Guys Help!!!

[johnnyblackout22]

So I was looking at this system

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S5100...7539880&sr=8-4

And eveything seemd going well until I get to this guy's comment

You don't actually want this, July 8, 2008
By Pope Clement VII (Vatican City) - See all my reviews

Yeah, it's a 7.1 system in the sense if you have a decoded 8 channel analog output you can get a full 7.1 surround as it was intended.

But, for any other source, there's no real 7.1, end of story. Optical and coax inputs can only handle encoded formats with more than 2 channels. So any Dolby True HD or DTS HD Master 7.1 sources you may have will not work over optical or coax. Sure, you can get 5.1 through them and setup the Onkyo to "fill in" the missing speakers, even though you actually have the data for them on your source. That's not what you want, though.

The reason is the HDMI Pass Through, which, ironically is touted as a feature. The only way to get 7.1 digital audio is over HDMI, and this Onkyo receiver cannot process HDMI audio of any format. It simply passes it through to the TV, acting like an HDMI switch. Your TV ultimately demuxes the audio: displaying the video, and sending the audio back to the Onkyo through an optical or coaxial audio cable.

So, unless you have a standalone Blu Ray player with 7.1 analog outputs or a PC with a 7.1 surround sound card and are going to use the analog outputs (over 4 mini stereo to RCA cables), keep on looking for a receiver that decodes HDMI audio rather than passes it through. You simply cannot get 7.1 audio from this over a PS3 or a cable box. Blu Ray movies would need a standalone BD Player, and not a cheap one that only decodes to 5.1.

On the other hand, if you were looking for a 5.1 system, this is a pretty good 5.1 system. The speakers are pretty nice, and the subwoofer is more than capable. It has no problems playing 5.1 through optical and coax sources, and has 2 of each, which is plenty for most people. And you get a free HDMI switch with it, if your TV is short 1 HDMI input, that's a good $150 savings over a seperate HDMI switch.

Is this system not worth getting because of the 7.1 issue??? I have a panasonic BD-50 blu ray player.

[Carlsberg19]

From what he is saying it looks like he has a coaxial cable going from the tv to the receiver...

I dont understand because the receiver has 3 HDMI ins and one OUT, it just looks like he is using the HDMI cable for the picture and then running an coaxial cable from tv to the reciever (end result - only getting 2 channel PCM)

In my view, i would just do it like the rest of us, connect the speaker cables into the receiver, and run the HDMI cable from blu-ray player to receiver - to tv. so the audio passed through the HDMI cable and delivering 7.1 AUDIO via the speakers whilst delivering the picture to the TV

[Johnny Vinyl]

You'll find that the vast majority of responses you'll get to your post will recommend you staying away from any kind of HTIB setup, myself included!

My advice is to start slooooooooooooooowly!

I'm sure that for the money you are going to spend (or a bit more), someone can recommend you a good starter setup that consists of a fully-capable 7.1 receiver and 2 front speakers. A popular combo here seems to be the ONKYO/POLK setup. After you've saved some more cash, buy the Centre Channel, then the surrounds, then the sub-woofer.

I promise you that in the end, you'll be happier!

[BACsader]

No, this receiver does not accept audio via HDMI. Unfortunately this guy is correct. You would only be getting lossy DTS and Dolby Digital by running an optical or a coaxial cable.

[Pirate King]

It all depends on yourm budget. Actually, for the $$$, it looks to be a good deal. I only run 5.1 and I am quite happy with it. If it will play true HD and DTS Master Audio at 5.1, I do not think you will be disappointed. Besides, the vast majority of Blu's are 5.1.

[Lucy Diamond]

HTiB is great until you visit someone who has done their theater right.

Buy yourself a nice receiver and a nice set of Front speakers this month.

Next month buy yourself a matched center channel and then so on and so on.

Not only will you build a better system this way, you will have a frightening awareness of ALL of your speakers and their various jobs once the system is complete. AND you won't have to worry about what you are eating from day to day.

[LifeOfAPirate13]

I will be running a 5.1 setup with a capable 7.1 receiver but my front speakers bi-wire to connect what would be the extra two speakers to the front, but like when I started looking for an audio setup I took everyons advice and I just started with a receiver then bought speakers and so on. The results you will get are alot better and you will be happier further down the road then buying an all-in-one kit.

[johnnyblackout22]

Thanks guys I really appreciate the input

[Hammie]

Look into the Onkyo 6100 HTiB if you really want a decent HTiB. It will at least give you the 606 receiver, which is a really nice entry level one.

That HTiB will allow you to push HD audio via HDMI.