Harman Kardon AVR 347

[walk on the blu side]

Does anyone on this forum own this? I was checking it out, and it looks awesome . Since this thing can not decode DTS-HD Master Audio, does it matter since I would have a PS3 hooked up to it, and I believe it converts the DTS-HD Master Audio to PCM. Can this Harman Kardon can decode multi channel PCM? Thanks.

[BoogalooShrimp]

I just bought the 247 a couple of weeks ago. I owned an hk-235 before but it doesn't have HDMI inputs (i own a ps3 like you). I tell ya, once you go harman kardon you'll never go back because the sound is so great. The Hk-247 has been littered with problems since it was released but it looks as if most of those problems were fixed with a firmware update. I tried a yamaha 661 and sony 810 and both of those sounded pretty bad compared to my old hk. So in spite of all the problems the 247 had I still bought it. Luckily mine has the newest firmware and doesn't have any problems (knock on wood). Only thing to look out for is that the 247 (and I think the 347) will process any 720p signal and any component signal which degrades the pq. If you're using 1080p or 1080i hdmi then u r ok because it's passthrough (sound is processed but video isn't).

[BStecke]

Just to second the opinion of the previous poster, the sound quality on the 247 was quite good (I had one for a week or two), but the fact that the video processing cannot be turned off is annoying if you're using any SD signals. My mother in law got one of these and her DVD's look worse when run through the receiver compared to directly to the TV, due to the video processing. My 247 also had a problem passing 1080p, and would introduce blue red and white sparklies all over the screen. While this is all for the 247, the 347 is basically the same thing.

To answer your question, yes, it decodes PCM.

In all honesty, you can get an Onkyo for the same or better price that, overall, would be more capable. Even if you're not buying a stand alone player right now, you may come to a point where you want the receiver to be able to decode the newer formats, and may end up kicking yourself for buying a new receiver that, technically, ain't so new.

[hlo10786]

is it the same with the hk 245? i have that one, but i have the video go from my ps3 to the tv through a HDMI, and then the audio to the 245.

[BStecke]

Originally Posted by hlo10786

is it the same with the hk 245? i have that one, but i have the video go from my ps3 to the tv through a HDMI, and then the audio to the 245.

Is what the same?

[hlo10786]

with passing 1080p?? would it do the same thing as the 247. The main thing i would want to know is, if there is an other way that i should have my things hooked up. or should i just leave it the way i have it set up.

[BStecke]

Does your receiver have HDMI? I don't think it would pass 1080p, but that's just a guess based on the age.

[BStecke]

I looked at the HK site for info on the 245 . . . I couldn't find anything definitive on 1080p anywhere. I guess you could try it. The only advantage to running through the receiver is going to be that you don't have to change the input on the TV and the receiver. Otherwise, you're not really gaining anything by changing the way you have it connected, since the receiver can't process the audio carried by HDMI.

[hlo10786]

yea, it does have HDMI, thanks any way for you help. i guess iam just gonna leave it the way it is then. i don't mind changing the input. thanks again.