update, but newer nonetheless, and worth a shot. It should be duly noted that this update is for the Pioneer SC-LX81, which was an overseas model of the SC-07, but my decision to go with it on my SC-05 was based on the SC-LX81 having the same factory firmware build as the SC-05, namely version 3.7.30.7468.

Of course, I was really concerned about "bricking" my SC-05 (), but I took my chances and went forward with the update process, which requires access to the receiver via a networked computer and web browser. I was already familiar with accessing the receiver via network, and had seen the firmware update area.

Updating the firmware is a rather simple process, which consists of downloading the firmware ZIP file, extracting its contents, accessing the receiver via its IP address, navigating to the firmware update page, browsing for the extracted firmware file, and confirming your choice to update.

The process took less than five minutes. So far, the only receiver settings which appeared to be affected was that I lost my Home Media Gallery "Favorites" choices, and I had to re-save them. MCACC settings were left alone, thank goodness!

As of this posting, I have been running "Smoothjazz.com" internet radio for three hours continuously now, without a glitch. I have no idea what the newer firmware update was designed to address in terms of receiver improvements and bug fixes, but if network reliability is one, then so far, so good.

I attached two images to show how the update process works.


Pioneer SC-05 firmware update progress.



Pioneer SC-05 firmware update completed.

Now, I am only curious as to if there are any more recent updates since November of 2008. Likely not, as the receiver went out of production in 2009. I will, of course, update on any findings surrounding this newer firmware update, whether good or bad.

[Rob J in WNY]

I am just chiming in to report that I have had zero issues with the firmware update on my Pioneer SC-05 receiver. Not one glitch in the operation of the receiver, and not one Home Media Gallery network connection dropped, either via local network streaming or Internet Radio options, both of which I have run for many hours at a time. It has been about three weeks since I updated the firmware, and I am fully confident that I have not introduced any issues by doing so.

To recap, it was an old firmware version, but it was the last issued for this receiver (and newer than my factory firmware). Since the SC-05 is, as of this posting, two SC-class model generations behind, we likely can't expect anything newer, but at least my point of concern over the dropped network connection has been resolved and is a thing of past, thus making my Pioneer Elite SC-05 receiver more of a thing of beauty.

Not sure when I will do it, but I am thinking along the lines of a subwoofer upgrade now. I love my Polk Audio PSW125 sub very much, and I feel that its performance has been better than what I hear reported about it. It's not "boomy" and sloppy in its sound, but I know I can do better to reach lower frequencies with different, yet more affordable subs. I admit that I am tempted by offerings from eD and SVS, as they are very popular on these forums and there have been so few complaints on them. We shall see.

[4x12]

Very cool... Ill try it out.

Originally Posted by Rob J in WNY

Just another quick update.

Having the Pioneer Elite SC-05 receiver now for the last year and a half has been a highly satisfying experience. Unfortunately, there has been little publicized about firmware updates for it.

I finally did a little digging around and managed to find one downloadable firmware update, which I hope would address the only real concern I have had with this receiver.

On most occasions, sooner or later, the receiver would lose its network streaming connection, whether using DLNA (local network MP3 files) or internet media (such as the receiver's Home Media Gallery "Internet Radio" options). I may get hours of continuous streaming, or only a few seconds. Most of the time, the connection is lost after a half hour or so. As I have had a few different routers on my setup (both 10/100 and gigabit routers), I could not blame the hardware. I tried swapping ethernet cables as well. I chalked it up to a bad network adapter on the SC-05. Still within warranty, I had not yet taken the receiver out for service, as it is laborious to do so and I was always hopeful for some sort of solution.

Enter the firmware update...

Factory firmware version: 3.7.30.7468
Issue Date: 6-11-2008

Newer firmware version: 3.7.34.7682
Issue date: 11-20-2008

Obviously, not a recent update, but newer nonetheless, and worth a shot. It should be duly noted that this update is for the Pioneer SC-LX81, which was an overseas model of the SC-07, but my decision to go with it on my SC-05 was based on the SC-LX81 having the same factory firmware build as the SC-05, namely version 3.7.30.7468.

Of course, I was really concerned about "bricking" my SC-05 (), but I took my chances and went forward with the update process, which requires access to the receiver via a networked computer and web browser. I was already familiar with accessing the receiver via network, and had seen the firmware update area.

Updating the firmware is a rather simple process, which consists of downloading the firmware ZIP file, extracting its contents, accessing the receiver via its IP address, navigating to the firmware update page, browsing for the extracted firmware file, and confirming your choice to update.

The process took less than five minutes. So far, the only receiver settings which appeared to be affected was that I lost my Home Media Gallery "Favorites" choices, and I had to re-save them. MCACC settings were left alone, thank goodness!

As of this posting, I have been running "Smoothjazz.com" internet radio for three hours continuously now, without a glitch. I have no idea what the newer firmware update was designed to address in terms of receiver improvements and bug fixes, but if network reliability is one, then so far, so good.

I attached two images to show how the update process works.


Pioneer SC-05 firmware update progress.



Pioneer SC-05 firmware update completed.

Now, I am only curious as to if there are any more recent updates since November of 2008. Likely not, as the receiver went out of production in 2009. I will, of course, update on any findings surrounding this newer firmware update, whether good or bad.

[Rob J in WNY]

Originally Posted by 4x12

Very cool... Ill try it out.

Good luck, bud! I am loving the perfected performance of the network streaming!

[Rob J in WNY]

Another small update...

I finally, after all this time, joined Netflix yesterday. They are offering a one month free trial, so I figured I had nothing to lose. I chose the "Watch Instantly" streaming option plus "1 at-a-time" unlimited DVD exchange. Of course, I stacked on the Blu-ray option for an additional $2.00 a month. What finally hooked me to join was the fact, prior to yesterday, I never knew that there is no "contract" period to be a Neflix member - I can cancel anytime.

I was easily able to activate the service in all three Netflix-capable components in my home. These being my Panasonic TC-P50VT20 plasma TV, Panasonic DMP-BDT300 BD player, and Sony BDP-S570 BD player. The two players are currently hooked up via Wireless N, and the VT20 TV is directly wired in (I may switch to have the Panny BDT300 be a wired device and the VT20 be wireless, though).

So far, I have streamed Full Metal Jacket in HD, and it looked okay at what I believe was 720p resolution. Visually, the movies suffer from considerably higher video compression (to reduce the internet bandwidth needed), but they are more than serviceable for general viewing. I noticed that all movie audio is limited to lossy 2-channel stereo. Maybe there will be Dolby Digital 5.1 available soon, as the rumors indicate. We can at least hope for that - maybe in 2011. In the meantime, setting my Pioneer Elite SC-05 receiver to "THX PLIIx Movie" made some use of matrixing to provide more "full-bodied," theater-esque audio. I will have to do some experimenting to find a surround algorithm which provides the nicest-sounding results.

I have nothing queued for BD movies yet. I did, briefly, have The Thin Red Line queued, but I removed it because I picked the BD up tonight at Barnes & Noble's 50% off Criterion Collection movie sale (plus a 10% off coupon on top of that). I will likely use the BD exchange service to check out movies where I desire a higher sensory experience - essentially titles which are praised for superior audio/visual quality.

The streaming function is a no-brainer, though! I will use it for films I have not yet seen, titles that I want to take a peek at or re-acquaint myself with, and titles where audio and picture quality are not as important, such as some comedy or drama selections. For my son, I can choose tons of family-friendly films, and movies aimed at children. Of course, there are a lot of great TV shows available for streaming, too. In the end, if I don't do much BD exchanging, I may cancel that part of the plan and just go with streaming movies only. I feel streaming will probably be the most-used option in my current plan.

As an avid collector of Blu-ray movies, I figure that with Netflix, it will be nice to finally watch movies that I don't own or are curious about, making "blind buying" some titles less risky (though there are no titles in my collection which I am utterly disappointed in - I'm pretty easygoing for someone who is viewed as a "critical" moviewatcher among my contemporaries). There is definite truth in the idea that Netflix will affect what titles I buy in the future.

Some of my friends have already joked that I may never leave my living room now. That is, of course, preposterous - I can stream Netflix and play BDs in my bedroom as well.

[Aerodude73]

Hey Rob - Nice to hear you have the Netflix "streaming" thing going. I've thought about it as I already have it, but I'm not sure - I hate the idea of "matrixing" 2-channel audio to simulate something close to 5.1; must be the Blu-Ray snob in me.

[Rob J in WNY]

I know what you mean, Steve.

It's a shame that there isn't a 5.1 channel option available yet for my Netflix-ready devices. It's possible that, by next year, Netflix will implement Dolby Digital 5.1. It wouldn't require a substantial increase in bandwidth (compared to the 8mbps already recommended for streaming their 720p HD content).

I am actually fairly impressed at the THX PLIIx matrixing quality. It's much better than listening in 2.0, and does a great job of prioritizing monaural dialog to the center channel, while preserving stereo sounds to the rest of the system/surrounds.

When it comes to discrete channel surround, I never matrix it. I'm a snob...errr...purist that way, too!

[Rob J in WNY]

On a additional Netflix note, I did make the switch to have my Panasonic BDT300 Blu-ray player have the wired network connection, with my Panasonic VT20 plasma TV going Wireless N.

Interestingly, my BDT300 player had no problems, whatsoever, streaming Netflix in HD under either wireless or wired. The VT20 TV, however, suffers from occasional dropped video frames both under wired and wireless. To be sure, both my TV and player are only a few feet away from my wireless router. Evidently, the Panny's TV's Netflix app doesn't process as well as as the Panny player's app. The apps are not exactly the same between the two devices, despite both of them being Panasonic models. The player firmware is a touch more functional, displaying the quality of the internet connection in relation to the ability to allow Netflix HD streams to pass. The TV's Netflix interface does not have this feature.

Firmware for the player is newer, and perhaps there will be a firmware update for the TV that may level the inequities between the two devices. I am happy with things the way they are, as I prefer to stream via the player, so that I don't have to switch inputs on my receiver to go between BD and Netflix playback.

My Sony BDP-S570 streams Netflix HD perfectly to my Sony XBR4 LCD TV. This is my bedroom setup, whose location still tests Wireless N speeds that match my wired internet speeds (which average 15 to 20mbps, sometimes jumping to over 30mbps, depending on the network traffic/time of day).

As far as streamed playback choices have gone, I have acquainted myself with the Battlestar Galactica reboot, which I started watching back in 2003, but never kept up with it. I was a HUGE fan of the original 1978 series, staring the late Lorne Greene as Commander Adama (which I have also added to the streaming lineup). I have watched some documentary material, and played some kid-oriented stuff through it for my son.

I have queued up several BD movies for delivery to my home, too, including concert titles (Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds: Live at Radio City Music Hall and The Cure: Trilogy), children's (Bolt, for my son, but who am I to say I'm not interested in this movie, myself ), and other movies which I have not seen yet, such as Whip It and The Lovely Bones - both being titles which I am interested in purchasing.

Obviously, there are times when you really want the Blu-ray experience for movies - especially regarding the audio, which, as has been mentioned, is limited to lossy 2.0 channel stereo on Netflix streamed content.

The more time goes by, the more I feel that I should have gotten into Netflix a long time ago.

But, before I ogle too much over it all, I should say that Netflix streaming is not without its flaws. On a couple occasions, the stream suffered from recurring audio dropouts every few seconds. Fortunately, this is easily remedied by a quick restart of the movie (Netflix keeps track of where you are in streamed films and gives you the option to start where you left off - very convenient because you can restart a movie in seconds).

Also, you must select your movies for streaming using your computer browser, as neither Panasonic nor Sony has content searching/adding built into their Netflix apps. It's not a big deal (I added a Netflix shortcut into my Motorola Droid phone for additional convenience). Wii game console owners can search via the Wii's Netflix interface (although the Wii will not stream Netflix video in HD - only SD). I'll take the 720p advantage for now .

However, I must say that although it's a nicely streamed picture at 720p, it's no comparison to BD content at 1080p. It's no replacement for my technical appreciation of the state-of-the-art in Blu-ray video and audio quality. It's a great compliment to it, and my skepticism over network "toys" added to devices like Blu-ray players and HDTVs has all but disappeared.