looking for input on Blu-ray feasibility/setup

[robk329]

After seeing a demonstration of Blu-ray at a local SONY store, I have been considering adding this to my home theatre. Of course, they showcase the technology on their best 1080p screen and and A/V receiver. I'm not looking to change my screen or receiver and wanted to know if........a) how much benefit will I get from Blu-ray with my current set-up.......b)what would be the best way to connect to my screen/receiver and the optimal settings for picture/sound. Here's what I'm working with:

Marantz SR7200 AV Receiver
Pioneer PDP- 5040HD Plasma
Marantz CD/DVD Player (for my SACD)

Is the SONY product the way to go? Given the assumption that my Marantz SR7200 doesn't support the latest codecs, is the base model the best choice?

[DavePS3]

Your picture even at 720p/1080i - if that's what your panel is, will still be very noticable on your panel. Sound-wise, you'd still take fiber-optic out to your receiver and even though you can't take full advantage of the HD audio, your DD and DTS is a little cleaner through the Blu-Ray. It's worth getting, trust us all on that.

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by robk329

After seeing a demonstration of Blu-ray at a local SONY store, I have been considering adding this to my home theatre. Of course, they showcase the technology on their best 1080p screen and and A/V receiver. I'm not looking to change my screen or receiver and wanted to know if........a) how much benefit will I get from Blu-ray with my current set-up.......b)what would be the best way to connect to my screen/receiver and the optimal settings for picture/sound. Here's what I'm working with:

Marantz SR7200 AV Receiver
Pioneer PDP- 5040HD Plasma
Marantz CD/DVD Player (for my SACD)

Is the SONY product the way to go? Given the assumption that my Marantz SR7200 doesn't support the latest codecs, is the base model the best choice?

You're always better off with high definition video, but there are some reasons to look carefully at the unit you'll be getting.

Sony's base unit does not internally decode the high end audio formats. New units coming out do - the Panasonic BD-50, arriving sometime in April, will do it - so you may want to take a hard look at the unit you need.

It appears from the specs I see for your receiver that you have 6.1 channel audio input, via RCA cable, as well as SP/DIF and coax audio input. Most movies in 5.1 Dolby/Dobly TrueHE or 5.1 DTS/DTS-HD MA will work just fine. Only a handful of movies are using 6.1 audio, and there are a large selection coming out in 7.1, but you can select only on rear channel and drop it down to 6.1 input without a problem.

The optical SP/DIF input is not really the best choice for your high-end sound. The throughput is just not fast enough, and won't allow you to use the internal decoding in the player you select. You should select a player that has RCA analog outputs, and take those straight into your amp. There is a "sticky" on this topic somewhere in this forum, has great info.

Your television is great, you will enjoy terrific video in 1080i. No need to replace or upgrade it.

Even though there are all kinds of hot new receivers and screens out there, you have a very nice setup that will benefit from Blu-Ray. Take a look at the new section in the forum - Players - and you can start taking a close look at what will give you high end audio, and the discrete RCA analog outputs that will give the best data to your receiver.

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by DavePS3

Your picture even at 720p/1080i - if that's what your panel is, will still be very noticable on your panel. Sound-wise, you'd still take fiber-optic out to your receiver and even though you can't take full advantage of the HD audio, your DD and DTS is a little cleaner through the Blu-Ray. It's worth getting, trust us all on that.

The cool thing is, he has 6.1 analog input - he doesn't have to fool around with the optical cable. I'm not sure which of the new players has internal decoding for the new formats AND analog output, but if there is one, he should get it. No question, it will sound very, very nice.

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by DavePS3

Your picture even at 720p/1080i - if that's what your panel is, will still be very noticable on your panel. Sound-wise, you'd still take fiber-optic out to your receiver and even though you can't take full advantage of the HD audio, your DD and DTS is a little cleaner through the Blu-Ray. It's worth getting, trust us all on that.

Hey, the BD-50 has 5.1 analog out - would you advise this for him?

https://www.blu-ray.com/players/play...=17&show=specs

Here's an old review on his unit, looks like he has the inputs...

http://www.avrev.com/equip/marantzsr7200/index.html

I think it would be worth the wait, and go with the Panny next month.

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by robk329

Is the SONY product the way to go? Given the assumption that my Marantz SR7200 doesn't support the latest codecs, is the base model the best choice?

One of the moderators, Crackinhedz, posted up this link:

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=17648

Check it out, I think this should help in your decision.

[robk329]

Many thanks. A few others questions.

1. I presume the best way to connect the video would be HDMI from player to plasma screen (there is no HDMI connection on receiver)

2. Then the audio would go from the player to the receiver via RCA jacks.

3. This would permit my HD cable box to occupy the other HDMI connection on the TV and I could continue to use the optical connection from the cable box to receiver for audio.

Do I have it right??

[robk329]

Given the recommended analog connection (via RCA jacks), what is the best audio setting to use on the receiver? Thanks again.

[Tyler2106]

Going from a normal dvd player to a bluray is going to give you a huge PQ difference...the bluray is going to look awesome on your tv and much much better then you dvd player...if you are going to get a BD player really soon then I would look at the Panasonic 30 or the PS3...or if you can wait for the new Sony to come out...

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by robk329

Many thanks. A few others questions.

1. I presume the best way to connect the video would be HDMI from player to plasma screen (there is no HDMI connection on receiver)

2. Then the audio would go from the player to the receiver via RCA jacks.

3. This would permit my HD cable box to occupy the other HDMI connection on the TV and I could continue to use the optical connection from the cable box to receiver for audio.

Do I have it right??

1: Correct.
2: Correct.
3: Correct.

Perfect score!

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by robk329

Given the recommended analog connection (via RCA jacks), what is the best audio setting to use on the receiver? Thanks again.

That's one for the receiver manual.

You really won't need for the receiver to decode any signals; it will be streamed in as direct audio (PCM Lossless) from a good player that does the encoding itself. So you'll run your amp as simply an amplifier. I don't know how those settings are made on your Marantz, as most amps from that time try to decode Dolby or DTS from an encoded input.

See if the amp can be set to PCM (many could, even in 2002/2003). There should be a way to do it, or accept the straight signal from a separate pre-amp, which is essentially what's happening with the latest players.

I think it's a very good idea, as Tyler2106 mentioned, to take a look at the Panasonic BD30, their upcoming BD50, the PSE, or the Sony s550 coming out in a couple of months. Getting one of those will give you lots more time with your current receiver, much more bang for your buck.

[robk329]

I believe there is a PCM option on my receiver. Is PCM the optimal "default setting"? If the audio is available in DTS format or some other format (Dolby X.X) should the setting be changed to match? Want to have the best possible sound so I'd to understand this better.....thanks

[robk329]

is there a significant difference between the Panasonic BD30 and the BD50?

[Tyler2106]

Originally Posted by robk329

is there a significant difference between the Panasonic BD30 and the BD50?

Mainly the 2.0 profile which gives you the ability to do online stuff via your BD player...so if you not into that or can't run a wire to a modem then get the BD30...it is a great player!!!

[robk329]

does the BD30 offer the 5.1 analog output discussed in this thread?

[robk329]

Would like to pull the trigger on a Panasonic (BD30 or BD50) player but I'm a looking for clarification:

- do both units decode all formats?
- do both units offer 5.1 analog output?