Receiver Help Needed...Badly!

[mywxrld]

I have a very hard choice to make and I need input from everyone. I currently own an Onkyo SR-605. The main problem I have with it is it only has 2 HDMI inputs. I currently own a PS3, BDP-BX1, and Directv HD which all hook up through HDMI. This is the part I need input on. Should I replace my receiver or keep the 605. The replacement options are Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Marantz SR6003, or the Integra 30.1. I have listened to the Pioneer and Marantz but have not heard any Integra. I know that Integra and Onkyo are made by the same company but does that mean that the sound produced by both are the same or is the Integra going to have a cleaner sound? The help I need is this…Keep the 605 or replace it with one of the previously mentioned. If I replace it which one should I replace it with. Any input is much appreciated.

[crackinhedz]

my opinion, I would connect the DirecTV to the tv directly. This would optimize your video display settings since you wont have to share them with the bluray/PS3.

...Keep the 605.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

my opinion, I would connect the DirecTV to the tv directly. This would optimize your video display settings since you wont have to share them with the bluray/PS3.

...Keep the 605.

Hi crackinhedz!

Can you explain that to me, because I don't understand how or why that would make a difference.

Sincerely,

John

[mywxrld]

Originally Posted by John72953

Hi crackinhedz!

Can you explain that to me, because I don't understand how or why that would make a difference.

Sincerely,

John

That makes two of us. This is how I have it hooked up currently (with a digital coax for audio) but it is because of my lack of HDMI inputs.

[crackinhedz]

each input on your TV has a display setting. Brightness, Contrast, Color, Sharpness etc.

Now, when you connect your receiver to an input on the TV...say "HDMI 1"...everything thats connected to the Receiver is sharing the same picture settings for HDMI 1.

In a perfect world, sharing settings would not be that big of a deal...but when it comes to the world of broadcast television, these settings can be different when compared to say bluray.

So, running teh DirecTV to the tv itself, you can adjust for optimal picture settings for what looks good for DirecTV.

If you run everything through the receiver, you have to share settings. So what might be optimal for Bluray, might not be optimal for DirecTV.

...and so on...

[ak_ka]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

each input on your TV has a display setting. Brightness, Contrast, Color, Sharpness etc.

Now, when you connect your receiver to an input on the TV...say "HDMI 1"...everything thats connected to the Receiver is sharing the same picture settings for HDMI 1.

In a perfect world, sharing settings would not be that big of a deal...but when it comes to the world of broadcast television, these settings can be different when compared to say bluray.

So, running teh DirecTV to the tv itself, you can adjust for optimal picture settings for what looks good for DirecTV.

If you run everything through the receiver, you have to share settings. So what might be optimal for Bluray, might not be optimal for DirecTV.

...and so on...

Hmm, very valid point regarding picture settings.

Though I believe you could have multiple settings saved for a single channel too? I have options for Standard, Custom, Vivid, Cinema, Game for each channel. It would be a smaller effort to switch to an appropriate setting based on what you're watching.
This would also avoid running 2 cables from the cable box, 1 to the TV for video, and 1 to the receiver for audio.

As for mywxrld's problem, if you're happy with your receiver otherwise, and only want more HDMI inputs, you could consider an HDMI switch. I've seen it recommended by a lot of people here, though haven't used one myself. You can find it at monoprice apparently.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

each input on your TV has a display setting. Brightness, Contrast, Color, Sharpness etc.

Now, when you connect your receiver to an input on the TV...say "HDMI 1"...everything thats connected to the Receiver is sharing the same picture settings for HDMI 1.

In a perfect world, sharing settings would not be that big of a deal...but when it comes to the world of broadcast television, these settings can be different when compared to say bluray.

So, running teh DirecTV to the tv itself, you can adjust for optimal picture settings for what looks good for DirecTV.

If you run everything through the receiver, you have to share settings. So what might be optimal for Bluray, might not be optimal for DirecTV.

...and so on...

I think I get it, but not 100% sure. Are you saying that it is preferable then to connect my HDTV cable box directly to my TV using the HDMI 2 input (AVR is connected to HDMI 1)? If so, how do I get my TV and AVR to handshake in that scenerio?

John

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by ak_ka

Though I believe you could have multiple settings saved for a single channel too? I have options for Standard, Custom, Vivid, Cinema, Game for each channel.

Unfortunately each option does not perform the same...for example, for Panasonic plasmas, Cinema is the most accurate. You can adjust vivid all day long but will not come near to accurate as Cinema. (But then again, some people like Vivid )

Not to mention you would need to remember to change settings each time you switched sources...granted not impossible, but a step to be avoided if you are using two separate inputs that are already set to your preference.


You are right, there are other options to consider. I was only trying to come up with an easy solution to mywxrld's issue. I can understand if he has the "upgraditis" bug! ...but in all honestly, no real need for a new receiver.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by John72953

If so, how do I get my TV and AVR to handshake in that scenerio?

What do you mean handshake? They will handshake anyways...its just taking the receiver out of the equation when youre watching DirecTV.

If you want the audio through the receiver, either you can connect the audio cables from the DirecTV to the receiver, or run audio cables through the TV's digital optical out (if it has one).

[D1-2005]

I would think it would just come down to whether or not you want a new reciever. You can get a hdmi switch fairly cheap.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

What do you mean handshake? They will handshake anyways...its just taking the receiver out of the equation when youre watching DirecTV.

If you want the audio through the receiver, either you can connect the audio cables from the DirecTV to the receiver, or run audio cables through the TV's digital optical out (if it has one).

I think I've got it. Thank you!

I'm an audio guy, so forgive my ignorance on the Video side.

John

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by D1-2005

You can get a hdmi switch fairly cheap.

an HDMI switch is also another easy option.

[mywxrld]

OK... I understand the solutions for lack of HDMI but what about sound. I really like the sound of the Pioneer and Marantz (haven't heard Integra). Does anybody know if the Integra has a similar sound to an Onkyo (since they are the same company) or is it totally different?

[fitfestus]

Originally Posted by mywxrld

OK... I understand the solutions for lack of HDMI but what about sound. I really like the sound of the Pioneer and Marantz (haven't heard Integra). Does anybody know if the Integra has a similar sound to an Onkyo (since they are the same company) or is it totally different?

I have the Integra DTR-9.1. This was the top of the line receiver ($2800) like 7 years ago. I have spend lots of time analyzing receivers recently as I will be upgrading to the DTR-70.1 or DTR-80.1 next spring.
Here is a comparision chart for the new Integra Receivers:

Here is a link to the new Onkyo's
http://www.gspr.com/onkyo/x007.html

The differences between the Onkyo and the Integra are few. The look of the Integra is a tad nicer and they are only sold through dealers. Onkyo is sold online (New Egg has them now). There are a few design differences, but those are tiny. I would spend the Extra money for the DTR-70.1 for the sole reason that it has HQV Reon VX HDMI upscaling vs. the lower quality Faroudja DCDi Cinema HDMI upscaling.

The HUGE benefit of the new Integra or Onkyo receivers....and what I have been waiting for.......is the DUAL HDMI OUTPUT. So, you can run a TV and a Projector at the same time.

Hope this helps.....