kmeleon, its on a FAQ at the Onkyo website. The work around would be to go component in & out but then if you're doing that why not got straight to TV. The Onks that will take component to 1080i/p start at the 875 and go up to the 905. Other mfg's are just coming out with their 2008 models so there may be something in a different brand but I think at more cost. I only use component in & HDMI out from my Moto STB on occasion for some SD channels. I don't let it fool with my HD material. HDMI in & out.

On certain source material/stations with comp in HDMI out I will get an 1/8" white/noisy band on the top of my screen. If I change channels it goes away, come back its there. So I guess its material specific. Happens about 25% of the time but it shouldn't happen at all. Even though my anomaly is smaller than yours, I agree it can be distracting. I have not taken the time yet to try and get rid of it, but I will try later on.

I get this when viewing SD s-video TiVo (all channels), and not when viewing HDMI-inputs. It only occurred after I forced the 720p hidden menu, so I guessed it's another "limitation" of our not-so-top-of-the-line Faroudja chip. If I apply step 1 overscsan in my SXRD XBR1's menu, it's gone, but I assume that means I'm losing data when viewing HDMI-inputs, so I'm putting up with it for now. Maybe I'll try the new 880 activity settings to macro the overscan setting changes.

You know whats funny... I was tweaking some settings couple days ago and I saw that feature and I looked into it and it looked like a macro feature. I thought to myself, 'this wasn't here the other day was it'?!?!?

Lol, now that you said that I guess it wasn't. They must have added that feature LITERALLY the day "after" I bought it and set up. I was going to play around and make a macro, but after I learned how to use activities, I cant imagine making anything I need more complex then that. I may play around with it for fun though!

Thx for the heads up... I knew I wasn't losing it.. that button REALLY DID come out of no where! :)

PS: On a side note I became a Harmony 880 addict! I programmed close to every device in the house, from air purifiers, to lights, to bookshelf alarm clock radios, to creative audigy sound card, to 5.1 pc speaker system, etc etc etc... lol.. ya I got out of hand with it. I was amazed that everytime I added something wacky, IT KNEW the model of the remote without training it. That Logitech online database is amazing!

woots, mrgribbles sorry to jumped in but I have a few question about this harmony 880 I never have other remote before accepts those it comes with the unit itself.

my ? is can this remote (harmony) can control my Projector also? (hd1000u).

Thanks,
Peter

I honestly can't say for any specific device except to say that it had the codes for my Helios DVD player. No one has that. woots says hes got codes from his electric toothbrush to his garbage disposal :) I honestly can't imagine that it wouldn't have the codes for your projector. If some are missing, the learn function is pretty easy plus it can learn raw IR codes. I'm just getting used to it and now that I'm getting more comfortable with it, its phenomenal.

Please do, I'm curious to see if there is a real difference with these cables, or if it's one of those "monster"-type marketing things.

1.3a Increases single-link bandwidth to 340 MHz (10.2 Gbps). This requires a cable designed for these higher bandwidths.

"Monoprice HDMI 1.3a, Category 2 certified cables. These cables have been designed to meet the high bandwidth performance standards set by HDMI 1.3a and has passed stringent Category 2 testing."

Anyone running this unit with Klipsch speakers? How are your results? Any specific speakers you think run better with the Onkyo or have in the past?

!AJGwhen i first got 705 i was using klipsch speakers. they sounded good for ht, bright speakers. but center wasnt very detailed,couldnt always hear dialog. also music always seemed a bit colored, again metal horn tweeters, bright. through these forums i learned of ascend acoustics. now i have ascend 340ses across the front with their 200s for side and rear surrounds. i couldnt be happier. very clean neutral sounding, great imaging,room filling sound. probably cheaper then your klipsch,depending on model.totally different sound. every soundtrac, and cd i have is a new experience. i would look into these, lots on the forums. and a side note the customer service is the best i have ever delt with. when i had a question the prez of the company e-mailed my answer,also emailed thankyou, conformation, when i placed my order.

I honestly can't say for any specific device except to say that it had the codes for my Helios DVD player. No one has that. woots says hes got codes from his electric toothbrush to his garbage disposal :) I honestly can't imagine that it wouldn't have the codes for your projector. If some are missing, the learn function is pretty easy plus it can learn raw IR codes. I'm just getting used to it and now that I'm getting more comfortable with it, its phenomenal.

mrgribbles off the side topic, I have a hd comcast digital box with DVI input and for now I have it connected to my projector via component, and if you remember you suggested to get a comcast DVR (hdmi input) I did not opted for that because I dont record tv shows at all. And here is my ? do you think it is worth it to spend extra money for dvi/hdmi cable to connect my hd comcast cable box to my 705? instead of connecting it direct to my pj via component? (my current set up). If I do the dvi/hdmi connection I will need an optical cable for audio right? And I can connect that to any optical input to my 705? do you think there will be noticeable improvement over PQ compare to component cable connection?

Thanks,
Peter

mrgribbles off the side topic, I have a hd comcast digital box with DVI input and for now I have it connected to my projector via component, and if you remember you suggested to get a comcast DVR (hdmi input) I did not opted for that because I dont record tv shows at all. And here is my ? do you think it is worth it to spend extra money for dvi/hdmi cable to connect my hd comcast cable box to my 705? instead of connecting it direct to my pj via component? (my current set up). If I do the dvi/hdmi connection I will need an optical cable for audio right? And I can connect that to any optical input to my 705? do you think there will be noticeable improvement over PQ compare to component cable connection?

Thanks,
Peter

I received my HDMI cable to connect my receiver to TV today and hooked my comcast box up with component and just wasn't happy (had a faint white band at the top of the tv). I am very interested in hearing of other's experiences with the DVI-HDMI connection with comcast hd boxes to the 705 as well. Either that or I will be ordering another component cable to run from the 705 to the tv so I can keep my 1080i cable and 1080p Xbox signals. Would you guys suggest the DVI-HDMI route or just buying a component cable and running HDMI and component from the 705 to the tv?

My connections:

XA2 -- HDMI
Comcast box -- component
360 -- component

I received my HDMI cable to connect my receiver to TV today and hooked my comcast box up with component and just wasn't happy (had a faint white band at the top of the tv). I am very interested in hearing of other's experiences with the DVI-HDMI connection with comcast hd boxes to the 705 as well. Either that or I will be ordering another component cable to run from the 705 to the tv so I can keep my 1080i cable and 1080p Xbox signals. Would you guys suggest the DVI-HDMI route or just buying a component cable and running HDMI and component from the 705 to the tv?

My connections:

XA2 -- HDMI
Comcast box -- component
360 -- component

have you tried using component connection direct from your comcast box to your tv? I have that set up now and looks great IMO, but since I have an extra hdmi input from 705 I am curious as well if I connect my comcast cable box to my 705 using dvi/hdmi cable. I will try this connection tonight I will post later.


My current connection:
HD A2 - hdmi (1) to 705
panny bd10a - hdmi (2) to 705
comcast box - component to mits hd1000u (video)
- optical audio cable to 705 (tv/games input)

Like to find out if I will get a better picture using the dvi/hdmi (3) of the 705.

have you tried using component connection direct from your comcast box to your tv? I have that set up now and looks great IMO, but since I have an extra hdmi input from 705 I am curious as well if I connect my comcast cable box to my 705 using dvi/hdmi cable. I will try this connection tonight I will post later.

Yeah, I'm currently going directly from the box to my tv as I've always done. But, like you, I'm curious as to how going dvi-hdmi would work out. I'd much rather have a one cable connection from receiver to tv, but not at the expense of quality. I would also like to have my SD upconverted, but I think I'm just expecting too much.;)

Yeah, I'm currently going directly from the box to my tv as I've always done. But, like you, I'm curious as to how going dvi-hdmi would work out. I'd much rather have a one cable connection from receiver to tv, but not at the expense of quality. I would also like to have my SD upconverted, but I think I'm just expecting too much.;)

I will try it tonight then I will post my result. I asked mrgribbles because I think he does have DVR comcast and he had it connected to one of the hdmi input of the 705. plus he is very knowledgeable ;)

I have my 705 hdmi output connected to my Projector via 25 ft long hdmi/dvi cable with a hdmi/dvi adapter. Do you guys think I should get hdmi/hdmi cable so I don't have to use the hdmi/dvi adapter? I bought my hdmi/dvi cable from monoprice and it works great, the thing is I have to use an adapter, should I get rid of it and just buy another cable with just hdmi in it? or save the money because it will make no difference at all?

Thanks guys for your input.
Peter

When I first got my Klipsch RVX-42 system(3 RVX-42 LCR,2 RSX-4 surrounds,RW-10d sub) I had an Onkyo HT-R500 htib receiver. Sounded good but a little bright. With the 705 my system took on a whole new personality. It has a much more dynamic range and a fullness I didn't think it could acheive. Dialogue from the center is crisp and very clear with dvd and Dish HD playback. Imaging from the surrounds will make your head turn toward them. Music played through stereo and pure audio makes you think the center channel is on. With my 5.1 setup I prefer DD for HT and with music all channel stereo and PLII. Klipsch speakers are highly efficient(ranging from 90dB to over 100dB) therefore you don't need 130wt to power them. I would hope if you had a larger system like the RF-62 floorstanders and the appropriate center,sub and surrounds, the 705 would sound even better.

i have ps3, 360, & fios hd dvr cable box hdmi into receiver then out to tv. noone advised which 3 of my four devices wuld be best to go hdmi to receiver & which best direct to tv. (in the onkyo 505-975 receiver thread)

first i had cable box not through receiver but then figured the sd chans could make use of the 705's upconversiom plus my denon upconvert dvd player has same faroudja processor as the 705.

noone said whether i could use an hdmi switch to connect two hdmi devices to one hdmi in on the reciever or not & i didnt get to try it but im thinking it will be too many splits in the connction to tv.

one of my main questions now is why the p3 doesnt get sound from the tv while the 360 & cale box do. i like to use sound from both sometimes or have option for one or other though you have to turn on the receiver for video from that device anyway which could be problem for times when my wife wants to just turn on tv wih no surround sound for baby or somthing & not turn on receiver.

i did at last solve the black bars on all 4 sides problem. i had the 480 over ride set to off in cable box settings which makes evrything 1080i meaning 4:3 stuff has black bars on the right & left & when its done widescreen it will have blck bars on all 4 sides.

setting 4:3 over ride to stretch will fit the imge to screen0b till be 1080i, is what cable company recomends & is prob the best giving you upconversion i guess to 1080i & filling the screen but i pefer the 4:3 over ride set to 480p so you get some 720x480p action b hat ay can see what chans are broadcast in hd & which arent though the ransition between the 2 on screen pause flicker is annoying & fios groups some non hd in with the hd set of chans.

anyway again, most important question right now is prob just how i can get sound from ps3 on tv when its conncted to receiver via hdmi. im thinking just connect the audio portion of the a/v cable that comes with it. to tv in the hdmi/dvi slot that has the extra udio in case your using a vi to hdmi cable.

it seems the best way to connect the ps3 is hdmi to the receiver to be able to make us of true hd sound etc. that you can only get with hdmi connection to receiver (for blu-ray etc) so I wouldnt want to connect the hdmi direct to tv and lose that and then go optical out of ps3 to receiver for surround, but I cannot seem to get sound from the tv for the ps3 whether I add an optical or even the rca composite cable to the audio under the hdmi input on tv (for dvi).

for just playing back hd video clips from camcorder, it'd be nice to have sound from tv instead of just the surround sound.

anyone have a ps3 with their 705 and know how to get sound from tv while still having ps3 connected via hdmi to receiver?

Well I finally got home yesterday from the beach and went right to hooking up my new 705 which was sitting in my living room since Friday:) I decided to clean up the clutter behind my rack and TV but than I had to rush a bit so I could watch the Seahawks at 4pm, I cut it way too close:) Anyway, I'm short a couple of HDMI cables so right now I'm using the one I had laying around that came with my HD-A2. Well it worked fine for my Directv Tivo box but after the game I swapped it over to my Motorola 6412 III. I only use Directv for Sunday Ticket. I changed the HDMI setting from DVI to HDMI in the Moto box, which I was using to go straight to my Mits 55813 (no HDMI, just DVI), since I now needed audio as well as video on the cable. I unable to get 1080i to broadcast from the moto thru the 705, but it worked fine from the Directv box. I was also severe color issues, reds and greens were way too exagerated. I then was going to give up for the night and went to just run the Moto straight to my Mits again but I couldn't get that too work either anymore. In fact I couldn't even get a pic at all without pressing on the connector of the cable. So all in all I believe I have a bad HDMI port on the Moto because I swapped back to Directv with no issues after all this. I'm now using component for my Moto box and since the Onkyo won't pass 1080i component to HDMI 1080i and my tv won't display 720p I have no HD currently.

One other thing, where does it say that the 705 will only do 720p from comp to HDMI? I don't see it anywhere??? Does anyone know if the Pioneer Elite 92 will do this off hand? The issue is I am using all 3 HDMI's already and then my XBOX 360 plugged into the comp input will only do 480p on my set unless I run directly to the tv. I don't want to settle on this receiver, I want it to have EVERYTHING I need.

kmeleon; I had similar issues (no exagerrated colors though) with my 705; it turned out to be the HDMI handshake between the Moto STB and the 705; somehow the STB, when passing via 705 is changing it's resolution to 720p (which my TV doesn't support) so wasn't getting any pictures on my screen for HD channels just non-HD. I had to go into the STB menu (Power off + menu button) on the remote and make sure it's set to 1080i (mine kept resetting itself to 720p). Anyway, now I have changed the sequence of how I turn on the devices...first the 705 and then STB...so far it's been working for me fine. Hope that helps in your situation. BTW, the Seahawks game was great - kind of scary in the first qtr but they pulled together to win :)

Well, CC came around after all, and price-matched the full amount of the difference between my purchase price and the price on the scan -- about $116, including tax.

And...in the end, they were even nice about it, which goes a long way.

So...if you're having problems getting CC to price match, stand your ground....

--Mikey

kmeleon; I had similar issues (no exagerrated colors though) with my 705; it turned out to be the HDMI handshake between the Moto STB and the 705; somehow the STB, when passing via 705 is changing it's resolution to 720p (which my TV doesn't support) so wasn't getting any pictures on my screen for HD channels just non-HD. I had to go into the STB menu (Power off + menu button) on the remote and make sure it's set to 1080i (mine kept resetting itself to 720p). Anyway, now I have changed the sequence of how I turn on the devices...first the 705 and then STB...so far it's been working for me fine. Hope that helps in your situation. BTW, the Seahawks game was great - kind of scary in the first qtr but they pulled together to win :)

Hi there I am trying to connect my moto hd box (dvi only) to my receiver as well. I am going to buy a cable hdmi/dvi you think this will give a better picture compare for my sep up now. (component cable direct to my PJ.)

Yes I was worried with seahawks losing the game during 1QTR.

Hi there I am trying to connect my moto hd box (dvi only) to my receiver as well. I am going to buy a cable hdmi/dvi you think this will give a better picture compare for my sep up now. (component cable direct to my PJ.)

Yes I was worried with seahawks losing the game during 1QTR.

It was probably my eyes & brain playing tricks on me; but when I changed my cables from Component to DVI with an older Comcast box (DVI only), it made some difference for the better in PQ. Your best bet would be to get a newer STB box (i have 3416 with HDMI) and just run a single HDMI (carrying both audio &video) from the STB to the receiver and then use HDMI ->DVI cable to your TV. You can call Comcast for their nearest office and just walk in to swap the box.

I wasn't scared about the Hawks, they always start slow. They started to look better in the 2nd quarter. In general, there has been alot of sloppy football yesterday and tonight. Alot of injuries too.

I'm going for a new box tomorrow from Service Electric, I've used my current HDMI cables with both the Directv and HD-DVD player tonight. If I push on the cable while connected to the Moto box I can get a pic but as soon as I let it go it just goes out. I really think I have a bad port.

What player are you using?

PS3 with Bitstream output

There are "no players" out at the moment that push raw bit stream (undecoded) True HD and DTS HD MA audio to receivers. They all get decoded inside the player and output decoded data via PCM output. If you want to listen to those formats now, let your player do this and just set it to PCM output, its best you can do at the very moment. Down the road set your player to bistream and it will output those formats. (For "down the road"... read below)

HOWEVER, I am happy (very happy) to have found out that players that can output raw bit stream are on the way. In some cases, possibly firmware updates will make this happen on some of these currently owned devices. In other cases all new hardware will need to be bought that have this feature.

You will just need to be patient until this time comes and try to stay abreast of the topic the best you can (these forums are best spot).

My understanding was that there used to be no player that pushed non-decoded bitstream data, but the 1.9 firmware update on the PS3 changed that and made it possible to send the bitstream content for it to be decoded on a receiver. I believe that it was confirmed by people trying to use that. Is that not true?

1.3a Increases single-link bandwidth to 340 MHz (10.2 Gbps). This requires a cable designed for these higher bandwidths.

"Monoprice HDMI 1.3a, Category 2 certified cables. These cables have been designed to meet the high bandwidth performance standards set by HDMI 1.3a and has passed stringent Category 2 testing."

Right, but has anyone confirmed that this really is the case? Is there a way for someone to really confirm that one cable versus another gives them this output. I won't believe anything I read as an advertisement of any cable. When someone here says "I have these two cables and one does this and the other does that, with the same settings."

There have been a couple of people here stating that they were getting these new cables. Has anyone confirmed that there truly is a difference? Just because the bandwidth went up, it doesn't mean that an old cable couldn't handle it. They could be right, in fact they probably are. I would just rather see a consumer state that there is a difference, than have a manufacturer do it. The Monster Cable crud has me jaded.

Yeah, I'm currently going directly from the box to my tv as I've always done. But, like you, I'm curious as to how going dvi-hdmi would work out. I'd much rather have a one cable connection from receiver to tv, but not at the expense of quality. I would also like to have my SD upconverted, but I think I'm just expecting too much.;)

Well, I had issues with my connections at first and found out the following. Comcast box to component in and hdmi out to tv actually puts out 720p instead of 1080i. I knew my picture looked worse so I changed it to cable box component/optical into AVR and component out to tv which gives me 1080i and dolby etc.. The one thing I noticed now is to change my setings via receiver I have no osd unless I go to the 720p video input screen. I also don't get the volume or muting showing on the 1080i setting. The only thing that would help would be getting the comcast dvr box with hdmi and paying more I suppose.

As for playing music I found that turning off the audissey helped alot and I may start tweeking it manually next. I've had to make alot of adjustments with this new unit and hopefully will find the sweetspot soon.

Right, but has anyone confirmed that this really is the case? Is there a way for someone to really confirm that one cable versus another gives them this output. I won't believe anything I read as an advertisement of any cable. When someone here says "I have these two cables and one does this and the other does that, with the same settings."

There have been a couple of people here stating that they were getting these new cables. Has anyone confirmed that there truly is a difference? Just because the bandwidth went up, it doesn't mean that an old cable couldn't handle it. They could be right, in fact they probably are. I would just rather see a consumer state that there is a difference, than have a manufacturer do it. The Monster Cable crud has me jaded.

It may not be an issue under 3-4 feet. Above that you may want to look at the cat2 cert cables. Take a listen to the HT Guys Sept 7th show they discussed HDMI at length.

http://www.htguys.com/archive/2007/September07.html

Hey guys, I just got this receiver and a new sony XBR4. My problem is with Guitar Hero 2. It is almost perfect with the audio delay at 0ms, but I feel it really needs to be at about -20ms or -40ms. Does anyone have any suggestions on any settings that could help me? I have EQ turned off.

Right, but has anyone confirmed that this really is the case? Is there a way for someone to really confirm that one cable versus another gives them this output. I won't believe anything I read as an advertisement of any cable. When someone here says "I have these two cables and one does this and the other does that, with the same settings."

There have been a couple of people here stating that they were getting these new cables. Has anyone confirmed that there truly is a difference? Just because the bandwidth went up, it doesn't mean that an old cable couldn't handle it. They could be right, in fact they probably are. I would just rather see a consumer state that there is a difference, than have a manufacturer do it. The Monster Cable crud has me jaded.

At this point in time the features of HDMI 1.3 aren't really applicable. The quality level/features of Blu-Ray and HD-DVD systems don't/can't take advantage of them. So the point of buying those cables now (and, really, they're not much more than "regular" HDMI cables) is just to further future-proof your system.

Don't know if this willhelp anybody or if its even the lowest or if its old news. I haven't bought anything from one call for a few years so I'm not sure about their service.

just go to one calls website and look for the receiver... evidently the forums block the urls the way I am inputting them or this forum has an issue with that reseller..


there is a price drop when you put it in your cart and then there is another $25 off coupon right now.

Actually, One Call will match Van's and Amazon's price and free shipping. The difference is One Call ships FedEx 3-day, vs. Amazon's and Vann's ground. Plus, One Call will ship it that day. Plus, I got lucky, and I got my 705 in only two days instead of three, which was nice.

I use Amazon for most stuff. But, when it comes to major AV gear, I often use One Call.

(It's kind of bogus that this forum blocks One Call's name when spelled correctly, without the space. Are we not allowed to mention vendors that don't advertise here? Ridiculous.)

My understanding was that there used to be no player that pushed non-decoded bitstream data, but the 1.9 firmware update on the PS3 changed that and made it possible to send the bitstream content for it to be decoded on a receiver. I believe that it was confirmed by people trying to use that. Is that not true?

I have 1.9 firmware on ps3 and set it to bitsream output and I didn't get True HD/ DTS HD MA decoding or even a True HD/DTS HD MA logo light up under any of my DSP's.

However, on a experimental hunch (just to definitively say, yes this works..... or no it does...) I purchased a newer HDMI 1.3a cable I will be using it between my ps3 and receiver to see if its cable bandwidth related. That cable should be here this week. I will keep people informed here of course.

woots, mrgribbles sorry to jumped in but I have a few question about this harmony 880 I never have other remote before accepts those it comes with the unit itself.

my ? is can this remote (harmony) can control my Projector also? (hd1000u).

Thanks,
Peter

If you buy harmony 890 it is the RF version of the 880. So even if you projector is sealed away, up behind a ceiling mounted platform or behind you.. the RF will extend to any device without having to aim it in that direction. Logitech's online database of known remote products is truly amazing. The chances it already will know what you own is very good!

Even in the event it does not, the learning setup is very very easy with that software. You just select all the buttons you want to use, get your old remote aim it at the bottom, and it will automatical go through each command and you click that command on the original remote, it goes fast... so even if it doesn't know your remote it WILL work with any remote!

After all the devices it knew around my house, chances are very very good you will be fine and it will know it for you.

HMI/DVI vs component. All things being equal there should not be a detectable difference in either mode. However, all things are usually not equal and component connections are more susceptible to noise, gain (over and under), cable quality and a host of other things. Unless you want video processing in the AVR, take component straight from source to TV. Because its digital, HDMI/DVI shouldn't be affected by signal degradation. If it s passing the 1s and 0s, alls well.

There have been quite a few posts on DVI --> HDMI connections and especially handshake issues. In most cases I think the Moto box is the culprit but cables and quality also play a part. I agree with many HDMI savvy people that el cheapo cables are fine. My take is any cable will work unless it doesn't. I would never be surprised if a cable worked or didn't. Its a crap shoot. As far as 1.3a or b cables go, unless all devices in the path are 1.3 you don't need it and chances are your 1.1 cables will work fine even in a 1.3 setup. I bought some massive Monoprice cables, I mean massive. They work fine. The cable that does all the work, read from AVR to TV is a piece of junk that came with a DVD player I have. I think a piece of 14 ga speaker wire is bigger but it hasn't let me down yet, so it works until it doesn't.

When you go direct to the TV there are a few more buttons you have to push on the remote but for us Harmony 880 folks, no problem. In fact, if you really are big on PQ and you spend a bunch of time tuning in or calibrating your sources why would you want to use one TV input? You lose PQ settings for some components. I've been too busy trying to get things ironed out so I haven't spent much time adjusting PQ but when I do, I'll probably be going straight to the TV when I'm done.

My understanding was that there used to be no player that pushed non-decoded bitstream data, but the 1.9 firmware update on the PS3 changed that and made it possible to send the bitstream content for it to be decoded on a receiver. I believe that it was confirmed by people trying to use that. Is that not true?

is there anyone out there that has an updated ps3,know if this is true? do we also know if the new onkyos,705,etc.can process this? just because they say they will doesnt mean much to me. does anyone see dolby true hd light up on their receiver? would really like to know, thx.

When you go direct to the TV there are a few more buttons you have to push on the remote but for us Harmony 880 folks, no problem.

I've always gone straight into my display in the past, especially since a majority of my connections were analog and my receiver wasn't anything worth mentioning in the video processing department. But, while programming my Philips Pronto is something of a masochistic pleasure akin to self-flagellation, once it's set up, having a single cable into the display isn't something I've ever really thought about as a significant benefit.

In fact, if you really are big on PQ and you spend a bunch of time tuning in or calibrating your sources why would you want to use one TV input? You lose PQ settings for some components. I've been too busy trying to get things ironed out so I haven't spent much time adjusting PQ but when I do, I'll probably be going straight to the TV when I'm done.


Yeah, this is my current debate with myself as well. My new Sammie LCD and 705 should be arriving today, so messing around with every possible combination of inputs and outputs should take me roughly the rest of my life to get right.

is there anyone out there that has an updated ps3,know if this is true? do we also know if the new onkyos,705,etc.can process this? just because they say they will doesnt mean much to me. does anyone see dolby true hd light up on their receiver? would really like to know, thx.

I looked into the PS3 1.9 firmware thread and found nothing on Bitstreaming lossless. I don't think its happening. However, if anyone can do it please post.

I looked into the PS3 1.9 firmware thread and found nothing on Bitstreaming lossless. I don't think its happening. However, if anyone can do it please post.

No, the PS3 isn't sending raw bitstream for Dolby True HD or DTS-MA yet. PS3 does decode Dolby True HD internally and send multichannel PCM out, and it will send high resolution multichannel PCM for SACD, but no solution for DTS-MA yet.

If you buy harmony 890 it is the RF version of the 880. So even if you projector is sealed away, up behind a ceiling mounted platform or behind you.. the RF will extend to any device without having to aim it in that direction. Logitech's online database of known remote products is truly amazing. The chances it already will know what you own is very good!

Even in the event it does not, the learning setup is very very easy with that software. You just select all the buttons you want to use, get your old remote aim it at the bottom, and it will automatical go through each command and you click that command on the original remote, it goes fast... so even if it doesn't know your remote it WILL work with any remote!

After all the devices it knew around my house, chances are very very good you will be fine and it will know it for you.

Thanks woots I will check harmony 890.

HMI/DVI vs component. All things being equal there should not be a detectable difference in either mode. However, all things are usually not equal and component connections are more susceptible to noise, gain (over and under), cable quality and a host of other things. Unless you want video processing in the AVR, take component straight from source to TV. Because its digital, HDMI/DVI shouldn't be affected by signal degradation. If it s passing the 1s and 0s, alls well.

There have been quite a few posts on DVI --> HDMI connections and especially handshake issues. In most cases I think the Moto box is the culprit but cables and quality also play a part. I agree with many HDMI savvy people that el cheapo cables are fine. My take is any cable will work unless it doesn't. I would never be surprised if a cable worked or didn't. Its a crap shoot. As far as 1.3a or b cables go, unless all devices in the path are 1.3 you don't need it and chances are your 1.1 cables will work fine even in a 1.3 setup. I bought some massive Monoprice cables, I mean massive. They work fine. The cable that does all the work, read from AVR to TV is a piece of junk that came with a DVD player I have. I think a piece of 14 ga speaker wire is bigger but it hasn't let me down yet, so it works until it doesn't.

When you go direct to the TV there are a few more buttons you have to push on the remote but for us Harmony 880 folks, no problem. In fact, if you really are big on PQ and you spend a bunch of time tuning in or calibrating your sources why would you want to use one TV input? You lose PQ settings for some components. I've been too busy trying to get things ironed out so I haven't spent much time adjusting PQ but when I do, I'll probably be going straight to the TV when I'm done.


Thanks I think I will just keep it the way it is for now. But I may buy the hdmi to hdmi cable to get rid of the hdmi/dvi adapter. There is a about 29.00 bucks don't know if it is 28 or 26 awg is that good enough?

I looked into the PS3 1.9 firmware thread and found nothing on Bitstreaming lossless. I don't think its happening. However, if anyone can do it please post.

so we really dont know if are receivers will process this? i read someones post awhile back that said he was seeing his truehd light up, but im sure that was before update of ps3. from what everyone says that is not possible.thanks for your response. i am very interrested in knowing about blu-ray that will send this. how about hd-dvd does that? i thought i read post saying you had tosh. a2? didnt they get update for this recently?

We're checking every day for the update. Soon for the XA2. New gen BD and HD players will have this capability or so I read. BTW, I think the 705 won't have a problem decoding this once we can get it there.

It was probably my eyes & brain playing tricks on me; but when I changed my cables from Component to DVI with an older Comcast box (DVI only), it made some difference for the better in PQ. Your best bet would be to get a newer STB box (i have 3416 with HDMI) and just run a single HDMI (carrying both audio &video) from the STB to the receiver and then use HDMI ->DVI cable to your TV. You can call Comcast for their nearest office and just walk in to swap the box.

I think that is a better idea, is that a dvr moto box if it is I am going to spend 5 more bucks each month. Otherwise if it is just a newer model that is not a dvr that would be great I am going to comcast and check it out.

Thanks for giving the model number and advised.

We're checking every day for the update. Soon for the XA2. New gen BD and HD players will have this capability or so I read. BTW, I think the 705 won't have a problem decoding this once we can get it there.

This is going to be great when it happens. :)

I wasn't scared about the Hawks, they always start slow. They started to look better in the 2nd quarter. In general, there has been alot of sloppy football yesterday and tonight. Alot of injuries too.

I'm going for a new box tomorrow from Service Electric, I've used my current HDMI cables with both the Directv and HD-DVD player tonight. If I push on the cable while connected to the Moto box I can get a pic but as soon as I let it go it just goes out. I really think I have a bad port.

the way you described it, I think you have a bad port.

Does this have the same audio delay issues the 805 has?

Thanks I think I will just keep it the way it is for now. But I may buy the hdmi to hdmi cable to get rid of the hdmi/dvi adapter. There is a about 29.00 bucks don't know if it is 28 or 26 awg is that good enough?

26 or 28 is fine over short distances. It's only when you get into REALLY long cables (30-50 feet) that you need to go the extra mile and get 22 AWG cables.

has anyone here have a bluray player panny bd10a? I am curious if you guys
tried the 7.1 analog input of the 705 connected to 7.1 analog of the bd10a
I wonder how it will compare with hdmi input. (sounds wise)

Peter
*****************
HD A2
PANNY BD10A
ONKYO 705
POLK AUDIO RM7500
MITS HD1000U

I've got a 705 and a Mitsubishi WD65833 on the way to me right now. I have three devices that will plug in via HDMI (PS3, HDDVR, and PC) and three that will plug in via component (Wii, Xbox 360, and regular DVD player (side question: should I just dump the regular DVD player and use my PS3 for watching standard def DVDs? Does the upconversion do much for PQ?).

I know I'm going to run the three HDMI devices into my 705 and then just have one cable out to the TV. Since it's pure digital there should be no question of quality degradation there.

What I am wondering about is whether there's an added benefit to running my component devices straight to the TV and bypassing the receiver completely. The TV DOES have three component inputs, so I could do that. It's just the added annoyance of having to switch between so many TV inputs.

Has anyone tested connecting a component device through the receiver, then through the TV, and comparing PQ?

(And apologies: I'm sure this has come up somewhere in this thread before, but I'm working backwards and have only gotten to page 19 of the posts. There's a lot to digest here.)

Does this have the same audio delay issues the 805 has?

My 805 doesn't have any audio delay.

Try here for some info on audio delay. It apparently can be introduced at many places along the transmission/processing path. http://www.lipfix.com/technical_details.html
There may be sync issues with the signal before it even gets to your receiver or it may occur in your TV.

I've got a 705 and a Mitsubishi WD65833 on the way to me right now. I have three devices that will plug in via HDMI (PS3, HDDVR, and PC) and three that will plug in via component (Wii, Xbox 360, and regular DVD player (side question: should I just dump the regular DVD player and use my PS3 for watching standard def DVDs? Does the upconversion do much for PQ?).

I know I'm going to run the three HDMI devices into my 705 and then just have one cable out to the TV. Since it's pure digital there should be no question of quality degradation there.

What I am wondering about is whether there's an added benefit to running my component devices straight to the TV and bypassing the receiver completely. The TV DOES have three component inputs, so I could do that. It's just the added annoyance of having to switch between so many TV inputs.

Has anyone tested connecting a component device through the receiver, then through the TV, and comparing PQ?

(And apologies: I'm sure this has come up somewhere in this thread before, but I'm working backwards and have only gotten to page 19 of the posts. There's a lot to digest here.)

This was my curiousity also. I have my hd cable box connected to my Projector via component and now that I have the 705 I'd like to find out.
if you browse page 35 mrgribbles explain something about this.

26 or 28 is fine over short distances. It's only when you get into REALLY long cables (30-50 feet) that you need to go the extra mile and get 22 AWG cables.

I will need 25 ft because this will run through the ceiling from my PJ to 705.
so I will need to get 22 awg cables.

Thanks,

This was my curiousity also. I have my hd cable box connected to my Projector via component and now that I have the 705 I'd like to find out.
if you browse page 35 mrgribbles explain something about this.

Yeah, I saw his post, but he's speaking in the abstract about component as a format, and I'm wondering if anyone has actually physically done this with their 705 and tried to gauge the difference. I have well-shielded, short component cables (~6 ft.), so quality degradation in that sense shouldn't be an issue. I'm just wondering if something's getting lost along the way inside the receiver and in the video processing unit before it goes out to the TV.

Hey guys I have a few questions regarding heat. In the cabinet I have the 705 will be sitting on the bottom shelf, with a DVD player on the top shelf above it. There will be about 2" of clearance between the 705 and the DVD player. There are good sized ventilation holes on the bottom of the cabinet where the 705 will be sitting on top of. Will this be enough ventilation for the unit?

I was reading some posts over in a Microsoft forum and some people seem to be having problems with the XBOX 360 elite and Onkyo receivers. I have a 705 and was looking to get an elite in the near future. Does anyone here have an Elite with a 705 and have any problems over HDMI?

I'm currently having issue with a Pace HD DVR 775 box when I input it via HDMI to the Onkyo and then out to my Mits 55813 via HDMI-DVI cable. It works fine when the Onkyo is taken out of the equation. I believe the issue is with the Pace box though, I'm going back to get a new 6412 Moto box tomorrow.

I was reading some posts over in a Microsoft forum and some people seem to be having problems with the XBOX 360 elite and Onkyo receivers. I have a 705 and was looking to get an elite in the near future. Does anyone here have an Elite with a 705 and have any problems over HDMI?
i have an elite and a 605 and have no problems what so ever

Just purchased TX-SR705 receiver and love it except for 1 annoyance. When tuning Directv HR10-250 to new channel, repaying last 8 seconds or skipping ahead 30 seconds there is a 0-5 second delay in the sound after picture. This only happens with HD signals. My Yamaha HTR-5490 has no delay. Has anyone else experienced this? Do other brands/models do this?



Now on to your question. Change your audio settings on the Tivo. Settings - Audio - Digital Output - Dolby Digital to PCM is the setting I'm on. When it was on DD, I would get the delay in HD and not hear the reassuring Tivo beeps. Hope this helps you.

Sorry that this is a few pages behind, but, if you set the Tivo this way, then isn't it outputting 2.0 stereo and not 5.1 Dolby Digital?

Why is there a delay with this receiver but not my older Yamaha 995?

Perhaps a strange request at first glance, but I'd like to hook a computer up to my Onkyo 705 as one of the inputs.

I'm using a DVI->HDMI cable, but of course, using a DVI source I have to get my audio inputted via some other means.

When I have the HDMI tied to an input (DVD) it ignores the component audio input. How can I change that?

Thanks for any help!

i have an elite and a 605 and have no problems what so everI have the 705 and an Elite, using HMDI only (no optical). I've had zero issues since connecting them. My step-son brought his Xbox Add-on HD DVD drive over, and I hooked it up; and have watched several HD DVD's; again with no issues. The only issue I have with my PS3 is the popping some have discussed, and it is very mild and easily ignorred (by me); only happens at certain menu changes, and, again, is not startling loud by any means. The Elite, though, has never generated that type of issue at all (nor has my TiVo S3). And none of the 3 have ever had handshake issues.

I will need 25 ft because this will run through the ceiling from my PJ to 705.
so I will need to get 22 awg cables.

Thanks,I use the 24g 35ft HDMI cable from Monoprice. It works fine from my 705 to my Hitachi PJ. Their 25ft 24g is half the price of the 22g. I suggest you save that money for something else, and get the 24.

Considering getting the 705 to use as a pre/pro.

Please tell me what I shuold know that is NOT GOOD... any reason I might not want to get it. I'm mainly concerned with home theatre for usage. I see the good stuff but what to know what to expect that is not good. What issues and limitations?

I would try to read all 36 pages of this thread but I'm too darn busy at work.

thx!

Considering getting the 705 to use as a pre/pro.

Please tell me what I shuold know that is NOT GOOD... any reason I might not want to get it. I'm mainly concerned with home theatre for usage. I see the good stuff but what to know what to expect that is not good. What issues and limitations?

I would try to read all 36 pages of this thread but I'm too darn busy at work.

thx!

My list of (minor) complaints:

1) You can't choose between Flat, Audyssey and Front EQ curves like you can with other Audyssey MultEQ XT receivers. The 705 uses the Audyssey curve for non-THX modes and the Flat curve for THX modes, presumably so it isn't rolling off the highs twice. Minor complaint, but I'd prefer the option. At least in the THX modes, you can disable all high-end rolloff on a per-use basis by hitting the RE-EQ button.

2) It doesn't detect speaker size/crossover points worth a damn. It tells me my Polk RTi28s, which hit -3dB at 59Hz, are somehow magically full range speakers. My quickie recommendation: Look at your speaker's -3dB point, add 20Hz, set the crossover to that number.

3) It doesn't let you modify speaker size/crossover settings before EQ'ing. I haven't heard any detrimental effects from this, but other brands allow you to manually configure your speakers and still use the Audyssey EQ'ing.

4) Zone 2 output only passes analog sources. Not an issue for me, but hey... just putting it out there for those who care.

Other than those minor quibbles... Yeah, I got nothin'. This is by far the best receiver I've ever owned.

Sorry that this is a few pages behind, but, if you set the Tivo this way, then isn't it outputting 2.0 stereo and not 5.1 Dolby Digital?

Why is there a delay with this receiver but not my older Yamaha 995?

I don't know. Bob Pariseau seems to think so in this post in another thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10169926#post10169926). When I move to that setting, my DD light goes out but my DTS light comes on on the receiver. It's possible that it is 2 channel being processed into 5.1+ on the receiver.

I have no way of answering the second question.

Does this have the same audio delay issues the 805 has?

Do you mean the silent pause you get when you change channels or start DVR playback.. when connected purely through HDMI?
If so yes this unit has that issue too. (As verified by others on this thread and myself.)

Do you mean lip sync issues seem to worsen from "HDTV" playback...when connected purely through HDMI?
If so yes this unit has that issue too. (As verified by others on this thread and myself.)

Side notes:
- I get no lip sync issues with blu ray movie playback at all.

- Lip sync via hdmi over HDTV was an issue before I owned the onkyo, but i sense it things got a tad worse patching through the onkyo then when I had it plugged directly to the tv. Even still to this day, I get some HD channels (over HDMI) with no lip sync issues at all. I have a personal suspicion a lot of that is issue over how the show was created or how its being broadcast rather then the "1.2 hdmi" lip sync issue.

- Lastly, the silent pause while changing channels is short for me. This pause is about 1-2 seconds for me normally, while Some users here have reported up to 5 second lag. I have never seen that level of lag so it may be source hardware worsening the issue. I think the reason for the pause is the Onkyo is trying to figure out what the source audio format is, then applies the selected listening mode DSP to that audio, during that time it auto mutes until its all worked out inside the unit. (Further evidence of this is just watch the display go blank between channels during that silence.) The reason some other HDMI receivers wouldn't exhibit this issue, while this one does, is just a matter of how they are programmed/designed. The pause (which I am going to call auto-mute) may be deliberately designed to prevent DSP popping noises (or other fluctuations in DSP switching) that occurs unique to these Onkyo units.

Yeah, I saw his post, but he's speaking in the abstract about component as a format, and I'm wondering if anyone has actually physically done this with their 705 and tried to gauge the difference. I have well-shielded, short component cables (~6 ft.), so quality degradation in that sense shouldn't be an issue. I'm just wondering if something's getting lost along the way inside the receiver and in the video processing unit before it goes out to the TV.

I have component cables from my cable box to AVR and component out to TV. I also have HDMI out to TV.

Using the AVR as a component switch, component in & out, does show me some signal degradation. My colors are a bit washed. i haven't tried to attenuate the signal in the AVR because I don't use the component out solution so IOW, I haven't spent much time on this, I just set it up to answer another question some time back. Bottom line, I see some signal differences. i didn't test going straight to TV because I had done this in the past and determined that HDMI was a better option. I do recollect a bit of saturation difference.

Component in and HDMI out doesn't have the same washed colors effect and I do use that for selected SD programming. Since its SD I don't have a 1080i --> 720p problem.

The real kicker here is YMMV. The other thing is if I was going to operate in this fashion I would have spent the time and/or dollars to try and fix it. I wouldn't worry about TV adjustments for PQ because it would be a different input and my TV remembers settings per input. As you already know, analog can be just as good as digital, but there are a few more obstacles getting it on the screen correctly.

Sorry I couldn't be more help

Perhaps a strange request at first glance, but I'd like to hook a computer up to my Onkyo 705 as one of the inputs.

I'm using a DVI->HDMI cable, but of course, using a DVI source I have to get my audio inputted via some other means.

When I have the HDMI tied to an input (DVD) it ignores the component audio input. How can I change that?

Thanks for any help!

You have to 100% sure that the analog audio is plugged into the RCAs on the DVD in port. Go into setup and in the Digital setup for DVD make sure it reads "---". It will automatically assign HDMI as its source, so you have to manually remove it. Try it and let us know.

We're checking every day for the update. Soon for the XA2. New gen BD and HD players will have this capability or so I read. BTW, I think the 705 won't have a problem decoding this once we can get it there.


Word is the 3rd gen Toshiba HD-A35 do out in October will have HDMI passthrough audio. Will Toshiba release firmware updates on the 2nd gen players that will do HDMI passthrough audio?

OK, I have read this entire thread and have decided to go with the Onkyo 705. I need some clarification however. My setup will be the 705, an Onkyo DVD player, Onkyo speaker system, Panny 1080 HDMI plasma, and a Comcast Hi-Def cable box.

Will I be able to program the remote to control my entire setup?

What does this mean exactly...? "Zone 2 output only passes analog sources."

Should I be connecting each of these components with and HDMI cable?

I am a beginner with all of stuff. I am not a gamer, and will be using this system mainly for sports and movies. I just want something simple and solid with technology which will be relevant for a few years down the road.

Thanks!

Word is the 3rd gen Toshiba HD-A35 do out in October will have HDMI passthrough audio. Will Toshiba release firmware updates on the 2nd gen players that will do HDMI passthrough audio?

Industry insiders have been reassured that the XA2 will receive 24 fps video and bitstream pass through for lossless codecs direct to receiver. We expect the firmware update for 24 fps mid September and bitstreaming Sept or Oct depending on who's relating the story.

Shaggyfresh. I believe that with some effort, learning codes and what all, you will be able to control the basic functions of your system with the remote. Its a pretty powerful tool but I would not expect it to go beyond on/off, volume and channel changing. For more control look at the other more programmable type remotes, Harmony, etc.

I'd use HDMI unless you want to try and get some benefit from the Faroudja de-nterlacer for 480i source material.

Perhaps someone else can jump in for the Zone 2 question. I don't use it at this time.

[QUOTE=erikhustad;11591813] and regular DVD player (side question: should I just dump the regular DVD player and use my PS3 for watching standard def DVDs? Does the upconversion do much for PQ?).

i have a sammy bdp 1200,iuse this to play all cds,dvds, and bd. upconversion is awesome. it will do 1080p on standard dvd. i assume ps3 will do same. i cant think of any reason why you would need regular dvd player.like i said i dont have ps3, but huge following for ps3 on forum at blu-ray players,check it out




]

had this system for a month and here are my thoughts

my setup

TV: Samsung 4095 1080p

Source Components: XBOX elite w/ hd-dvd add on, PS3, HR20 Directv HD DVR...

Using only HDMI


So far for a month, this is by far the best sounding receiver i have had... the hdmi sources look great and the sound is awesome... i might soon change the add on for a Toshiba hd-dvd player (just for the extra ability for TRUE HD and also the highest ability for sound on the xbox can be through optical).... then my setup will be

ps3, hd dvr, toshiba via hdmi

xbox 360 elite via vga or hdmi to the tv....

I mainly mean a built-in audio delay that I've never experienced before in other receivers. It is only on the magnitude of about 70ms I guess. Basically, the video will play and then the audio will play, but there's no option for me to decrease the audio lag below 0ms or increase the video lag at all. This is most noticeable in games like Guitar Hero 2, but not too noticeable in movies.

Basically I can play perfectly by only watching the video with the audio on mute, but I cannot play by only listening to the audio with my eyes closed. Guitar Hero 2 of course has a lag calibration tool, but it does nothing to sync the audio and video. It only makes it so that you can play along to the audio. If I mute the TV, then I can no longer play along with the video anymore with the lag calibration enabled.

What I would really love to do is somehow delay the HDMI video or decrease the audio delay on the Onkyo 705 to even less. I have no clue how I could do that though.

had this system for a month and here are my thoughts

my setup

TV: Samsung 4095 1080p

Source Components: XBOX elite w/ hd-dvd add on, PS3, HR20 Directv HD DVR...

Using only HDMI

Do you have any noticeable audio delay that impacts games like Guitar Hero 2? I do, and I traced it back to my 705.

OK, I have read this entire thread and have decided to go with the Onkyo 705. I need some clarification however. My setup will be the 705, an Onkyo DVD player, Onkyo speaker system, Panny 1080 HDMI plasma, and a Comcast Hi-Def cable box.

Will I be able to program the remote to control my entire setup?

What does this mean exactly...? "Zone 2 output only passes analog sources."

Should I be connecting each of these components with and HDMI cable?

I am a beginner with all of stuff. I am not a gamer, and will be using this system mainly for sports and movies. I just want something simple and solid with technology which will be relevant for a few years down the road.

Thanks!

Shaggyfresh. I believe that with some effort, learning codes and what all, you will be able to control the basic functions of your system with the remote. Its a pretty powerful tool but I would not expect it to go beyond on/off, volume and channel changing. For more control look at the other more programmable type remotes, Harmony, etc
You can expect a lot more than just the basic functionality really, if you do need it. The onkyo remote can control every function oif my foxtel IQ (pace) cable box PVR, most functions worked just when i entered the pace code, and then i learned a few more buttons manually from the foxtel remote. It also controls my panasonic DVD player (once again a panasonic code gave me most buttons, then i learned some others like audio, AB repeat and so on). It controls my sony CRT TV (all i really use it for is on/off). It even fully controls my xbox 1 XBMC (by changing to VCR remote mode), by learning each command manually from the xbox remote. I also set up macro 1 to turn everything on and macro 3 to turn everything off.

OK yeah when the battery runs out any custom learned buttons get reset (doh) but it is still convenient for now to not need to find the other remote/s for that one thing you need to do to that device. It's still a bit clunky changing the remote modes and input channels etc, or getting used to where the buttons are now, but for an included remote its pretty capable! We still have our cable remote handy too, but all the other remotes have now been put in a drawer.

I plan to get a logitech harmony 1000 and RF module from the states when finances allow, but until then the onkyo 705 remote does more than a fine job to tide me over


Oh and the zone2 thing i havent tried it, but from reading the manual, basically only analogue sources can be sent to zone 2. I take this to mean nothing coming over HDMI, optical or coax, which seems it would make zone 2 useless for much else than radio, red+white RCA hooked up devices (CD player) or i guess multi-channel analogue audio too. Sounds like in the inner workings of the 705 the zone2 outputs must just tap into an analogue signal, and have no connection to the digital processing side of things. Just my rambling theories someone will correct me if im wrong im sure :)

had this system for a month and here are my thoughts

my setup

TV: Samsung 4095 1080p

Source Components: XBOX elite w/ hd-dvd add on, PS3, HR20 Directv HD DVR...

Using only HDMI


So far for a month, this is by far the best sounding receiver i have had... the hdmi sources look great and the sound is awesome... i might soon change the add on for a Toshiba hd-dvd player (just for the extra ability for TRUE HD and also the highest ability for sound on the xbox can be through optical).... then my setup will be

ps3, hd dvr, toshiba via hdmi

xbox 360 elite via vga or hdmi to the tv....

Thank you, its great to hear something positive. I'm in complete agreement with you on SQ. Although I wouldn't think there would have been a difference between the 705 and 605, there was for me. I won't call it night and day but just better. More detailed yet fuller sound. I just got through breaking in some new speakers so tonight we run the system up to reference levels. Can't wait.

You can expect a lot more than just the basic functionality really, if you do need it.

Thanks for the info. This is what I would like to do with the is remote:

1. Turn Plasma, cable box, DVD player, and reciever ON/OFF.
2. Control weather I am listening to radio, watching TV, listening to a CD, or watching a DVD.
3. Change channels on TV.
4. Control volume of surround speakers.

If I can do these things, I am happy. However I know NOTHING about programming a remote to interact with all components. Is this rocket surgery or will I be ble to figure it our via the manual?

With the "zone 2" issue, I guess what I was hoping was that I could run a pair of speakers to some other location in my house and just use that to play music via the DVD/CD player or radio (And NOT have to use the surround speakers at the same time). I'm still confused as to whether I can do this.

Thanks again everyone!

Thanks for the info. This is what I would like to do with the is remote:

1. Turn Plasma, cable box, DVD player, and reciever ON/OFF.
2. Control weather I am listening to radio, watching TV, listening to a CD, or watching a DVD.
3. Change channels on TV.
4. Control volume of surround speakers.

If I can do these things, I am happy. However I know NOTHING about programming a remote to interact with all components. Is this rocket surgery or will I be ble to figure it our via the manual?

With the "zone 2" issue, I guess what I was hoping was that I could run a pair of speakers to some other location in my house and just use that to play music via the DVD/CD player or radio (And NOT have to use the surround speakers at the same time). I'm still confused as to whether I can do this.

Thanks again everyone!
programming is pretty straight forward and all covered in the manual. You can download the manual in PDF form and check it all out if you so desire. Just make sure if you have to learn commands from a remote that you make sure it's batteries are good. I spent ages with the xbox remote the commands just weren't learning properly. I then realised it was not controlling the xbox all that well either. Fresh batteries in, and it learned every button first go... an hour of my life wasted hehe

and yeah zone 2 is a separate pair of speakers, out on your deck or in another room etc. You can have the radio or listen to a CD (plugged into an analogue input) on those speakers, while the main room is watching something else. But you wont be able to do this with digital sources connected through HDMI or using optical or coax digital connections (DVD player, older cable box), which most of us usually do have as we like to hook things up with the best possible connections etc. It might be possible for your dvd player to output audio via digital as well as analogue, and hook it up with both ways, then you could have the analogue DVD sound in zone 2 as well if you wanted.

I have to admit even though I personally love this receiver and think it sounds amazing and works very good... this audio sync issue is starting to look like the primary negative of this receiver. I myself am getting slightly annoyed by the increased lip sync lag I get on my TV (that was worsened since patching through this receiver over hdmi). However, now that xbox gamers are starting to pinpoint the receiver as a device that introduces hdmi audio lag as an issue its the kind of thing that starts to give a product a bad name. It tends to snowball with one bad review after another on every commentary site on the net.

So, I have some questions for any and all long term Onkyo owners (you owned onkyo receivers in the past before these newer models).

How good is Onkyo with addressing public outcry issues? Or, do they just try to bury and ignore the issue and make future model corrections like Sony does? (I have already been stung once like this with my 52" Sony Bravia xbr3.. with clouding issues)

Does Onkyo release firmware to correct receiver problems?

Final thought:
Some people are more willing then others to ignore product shortcomings so I am sure I am getting strange looks with this lil commentary above. I myself tolerated my LCD's shortcoming despite the fact I dropped entirely too much coin on it. The price of this receiver certainly doesn't demand precision performance... I am just curious how Onkyo handles issues like this, historically speaking.

Shaggyfresh. I believe that with some effort, learning codes and what all, you will be able to control the basic functions of your system with the remote. Its a pretty powerful tool but I would not expect it to go beyond on/off, volume and channel changing. For more control look at the other more programmable type remotes, Harmony, etc.



If the remote is similar to the 805 (and I think it is), it can learn ANYTHING from another IR remote using the individual button learning capability. It does not distinguish between basic or complex functions.

I can use the 805 remote (and I do) to control any and all functions of all my other components (projector, cable box, DVD player, room lights ,etc.). I dont' see why the 705 remote would be different, if it has the capacity to learn from other remotes.

It might be possible for your dvd player to output audio via digital as well as analogue, and hook it up with both ways, then you could have the analogue DVD sound in zone 2 as well if you wanted.

That leads me to my next question: So, if I hook my DVD player to my receiver using both HDMI as well as analogue cables (simulataneously), Can I then put in a music CD and pump music through the zone 2 speakers.

Also, this lip-synch thing is starting to bother me as well. I'm not a gamer so no concern about lag there, but will I notice this while watching TV or DVD's? That could be a major problem and I am very surprised that something like this would not be detected PRIOR to the release of the 705.

Thanks everyone!

I have to admit even though I personally love this receiver and think it sounds amazing and works very good... this audio sync issue is starting to look like the primary negative of this receiver. I myself am getting slightly annoyed by the increased lip sync lag I get on my TV (that was worsened since patching through this receiver over hdmi). However, now that xbox gamers are starting to pinpoint the receiver as a device that introduces hdmi audio lag as an issue its the kind of thing that starts to give a product a bad name. It tends to snowball with one bad review after another on every commentary site on the net.

So, I have some questions for any and all long term Onkyo owners (you owned onkyo receivers in the past before these newer models).

How good is Onkyo with addressing public outcry issues? Or, do they just try to bury and ignore the issue and make future model corrections like Sony does? (I have already been stung once like this with my 52" Sony Bravia xbr3.. with clouding issues)

Does Onkyo release firmware to correct receiver problems?

Final thought:
Some people are more willing then others to ignore product shortcomings so I am sure I am getting strange looks with this lil commentary above. I myself tolerated my LCD's shortcoming despite the fact I dropped entirely too much coin on it. The price of this receiver certainly doesn't demand precision performance... I am just curious how Onkyo handles issues like this, historically speaking.

Woots, I couldn't agree with you more. With my LCD, I can ignore some issues because once I set everything up correctly, it didn't really impact me. But with my Onkyo 705, I am having the same exact lag problems you are describing. I would love the ability to delay the video right now (or get rid of the annoying audio delay). This is not something I can really tolerate because it impacts my gaming experience. For movies it is fine, but so far I've only tried standard def through my Xbox 360.

I haven't tried some of the workarounds people have suggested such as going in through the multichannel input or whatever.

Also, this lip-synch thing is starting to bother me as well. I'm not a gamer so no concern about lag there, but will I notice this while watching TV or DVD's? That could be a major problem and I am very surprised that something like this would not be detected PRIOR to the release of the 705.

Personally, I haven't noticed it when watching TV or movies...only games in which timing is key. I have heard about people complaining about certain HDTV channels, but it seems to be more of a problem with the channel or cable box rather than the receiver. The game lag is a problem with the receiver when using HDMI. I'm not sure about other forms of digital audio though. But what I do know is that multichannel audio input does not suffer this same type of lag, so some people have been hooking their XBox 360s into a DVD player that has the multichannel output, then hooking it into the receiver. It is interesting that the lag associated with this is less than the lag associated with simply going through the receiver's digital audio inputs.

well given the posts by an onkyo rep on UK forums regarding PS3 popping issues on some models (eg 805), saying they are working on a firmware update for that (eventhough it is an issue with only the PS3, and sony really do have something they should fix in a firmware update too). So it would seem hopefully that they would also investigate and hopefully fix this lip synch issue, provided they are aware of it and can reproduce it etc... Have you collected any data or just general idea as to how many people, and with which model, are experiencing lip synch probs?

well given the posts by an onkyo rep on UK forums regarding PS3 popping issues on some models (eg 805), saying they are working on a firmware update for that (eventhough it is an issue with only the PS3, and sony really do have something they should fix in a firmware update too). So it would seem hopefully that they would also investigate and hopefully fix this lip synch issue, provided they are aware of it and can reproduce it etc... Have you collected any data or just general idea as to how many people, and with which model, are experiencing lip synch probs?

I've been trying. It seems to mostly affect 805 users, but it seems it does affect 705 users too. The problem is that the audio comes after the video, so there's no way to sync it because you can only increase the audio delay more.

One test that some have been doing is plugging in a microphone and seeing what the delay is. It has been reported that it is 46-70ms of delay which is higher than what standard digital audio processing should be.

Here's the 805 about this issue:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=875039

My list of (minor) complaints:

1) You can't choose between Flat, Audyssey and Front EQ curves like you can with other Audyssey MultEQ XT receivers. The 705 uses the Audyssey curve for non-THX modes and the Flat curve for THX modes, presumably so it isn't rolling off the highs twice. Minor complaint, but I'd prefer the option. At least in the THX modes, you can disable all high-end rolloff on a per-use basis by hitting the RE-EQ button.

2) It doesn't detect speaker size/crossover points worth a damn. It tells me my Polk RTi28s, which hit -3dB at 59Hz, are somehow magically full range speakers. My quickie recommendation: Look at your speaker's -3dB point, add 20Hz, set the crossover to that number.

3) It doesn't let you modify speaker size/crossover settings before EQ'ing. I haven't heard any detrimental effects from this, but other brands allow you to manually configure your speakers and still use the Audyssey EQ'ing.

4) Zone 2 output only passes analog sources. Not an issue for me, but hey... just putting it out there for those who care.

Other than those minor quibbles... Yeah, I got nothin'. This is by far the best receiver I've ever owned.

Thank you for the feedback. I may skip this then ,eve though it is only a bit over $600, I may just spend the extra $ and get something a bit more capable.

1) You can't choose between Flat, Audyssey and Front EQ curves like you can with other Audyssey MultEQ XT receivers. The 705 uses the Audyssey curve for non-THX modes and the Flat curve for THX modes, presumably so it isn't rolling off the highs twice. Minor complaint, but I'd prefer the option. At least in the THX modes, you can disable all high-end rolloff on a per-use basis by hitting the RE-EQ button.That's not a big deal to me at all.2) It doesn't detect speaker size/crossover points worth a damn. It tells me my Polk RTi28s, which hit -3dB at 59Hz, are somehow magically full range speakers. My quickie recommendation: Look at your speaker's -3dB point, add 20Hz, set the crossover to that number.Agreed, mine tells me my bookshelves are full range as well. I manually set them where I wanted them.3) It doesn't let you modify speaker size/crossover settings before EQ'ing. I haven't heard any detrimental effects from this, but other brands allow you to manually configure your speakers and still use the Audyssey EQ'ing.This is probably my only complaint. I wish they would let you manually set crossovers, then run the eq. Don't know why that isn't offered. Is this done differently in other receivers?

4) Zone 2 output only passes analog sources. Not an issue for me, but hey... just putting it out there for those who care.Don't use second zone, so I don't care about that.

Other than those minor quibbles... Yeah, I got nothin'. This is by far the best receiver I've ever owned.Agreed. Other than 4 HDMI inputs would have been nice :p.

That's not a big deal to me at all.
Yeah, me either. I mean, I wish I could select my own curve just to have the option... but I really like the sound the Audyssey curve has in my room, especially with music. It rolls off the highs, but I'm not getting any lack of detail with brighter-sounding instruments, so I'm good. In fact, horns and stringed instruments sound better than they ever did with my 604.

This is probably my only complaint. I wish they would let you manually set crossovers, then run the eq. Don't know why that isn't offered. Is this done differently in other receivers?
From my understanding, the Denons let you manually override speaker size/crossover after the first seating position is mic'd. You would think that changing crossover points after calibration would really throw off the EQ'ing on the Onkyo, but for kicks I tried some bass sweeps with different crossover settings and I'm not seeing any massive differences in response. Not really seeing any phase cancellation when I change crossover points either. In fact, I saw a little bit better response when I set my RTi70s to 60Hz, so I left it there.

Audyssey has acknowledged that Onkyo's detection of Large speakers is a bit too high (i.e. any speaker that can go deeper than about 60Hz gets detected as Full Range). Since the 705 is firmware upgradeable via CD, I hope they address this in the software at some point. Either way, it isn't a dealbreaker, since you just adjust based on your speakers' actual capabilities.

I use the 24g 35ft HDMI cable from Monoprice. It works fine from my 705 to my Hitachi PJ. Their 25ft 24g is half the price of the 22g. I suggest you save that money for something else, and get the 24.

Thanks I will do that.

Peter

Now I would like to set aside the cable connections, calibration things like that.
I have to say that this receiver beats all my previous avr, first this thing is loud my wife noticed it too that's why she now have the control with the remote :D. Before with my previous avr my wife dont complain at all. I am really glad I bought this one instead of the 605 nothing against the 605 but for extra hdmi input, thx modes spending more more money was worth it. Besides I don't want to lose the THX because my old onkyo has thx mode. Overall I am very satisfied for this purchased. Much more satisfied when the price went down to 54x.xx last week. Thanks again for posting and sharing the copy of the webpage from CC.

i did have a 605 and it popped, and popped...to me there is no comparison i have 7.2 set-up. 605 wont do 7.2. i really enjoy thx neural 7.1. i dont know if its the extra 10 wt.per channel, but there does seem to be a huge difference,in sound between the 2. this receiver works like a dream for me couldnt be happerier. just wish my blu-ray was sending truehd bitstream. i wonder how much of a difference that will make? any thoughts on this?

i did have a 605 and it popped, and popped...to me there is no comparison i have 7.2 set-up. 605 wont do 7.2. i really enjoy thx neural 7.1. i dont know if its the extra 10 wt.per channel, but there does seem to be a huge difference,in sound between the 2. this receiver works like a dream for me couldnt be happerier. just wish my blu-ray was sending truehd bitstream. i wonder how much of a difference that will make? any thoughts on this?

I guess it all depends on how accurate your hearing is and how critical of a listener you are. I spent years as a club DJ with 90+ DB music playing for hours on end, turning up my headphones way beyond that for mixing purposes didn't help either.

I love the sound of my 705 and i'm sure the TrueHD bitstream will make things a little more dynamic and possibly enhance the surround effects. But will you REALLY hear that much of a difference? Time will tell.

I just talked to Eric at Onkyo, and he said he's heard reports of the 805 having an audio delay problem but I was the first who has reported a 705 audio delay problem. He said the units are both new, so no firmware updates are planned yet. He suggested that I get a new 705 because my unit could be defective.

So, if any of you have a 705 audio delay problem (for me, in specific, it shows itself playing Guitar Hero 2 on the XBox 260 via HDMI), you should contact Onkyo via telephone or just send them a message through their website.

I just talked to Eric at Onkyo, and he said he's heard reports of the 805 having an audio delay problem but I was the first who has reported a 705 audio delay problem. He said the units are both new, so no firmware updates are planned yet. He suggested that I get a new 705 because my unit could be defective.

So, if any of you have a 705 audio delay problem (for me, in specific, it shows itself playing Guitar Hero 2 on the XBox 260 via HDMI), you should contact Onkyo via telephone or just send them a message through their website.

I think the problem is you are trying to play GH 2 on the 260, but it is designed for the 360. :D

Sorry...I couldn't help myself.

:D Lol

I just talked to Eric at Onkyo, and he said he's heard reports of the 805 having an audio delay problem but I was the first who has reported a 705 audio delay problem. He said the units are both new, so no firmware updates are planned yet. He suggested that I get a new 705 because my unit could be defective.

So, if any of you have a 705 audio delay problem (for me, in specific, it shows itself playing Guitar Hero 2 on the XBox 260 via HDMI), you should contact Onkyo via telephone or just send them a message through their website.

I guess I need to throw in GH and give it a shot tonight. I haven't played in a couple months so it will be hard to tell if it's just rust or the player making me bad. I'll let you know the results.

One caveat though, I don't have the Elite, so it's component to HDMI, wonder if that makes a difference?

I just purchased a Panasonic TH-58pz700u plasma and am looking to upgrade the receiver and DVD player.

I've pretty much settled on the Onkyo 705, but am trying to determine what DVD player. I'm looking at the new Toshiba A30 and A35 DVD players. I read in a message that the A35 has some audio passthrough.

What would be the benefit of the A35 over the A30 when hooking it up to a Onkyo 705? What would you do?

I have component cables from my cable box to AVR and component out to TV. I also have HDMI out to TV.

Using the AVR as a component switch, component in & out, does show me some signal degradation. My colors are a bit washed. i haven't tried to attenuate the signal in the AVR because I don't use the component out solution so IOW, I haven't spent much time on this, I just set it up to answer another question some time back. Bottom line, I see some signal differences. i didn't test going straight to TV because I had done this in the past and determined that HDMI was a better option. I do recollect a bit of saturation difference.

Component in and HDMI out doesn't have the same washed colors effect and I do use that for selected SD programming. Since its SD I don't have a 1080i --> 720p problem.

The real kicker here is YMMV. The other thing is if I was going to operate in this fashion I would have spent the time and/or dollars to try and fix it. I wouldn't worry about TV adjustments for PQ because it would be a different input and my TV remembers settings per input. As you already know, analog can be just as good as digital, but there are a few more obstacles getting it on the screen correctly.

Sorry I couldn't be more help

Thanks for the feedback, mrgribbles. This is definitely helpful.

So, to clarify for myself because I remember random posts about this but I wasn't getting the big picture: if you have component devices plugged into the 705, and then use the HDMI output instead of a component output, it's going to convert everything to 720p before it pushes it out to the TV? And this is somehow related to the "secret menu"?

Of the three devices I was going to use over component, my Xbox 360 is 720p, my Wii is 480p, and my standard-def DVD player is 480p, so if it sends everything as 720p that isn't really an issue for me, I don't think. Do any of you guys see any reason why that would be bad?

If there's no detriment there then that's excellent because I can just have the one HDMI cable going to my TV and never have to change the input on my TV. That'd be swell.

Does Onkyo release firmware to correct receiver problems?

He said the units are both new, so no firmware updates are planned yet.
If and when these FW updates become available, are they user upgradable, like through the serial port or something? Or, do we have to bring the receiver into the shop?

If and when these FW updates become available, are they user upgradable, like through the serial port or something? Or, do we have to bring the receiver into the shop?

Updates are done by burning a CD that you put in your DVD/CD player, but you have to have it connected digitally (i.e. coax, optical or HDMI) to the 705 for it to work. That's about it. We'll see how it works out when they eventually update the thing.

In Europe and Hong Kong, you have to bring the set into the shop. I would expect the same here in the States unless someone leaks the software.

In preparation to buy a new DLP TV and a new receiver (I went with the Mitsubishi WD65833 for the set and the 705 for my receiver), I made an account here on AVS Forum and have been voraciously digesting all of the posts about those products for about a month now.

What strikes me though is the amount of redundancy there is in topics being covered. There are so may thread pages that it's easy for the same question to come up again and again, as most people won't want to put the effort into reading 1000+ posts (and this receiver's only been out for, what, 3 months?).

It seems like the much smarter idea would be to start a hardware wiki that would be editable by all and we could formalize instructions/explanations for all of the issues that keeping coming up here.

For one example (that I'm currently trying to understand): what is the 705 "secret menu"? How do I access it? What settings can I set there?

There could be a section on pros and cons of HDMI output vs. component, the popping issues, the audio delay issues, etc. All refined down to a cohesive, all-inclusive explanation by everyone who uses this thread. And then the same questions wouldn't have to be addressed every week or so when someone new joins.

Do you guys like this idea? Is it something you would contribute to? I think if there was enough participation it could be the ultimate user manual. Does anyone know if anything like this already exists?

Updates are done by burning a CD that you put in your DVD/CD player, but you have to have it connected digitally (i.e. coax, optical or HDMI) to the 705 for it to work. That's about it. We'll see how it works out when they eventually update the thing.

Sounds easy. I hope they start working on it soon. The audio delay is a little annoying.

A simple test for anybody wondering whether they have a sync issue is to plug the video and analog audio directly into your display, and the digital audio into your 705. Then, turn the volume up on both. In my case, it is impossible to sync up the sound between the two. (At least it is with system, using the HDMI audio in. I haven't checked the optical/coaxial yet.)

Also, the Audessey implementation isn't very good. I get a much better sound with flat (off)EQ, or slight manual changes.

In Europe and Hong Kong, you have to bring the set into the shop. I would expect the same here in the States unless someone leaks the software.I hope Jeremy is right, and you are wrong.

Thanks for the feedback, mrgribbles. This is definitely helpful.

So, to clarify for myself because I remember random posts about this but I wasn't getting the big picture: if you have component devices plugged into the 705, and then use the HDMI output instead of a component output, it's going to convert everything to 720p before it pushes it out to the TV? And this is somehow related to the "secret menu"?

Of the three devices I was going to use over component, my Xbox 360 is 720p, my Wii is 480p, and my standard-def DVD player is 480p, so if it sends everything as 720p that isn't really an issue for me, I don't think. Do any of you guys see any reason why that would be bad?

If there's no detriment there then that's excellent because I can just have the one HDMI cable going to my TV and never have to change the input on my TV. That'd be swell.

I think at 720p you're good to go. By default the hidden menu is set to auto so 480 sources would go out at 480p. Higher input would be 720p. You can use the menu to force all component to HDMI output to 720p.

I just purchased a Panasonic TH-58pz700u plasma and am looking to upgrade the receiver and DVD player.

I've pretty much settled on the Onkyo 705, but am trying to determine what DVD player. I'm looking at the new Toshiba A30 and A35 DVD players. I read in a message that the A35 has some audio passthrough.

What would be the benefit of the A35 over the A30 when hooking it up to a Onkyo 705? What would you do?

Robert at Value Electronics has put up data sheets on the A3, 30 & 35. My take is that the A35 has 24fps + bitstream audio for DTS HD MA and DD THD for your 705 to decode. Look up in the HD DVD thread and somewhere in the 3rd Gen HD DVD players will be a link to the Value Electronics site including special pre-release sale offerings.

garypen, I hope Jeremy is right too.

In preparation to buy a new DLP TV and a new receiver (I went with the Mitsubishi WD65833 for the set and the 705 for my receiver), I made an account here on AVS Forum and have been voraciously digesting all of the posts about those products for about a month now.

What strikes me though is the amount of redundancy there is in topics being covered. There are so may thread pages that it's easy for the same question to come up again and again, as most people won't want to put the effort into reading 1000+ posts (and this receiver's only been out for, what, 3 months?).

It seems like the much smarter idea would be to start a hardware wiki that would be editable by all and we could formalize instructions/explanations for all of the issues that keeping coming up here.

For one example (that I'm currently trying to understand): what is the 705 "secret menu"? How do I access it? What settings can I set there?

There could be a section on pros and cons of HDMI output vs. component, the popping issues, the audio delay issues, etc. All refined down to a cohesive, all-inclusive explanation by everyone who uses this thread. And then the same questions wouldn't have to be addressed every week or so when someone new joins.

Do you guys like this idea? Is it something you would contribute to? I think if there was enough participation it could be the ultimate user manual. Does anyone know if anything like this already exists?

Erik, in a well-run "official" thread, the thread starter/owner is *supposed* to add definitive information and maintain a summary of unresolved issues on the first post of the thread, thereby acting a bit like a wiki but controlled to reduce sprawl. Unfortunately, that first-post summarizing doesn't appear to be happening here.

Hey just FYI, I had posted a couple of days ago about my Moto 6412 not being able to display over HDMI and I had thought the HDMI port on the Moto had failed. Well when I returned the box to the Cable co. they issued me a Pace 775 instead, I took it home and it would not display over the Onkyo but would display if I went straight to my TV. I returned it and asked for another Moto box and got a 6416 tonight. Hooked it up and am good to go! A pain is the a$$ but it all worked out in the end:)

Here's my problem with Onkyo -- it may not be a fair point of view because I'm new at this. Every time I think I'm sold on a version of the Onkyo receiver, another issue is reported here. It doesn't seem to matter what model. 605? Pops. Pops. Pops. 705? Audio delays. Lip sync issues.

And everybody seems to be waiting on yet another Firmware update.

Am I missing something? I'm getting the idea that Onkyo units would be great buys "if they didn't have these annoying issues". Is anyone actually using a 605 or 705 and enjoying them?

Of all the receivers in a modest price range (below $1,000), are there specific ones that people report the LEAST problems with?

Is anyone actually using a 605 or 705 and enjoying them?

Sure...all the people NOT posting here. :D:p

I think at 720p you're good to go. By default the hidden menu is set to auto so 480 sources would go out at 480p. Higher input would be 720p. You can use the menu to force all component to HDMI output to 720p.

Thanks again for following up. Just to close this point out and completely beat it into the ground: am I going to gain anything by forcing those 480p sources to upconvert to 720p? Have you tried this with standard def stuff and noticed an obvious uptick in quality?

I'm kind of skeptical about the whole "upconversion" concept in general - seems too much like "digital zoom" on your digital camera where it's basically just zooming in the picture while not adding any detail.

Erik, in a well-run "official" thread, the thread starter/owner is *supposed* to add definitive information and maintain a summary of unresolved issues on the first post of the thread, thereby acting a bit like a wiki but controlled to reduce sprawl. Unfortunately, that first-post summarizing doesn't appear to be happening here.

Thanks for the explanation. I just checked my Mitsubishi thread and they're not revising the initial post either. Guess I'm just subscribed to two threads with really lazy owners. :-)

I still think an entire website devoted to nothing but hardware wikis, which would be searchable and indexable by device type, manufacturer, and model number would be amazing. What if I buy something used a couple of years from now, want to know all about it, and the thread for that device is completely buried at that point. It'd be great to have a legacy page that explained it all.

I'm just sayin'....

Thanks again for following up. Just to close this point out and completely beat it into the ground: am I going to gain anything by forcing those 480p sources to upconvert to 720p? Have you tried this with standard def stuff and noticed an obvious uptick in quality?

I'm kind of skeptical about the whole "upconversion" concept in general - seems too much like "digital zoom" on your digital camera where it's basically just zooming in the picture while not adding any detail.

I'll get flamed for saying this but much SD material in my XA2 comes close to HD, especially superbit flicks like The Last Element. I would agree that the fill in data has to be created somehow but there's intelligence in some of those algorithms. Alas, it won't be that good in the 705. It doesn't have the Reon. All that said, yes, I think you'll find some improvement. I have fooled with the hidden menu settings and when I get a better picture I'm going up from cable 480i to 720p out of the 705 and there oftentimes is a noticeable improvement

Here's my problem with Onkyo -- it may not be a fair point of view because I'm new at this. Every time I think I'm sold on a version of the Onkyo receiver, another issue is reported here. It doesn't seem to matter what model. 605? Pops. Pops. Pops. 705? Audio delays. Lip sync issues.

And everybody seems to be waiting on yet another Firmware update.

Am I missing something? I'm getting the idea that Onkyo units would be great buys "if they didn't have these annoying issues". Is anyone actually using a 605 or 705 and enjoying them?

Of all the receivers in a modest price range (below $1,000), are there specific ones that people report the LEAST problems with?

Actually I feel that the 705 has distinguished itself as the Onk model with the least probs. For AVRs with less probs, look for the threads with the least # of posts. I probably add as much hot air in this thread as anyone and I really love this receiver. I'm not holding my breath for firmware updates. They are sure out there as each batch seems to have later release #s but I don't see it happening unless a lot of pressure is placed on tech support and the engineers.

I've also come to enjoy this receiver. I just read the thread to pick up on issues or tricks and maybe add some insight.

Back to the 705's remote... I think its great. I'm not doing anything serious, but it controls my Dish Network box's guide, channel, menus, pretty much everything (anything it didn't do, I "taught" it); it also controls the regular Xbox DVD attachment, and my TV. I don't need anything more.

As far as the upconversion... I've commented on this before and with my Xbox and my Wii (both input via component), it outputs via HDMI in a 4:3 aspect ratio when I let it upconvert to 720p. Does it do the same for SD channels? I guess it doesn't make a difference, especially when TVs can stretch these days.

I've left the upconversion to "AUTO" to maintain the aspect ratios during gameplay. If anyone has figured out a way around this, I'm definitely curious.

That's the only thing I don't like about this unit... the upconversion/aspect ratio, but its definitely tolerable.

I have 1.9 firmware on ps3 and set it to bitsream output and I didn't get True HD/ DTS HD MA decoding or even a True HD/DTS HD MA logo light up under any of my DSP's.

However, on a experimental hunch (just to definitively say, yes this works..... or no it does...) I purchased a newer HDMI 1.3a cable I will be using it between my ps3 and receiver to see if its cable bandwidth related. That cable should be here this week. I will keep people informed here of course.

I will be looking to hear what happens. Please let me know. That is the kind of with cable / without cable info that I would really want to hear.

I am leaving for California for 3 months. I am leaving behind my 705 receiver and my PS3. That will be a bummer.

On the good side, I will be getting a nice big pay increase for these 3 months. So, I will be returning my cheaper LN-T4042H because I only had a small amount of money to spend. When I get back, I will be able to spend quite a bit more. So, that means I will be able to get what I really want - either the Samsung 4072 or the Sony 40XBR4. I wish Samsung would make a 4082, but it doesn't look like it from their site. Other sites talk about a 4082, but Samsung doesn't list it.

I will still have access to this site, so I will have to live vicariously through you guys. So, enjoy your 705's... my 705 will probably never speak to me again :)

Personally, I haven't noticed it when watching TV or movies...only games in which timing is key. I have heard about people complaining about certain HDTV channels, but it seems to be more of a problem with the channel or cable box rather than the receiver. The game lag is a problem with the receiver when using HDMI. I'm not sure about other forms of digital audio though. But what I do know is that multichannel audio input does not suffer this same type of lag, so some people have been hooking their XBox 360s into a DVD player that has the multichannel output, then hooking it into the receiver. It is interesting that the lag associated with this is less than the lag associated with simply going through the receiver's digital audio inputs.

Today is the first time I have ever had a lipsync issue while watching a TV show. Before this, I have never had it happen with any source. Not sure if people are all experiencing this, or if it is spotty. I don't have lipsyncing checked because I have never had a reason to need it. I don't know if that will help.

I just played some Guitar Hero (component video and optical audio into the 705, HDMI out) and did not notice any lag whatsoever. In fact, it somehow seems to be more accurate than it was connected directly to the TV (Samsung DLP).

I've had a minor lip synch issue with SD on my TV since I got it, and it doesn't really seem to be either improved or worsened with the receiver. Just my impressions.

I noticed today that if the HDMI monitor is selected as "Yes", HDMI audio does not play unless the monitor is on. This means that if I want to play a CD/SACD/DVD-A on the Oppo 981HD, either the monitor has to be switched on (in my case this is a projector, which is why this is so irritating), or the HDMI monitor has to be set to "No". I am not looking forward to the conversation with my wife: "If you want to listen to a CD all you have to do is go into Setup - Input/Output assign - Monitor Out and deselect HDMI Monitor. And remember to change it back if you want to watch a DVD."

I suppose I could connect the SPDIF for CDs, but still.

Here's my problem with Onkyo -- it may not be a fair point of view because I'm new at this. Every time I think I'm sold on a version of the Onkyo receiver, another issue is reported here. It doesn't seem to matter what model. 605? Pops. Pops. Pops. 705? Audio delays. Lip sync issues.

And everybody seems to be waiting on yet another Firmware update.

Am I missing something? I'm getting the idea that Onkyo units would be great buys "if they didn't have these annoying issues". Is anyone actually using a 605 or 705 and enjoying them?

Of all the receivers in a modest price range (below $1,000), are there specific ones that people report the LEAST problems with?i havent had any problems with my 705, except that i dont want to turn it off. im afraid i might wear it out. im not a gamer so i dont know of lip sync issues. just movies and music. have watched more movies in past 2 mnts., then ive watched in three years. need to get on a rental plan, rental fees are becoming exessive.

My list of (minor) complaints:


2) It doesn't detect speaker size/crossover points worth a damn. It tells me my Polk RTi28s, which hit -3dB at 59Hz, are somehow magically full range speakers. My quickie recommendation: Look at your speaker's -3dB point, add 20Hz, set the crossover to that number..

I'm wondering if this is a feature and not a bug. My reasoning is as follows. In a typical receiver, if the fronts are set as Large/Full Range, no bass management is applied to these channels and the sub only receives the LFE signal. This is not the case here where Audyssey sets the speakers as Full Range" with "Double Bass" as it did in my case. Here bass management IS being applied even to the channels that are set as "Full Range". It is possible that the falloff in bass response as determined during Audyssey measurements (say below 60Hz) is bass managed and compensated for by the sub.

I tested my theory using the Brothers in Arms SACD, using Track 6 (Ride Across the River) which has a clear drum track in the left rear channel. The decay following each drumbeat was much better "formed" when I accepted the Audyssey reccomendation of my rears (Infinity RS3 pair) as full range than when I manually set the crossover to 80Hz.

I know the Secrets review of the 805 took a dim view of the "Double Bass" concept, but I'm assuming the Onkyo people are not clueless about this. In my case and to my ears, accepting the Audyssey detection of the front and rear speakers as Full Range (even though the realistic -3dB point for them is around 60Hz) sounds better than if I manually set the crossover at 80Hz.

is anyone with this receiver & a ps3 able to get sound from your tv in addition to the receiver connected speakers?

i sometims like to use one or the other or both v speakers & surround speakers combined.

especially for watching avchd vid clips through ps3, it would be nice to have sound from the tv for those , not just the surround speakers.

but no matter wha ive tried (hdmi direct to tv which isnt preferable because that defeats the purpose of connecting to receiver via hdmi for true hd sound etc, optical to receiver, even using the included ps3 av cable to use the rca audio into tv under the hdmi which is for if you connect it using a dvi to hdmi cable.
nothing works & ive tried every possible connection. i guess it therefore may be a ps3 setting or something but have tried the sound settings in that & still no sound rom tv for ps3.

somehow with hd dvr cable box, xbox360 elite both conncted via hdmi to receivr i get sound from tv speakers in addition to the ones connected to receivr. and with the upconvert dvd plyer conncted to tv via hdmi b optical eceivr i get sound from both obviously as well.

speaking of which in realizing 360 or the hddvd addon wont really benefit from an hdmi connction to receiver & the possible lag issues (though i havent tested that myself as i mostly ue my lite for movies while i have a 360 prem via vga for games @ another tv but i do like to play guita hero 2 on the elite) im thinking of conncting the elite direct to the tv instead & the denon upconvert player (even though it has prob the same faroudjaprocessor) to he 705.

but can anyoneplease help me get sound from tv seakers & receiver surround speakers @ same time with ps3 & the 705?

ive tried evrything to no avail.

I have the link for Value Electronics. I wanted to know if I would benefit by having the Onkyo 705/58pz700u combination with the features of DeepColor and Audio Passthrough. Would the Onkyo 705 take advantage of these features? If not, I would go with the A30.

Robert at Value Electronics has put up data sheets on the A3, 30 & 35. My take is that the A35 has 24fps + bitstream audio for DTS HD MA and DD THD for your 705 to decode. Look up in the HD DVD thread and somewhere in the 3rd Gen HD DVD players will be a link to the Value Electronics site including special pre-release sale offerings.

I'm wondering if this is a feature and not a bug. My reasoning is as follows. In a typical receiver, if the fronts are set as Large/Full Range, no bass management is applied to these channels and the sub only receives the LFE signal. This is not the case here where Audyssey sets the speakers as Full Range" with "Double Bass" as it did in my case. Here bass management IS being applied even to the channels that are set as "Full Range". It is possible that the falloff in bass response as determined during Audyssey measurements (say below 60Hz) is bass managed and compensated for by the sub.
Well, a few points:
1) Double Bass only redirects bass from the front left and right channels to the sub, not all speakers that are set to Full Range. The only instance where Double Bass redirects bass from the other channels is if you have the fronts set to Full Range and the other channels crossed over.

2) The Double Bass feature is an Onkyo feature, not part of Audyssey's calibration software spec, so MultEQ XT shouldn't be turning this on or off as part of the calibration to my knowledge.

3) An Audyssey rep has confirmed that the Full Range detection threshold is too high in Onkyo's implementation over in the Audyssey thread.

Well, I hope everyone knows I was not trying to be impertinent in asking if anyone is actually enjoying their Onkyo receivers. I do understand that a lot of conversation here is just that -- conversational.

As a newbie to this, I've noticed a few trends:
1) People tend to recommend only what they bought as being the "best choice". I do the same thing. I think it's a human trait to hope that you spent your research efforts wisely and made a good choice -- so why not recommend it to someone else?

2) No matter which AVR I am considering, once I start looking into it deeply there's a wealth of nitpicking (some major) problems reported. I wish there was a Master List of Preferences here -- maybe there is? For instance, "If it says Upconverts Analog to HDMI, look for Upscaling -- and be sure you know the difference!" Or "If it says HDMI -- be sure they pass through BOTH the Audio and the Video -- most only pass through the Video." Or "Don't accept a THD higher than .08% -- no matter how many articles say the human ear cannot distinguish any until it passes the 2% barrier."

3) Choosing an AVR makes me feel like I'm starting a Coin Collection. All I know is I don't know squat, and every guidebook tells me "Watch out for the things they don't tell you!" I guess that's what these Forums are really all about.

4) Everybody HATES Vapor Ware -- is Sherwood listening? Is Sharp listening? Where's that vaunted 972 or 872 from Sherwood -- after a year? Where the heck can you buy the SD-SP10 from Sharp? -- Answer: Nowhere!!

5) How the Manufacturers phrase their descriptions, and how the experienced Owners interpret them can vary widely. How's a girl to choose, for God's sake?!

(no, I'm not a girl -- where'd that come from?)

I'm just a...

Guy

I'm wondering if this is a feature and not a bug. My reasoning is as follows. In a typical receiver, if the fronts are set as Large/Full Range, no bass management is applied to these channels and the sub only receives the LFE signal. This is not the case here where Audyssey sets the speakers as Full Range" with "Double Bass" as it did in my case. Here bass management IS being applied even to the channels that are set as "Full Range". It is possible that the falloff in bass response as determined during Audyssey measurements (say below 60Hz) is bass managed and compensated for by the sub.

I tested my theory using the Brothers in Arms SACD, using Track 6 (Ride Across the River) which has a clear drum track in the left rear channel. The decay following each drumbeat was much better "formed" when I accepted the Audyssey reccomendation of my rears (Infinity RS3 pair) as full range than when I manually set the crossover to 80Hz.

I know the Secrets review of the 805 took a dim view of the "Double Bass" concept, but I'm assuming the Onkyo people are not clueless about this. In my case and to my ears, accepting the Audyssey detection of the front and rear speakers as Full Range (even though the realistic -3dB point for them is around 60Hz) sounds better than if I manually set the crossover at 80Hz.

I'm told that the Onkyo implementation of Audyssey sets everything it detects at less than 80Hz to Full. Audyssey has stated that they were working on this with Onkyo. Good, bad I dunno? One thing to consider is that via equalization, Audyssey has control over speaker level so it wouldn't be too much of a stretch for Audyssey to boost bass levels at its whim, thus dropping your lower extension. Thats just a guess, no basis in fact but it sounds plausible to me. I'm presently using double bass and so far I like it very much. My mains are in the 30 Hz range and I seem to be getting good blending. This weekend I'll do the A-B repeat on a track and experiment but so far I like what I'm getting.

Got my 705 yesterday and hooked everything up. Got a couple of issues though.

1. Started running through some SACD's last night and didn't feel as though I'm hearing what I'm used to when I had my Sony. I've got the player hooked up using the multichannel connections and also have an optical connection into OPT IN 2 and have it assigned DVD=OPT 2 for DVD playback. Not sure if this was correct or makes a difference, but in "Listening Mode Preset" menu, under DVD I assigned "DSD=DSD".

So, with the input source selected as DVD, and while playing several different SACD's which I know were engineered with strong vocals in the center, I hear all speakers clearly, but it just doesn't sound as discreet as I'm used to, sorta like a regular CD. When I select "multi", I lose most all sound from the center, except a very low hollow-echo sound only detectable when I put my ear right up to the center. I noted on the "Listening Modes" chart on page 68 that I should be selecting DSD for SACD, but when scrolling throught the 'Surr' modes, it never comes up.

BTW, DVD's were fine decoding through the Opt 2.


2. I haven't run AUDYSSEY yet, since my room is scattered from making connections, but I was thinking about a situation before running it this evening. My SACD/DVD player has speaker setup/bass management. It seems I should set the speaker settings to allow full material to the 705 and let AUDYSSEY handle things. So in the player, I was going to set all speakers to large, but didn't know what would be desireable for 'Distance/Location' settings (i.e, side, rear, high, low etc.).

Sorry if these are elementary questions. I guess you'd never know I've had surround sound for 10 years now.

Thanks in advance for the help.

I have the link for Value Electronics. I wanted to know if I would benefit by having the Onkyo 705/58pz700u combination with the features of DeepColor and Audio Passthrough. Would the Onkyo 705 take advantage of these features? If not, I would go with the A30.

From what I can tell so far...

Deep color and 1080p/24 both need a TV that supports these features plus Deep Color require HD discs that are so encoded. Pure bitstream output decoded by the AVR is anyones guess since outside the manufactures I doubt anyone has tried this, and you need disk support, plus interactive features on the disc need to be mixed in real-time onboard the players so you will lose these features if sent to the AVR for decoding.

The big thing IMO is the ABT video processors will these be close to the XA2's excellent Reon processor.

Well, a few points:
1) Double Bass only redirects bass from the front left and right channels to the sub, not all speakers that are set to Full Range. The only instance where Double Bass redirects bass from the other channels is if you have the fronts set to Full Range and the other channels crossed over.

You're right, in that case the rears should never/rarely be Full Band. However, if the speakers are capable, I think one should experiment with the crossover setting, not necessarily set to 80Hz automatically.

1. Started running through some SACD's last night and didn't feel as though I'm hearing what I'm used to when I had my Sony. I've got the player hooked up using the multichannel connections and also have an optical connection into OPT IN 2 and have it assigned DVD=OPT 2 for DVD playback. Not sure if this was correct or makes a difference, but in "Listening Mode Preset" menu, under DVD I assigned "DSD=DSD".
SACD/DSD can only be decoded in the 705 if passed via HDMI, so that DSD setting does nothing for you. If you're using the analog multichannel connection from your SACD player, you're bypassing all speaker distance and Audyssey equalization, as well as all in-receiver decoding... which is why you'll have to set speaker distances/sizes in your SACD player and use Multi-channel on the 705. Channel levels, however, should be handled by the 705.

I ran into the same issue with my DVD-Audio, until I connected the audio via HDMI. Once the multichannel PCM was being sent digitally, the 705 was able to use the distance, size, etc. settings and I zeroed them all on my DVD-Audio player. Running it that way also lets me apply DPL-IIX, DTS Neo:6, etc. post-processing to create a rear surround channel, which actually works well so far.

One thing to note: A lot of SACDs and DVD-As only use the center channel for reverb, letting the vocals phantom image to center from the mains. In other words, you might be hearing it correctly - you just might not have the distances set right in your player for it all to blend together. Alternately, double check your cabling.

2. I haven't run AUDYSSEY yet, since my room is scattered from making connections, but I was thinking about a situation before running it this evening. My SACD/DVD player has speaker setup/bass management. It seems I should set the speaker settings to allow full material to the 705 and let AUDYSSEY handle things. So in the player, I was going to set all speakers to large, but didn't know what would be desireable for 'Distance/Location' settings (i.e, side, rear, high, low etc.).
For DVD over the optical connection, these settings on your player do nothing, because the bitstream is being decoded by the 705 and applying the 705's distance/size/level to that. Those settings on your player are only for the analog multichannel outputs, which you need to set correctly for SACD playback, since the 705 doesn't apply its settings to analog multichannel. You need to leave the speaker sizes at small on the player and set distance yourself for SACD to sound any good. Basically, you could do a run through of Audyssey on the 705 with the mic in your main listening position first, then take the distance numbers it comes up with and put the same numbers in on your SACD player.

Got my 705 yesterday and hooked everything up. Got a couple of issues though.

1. Started running through some SACD's last night and didn't feel as though I'm hearing what I'm used to when I had my Sony. I've got the player hooked up using the multichannel connections and also have an optical connection into OPT IN 2 and have it assigned DVD=OPT 2 for DVD playback. Not sure if this was correct or makes a difference, but in "Listening Mode Preset" menu, under DVD I assigned "DSD=DSD".

So, with the input source selected as DVD, and while playing several different SACD's which I know were engineered with strong vocals in the center, I hear all speakers clearly, but it just doesn't sound as discreet as I'm used to, sorta like a regular CD. When I select "multi", I lose most all sound from the center, except a very low hollow-echo sound only detectable when I put my ear right up to the center. I noted on the "Listening Modes" chart on page 68 that I should be selecting DSD for SACD, but when scrolling throught the 'Surr' modes, it never comes up.

BTW, DVD's were fine decoding through the Opt 2.


2. I haven't run AUDYSSEY yet, since my room is scattered from making connections, but I was thinking about a situation before running it this evening. My SACD/DVD player has speaker setup/bass management. It seems I should set the speaker settings to allow full material to the 705 and let AUDYSSEY handle things. So in the player, I was going to set all speakers to large, but didn't know what would be desireable for 'Distance/Location' settings (i.e, side, rear, high, low etc.).

Sorry if these are elementary questions. I guess you'd never know I've had surround sound for 10 years now.

Thanks in advance for the help.

1) I understand that the 705 does not touch the multichannel analog input as far as processing (e.g. Audyssey) is concerned, i.e., no A/D conversion, only amplification.

2) The SACD channels can only be passed by the analog inputs or by HDMI (PCM or DSD).

3) Does your SACD player transmit DSD? I think this can only be done by Denon Link, I-Link (obviously neither of which applies to the 705) or HDMI 1.2 (or higher).

You're right, in that case the rears should never/rarely be Full Band. However, if the speakers are capable, I think one should experiment with the crossover setting, not necessarily set to 80Hz automatically.
Oh, absolutely. In general, I set mine 20Hz above the speaker's -3dB point to give it a little room to transition (since the crossover is 24dB per octave/6dB per octave Linkwitz-Riley). More specifically, a half an octave is usually working out nicely for crossover point... which you can find by multiplying your speaker's -3dB point by 1.5 and setting as close as possible to that point.

For instance, my Polk CSi40 has a -3dB point of 49Hz. 49x1.5=73.5... so I set the crossover to 70Hz. My RTi70s' -3dB point is 40Hz, so I set crossover for 60Hz. That general guideline has provided the best transition for me, with optimal directionality of upper/mid bass.

Even if the surrounds DID pass bass when set to full range and using Double Bass, you wouldn't want them to. Room interactions would cause all kinds of frequency issues that even Audyssey couldn't square away. Doubling up on the mains is not as big of an issue because the sub is usually located near the mains anyway, but even with distance/delay settings dead on perfect, you would just create a big muddy mess by doubling bass info from the surrounds (and likely get some ugly cancellation).

I just wanted to post that I was able to get money back using the print out that dropzone7 gave me. Thank you very much for taking the time to do that.

I purchased the 705 from circuit 3 weeks ago for $719 and my wife went into the circuit city in Gurnee, IL and they matched the $549 price with no questions asked.

I love these forums!

Cambridge soundworks (Needham,MA) is selling the 705's for $639 starting today

I just wanted to post that I was able to get money back using the print out that dropzone7 gave me. Thank you very much for taking the time to do that.

I purchased the 705 from circuit 3 weeks ago for $719 and my wife went into the circuit city in Gurnee, IL and they matched the $549 price with no questions asked.

I love these forums!

Glad it worked for you! I think I have emailed that thing to about 65 people now and I still don't have one myself. :( Hopefully this week I will give it a try.

Glad it worked for you! I think I have emailed that thing to about 65 people now and I still don't have one myself. :( Hopefully this week I will give it a try.


Well if you want to make that 66 you could mail me one as well ;-} I could use the $100 savings

Thanks in advance if you do....

2) The Double Bass feature is an Onkyo feature, not part of Audyssey's calibration software spec, so MultEQ XT shouldn't be turning this on or off as part of the calibration to my knowledge.However, it appears to do just that.

I got the print out from dropzone7, thanks!

I don't own the 705 yet, and plan to pick one up tomorrow at CC. Do I need to worry that the date on the print out is 9/6/2007 or that the zip code is not at all in my area?

Just wondering if I need to do any Photoshop to this or are most folks just going in with the print out unaltered?

Thanks.

I got the print out from dropzone7, thanks!

I don't own the 705 yet, and plan to pick one up tomorrow at CC. Do I need to worry that the date on the print out is 9/6/2007 or that the zip code is not at all in my area?

Just wondering if I need to do any Photoshop to this or are most folks just going in with the print out unaltered?

Thanks.

I have not heard of anyone having a problem with the date or the zip code. Basically, it's just a matter of whether your particular store/associate is willing to do it. I think the success rate seems to be about 50/50.

Today I received my HDMI 1.3a cable from monoprice. I immediately installed it on my PS3 and got out a stack of True HD and DTS HD MA track movies.

I made sure my PS3 was set to bistream out on each movie. I searched every DSP during each movie. I tested multiple movies under each format to make sure I didn't miss anything.

The new cable DID NOT unlock True HD or DTS HD MA on the reciever. The only thing switching to bitsream unlocks on the DTS side is DTS ES and DTS ES Discrete. (I probably didn't need the cables for that either) So, sorry to let everyone know this was a failed experiment.

The only positive thing I can say about purchasing the newer 1.3a monoprice cables is the hdmi plug is thinner and lighter weight and may promote less hdmi port damage to your devices.

Hope this helps everyone who was curious. In the event future PS3 patches unlock the "magic" raw bitsream HD audio formats....I will keep everyone posted.

Thx again sreedhart for sending me that copy of the 550 CC scan.

I finally made it back up to CC today right before my 30 day price match window ran out. I got lucky and found a sheepish clerk behind the desk.

They started to tell me this wasn't valid... I barked loudly one time in response.

Next thing I knew they asked me to slide my credit card through the machine and I got back 135 bucks and full price match of the 550. I almost started laughing out loud it was so easy. LOL... I was expecting a juicy argument... next thing I knew I was walking out the door! :D

Whole thing took less then 5 minutes from start to finish.

Thx again!

Today I received my HDMI 1.3a cable from monoprice. I immediately installed it and got out a stack of True HD and DTS HD MA track movies.

I made sure my PS3 was set to bistream out on each movie. I searched every DSP during each movie. I tested multiple movies under each format to make sure I didn't miss anything.

The new cable DID NOT unlock True HD or DTS HD MA on the reciever. The only thing switching to bitsream unlocks on the DTS side is DTS ES and DTS ES Discrete.

The only positive thing I can say about purchasing the newer 1.3a monoprice cables is the hdmi plug is thinner and lighter weight.

Hope this helps everyone who was curious. In the event future PS3 patches unlock the "magic" I will keep everyone posted.

Sorry if I missed it but is there anything that WILL get us True HD or DTS MA throught the 705? I have an HD-A2 but don't have the 705 yet. The newer surround formats were one of my motivations for leaning towards the 705 but if it wont do True HD or DTS MA then I might as well look at something else?

SACD/DSD can only be decoded in the 705 if passed via HDMI, so that DSD setting does nothing for you. If you're using the analog multichannel connection from your SACD player, you're bypassing all speaker distance and Audyssey equalization, as well as all in-receiver decoding... which is why you'll have to set speaker distances/sizes in your SACD player and use Multi-channel on the 705. Channel levels, however, should be handled by the 705.

Thanks for your reply. OK, I think I've got a handle on this, hopefully. Since my player (Sony DVP-NC650V) has only multichannel analog for SACD (no HDMI), the 705 will do nothing but amplify the signals coming in straight from the player? So I need to set up all speaker characteristics in the player (All spkrs to Small and compare actuall distance measurements along w/Audyssey and set), excluding the levels (leave at 0db?), and let Audyssey set levels for the 705 and finally select "multi" on the 705?


For DVD over the optical connection, these settings on your player do nothing, because the bitstream is being decoded by the 705 and applying the 705's distance/size/level to that. Those settings on your player are only for the analog multichannel outputs, which you need to set correctly for SACD playback, since the 705 doesn't apply its settings to analog multichannel. You need to leave the speaker sizes at small on the player and set distance yourself for SACD to sound any good. Basically, you could do a run through of Audyssey on the 705 with the mic in your main listening position first, then take the distance numbers it comes up with and put the same numbers in on your SACD player.

And during DVD playback is where the 705 will apply all Audyssey settings?

Again, sorry for being out of touch. It was plug & play with my other setup. Thanks again


BTW if your interested, here is a link to the player's manual. It looks like starting with page 83 covers your reply.
http://www.docs.sony.com/release/DVPNC650V.PDF

Yeah, elfn... you're on the right track.

1)3) Does your SACD player transmit DSD? I think this can only be done by Denon Link, I-Link (obviously neither of which applies to the 705) or HDMI 1.2 (or higher).

Thanks for your reply. This last question has me confused.
I was under the impression that since SACD's utilize DSD as the encoding process that certainly the players themselves decode it.

Again, here's my manual. Check out the lower left.
http://www.docs.sony.com/release/DVPNC650V.PDF

Sorry if I missed it but is there anything that WILL get us True HD or DTS MA throught the 705? I have an HD-A2 but don't have the 705 yet. The newer surround formats were one of my motivations for leaning towards the 705 but if it wont do True HD or DTS MA then I might as well look at something else?

Not yet drop, but soon. Things at CEDIA recently look good for players that do raw bitstream are on the way. mrgribbles says the XA2 model will get a firmware update giving those units raw bistream output of those format on the hd dvd side.

Ps3 had a firmware update recently that allowed for bitsream output as a selection finally. It didnt give anyone the new formats on the receiver. I wanted to experiment if a hdmi 1.3a cable would give me those formats. They do not... as of yet.

The answer to your question is yes the 705 can do it... but no players (currently released to the public) on planet earth can output it.... yet... in october those new players hit the market...very soon... and hopefully firmware soon to follow. I am not sure if your current A2 hd dvd player will get the firmware "love" from toshiba or not or if it will just be the higher end XA2 (keep your fingers crossed) .....other wise.. like most of us... we may be all forced to buy new hardware when the time comes, if we all don't get our firmware updates.

Not yet drop, but soon. Things at CEDIA recently look good for players that do raw bitstream are on the way. mrgribbles says the XA2 model will get a firmware update giving those units raw bistream output of those format on the hd dvd side.

Ps3 had a firmware update recently that allowed for bitsream output as a selection finally. It didnt give anyone the new formats on the receiver. I wanted to experiment if a hdmi 1.3a cable would give me those formats. They do not... as of yet.

The answer to your question is yes the 705 can do it... but no players (currently released to the public) on planet earth can output it.... yet... in october those new players hit the market...very soon... and hopefully firmware soon to follow. I am not sure if your current A2 hd dvd player will get the firmware "love" from toshiba or not or if it will just be the higher end XA2 (keep your fingers crossed) .....other wise.. like most of us... we may be all forced to buy new hardware when the time comes, if we all don't get our firmware updates.

Thanks for the reply. I was afraid of that. I bought an HD player too soon and I bet the "poor man" player does not get the firmware needed to play nice with the 705. :( Well, at least I got a great deal on the A2 and can probably recoup my money or more.

By the way, what are most of you guys using for speakers with your 705? I'm looking at a Ascend Acoustics bookshelf speakers.

However, it appears to do just that.

You're right, Audyssey, turns on double bass if it sets your fronts as large, at least it did on mine.

I have my 705 attached to the ps3 and tv (samsung hlt6756w) using hdmi and when I am watching a bluray disk I hear clicking sounds throughout the movie. The clicking sounds are actually coming out of the tv speakers so if I mute the volume all is ok. Is this the "popping" and "clicking" issue others have reported or is there anyway to eliminate it?

Robert

By the way, what are most of you guys using for speakers with your 705? I'm looking at a Ascend Acoustics bookshelf speakers.
I'm running 2002 model Polks. RTi70 mains (which I just bought used in mint condition for $275 this week to replace my RTi28 mains), CSi40 center, and 3 RTi28 surrounds, though I'm re-purposing my old RTi28 mains this weekend for some 7.1 action. I'm running my sub out to a Samson 1,000w amp, pushing 500w to a SVS 20-39CS+ (port-plugged for a 16Hz tune with a subsonic filter at 15Hz) and 500w to a Buttkicker LFE mounted under my couch.

I was going to replace all my speakers this year, but the 705 has kinda' breathed new life into them. They sound so damn good now that I think I'm covered for a while.

Now whenever this stupid format war resolves...

You're right, Audyssey, turns on double bass if it sets your fronts as large, at least it did on mine.
That begs the question: Does Audyssey turn it on, or is it on by default if you manually change front to full range?

By the way, what are most of you guys using for speakers with your 705? I'm looking at a Ascend Acoustics bookshelf speakers.

I am using a KEF 3005 system and I bought an extra pair of KEF 3001 sats off a website so I can get the full 7.1 experience. (I have this set up in a bedroom) Nice having full up surround sound experience when I doze off at night. :D

I wasn't sure if these smaller speakers were going to sound weak and have no bassy punch. Once I got them running I am amazed at how much bang they have even how much bass punch they get for such a small size cone.

I've been digging through this thread for an hour now looking to see if anyone has answered any of the posts regarding whether the 705 passes through a native 1080i signal from a pre-elite xbox 360's component cables or if it downconverts to 720p when outputting over HDMI.

Does anyone know the answer?

I've read that the 605 downconverts and the 674 passes a native signal. For this reason alone, I'm leaning toward a 674. I don't have any components that will take advantage of HDMI 1.3 (duh) and my only HDMI source is my DirecTV receiver. Has anybody else thought of going with a 674? Anybody HAVE one? Pros/cons/thoughts?

I'd appreciate any feedback because I'm about to pounce on one next week. =)

By the way, what are most of you guys using for speakers with your 705? I'm looking at a Ascend Acoustics bookshelf speakers.I'm using BIC America all the way around. There isn't a better value in speakers today. Their subs are so-so, though. For that, I'm thinking of replacing my D1210R with a sub from their Acoustech line.

If money is no object, there are much better speakers out there, of course. Then again, if money were no object, you wouldn't be getting an Onkyo 705.

I'm having problems with receiving video via HDMI from my comcast HD cable box. It comes on for a while and then goes blank.
The cable box has DVI and I have an adaptor to HDMI. Could this be the problem? Could it be a compliance problem?

HELP

I've been digging through this thread for an hour now looking to see if anyone has answered any of the posts regarding whether the 705 passes through a native 1080i signal from a pre-elite xbox 360's component cables or if it downconverts to 720p when outputting over HDMI.

Does anyone know the answer?

I've read that the 605 downconverts and the 674 passes a native signal. For this reason alone, I'm leaning toward a 674. I don't have any components that will take advantage of HDMI 1.3 (duh) and my only HDMI source is my DirecTV receiver. Has anybody else thought of going with a 674? Anybody HAVE one? Pros/cons/thoughts?

I'd appreciate any feedback because I'm about to pounce on one next week. =)

Component in to hdmi out.. the final source will be up and or downcoverted to no more then 720p.. you can not get more then 720p from analog sources, on analog to hdmi conversion via the 705, even if they are higher to begin with... if you want true 1080p upconvert (or 1080i component to hdmi pass through) then you need the Onkyo 905 model.

I also own a pre elite xbox 360 pro.. and what I do is still just run the component to my tv so I keep getting 1080i... I branch off an optical cable to my receiver so I can get some dolby digital ES for my xbox.

By the way, what are most of you guys using for speakers with your 705? I'm looking at a Ascend Acoustics bookshelf speakers.

I have the Ascend Sierra's across the fronts, but currently have some old Atlantic tech surrounds on the sides. By tomorrow, I am supposed to get mounting brackets, so I can mount a pair of 200's for the rear, and then I plan to get another pair of 200's soon, to replace the AT's on the sides.

Even with the AT's on the sides, sounds very good right now, but I am driving the Sierra's with an external amp. When I get a chance, I will see how the 705 drives them. I don't expect the 705 to better the NAD Amp I am using now, but I wouldn't mind either, would let me get rid of another piece of gear.

There have been a few very good reviews of the Sierra's lately,
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0907/ascend_acoustic_sierra_1.htm

http://www.soundstageav.com/onhifi.html

And here http://www.affordableaudio.org

I was going to buy the 340's, but decided to stretch my budget for the Sierra's, and I am happy with them, but have not idea if they were worth the extra money. But, I won't have to wonder about how much better the Sierra's are than the 340's.

Also, if you call, you can see if they have b stock Sierra's. I got B stock naturals, and have to look really close to find flaws in the finish. I was lucky, and they had them at the time, otherwise you can wait for some b stocks to show up.

Now, I just need a better sub, and that 2nd pair of 200's, and my HT will be done for a while :)

Randy

Has anybody else thought of going with a 674? Anybody HAVE one? Pros/cons/thoughts?

I'd appreciate any feedback because I'm about to pounce on one next week. =)

I seriously considered it, but just want to be safe for the future when I'll likely buy an HDDVD player that by that time will probably pass bitstream HD codecs. Right now I just use PS3 and HDPVR and I don't think PS3 will ever bitstream the codecs, if we're lucky it will start to process DTS-MA soon as it now does trueHD. I still think if you stick with sources that decode in the player then the 674 is all you will ever need.

anyone with a ps3 & this receiver know how to get sound from the tv in addition to the surround seakers connected to receiver?

all my other devices can & ive ried every possible way of connecting the ps3 & cannot get sound from the tv.

i like to be able to use bith v & receivr speaker sound & especially for vid cam avchd playback on ps3 id like to be able to use mostly tv sound rather then surround.

i get sound from receiver speakers & tv @ same time from my 360 elite & hd dvr cable box both connected via hdmi to the receiver & then hdmi out to tv.

i know a lot of ppl that have this 705 receiver have ps3. please , how can i get sound from the tv @ same time as the surround speakers connected to receiver?

An update on my price matching ugliness with Circuit City:

After going in the store and trying to get them to refund the difference for the $549 price that sreedhart e-mailed (only to get shot down by a manager), I called 1-800-THE-CITY and raised hell over it since mine was originally a web purchase that I had picked up in the store. I was told they would make a decision within 72 hours. So I called tonight to find out what their decision was and was told I was credited back $136.

Big thanks to sreedhart for sending me the scan! Getting this sucker dropped to that insane price makes the 705 sound that much sweeter! ;)

anyone with a ps3 & this receiver know how to get sound from the tv in addition to the surround seakers connected to receiver?

all my other devices can & ive ried every possible way of connecting the ps3 & cannot get sound from the tv.

i like to be able to use bith v & receivr speaker sound & especially for vid cam avchd playback on ps3 id like to be able to use mostly tv sound rather then surround.

i get sound from receiver speakers & tv @ same time from my 360 elite & hd dvr cable box both connected via hdmi to the receiver & then hdmi out to tv.

i know a lot of ppl that have this 705 receiver have ps3. please , how can i get sound from the tv @ same time as the surround speakers connected to receiver?

I think if you have hdmi from your ps3 to the receiver and then hdmi from the receiver to the tv you can do it. there's a menu that asks if you want HDMI audio out on the 705 and if you put yes you do get sound from your tv as well as speakers. at least i know this is the case for my cable box and assume it would work for the ps3, but would still have to have the receiver on, even if have the speakers muted.

I've been digging through this thread for an hour now looking to see if anyone has answered any of the posts regarding whether the 705 passes through a native 1080i signal from a pre-elite xbox 360's component cables or if it downconverts to 720p when outputting over HDMI.
I =)
I think that if you have a native signal out at 1080i and the game and tv support 1080i it is not up or down converted by the 705 as long as it is via hdmi . this seems to be the rule- i only have a ps3 and a 1080i tv so it is set as my max signal. if the game supports 1080i, it outputs that way, if not, it goes 720p. assume would be same for xbox but don't have one. now if it was connected via component it would be downconverted to 720p.


By the way, what are most of you guys using for speakers with your 705? I'm looking at a Ascend Acoustics bookshelf speakers.
I recently bought an ascend system and just set it up last week. I was going from an old polk system - RM6600 i believe. initially had the 705 hooked up to those and they sounded great. Now I'm not an audiophile or anything and mainly use my system for gaming and movies as background. Hooked up my ascend 340 SEs along with 170s for surround and i have been absolutely stunned. it is simply ridiculous how good it sounds. yeah, that sums it up. ridiculous. made me forget about my thoughts that i would need the 805s power or the higher end ascend speakers the sierras. my space is a basement about 500 sf, main listening area of about 2200 cf.

Thanks for your reply. This last question has me confused.
I was under the impression that since SACD's utilize DSD as the encoding process that certainly the players themselves decode it.

Again, here's my manual. Check out the lower left.
http://www.docs.sony.com/release/DVPNC650V.PDF

You are correct, the player itself will decode DSD, so DSD settings on the 705 are irrelevant in your case. My understanding is that the 705 is future-proofed to the extent that it can decode DSD via HDMI from an SACD player. However I am not aware of an SACD player that sends DSD over HDMI (although I can't say I have kept up with all new players); the DSD settings in the 705 are for future players that can do this. I see that your player has analog outputs only for SACD. As discussed above, the 705 will do nothing (not even bass management) for the analog input (see page 60 of the manual); so the only "listening modes" are relevant for you are on page 67 of the manual in the column "multi-channel analog" under media type DVD (SACD and DVD-A are lumped under DVD, see page 31 and 60).

You are correct, the player itself will decode DSD, so DSD settings on the 705 are irrelevant in your case. My understanding is that the 705 is future-proofed to the extent that it can decode DSD via HDMI from an SACD player. However I am not aware of an SACD player that sends DSD over HDMI (although I can't say I have kept up with all new players); the DSD settings in the 705 are for future players that can do this. I see that your player has analog outputs only for SACD. As discussed above, the 705 will do nothing (not even bass management) for the analog input (see page 60 of the manual); so the only "listening modes" are relevant for you are on page 67 of the manual in the column "multi-channel analog" under media type DVD (SACD and DVD-A are lumped under DVD, see page 31 and 60).I know there are a fair few "combo" type DVD players that do DVD-A and SACD over HDMI. The one i was looking at was the Pioneer DV600 and i also think Oppo make one. But whether these have as good quality for SACDs as a stand alone SACD player i dont know. Then on the other hand, if all they are doing is sending DSD via HDMI i suppose the sound quality is going to come down to the AVR?

An update on my price matching ugliness with Circuit City:

After going in the store and trying to get them to refund the difference for the $549 price that sreedhart e-mailed (only to get shot down by a manager), I called 1-800-THE-CITY and raised hell over it since mine was originally a web purchase that I had picked up in the store. I was told they would make a decision within 72 hours. So I called tonight to find out what their decision was and was told I was credited back $136.

Big thanks to sreedhart for sending me the scan! Getting this sucker dropped to that insane price makes the 705 sound that much sweeter! ;)

Good for you! I got lucky and the CC I picked mine up in matched the scan with no fuss.

I rearranged some stuff and now the subwoofer isn't working.

I have the SKS-HT540 speakers and the SKW-540 specifically.

As many of you already know, it has a green light when outputting sound a red light on standby. Try as I might in the menus I cannot get it to go to a green light. I've swapped RCA cables, unplugged it, changed the settings in 2 Speaker Setup > 4 Level Calibration to no avail. In 2 Speaker Setup > 2 Speaker Config it is on. In 7 Hardware Setup > 4 Analog Multich setting it as high as 15db makes no difference. I've changed the volume knob in the back.

It used to work. I can't imagine what I've done, but I am sure I am just not setting something simple.

I've been digging through this thread for an hour now looking to see if anyone has answered any of the posts regarding whether the 705 passes through a native 1080i signal from a pre-elite xbox 360's component cables or if it downconverts to 720p when outputting over HDMI.

Does anyone know the answer?

I've read that the 605 downconverts and the 674 passes a native signal. For this reason alone, I'm leaning toward a 674. I don't have any components that will take advantage of HDMI 1.3 (duh) and my only HDMI source is my DirecTV receiver. Has anybody else thought of going with a 674?


The 705 outputs 720p when fed 1080i through analogue. It outputs 1080i when fed 1080i through hdmi.

I was also considering the 674, but choose the 705 because of 1080p support (so I can use a few years longer) and the three hdmi inputs.

Before the 705 came, I had my Xbox connected directly to the plasma (Panny 42PV60) and I have always used 720p on the XBox rather than 1080i. PQ seems to be better at 720p when playing games, whereas moview come out better at 1080i. As I happen to have a DVD recorder with hdmi, I don't care that much about 1080i output from the Xbox and leave it at 720p.

Am I going to gain anything by forcing those 480p sources to upconvert to 720p? Have you tried this with standard def stuff and noticed an obvious uptick in quality?

I'm kind of skeptical about the whole "upconversion" concept in general - seems too much like "digital zoom" on your digital camera where it's basically just zooming in the picture while not adding any detail.

When you are using a flat screen or projector then you are *always* upconverting (in fact this is referred to as upscaling) to another resolution un less you have a 640*480 Tv or something similar. There are no HDTVs out there with only 480 vertical lines, so SD sources are de facto upscaled. Whether you like it or not.

As a matter of fact, most HDTVs have better upscalers than the "cheap" receivers. It is not without reason that Onkyo does care much about the upscaling capabilities of the medium level receivers and simply hid the menu when they could get the software right. It's a different story when you are using high qwuality scalers such as the 875 or 905 but then they carry a whole different category of scaling hardware inside (Reon VX).

In my (not so) humble opion, using the 705 as a up- or downscaler is not a good idea. You are in fact scaling twice (or maybe even thrice) and the PQ will definitely not benefit from this.

So I leave my (component) XBox 360 at 720p, which the Onkyo will happily convert to hdmi 720p, and then leave the scaling to my Panasonic TV (which needs to scale anyway, no matter what I feed to it, as it has 768 vertical dots).

Not yet drop, but soon. Things at CEDIA recently look good for players that do raw bitstream are on the way. mrgribbles says the XA2 model will get a firmware update giving those units raw bistream output of those format on the hd dvd side.

Ps3 had a firmware update recently that allowed for bitsream output as a selection finally. It didnt give anyone the new formats on the receiver. I wanted to experiment if a hdmi 1.3a cable would give me those formats. They do not... as of yet.

The answer to your question is yes the 705 can do it... but no players (currently released to the public) on planet earth can output it.... yet... in october those new players hit the market...very soon... and hopefully firmware soon to follow. I am not sure if your current A2 hd dvd player will get the firmware "love" from toshiba or not or if it will just be the higher end XA2 (keep your fingers crossed) .....other wise.. like most of us... we may be all forced to buy new hardware when the time comes, if we all don't get our firmware updates.

I could be wrong but it was my understanding that you need need disk support that allow for bitsream output. BTW the 3rd gen Toshiba HD DVD players have bitsream output. The Toshiba HD-A30 is now shipping from a forum sponser.

Can somebody here send me the names of their sales guys at ABT, J&R, whoever that would pricematch the CC price. Tried at the Schaumbug, IL location and they said they can only match the price when it is on the website. ??? So unless somebody knows of a CC in the Chicagoland area that would match the price, I'd like to go to ABT or somebody else. Thanks!

By the way, what are most of you guys using for speakers with your 705? I'm looking at a Ascend Acoustics bookshelf speakers.

i have the ascend 340se across the front with 4 200s for surrounds. awesome speakers. their serria 1 model has more bass,but if using sub not needed. the gen. concensous is that its hard to tell between 340se, and serria 1,except bass. ordered mine and within 4 days was playing them.best customer service ever experienced with any thing. prez. of company answered my emails. couldnt be more happy, excellent detail, wide imaging,non colored sound. dare i say ref. monitor? if you have sub 340se is way to go. customer service will tell you same. customer service will tell you just what you need, even if its not their product. who else will do that? definately not bb that will tell you you need 100 monster cable to get 1080 on a 1080 tv. ascend also has its own forum and you can chat with the prez. try that with any other company and see what you will get.

i thought the adv. audio codecs via bitstream was already a no go. i figure updates on existing players will not happen for this. if if did, what would get people like us to buy the newer models that will probably have this. next gen. will do dolby true hd and gen. after that will do dolby, and dts. that way people will buy 2 more players,then about that time we willl need to upgrade receivers. isnt that the way of the world?

Sorry this may be convoluted as always but...

I got everything readjusted last night. Ran through several SACD's (In the Flesh, Dylan's Slow Train Coming, and Miles Kind of Blue). It didn't really change the effect of low center channel sound, but I'm guessing like indicated, those discs are engineered with vocals in L/R mains.

One thing that does bother me is the volume level during SACD playback. I'm at 65-70 and it just doesn't seem that strong. I don't listen at really loud levels, but occasionally will push. My Sony (110w/ch) had levels from 0-40 and I rarely went much over 25-27 which was fairly loud and clean. The 705 at 65 seems about as loud as my Sony at 17-20. I recall most of you saying that 65 was really a good strong level. Has anybody pushed the 705 a bit? I noticed in my Sony manual that I was able to control speaker levels/bal for Multi and used to run the channels from about +1 to +4 with a total range of -10 to +6. Since speaker settings aren't used with Multi in the 705, should I consider tweaking level/size settings on the player? It's just disappointing that my older Sony sounds much better than the 705 on SACD playback.

On the flip side, playing 2 ch CD's through OPT 2 with surround set to Neo6 Music and PLII Music delivered amazing sound. I was confounded that it sounded much better, louder and more like SACD's than the SACD's themselves. Go figure?!

Also watched some of the Fifth Element. Set the DVD langauge to DTS in the menu and toggled the 705 between DTS and DTS w/THX Cinema. Couldn't really tell much difference between the two, but both were fairly stunning with much more presence and clarity especially regarding vocals and surround effects. I really understand the vocals much better with the 705 which is something that has always been a problem.

I guess if I could figure out how to tweak the performance of the SACD's and possibly play around and get a little more "ooomph" from the sub, I'd be in heaven.

By the way, what are most of you guys using for speakers with your 705? I'm looking at a Ascend Acoustics bookshelf speakers.

I'm running a 5.1 setup right now using all Axiom; m22 fronts, a vp150 center channel. Qs4 surrounds and an Ep500 sub. The system sounds amazing and i'll be ordering another 2 surrounds for the 7.1 soon.

I have my 705 attached to the ps3 and tv (samsung hlt6756w) using hdmi and when I am watching a bluray disk I hear clicking sounds throughout the movie. The clicking sounds are actually coming out of the tv speakers so if I mute the volume all is ok. Is this the "popping" and "clicking" issue others have reported or is there anyway to eliminate it?

Robert

The clicking and popping most people talk about is a 1 time pop when the reciever changes audio modes..say from the menu screen to the actual movie soundtrack.

I have a PS3 hooked up via HDMI and have yet to hear a single pop so it seems to be a problem on only certain machines.

If your reciever is popping through the entire movie you might need to take it back.

I rearranged some stuff and now the subwoofer isn't working.

I have the SKS-HT540 speakers and the SKW-540 specifically.

As many of you already know, it has a green light when outputting sound a red light on standby. Try as I might in the menus I cannot get it to go to a green light. I've swapped RCA cables, unplugged it, changed the settings in 2 Speaker Setup > 4 Level Calibration to no avail. In 2 Speaker Setup > 2 Speaker Config it is on. In 7 Hardware Setup > 4 Analog Multich setting it as high as 15db makes no difference. I've changed the volume knob in the back.

It used to work. I can't imagine what I've done, but I am sure I am just not setting something simple.

Just a thought--check where you are plugging the subwoofer in at...there are 2 subwoofer rca connections on the back..1 is for multichannel audio in and a few inches to the right is the subwoofer out that you want to use..It took me 4 hours to figure that out when i first hooked mine up.

I know there are a fair few "combo" type DVD players that do DVD-A and SACD over HDMI. The one i was looking at was the Pioneer DV600 and i also think Oppo make one. But whether these have as good quality for SACDs as a stand alone SACD player i dont know. Then on the other hand, if all they are doing is sending DSD via HDMI i suppose the sound quality is going to come down to the AVR?

I have the Oppo 981HD (as do a huge a number of people in these forums). It decodes DSD and sends the multichannel digital data over HDMI as PCM (i.e., not DSD). However, the 705 can do processing (Audyssey, bass management, PLIIx etc.) on the PCM feed which it cannot when the data is analog via the analog inputs. This makes the 705 a class 6 receiver as defined in the future-proof receiver sticky thread. It is not clear to me whether DV600 sends decoded PCM (like the Oppo) or undecoded DSD. Considering the paucity of available receivers that can decode DSD, I would be surprised if the latter were the case.

i thought the adv. audio codecs via bitstream was already a no go. i figure updates on existing players will not happen for this. if if did, what would get people like us to buy the newer models that will probably have this. next gen. will do dolby true hd and gen. after that will do dolby, and dts. that way people will buy 2 more players,then about that time we willl need to upgrade receivers. isnt that the way of the world?

Nope. The XA2 will soon be able to pass the adv codecs @ up to 7.1 very soon. The XA2 will remain the top o the line player for Tosh for some time. The 3rd gen A35 player will have a similar feature set except it will not have the Reon processor. Whether the Anchor Bay video processor in the A35 is in the same excellent league as the Reon remains to be seen. Could be.

Regardless of your camp, HD or BD, this could be a very interesting and I hope rewarding Fall for all of us HD devotees.

I could be wrong but it was my understanding that you need need disk support that allow for bitsream output. BTW the 3rd gen Toshiba HD DVD players have bitsream output. The Toshiba HD-A30 is now shipping from a forum sponser.

Disk authoring will not be the deal breaker that some are making it out to be. The user will have the option of how to play the disk. I really can live without button sounds. Toshiba has told quite a few insiders this, so it must be true. I believe it.

I have my 705 attached to the ps3 and tv (samsung hlt6756w) using hdmi and when I am watching a bluray disk I hear clicking sounds throughout the movie. The clicking sounds are actually coming out of the tv speakers so if I mute the volume all is ok. Is this the "popping" and "clicking" issue others have reported or is there anyway to eliminate it?
Robert

Do you use TV speakers or speakers attached to receiver? If you're using TV speakers, your TV might have problem handling HDMI signals with multi-channel audio. A quick soulution is ,as your TV usually only outputs stereo, set your onkyo to stereo mode or change the ps3 sound settings to stereo only.

Disk authoring will not be the deal breaker that some are making it out to be. The user will have the option of how to play the disk. I really can live without button sounds. Toshiba has told quite a few insiders this, so it must be true. I believe it.

I agree I care most about the content playback, not the scripting/application user interface add ons.

Do you use TV speakers or speakers attached to receiver? If you're using TV speakers, your TV might have problem handling HDMI signals with multi-channel audio. A quick soulution is ,as your TV usually only outputs stereo, set your onkyo to stereo mode or change the ps3 sound settings to stereo only.
Sorry for the confusion, I am also using speakers attached to the receiver and I hear no clicking noise through the receiver speakers just the tv. I just have to turn the volume off for the tv and all is fine. My concern is if I might have a problem with the 705 that I just got this week.

Hi all.

Newbie but I want to thank all of you for the valuable info these forums provide. Certainly helped me in making my decisions.

Got my 705 last week from CC and love the thing (PS got it for 504 +tax due to a clerk error) and bought a PS3 at the same time.

Had a Harman Kardon av630 which I love and hate to get rid of but have no use for it now....hello ebay I guess.

I have hooked up the 705 and PS3 and after reading alot of these forums thought I might be in for a nightmare but knock on wood everything is working like a charm. By the way I'm no video/audio expert but even my std dvds look great thru the PS3 and 705.

I did just get the Mirage 550's and a C150 Center from Crutchfield yesterday (by the way ordered 2:30 wednesday and had them at 1:00 Thursday...very nice). Wasn't going to get new speakers but that price is hard to resist. Anyway I'm very glad I did....I though my Infinity References with a Polk center sounded good...they did but this is just stupid good. Have the original Mirage Omnisats for my surrounds and the sound is tremendous to these non audiophile ears.

Did the Audessey set up last night and seems to have set them up great. By the way it did set mine to Full range but did not turn Double Bass on. Guess it's not automatic with the audessey. Watched my first blu ray last night...300... and wow.

Thanks again for all the help. There are many of us lurkers here that don't register but gain a wealth of knowledge from u guys & girls.

Hi all,

I am torn apart between purchasing the 705 (double price of 605) or the 605. Other than the 10W/channel and the THX certification (which is very important, I know), will I be missing anything else? I think 1 less HDMI input as well, right?

From what I have been reading, the 705 has a better SQ than the 605, but that probably comes from the extra power too.

The reason I am torn apart, is because I might not end up purchasing very high end speakers, and at that point, coupling them with a very high end amp is useless! I am trying to work out the budget to spend more on both the speakers and the amp, but if that doesn't happen and I am stuck with the lower quality speakers, then does it make sense to spend more and get the 705???

Cheers

Hi all,

I am torn apart between purchasing the 705 (double price of 605) or the 605. Other than the 10W/channel and the THX certification (which is very important, I know), will I be missing anything else? I think 1 less HDMI input as well, right?

From what I have been reading, the 705 has a better SQ than the 605, but that probably comes from the extra power too.

The reason I am torn apart, is because I might not end up purchasing very high end speakers, and at that point, coupling them with a very high end amp is useless! I am trying to work out the budget to spend more on both the speakers and the amp, but if that doesn't happen and I am stuck with the lower quality speakers, then does it make sense to spend more and get the 705???

Cheershad the 605 now 705 big difference in sound quality. 605 will not do 7.1. you might not have high end speakers now, but you never know some day you might , and also 7.1. kinda future profing. with the deals some are getting on the 705, im only seeing $150 difference, well worth the thx, never mind the 7.1..

Hi all,

I am torn apart between purchasing the 705 (double price of 605) or the 605. Other than the 10W/channel and the THX certification (which is very important, I know), will I be missing anything else? I think 1 less HDMI input as well, right?

From what I have been reading, the 705 has a better SQ than the 605, but that probably comes from the extra power too.

The reason I am torn apart, is because I might not end up purchasing very high end speakers, and at that point, coupling them with a very high end amp is useless! I am trying to work out the budget to spend more on both the speakers and the amp, but if that doesn't happen and I am stuck with the lower quality speakers, then does it make sense to spend more and get the 705???

Cheers

don't forget the additional hdmi INPUT - that's what sold me on the 705 (has 3) over the 605 (has 2)

came home last night to find out my 3 week old 705 would not power up. tried a number of things but still no joy. thankfully my purchase is only 3 weeks old so CC will do an in-store exchange.

anyone else have their unit stop working?

Don't think there is an additional HDMI out...just in.

I myself would go with the 705. As i stated above I love it and as warlord stated it is certainly more future proof. My experience has always been with electronics buy the best u can afford and upgade other components as money permits. That way a year from now I don't say gee I should have gotten the better unit.

Best of luck

came home last night to find out my 3 week old 705 would not power up. tried a number of things but still no joy. thankfully my purchase is only 3 weeks old so CC will do an in-store exchange.

anyone else have their unit stop working?

Ouch!... sorry to hear that man. No problems here so far. Did you have your receiver hooked into a surge protector?

Well a better receiver will make decent speakers sound better too. You get a pair of basic floor POLKs say for $350. NOthing too special, but with the 700 driving them they would sound pretty good. It all depends on budget---personally I think it is better to get the decent receiver, and upgrade speakers when money is available. (I live in an apartment so half-way descent speakers are just fine.)

Fresh-

Am no expert on speakers and don't know what others think about them but as I stated above look at the Mirage 550's or 350's from crutchfield or vanns on sale. Great price and I really like their sound. Don't know ur budget but take a look.

Ouch!... sorry to hear that man. No problems here so far. Did you have your receiver hooked into a surge protector?

yes i did - all other equipment was fine and nothing showed signs of a power outage (tivo backdoors still intact).

Don't think there is an additional HDMI out...just in.

I myself would go with the 705. As i stated above I love it and as warlord stated it is certainly more future proof. My experience has always been with electronics buy the best u can afford and upgade other components as money permits. That way a year from now I don't say gee I should have gotten the better unit.

Best of luck

you are correct - i blame it on a lack of coffee :-)

The clicking and popping most people talk about is a 1 time pop when the reciever changes audio modes..say from the menu screen to the actual movie soundtrack.

I have a PS3 hooked up via HDMI and have yet to hear a single pop so it seems to be a problem on only certain machines.

If your reciever is popping through the entire movie you might need to take it back.

I have my 705 for 3 weeks now and just last night it started the clicking or popping you are talking about everytime it change audio modes. It only happens with the start of the movie in fbi warning sign then again for the production logo. but not during playback of the movie. Should I worry about it or no?

Thanks,
Peter

Nope. The XA2 will soon be able to pass the adv codecs @ up to 7.1 very soon. The XA2 will remain the top o the line player for Tosh for some time. The 3rd gen A35 player will have a similar feature set except it will not have the Reon processor. Whether the Anchor Bay video processor in the A35 is in the same excellent league as the Reon remains to be seen. Could be.

Regardless of your camp, HD or BD, this could be a very interesting and I hope rewarding Fall for all of us HD devotees.

you will keep us in formed, wont you? with this update it should at least pass dolbly true hd via bitstream for the receiver to process. am i correct on this?

Hi all,

I am torn apart between purchasing the 705 (double price of 605) or the 605. Other than the 10W/channel and the THX certification (which is very important, I know), will I be missing anything else? I think 1 less HDMI input as well, right?

The 705 also has more sophisticated Audyssey auto-configuration logic for your speakers, and it has 3 DSP chips rather than 1, so it is able to apply DSP processing to 7.1 channel PCM input, where the 605 has to pass that through unprocessed.

The 705 also has the additional HDMI input, as others have said. It also has a pair of fans on the bottom of the case to help out with cooling, which neither the 605 nor the 805 (?) were provided with.

Also, the 705 has the light-up blue volume ring, which really adds some zazz to the look of the thing. ;-)

From what I have been reading, the 705 has a better SQ than the 605, but that probably comes from the extra power too.

The reason I am torn apart, is because I might not end up purchasing very high end speakers, and at that point, coupling them with a very high end amp is useless! I am trying to work out the budget to spend more on both the speakers and the amp, but if that doesn't happen and I am stuck with the lower quality speakers, then does it make sense to spend more and get the 705???

Cheers

Well, the 705 doesn't count as a 'very high end amp', if it comes to that. It probably depends on whether you think you're more likely to keep your receiver or your speakers longer, and which you'd be more wiling to upgrade, down the line.

I have my 705 for 3 weeks now and just last night it started the clicking or popping you are talking about everytime it change audio modes. It only happens with the start of the movie in fbi warning sign then again for the production logo. but not during playback of the movie. Should I worry about it or no?

Thanks,
Peter

I'm not even close to being an expert but in either this thread or the 805 thread (soo many posts, sooo much reading) it was stated that Onkyo acknowledges the pop when it changes soundtracks and says that it is nothing abnormal.

Maybe someone with a little bit more specific information can put your mind at ease :)

If someone could chime in it would be very helpful.

I have an HD A20 and I use HDMI I thought the audio was good so just for fun. I hooked my HD A1 to the pre out ( 5.1 analog ) and the sound was bannans:eek:

Now the only problem is that I can't adjust the volume, does anyone know why?

If I can adjust the volume I would just get the A35 and run analog.:D

Can someone try to connect HD-A1 analog to the 705 pre out and tell me what you think?

you will keep us in formed, wont you? with this update it should at least pass dolbly true hd via bitstream for the receiver to process. am i correct on this?

DOlby DD+, DD THD, DTS HD, DTS HD MA will all be able to be bitstream passed up to 8 channels.

Keep an eye on the HD Hardware thread. 2.5 is latest release from Toshiba and it brings 24Hz to the XA2. The audio is due shortly, October latest.

Just a thought--check where you are plugging the subwoofer in at...there are 2 subwoofer rca connections on the back..1 is for multichannel audio in and a few inches to the right is the subwoofer out that you want to use..It took me 4 hours to figure that out when i first hooked mine up.

Yeah, that was it. I can't pull the receiver out all the way since the cables are are all pretty much done, so I just put it there, but I wasn't at the pre-outs.

THANK YOU!

mrgribbles--

do you have your XA2 sitting directly on top of your 705? I'm thinking about doing the same thing, but wanted to see if you had it setup like that and how it was working out. Thanks

mrgribbles--

do you have your XA2 sitting directly on top of your 705? I'm thinking about doing the same thing, but wanted to see if you had it setup like that and how it was working out. Thanks

No, I have another DVD player on top of the 705. The XA2 generates it own share of heat plus if it cooks I'm out $500 if the other one cooks I'm out $100.
Since our research has shown the the temperature penalty is 5F, I may move it. If you do stack a few components, do so at your own risk, not mine please. I'm only to happy to relate what i do, but its your gear.

Stupid question time. Aside from the color there is absolutely no difference between the TX-SR705 and TX-SR705S correct?

I had the black one on order from Amazon but then it was backordered to Feb so I bought the silver one. It's not like anything matches color in my HT anyway. Black HD-A2, Silver Directv HD-DVR, gray Directv HDTivo, and white xbox 360.

*sigh*

No, I have another DVD player on top of the 705. The XA2 generates it own share of heat plus if it cooks I'm out $500 if the other one cooks I'm out $100.
Since our research has shown the the temperature penalty is 5F, I may move it. If you do stack a few components, do so at your own risk, not mine please. I'm only to happy to relate what i do, but its your gear.

Thanks for your response. I ended up not stacking them for the same reasons you didn't. But I did remember reading that you had a DVD player stacked on top, but I wasn't sure if you meant the XA2. Maybe I should stop by components and and buy a new AV rack instead.

Some Questions

1) Why is everyone so anxious for HD Players to be able to pass bitstream HD codecs (aka Dolby True HD and DTS HD MA) when the player already does it for you and passes it as lossless PCM? Why would you care which component does the decoding?

2) Is the Lip Sync Delay adjustment feature configurable by Source? i.e. 60 ms for Video 1, 80 ms for DVD, etc

3) Knowing the 705 will upscale and that my Samsung DLP's native resolution is 720p, am I better off having the Onkyo upscale the 480i/p cable source material to 720p or just use passthru? The question really comes down to will the Onkyo upscale better than my 2.5 yr old Samsung will? Remember, no matter was source I feed my Samsung DLP, it will scale to 720p if it's not already. I just wonder if the Onkyo may have the edge since it's newer technology. FYI, Samsung uses the HD2+ chip and Faroudja deinterlacer/scalerchip.

4) Why do I only see 5.1 and 7.1 referenced and never 6.1 anymore? My current speaker setup is 6.1. Many of my old DVDs had the DD 5.1 EX or DTS ES which essential add the rear center channel. With the advent of HD Titles I don't see any references to 6.1 anymore. Is there no HD equivalent to DD 5.1 EX or DTS ES ? Will the Onkyo matrix the rear center channel from a 5.1 PCM feed?

I'm not even close to being an expert but in either this thread or the 805 thread (soo many posts, sooo much reading) it was stated that Onkyo acknowledges the pop when it changes soundtracks and says that it is nothing abnormal.

Maybe someone with a little bit more specific information can put your mind at ease :)

Thanks,

Some Questions

1) Why is everyone so anxious for HD Players to be able to pass bitstream HD codecs (aka Dolby True HD and DTS HD MA) when the player already does it for you and passes it as lossless PCM? Why would you care which component does the decoding?

2) Is the Lip Sync Delay adjustment feature configurable by Source? i.e. 60 ms for Video 1, 80 ms for DVD, etc

3) Knowing the 705 will upscale and that my Samsung DLP's native resolution is 720p, am I better off having the Onkyo upscale the 480i/p cable source material to 720p or just use passthru? The question really comes down to will the Onkyo upscale better than my 2.5 yr old Samsung will? Remember, no matter was source I feed my Samsung DLP, it will scale to 720p if it's not already. I just wonder if the Onkyo may have the edge since it's newer technology. FYI, Samsung uses the HD2+ chip and Faroudja deinterlacer/scalerchip.

4) Why do I only see 5.1 and 7.1 referenced and never 6.1 anymore? My current speaker setup is 6.1. Many of my old DVDs had the DD 5.1 EX or DTS ES which essential add the rear center channel. With the advent of HD Titles I don't see any references to 6.1 anymore. Is there no HD equivalent to DD 5.1 EX or DTS ES ? Will the Onkyo matrix the rear center channel from a 5.1 PCM feed?

1)There is no real reason, some feel this is what the reciever is made for and can do a better job. I don't know if there is any proof to that claim though.

2)I don't know.

3)you'll have to try both and see which looks better.

4)Seems its either 5.1 or 7.1 now. The 705 and higher models will matrix PCM to 6 or 7 channels depending on the number of speakers.

1) Hot topic. The HD DVD players will decode and send over DD+, DD THD @ 6 channels (5.1) max. They will only do a "core" decode on DTS HD or HD MA, 5.1 max. When bitstreaming arrives (A35 & XA2) it will transport all the above @ up to 7.1. Also, decoding in the AVR allows for better bass management control. You can do this in the HD players but there are hundreds of posts on the problems with this. There are some other highly technical, probably nit-picking reasons that would also support decoding in the AVR. AVR decoding is the way to go if your AVR, like the 705, supports it. Very hot & opinionated topic.

2)Yes. Its called Audio Delay in the 705

3) Its possible you will get some benefit with Dr Faroudja. Very hard to say.

4) yes. It will matrix fine 6.1 just doesn't get the publicity

Stupid question time. Aside from the color there is absolutely no difference between the TX-SR705 and TX-SR705S correct?

I had the black one on order from Amazon but then it was backordered to Feb so I bought the silver one. It's not like anything matches color in my HT anyway. Black HD-A2, Silver Directv HD-DVR, gray Directv HDTivo, and white xbox 360.

*sigh*

I do not believe there is any difference between silver and black that I am aware of. Spec wise they are the same.. and i am sure internally they are the same too.. however, I can't vouch for the internal difference (such as was one built at location x and one was built at location y... or if they got different suppliers for internal components)

My guess is you are safe pick silver or black and its the same deal. I own the black version myself... All the eletronics I been buyin for the last year all seem to have the same theme ....all black with blue glowly lights... lol.. i can't break the cycle!

Well, I thought I'd let people know some of the things I been experimenting with lately to attempt a fix on the lip sync issues.

Originally I set the delay to 0ms thinking this will make it so no extra lag is introduced.

On a hunch I went back and increased the delay to see if I can fix my lip sync issues. Instead of increasing the delay of lip sync the higher I went.. the gap got less and less. It came very close to fixing the issue to near perfect.

I just thought I'd mention this for those people who may have dropped it to 0ms and are having problems.. try jacking the level back up way high.

I bought Heavenly Sword game for PS3 the other day and it has a lot of close up face shots with voiced lip synced characters and It was driving me nuts how laggy the timing was. Once I cranked the settings back up.. the game was very close to perfect (not perfect... but close.)

I wish this receiver gave you a better range to tweak your timing with. 0-250 is not enough. If they allowed -500 to + 500 it would be great.

Does Onkyo have a suggestion site or a forum that gets listened to?

Well, I thought I'd let people know some of the things I been experimenting with lately to attempt a fix on the lip sync issues.

Originally I set the delay to 0ms thinking this will make it so no extra lag is introduced.

On a hunch I went back and increased the delay to see if I can fix my lip sync issues. Instead of increasing the delay of lip sync the higher I went.. the gap got less and less. It came very close to fixing the issue to near perfect.

I just thought I'd mention this for those people who may have dropped it to 0ms and are having problems.. try jacking the level back up way high.

I bought Heavenly Sword game for PS3 the other day and it has a lot of close up face shots with voiced lip synced characters and It was driving me nuts how laggy the timing was. Once I cranked the settings back up.. the game was very close to perfect (not perfect... but close.)

I wish this receiver gave you a better range to tweak your timing with. 0-250 is not enough. If they allowed -500 to + 500 it would be great.

Does Onkyo have a suggestion site or a forum that gets listened to?

Woots, are you finding that this applies primarily to gaming, or are you seeing it in broadcast HDTV and Blu-Ray movies on the PS3 as well? I just got my 705 set up and I'm going to have my PS3 and HD cable box hooked up to it via HDMI so I'm eager to know where I may encounter problems.

I had the black one on order from Amazon but then it was backordered to Feb so I bought the silver one. It's not like anything matches color in my HT anyway. Black HD-A2, Silver Directv HD-DVR, gray Directv HDTivo, and white xbox 360.

*sigh*

You too!? I bet we screwed each other up somehow:

I ordered the black model from Amazon last night at around 11 PM EDT—"Hurry! Only one left in stock." It showed a delivery date of next Tuesday. I decided to upgrade the shipping (I have Amazon Prime), and next thing you know the delivery date was pushed back to February. I changed back and forth a few times, which had no affect. I wrote an email asking for clarification, and because I am a spaz, I then canceled my order. I ordered the silver model this morning, deciding the color doesn't matter too much. This morning Amazon customer service informed me that there was an error, and that the black was still available. But by that time my order for the silver had proceeded to the point of no return. Oh well.

I can't figure out the part about how you are connected all with component but have an HMDI connected to HMDI input3? Are you saying you have an HDMI output on your display, which you are trying to input into the 705?

EDIT: Nevermind. It looks like the post I responded to was deleted. Carry on. :p

[QUOTE=mrgribbles;11625434]1) Hot topic. The HD DVD players will decode and send over DD+, DD THD @ 6 channels (5.1) max. They will only do a "core" decode on DTS HD or HD MA, 5.1 max. When bitstreaming arrives (A35 & XA2) it will transport all the above @ up to 7.1. Also, decoding in the AVR allows for better bass management control. You can do this in the HD players but there are hundreds of posts on the problems with this. There are some other highly technical, probably nit-picking reasons that would also support decoding in the AVR. AVR decoding is the way to go if your AVR, like the 705, supports it. Very hot & opinionated topic.

Thanks so much for this explanation! I don't follow this stuff as well as I should and was wondering the same thing. This makes complete sense and also puts to rest some reservations I had about buying this receiver. :)

Does the 705 have 2 additional audio outputs?
I'd like to put 2 speakers in my bar area and another set in my pool table room to play cds, FM stations.
Thanks

Woots, are you finding that this applies primarily to gaming, or are you seeing it in broadcast HDTV and Blu-Ray movies on the PS3 as well? I just got my 705 set up and I'm going to have my PS3 and HD cable box hooked up to it via HDMI so I'm eager to know where I may encounter problems.

Erik

I have had no syncing problems with the same setup....705, PS3 and comcast dvr (HD box). Games ...only have played 2... movies and broadcast TV all seem in sync.
But I will say that last night on 1 SD broacast I did see a sync problem but changed channels and went back and it was fine.

Do any of u guys who know much more than me make any sense of what that was from?

The only thing I have had a problem with...and maybe someone can help...is on STD broadcast i have now the top and bottom cut off? Settings on the TV (panny plasma) or something with the output I have set on the Comcast DVR that needs to be changed.

PS: DROPZONE TAKE THAT CC PAGE YOU BEEN SENDING EVERYONE AND GO FOR IT....I THINK U"LL BE HAPPY

You too!? I bet we screwed each other up somehow:

I ordered the black model from Amazon last night at around 11 PM EDT—"Hurry! Only one left in stock." It showed a delivery date of next Tuesday. I decided to upgrade the shipping (I have Amazon Prime), and next thing you know the delivery date was pushed back to February. I changed back and forth a few times, which had no affect. I wrote an email asking for clarification, and because I am a spaz, I then canceled my order. I ordered the silver model this morning, deciding the color doesn't matter too much. This morning Amazon customer service informed me that there was an error, and that the black was still available. But by that time my order for the silver had proceeded to the point of no return. Oh well.

Yeah, they told me today the black was still available, however the guy was looking at the site where it said 1 available. When he checked the real inventory he saw that they were backordered to Feb.

The only reason I asked if there were any differences in the first place between the silver and black is because Amazon's website doesn't list near the features for the silver version as it does for the black.

Also, apparently silver paint costs $5 more. Go figure. :)

Does the 705 have 2 additional audio outputs?
I'd like to put 2 speakers in my bar area and another set in my pool table room to play cds, FM stations.
Thanks

It has a set of preouts for a zone 2. If you have a 5.1 system, you can use the rear speaker outputs for zone 2 also. I saw somewhere that you can only use analog sources for zone 2. But, it is pretty cool, this is the first receiver I have had with multiple zone support. It is nice to have an independent zone 2 output.

[QUOTE=Jamers;11625070]Some Questions

1) Why is everyone so anxious for HD Players to be able to pass bitstream HD codecs (aka Dolby True HD and DTS HD MA) when the player already does it for you and passes it as lossless PCM? Why would you care which component does the decoding?

i was under the impression that with bitstream, audio was processed in the receiver. i also assumed that the receiver would sound better because of better bass mang. etc. i want to know because i was curious if you will be able to tell difference with adv codecs. and how much of a difference? for me the upgrade bug is always there, at least thats what i tell the wife. she is still under the impression that there is no upgrade for her.

Stupid question time. Aside from the color there is absolutely no difference between the TX-SR705 and TX-SR705S correct?

I had the black one on order from Amazon but then it was backordered to Feb so I bought the silver one. It's not like anything matches color in my HT anyway. Black HD-A2, Silver Directv HD-DVR, gray Directv HDTivo, and white xbox 360.

*sigh*

they dont have these locally anywhere near you? that long of a backorder would kill me. im the type of person that would pay extra not to get a back order, at least within reason, couple hundred maybe. i didnt know stock would be so low. bad bussiness.what would keep person from switching to the dark side,pio,sony etc.?

It has a set of preouts for a zone 2. If you have a 5.1 system, you can use the rear speaker outputs for zone 2 also. I saw somewhere that you can only use analog sources for zone 2. But, it is pretty cool, this is the first receiver I have had with multiple zone support. It is nice to have an independent zone 2 output.

I was/am upset that it can only do analog sources for zone 2. I have cheated and output my front preout to a device input so that I can listen to digital sources through zone 2. Only downside is not having independent volume control at least I don't have to run seperate analog cables for every input. Also zone2 remote commands don't seem to work even though there are buttons.

[QUOTE=Jamers;11625070]Some Questions

1) Why is everyone so anxious for HD Players to be able to pass bitstream HD codecs (aka Dolby True HD and DTS HD MA) when the player already does it for you and passes it as lossless PCM? Why would you care which component does the decoding?

i was under the impression that with bitstream, audio was processed in the receiver. i also assumed that the receiver would sound better because of better bass mang. etc. i want to know because i was curious if you will be able to tell difference with adv codecs. and how much of a difference? for me the upgrade bug is always there, at least thats what i tell the wife. she is still under the impression that there is no upgrade for her.One reason is that a number of BD and HD DVD players recently announced allow for bitstream output of advanced codecs, but still don't have internal decoding of DTS HD MA. That limits some features (PiP audio, "button noises"), but allows for listening to lossless audio on those releases which contain only a DTS-HD MA option (Fox BD's, and many European HD DVD's).

The 705 outputs 720p when fed 1080i through analogue. It outputs 1080i when fed 1080i through hdmi.

I was also considering the 674, but choose the 705 because of 1080p support (so I can use a few years longer) and the three hdmi inputs.

Before the 705 came, I had my Xbox connected directly to the plasma (Panny 42PV60) and I have always used 720p on the XBox rather than 1080i. PQ seems to be better at 720p when playing games, whereas moview come out better at 1080i. As I happen to have a DVD recorder with hdmi, I don't care that much about 1080i output from the Xbox and leave it at 720p.


Thank you (and everyone else) for the replies. I think I'll try and get the 705 if I can get a good price like the rest of you have been finding.

I know this is slightly off topic from the 705, but I'm wondering if anyone has an Xbox 360 HD-DVD player? I do, and I get a "spiderwebbing" effect when I watch SD DVD's. It's like several horizontal white tinsel lines scattered around the screen. It doesn't happen with HD-DVD's or games (or with any other input). Any ideas? I would be eternally grateful if someone has a solution--I've lived with this subpar BS for a year now. Help!!

Hi all,

I am torn apart between purchasing the 705 (double price of 605) or the 605. Other than the 10W/channel and the THX certification (which is very important, I know), will I be missing anything else? I think 1 less HDMI input as well, right?

From what I have been reading, the 705 has a better SQ than the 605, but that probably comes from the extra power too.

The reason I am torn apart, is because I might not end up purchasing very high end speakers, and at that point, coupling them with a very high end amp is useless! I am trying to work out the budget to spend more on both the speakers and the amp, but if that doesn't happen and I am stuck with the lower quality speakers, then does it make sense to spend more and get the 705???

Cheers
Go with the 705, the extra $$ is wayyyy worth it. I had the 605 for about 2 weeks, great system for those looking to save a hundred to two hundred bucks compared to the 705.

The SQ increase is instantly noticeable on the 705 on comparable sound modes, and the Neural THX blows away Pro Logic II on non digital programs (TV). I'm still trying to decide if I like the Dolby Digital or THX Cinema for digital sound even though both are great in their own way. I have not tried 6.1 or 7.1, just the 5.1 that I'm running.

I was in the same boat as you trying to go with a less expensive system (bought the Polk RM6750 speaker package along with the the 605), but quickly upgraded to the 705 after hearing about the problems with the 605, plus the lack of extras that others have pointed out here. Oh, and I upgraded my speakers to the Polk RM20 package, and Polk PSW-111 sub (small due to apartment neighbors downstairs), this way I can upgrade to front towers easily in the future.

Last but certainly not least, the Audyssey on the 605 is garbage compared to the step up on the 705 due to the 605 having only 3 listening positions and the 705 having 8. The speaker distances were so innacurate on the 605, but perfect on the 705.

Hope that helps with your search! Let us know if you have any other questions.

I've got a 705 and a Mitsubishi WD65833 on the way to me right now. I have three devices that will plug in via HDMI (PS3, HDDVR, and PC) and three that will plug in via component (Wii, Xbox 360, and regular DVD player (side question: should I just dump the regular DVD player and use my PS3 for watching standard def DVDs? Does the upconversion do much for PQ?).

I know I'm going to run the three HDMI devices into my 705 and then just have one cable out to the TV. Since it's pure digital there should be no question of quality degradation there.

What I am wondering about is whether there's an added benefit to running my component devices straight to the TV and bypassing the receiver completely. The TV DOES have three component inputs, so I could do that. It's just the added annoyance of having to switch between so many TV inputs.

Has anyone tested connecting a component device through the receiver, then through the TV, and comparing PQ?

(And apologies: I'm sure this has come up somewhere in this thread before, but I'm working backwards and have only gotten to page 19 of the posts. There's a lot to digest here.)
I had the Wii going straight to my Samsung 4061 via component, then bought the 605(now rocking the 705 instead). I then connected the Wii to the receiver via component and out to the tv via HDMI along with my upscaling DVD/VCR recorder and HD cable box 1 HDMI out style. Believe it or not, the Wii actually looks better going through the Onkyo in some regards.

In comparing Metroid Prime 3, going straight to the TV showed richer color throughout the environments, but seemed there seemed to be a lot of washed out detail, especially on the walls. Going through the 605 (now 705, no difference in picture, just better sound compared to the 605) the colors of some objects seem little bit innacurate, but the level of detail and polish is much improved.

Noticed the same on Wii sports as well. Will try Zelda TP in the next few days to see if that improved as well. I know it didn't look so hot when playing it straight to the TV.

Going straight to the TV seemed to jaggle the lines a great deal and make the Wii seem more like N64 than what it should be. I tried to change the TV settings, but I think it's impossible to increase graphic quality with those settings.

I am no videophile, and did not spend a great deal of time trying to figure this out, but from the hour or so playing around with my TV settings, I could not improve the graphics without going through the Receiver. There is probably something that I missed, and could explain this, and I'm sure someone here could shed more light on this.

Anyone else have similar or different experiences with this?

Last but certainly not least, the Audyssey on the 605 is garbage compared to the step up on the 705 due to the 605 having only 3 listening positions and the 705 having 8. The speaker distances were so innacurate on the 605, but perfect on the 705.

The number of listening positions isn't the only difference. The 605's Audyssey 2EQ only does broad resolution equalization of the speakers and NO equalization of the subwoofer. Audyssey MultEQ XT, on the other hand, does 8-16x higher resolution EQ of the speakers and does even higher resolution EQ of the subwoofer.

Yes, I am using one to my Sony KP-57WV700

Oops, sorry about that errant post, I'm an idiot

I think if you have hdmi from your ps3 to the receiver and then hdmi from the receiver to the tv you can do it. there's a menu that asks if you want HDMI audio out on the 705 and if you put yes you do get sound from your tv as well as speakers. at least i know this is the case for my cable box and assume it would work for the ps3, but would still have to have the receiver on, even if have the speakers muted.

yeah thats what I thought but wasn't working. hearing you verify though that it should I tried again, this time taking out the optical and av cable and setting the ps3 sound settings to hdmi and letting it set it automatically instead of assigning the audio modes manually.

It then worked and I get sound from the tv in addtion to the surround speakers connected to receiver. I can mute either the tv or the receiver to use one or the other or use both. thankyou.

Now the main question is, which 2 of my other 3 hdmi devices should I connect to the receiver and which one should I go direct to tv?

ps3 is definately worth connecting via hdmi to receiver, but for the other 2 hdmi ins on the 705 which 2 of these other 3 should I do

1.verizon fios HD DVR stb
2. xbox 360 elite (used mostly for watching movies with hddvd addon and wmvs)
3. Denon 757 (same as 1930ci) 1080p upconvert dvd player.

currently i chose the Denon upconvert player as the one device to go direct to the tv figuring it has its own faroudja processor but now i'm thinking it might still be better connected direct to the receiver via hdmi. I do have it connected via component as well just to compare though it cant upconvert over component though i guess i could connect the component into the receiver so that it gets hdmi upconvert through that and then do hdmi from the upconvert dvd player either into tv or into receiver.

As for the cable box I figured maybe the sd chans would benefit from the upconversion of the 705 but now i'm wondering if it isnt causing a problem where it keeps setting the 4:3 over ride setting on the cable box to off which means my sd chans are upped to 1080i but are 4:3 which is not preferable to me. I prefer setting the 4:3 over ride setting on the cable box to 480p so that I get a 720x480p resolution for sd chans which fills the screen. the stretch is recommended as it ups it to 1080i and stretches to fill the screen but i prefer seeing the res @ 480p which helps me know its not an hd chan. as far as 4:3 i just dont like it and its bad enough for the dedicated HD chans when they go to non hd commercial or just have non hd programming on i guess you get a 4:3 picture that you can use wide zoom on the tv but have to remmeber to turn that off when changing to other full 16:9 hd chans or sd chans that fill the screen as they should when set to stretch or 480p.

my cable box seems to keep resetting to "off" for the 4:3 override which means all my sd chans are 4:3 which I dont want. Is it possible the receiver is doing this?

if so would i be better off connecting the fios hd dvr stb direct to the tv?

then the question of the 360 elite which i use mostly only for wmvs and hddvd movies as i have a 360 premium in another room which i use via vga which i prefer for games. though I may play Guitar Hero 2 more in the room with the elite as there is more space to move around, so i will have to see if there is any noticeable lag at which point that will determine that i should just connect the 360 elite via hdmi direct to the tv..

so in summary i think i should def connect the upconvert dvd player component cables direct to receiver to benefit from hdmi upconversion there but the hdmi I guess could go either into the receiver or straight to the tv as it has its own faroudja processor.

in playing a few videos/movies ididn't notice any lag with the 360 elite but if there is with guitar hero then i'll go hdmi direct to tv there and if i find that the 705 is resetting the cable box 4:3 over ride to off then i'd want to connect that direct to the tv via hdmi also though but then i'd have to use the hdmi switch to add an hdmi port to the tv as i have the out from receiver going into 1 of the 2 leaving only 1 hdmi port in the tv.

currently i have ps3, 360 elite, and fios hd dvr stb into the receiver via hdmi. and the denon upconvert dvd player direct to tv. is this a good setup? or should i be going into receiver with the denon dvd player and direct to tv with either the 360 elite or stb? again i do have an hdmi 2 in 1 out switch which will add an hdmi switch to either the receiver (which as you all know has 3) or to the tv (mine has 2) but i'm wary of using it with the receiver and making any device go through the switch and the receiver before getting to thet tv.

again of 360 elite, fios hd dvr stb, and denon upconver dvd player which 2 are best direct to receiver via hdmi and which 1 would be better direct to tv?

I had the Wii going straight to my Samsung 4061 via component, then bought the 605(now rocking the 705 instead). I then connected the Wii to the receiver via component and out to the tv via HDMI along with my upscaling DVD/VCR recorder and HD cable box 1 HDMI out style. Believe it or not, the Wii actually looks better going through the Onkyo in some regards.

In comparing Metroid Prime 3, going straight to the TV showed richer color throughout the environments, but seemed there seemed to be a lot of washed out detail, especially on the walls. Going through the 605 (now 705, no difference in picture, just better sound compared to the 605) the colors of some objects seem little bit innacurate, but the level of detail and polish is much improved.

Noticed the same on Wii sports as well. Will try Zelda TP in the next few days to see if that improved as well. I know it didn't look so hot when playing it straight to the TV.

Going straight to the TV seemed to jaggle the lines a great deal and make the Wii seem more like N64 than what it should be. I tried to change the TV settings, but I think it's impossible to increase graphic quality with those settings.

I am no videophile, and did not spend a great deal of time trying to figure this out, but from the hour or so playing around with my TV settings, I could not improve the graphics without going through the Receiver. There is probably something that I missed, and could explain this, and I'm sure someone here could shed more light on this.

Anyone else have similar or different experiences with this?

Awesome. Thanks for the lengthy response Norm! I'm still deciding between component straight into the TV or through the Onkyo, so this helps.

Another thing I noticed last night (I JUST got my 705 and new Mitsubishi WD65833 hooked up yesterday): the component IN on my TV only goes up to 1080i. Why, I don't know. I was so excited to finally be able to enable that 1080p resolution on my Xbox 360 (pre-elite, so no HDMI option), and was then devastated when it didn't work.

So, my question: if I put the 360 through the receiver via component, and then out via HDMI, is there any way it'll upconvert that to 1080p? Since it's HDMI out it would seem to be possible, and I know component cables can push a 1080p signal. I guess it's just a question of will the Onkyo do it.

Awesome. Thanks for the lengthy response Norm! I'm still deciding between component straight into the TV or through the Onkyo, so this helps.

Another thing I noticed last night (I JUST got my 705 and new Mitsubishi WD65833 hooked up yesterday): the component IN on my TV only goes up to 1080i. Why, I don't know. I was so excited to finally be able to enable that 1080p resolution on my Xbox 360 (pre-elite, so no HDMI option), and was then devastated when it didn't work.

So, my question: if I put the 360 through the receiver via component, and then out via HDMI, is there any way it'll upconvert that to 1080p? Since it's HDMI out it would seem to be possible, and I know component cables can push a 1080p signal. I guess it's just a question of will the Onkyo do it.

You would need an 875 or 905 to scale to 1080p with the Reon, the 605,705,805 won't do the type of scaling you want.

I need some help here. I have the 705 and I hear everyone discussing audio syncing but it was always around an HD/blueray. I have regular DVD with component output and digital (fiber) to the 705 and the audio appears to be out of sync. I never had this problem with my old receiver. Any ideas? Is this a known issue? Also, if I mess with the audio sync will it always be the same for each DVD?

Second issue I have hooked up three component equipments (DVD, DVR, and Dlink Media Player). My cable box is S-Video. The problem is I want to hook-up my PS2 to S-Video. Well I tried to setup the Dlink on the Game/TV using component 3 input and the PS2 on the Game/TV, the sound will work with either one but video only works with the Dlink, i.e. it is always defaulting to component. Any ideas how to hook-up a 5th video input? I didn't want to have to run the cables to the front for the AUX input. Nor did I want to go through my DVR.

My TV does not have HDMI. Can I buy a DVD player with HDMI and free one of the components or will I run into the same problem?

I've got a 705 and a Mitsubishi WD65833 on the way to me right now. I have three devices that will plug in via HDMI (PS3, HDDVR, and PC) and three that will plug in via component (Wii, Xbox 360, and regular DVD player (side question: should I just dump the regular DVD player and use my PS3 for watching standard def DVDs? Does the upconversion do much for PQ?).

I know I'm going to run the three HDMI devices into my 705 and then just have one cable out to the TV. Since it's pure digital there should be no question of quality degradation there.

What I am wondering about is whether there's an added benefit to running my component devices straight to the TV and bypassing the receiver completely. The TV DOES have three component inputs, so I could do that. It's just the added annoyance of having to switch between so many TV inputs.

I currently have a HD/DVD recorder connected through HDMI. I also have an Xbox 360 and a Showcenter 200 connected through component. Both are set to output 720p. All equipment is connected to the receiver which in its turn is connected to the plasma with HDMI.

That works just fine. I do not have problems with loss of PQ, even when I use the Showcenter to watch High-Def movies.I can not find a valid reason to connect the component sources directly to the TV insdtead of through the receiver, I am quite convinced that doing that would seriously confuse my family (and myself too) whenh anyone ever needs to operate the devices to select inputs and stuff.

(To be honest, I currently do not have this problem because my activity based remote does it all for me.)

Do you need to run Audyssey MultEQ XT for each input or just once? What I mean is do you run it for CBL/SAT and DVD or do you just run it once for everything?

After I get some different cables I'm going to hook everything up HDMI (Cable Box to 705 via HDMI, Oppo DVD to 705 via HDMI, DVR to 705 via Component then 705 to Sony 46XBR3 via HDMI). Right now I'm using a mixture of Digital Coax and Toslink for audio to the 705 and HDMI from the Cable Box and DVD straight to TV (my setup with the old receiver). Will I have to run the setup again after I change cables around?

Thanks...

Do you need to run Audyssey MultEQ XT for each input or just once? What I mean is do you run it for CBL/SAT and DVD or do you just run it once for everything?

After I get some different cables I'm going to hook everything up HDMI (Cable Box to 705 via HDMI, Oppo DVD to 705 via HDMI, DVR to 705 via Component then 705 to Sony 46XBR3 via HDMI). Right now I'm using a mixture of Digital Coax and Toslink for audio to the 705 and HDMI from the Cable Box and DVD straight to TV (my setup with the old receiver). Will I have to run the setup again after I change cables around?

Thanks...
You only have to run it once. The settings are consistent across inputs.

Has anyone had success recently buying one at CC with that printout?

If so, can someone send it to me? I'd jump on this for <550 and I still have a 480 plasma!

Yes please someone send me the CC printout too. I'd to to buy one.

So I just bought the 705 and a Mitsubishi WD65833 DLP set. The way inputs work on the TV is you plug something in and it auto-senses it, which enables the input for use.

The problem is, if I turn the TV off and then turn it back on, it doesn't recognize the HDMI anymore and I have to unplug it from the back of the TV and plug it into a different HDMI port for it to be recognized again. Or, if while using the receiver, I turn the receiver off, the HDMI input disappears, but then if I turn the receiver back on the TV still won't recognize the HDMI connection.

I know this sounds more like a TV question than a receiver question (and I really hate this auto-sensing junk - just let me tell the TV which inputs I want to use!), but do any of you also have the Mitsu set, or another with the same feature, who've encounter this problem? I'm completely at a loss but can't believe that it could be this fundamentally crummy.

So I just bought the 705 and a Mitsubishi WD65833 DLP set. The way inputs work on the TV is you plug something in and it auto-senses it, which enables the input for use.

The problem is, if I turn the TV off and then turn it back on, it doesn't recognize the HDMI anymore and I have to unplug it from the back of the TV and plug it into a different HDMI port for it to be recognized again. Or, if while using the receiver, I turn the receiver off, the HDMI input disappears, but then if I turn the receiver back on the TV still won't recognize the HDMI connection.

I know this sounds more like a TV question than a receiver question (and I really hate this auto-sensing junk - just let me tell the TV which inputs I want to use!), but do any of you also have the Mitsu set, or another with the same feature, who've encounter this problem? I'm completely at a loss but can't believe that it could be this fundamentally crummy.

Quick update to this:

Tried taking my PS3 and HD cable box and plugging them straight into the TV, then turning the TV in. They got recognized as valid HDMI inputs just fine. Turned TV off, plugged them back into the receiver, and then plugged the HDMI out from the receiver back into the TV. Turn the TV on and I get nothing.

So clearly this is some kind of issue with how the receiver and the TV play together. Not sure why that's so peculiar. They're both just pushing data...

I think I need to call Mitsubishi on Monday. I just hope it doesn't get to be one of those things where Mits claims it's Onkyo's problem and vice versa.

I haven't experimented much, but I haven't had any handshake issues with my 705 and Pio plasma (5060). I can turn the plasma off and it will interupt the audio momentarily, then come back on. Any combination of switching inputs, etc that I've tried has worked as it should. So like you say, maybe it's a specific issue with communication between the Mits and the Onkyo.

Quick update to this:

Tried taking my PS3 and HD cable box and plugging them straight into the TV, then turning the TV in. They got recognized as valid HDMI inputs just fine. Turned TV off, plugged them back into the receiver, and then plugged the HDMI out from the receiver back into the TV. Turn the TV on and I get nothing.

So clearly this is some kind of issue with how the receiver and the TV play together. Not sure why that's so peculiar. They're both just pushing data...

I think I need to call Mitsubishi on Monday. I just hope it doesn't get to be one of those things where Mits claims it's Onkyo's problem and vice versa.

Actually in this HDMI/HDCP handshake BS its the source that establishes the handshake. It queries the TV to be sure its a legitimate device. I have a Mits DLP and I have no handshake issues. The only given is that the TV should be on first, then the rest. Unfortunately, be prepared for the finger pointing. I contacted Mits early on about a connection problem with a different component and not only did they point the finger at the device (they were correct by the way) they implied that if it wasn't Simplay certified I was SOL. So now we not only have to be HDMI compliant, we have to have a Simplay certified chain of components. Good luck my friend, sometimes the good guys win.

What listening mode seems to work the best for Comcast Cable and SD DVDs through an OppO 981? It seems like there are so many choices on the 705. Is there a setting that is close to "set and forget it" and will automatically adjust depending on the incoming signal? Right now all inputs are set on default "All Channel Stereo" after running the Auto Speaker Setup. I'm just not sure about what works best even after reading the explanations in the manual.

Anyone care to make a suggestion?

Thanks...

Actually in this HDMI/HDCP handshake BS its the source that establishes the handshake. It queries the TV to be sure its a legitimate device. I have a Mits DLP and I have no handshake issues. The only given is that the TV should be on first, then the rest. Unfortunately, be prepared for the finger pointing. I contacted Mits early on about a connection problem with a different component and not only did they point the finger at the device (they were correct by the way) they implied that if it wasn't Simplay certified I was SOL. So now we not only have to be HDMI compliant, we have to have a Simplay certified chain of components. Good luck my friend, sometimes the good guys win.

Thanks, mrgribbles. This is a lot of great information.

I'm curious, though: does your Mits have this "Easy Connect" nonsense where - instead of just letting you specify which inputs you want to be active - it enables them when it detects that something's plugged in? That's the way mine is, and it's incredibly annoying. There's no way to override it, either. I'm not sure I'd be having the same issue if I could just say "Enable HDMI Input 1 - and leave it that way!" The TV wants to re-initialize the input every dang time I turn the set on, and when it doesn't "see" the receiver, I have no other option at that point but to reach behind the set, unplug the HDMI, and plug it in again.

I'll still start by calling Mits tech support on Monday, but if what you say is true I guess Onkyo would be my better bet.

Help! I need advice/help on my setup. I am a complete newbie, and am going crazy with all this. This is what I have and how it's connected. I have a HD cable box (no DVR) from Time Warner (Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250HD), an Onkyo TX-SR705 Receiver, and a Samsung LN-T$066F 40" LCD TV. The cable box has no HDMI output (more on that later), only DVI.

So for video, it's DVI/HDMI cable from STB to the receiver HDMI IN #1, and HDMI OUT from the receiver to the HDMI #1 IN on the TV. I tried using the newest STB 4250HD, but it's not compatible with the Samsung because of an HDCP handshaking issue (STB problem, not Samsung).

So therefore I have to use audio connections as well, and that's where I'm most confused. I am waiting for some digital optical cables to arrive, but in the meantime I am using analogue RCA cables. From the STB Audio Out they're connected to the Cable/Sat IN on the receiver. Then they go from the receiver Game/TV IN to the TV Audio OUT, which makes no sense to me. I get sound, but something makes me think there's a better way. Once the optical cables get here, how should they run? Do I also need to leave the RCA cables in place? Are they in the right place? Help on using the correct settings on the STB, receiver and TV would also be greatly appreciated. I am currently running only a 2.0 system, but it will soon become either a 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 system.

I am going to cross post this on the Samsung site to see if I can get any help from that end.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks, mrgribbles. This is a lot of great information.

I'm curious, though: does your Mits have this "Easy Connect" nonsense where - instead of just letting you specify which inputs you want to be active - it enables them when it detects that something's plugged in? That's the way mine is, and it's incredibly annoying. There's no way to override it, either. I'm not sure I'd be having the same issue if I could just say "Enable HDMI Input 1 - and leave it that way!" The TV wants to re-initialize the input every dang time I turn the set on, and when it doesn't "see" the receiver, I have no other option at that point but to reach behind the set, unplug the HDMI, and plug it in again.

I'll still start by calling Mits tech support on Monday, but if what you say is true I guess Onkyo would be my better bet.

I have a 52631 and I believe on mine its called "auto sensing", sounds like it might be a bit different. I know if you plug a new device in a different port it will start a new device setup. If you change devices on the same port, mine does nothing. If your model, detects different devices on the same port that should be a plus, unless of course it goes through a bunch of BS every time you do it. The plus should be if you use different devices on the same port, it may remember the settings per device. IE: you can tune settings for a device, not just the port. Don't know if this helps. good liuck with your efforts.

I need some help here. I have the 705 and I hear everyone discussing audio syncing but it was always around an HD/blueray. I have regular DVD with component output and digital (fiber) to the 705 and the audio appears to be out of sync. I never had this problem with my old receiver. Any ideas? Is this a known issue? Also, if I mess with the audio sync will it always be the same for each DVD?

Second issue I have hooked up three component equipments (DVD, DVR, and Dlink Media Player). My cable box is S-Video. The problem is I want to hook-up my PS2 to S-Video. Well I tried to setup the Dlink on the Game/TV using component 3 input and the PS2 on the Game/TV, the sound will work with either one but video only works with the Dlink, i.e. it is always defaulting to component. Any ideas how to hook-up a 5th video input? I didn't want to have to run the cables to the front for the AUX input. Nor did I want to go through my DVR.

My TV does not have HDMI. Can I buy a DVD player with HDMI and free one of the components or will I run into the same problem?

Check your DVD input setup on the 705. I believe it has a default audio sync setting of 20 or 40 (can't remember which) and should probably be 0 in your case. Yes, once you set it, it will be the same for all DVDs played through that input. The audio sync can be set separately for each input (DVD, VCR, CBL/SAT, etc.).:)

What listening mode seems to work the best for Comcast Cable and SD DVDs through an OppO 981? It seems like there are so many choices on the 705. Is there a setting that is close to "set and forget it" and will automatically adjust depending on the incoming signal? Right now all inputs are set on default "All Channel Stereo" after running the Auto Speaker Setup. I'm just not sure about what works best even after reading the explanations in the manual.

Anyone care to make a suggestion?

Thanks...
I currently use DPL-IIx Movie for my Comcast Cable, for both 2-channel and Dolby Digital. For my DVD player, I'm using DPL-IIx Music for 2-channel (because I mostly use this for playing CDs) and DPL-IIx Movie for Dolby Digital/DTS. For my Xbox 360, I'm using DPL-IIx Movie for 2-channel and THX Game Mode for Dolby Digital, since that has given me the most precise placement of sounds in the surrounds with the Call Of Duty 4 beta.

But hey, half of the fun is experimenting with what sounds best to you. I'm still tinkering with mine.

Has anyone had success recently buying one at CC with that printout?

If so, can someone send it to me? I'd jump on this for <550 and I still have a 480 plasma!

I tried but the manager at the Schaumburg, IL store would not do it saying that wasn't the price on the website. (Duh!) If anybody has a vendor that will match the price I think I'd rather go that route as Circuit City blows.

Heh guys

Thanks for all the info - I finally bought my 705 last week from a retailer here in Canada - definately not the deal some of you guys got with all of your coupons. Nonetheless, I still found it to be agreat value; I had been considereing the 805 but I would have needed to butcher my custom cabinet at the back and did not want to do that. I also decided that I do not have a fine enough ear to appreciate the Burr Brown Dacs and I can rarely listen to it really loud anyway.

Some initial comments - some have already mentioned but I thought worth repeating. The Audysey worked very well in detecting my speakers and their distance except for the subwoofer which it had as 30 feet away (really 14) and it turned it down really low in terms of volume (ie to the point where I was never noticing it at all in any scene). It also turned all of the speaker levels down quite a bit and I'm not sure why it did that. I have since bumped them all up by 6db so that I don't have to crank the volume selector quite so high.

Apart from those observations, the sound is fantastic! You have to know that it sounds good when my wife notices a real difference at low volume - the sound is just way more immersive. I have Klipsch Ultra 2 in-wall speakers in a 6.1 set-up with the surround back speaker being an older SCW - 3 on the theory that it doesn't add enough to justify replacement. I also have an HD DVD player (the original A1) and a PS3. My cable box is the Scientific Atlantica HD 8300. Sony SXRD XBR2 70 inch (not really relevant to the audio discussion I know).

For those of you who might be using a Harmony Remote, I thought I should add that I had some trouble getting the 705 to change inputs - the wiring is now a dream with 3 HDMI in and 1 out to the TV. I called support but they were not helpful and so I solved it on my own. I programmed the remote to send a second command to the receiver after it powers on telling it to cahnge the input to whatever is appropriate for that activity and Voila! a perfect solution.

I now just have a few questions. Since my HD DVD player is not capable of an upgrade to output bitstream, what do I want to have the 705 set to when, for instance, I am watching Batman Begins and I want to take full advantage of the sound coming from the player? Also, does anyone know of a reasonable work-around that will allow me to control the PS3 (and the friggin Blue-tooth) with my Harmony 890 Pro. And finally - and I know it's getting annoying by this point - is there such a thing as HDMI 1.3a cables that are somehow different than a regular HDMI cable or is this all part of the usual marketing of cables where the real money is made. I was just wandering thru a well-known retailer that is North American wide and they had Monster HDMI 6 ft cables for $150! Needless to say, I didn't but 1 but just interested in the real facts about that.

Thanks for reading (assuming anyone actually did) and thanks again for all your info before I bought. The 705 is completly bug-free and there is NO POPPING sounds from the PS3! Thanks again.

RN

Monoprice.com has HDMI cables that according to the spec are 1.3a compatible. I have been looking at the 3' or 6' models and they are in the $4-$7 range depending on length. I don't think you can go wrong with Monoprice cables and they have really good user reviews on their HDMI cables. There is no way I would spend $150 on ANY cable. I think Monster makes quality products but they are the masters of marketing this "snake oil".

Monoprice.com has HDMI cables that according to the spec are 1.3a compatible. I have been looking at the 3' or 6' models and they are in the $4-$7 range depending on length. I don't think you can go wrong with Monoprice cables and they have really good user reviews on their HDMI cables. There is no way I would spend $150 on ANY cable. I think Monster makes quality products but they are the masters of marketing this "snake oil".

I can attest to the quality of Monoprice's HDMI 1.3a cables. I ordered three and they are really beefy...sturdy as all get out. Signal seems good, but I've certainly not taken a meter to them. No complaints so far at all. At their prices, these cables definitely seem a bargain.