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.

Yeah, I'm working on an order right now and with (3) HDMI cables, (2) subwoofer cables, (1) DVI-D to HDMI adapter, (1) VGA to 5BNC breakout cable, I am still under $45 right now. If they were not out of their speaker wire I would be ordering that as well.

I didn't want to wait for the cables and so I ended up paying $30 for a 6 ft cable and although I think that is way too much my impatience has a price. What I am more interested in knowing though is whether in fact there is such a thing as an HDMI 1.3a cable or 1.1 cable or whether they are all the same. One of the cables I used in my set-up came with my Toshiba A1 and it's 1.1. There were no handshake issues and so I'm thinking the lables on the older cables that were still instock have simply been changed to 1.3a. And as for Monster cable, yes they make good stuff but they are more of a marketing company than a cable company now.

RN

...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)...

I seem to recall reading that Audyssey adjusts the phase of your subwoofer via the distance parameter. I'd be curious to see what happened if you changed the phase setting on the sub itself and reran Audyssey.

Frank

No matter what spec an HDMI cable has on it. It will work fine unless it doesn't :). Cables are likely no different than IC chips. If they pass a test, or the mfg batch does, they're 1.3 if not 1.2, and down the line. Are they rebranded 1.2, why not. I bought some Monoprice 22 ga and they are as big around as my thumb. I also have an el cheapo that came with a DVD player and I've seen thicker RCAs. Both work equally as well. Go figger.

I seem to recall reading that Audyssey adjusts the phase of your subwoofer via the distance parameter. I'd be curious to see what happened if you changed the phase setting on the sub itself and reran Audyssey.

Frank

Here's a couple of quotes from an Audyssey FAQ:http://www.audyssey.com/faq.html#Subwoofer

"My speakers are wired correctly, why does MultEQxt give a “Phase” error?
MultEQxt detects absolute phase for each loudspeaker. Some loudspeakers are designed with intentional phase reversals in the drivers in order to address crossover problems. MultEQxt will detect that and report an error. The best course of action is to simply check the wiring and press “Skip” if it is correct. MultEQxt simply reports a possible wiring reversal, it does not automatically switch the phase.

My subwoofer is physically closer than the distance reported by MultEQxt. Why?
Many powered subwoofers do not provide the capability to defeat the built-in low-pass filter. These filters, by their nature, introduce additional delay in the signal and MultEQxt finds that and reports it. The optimum solution is to turn the filters off (often called “LFE mode” in subwoofers). If that is not possible, set the low pass frequency to the highest possible setting and leave the distance reported as it. MultEQxt will compensate for the added delay and time align the subwoofer to the satellite channels so that the optimum blend is achieved."

Okay so I really am an idiot - I always knew just didn't want to admit it. How do I change the phase setting on the subwoofer. It is a Klipsch - one of those corner load models but I forget the model number. And what about the lowering of all the volume levels by the Audysey - whats up with that?

Try changing the phase setting! It is likely on your subwoofer connection panel. An out of phase subwoofer should be reasonably easy to detect, especially if you're corner loading it. 1/2 phase off, is a bunch and you'll hear it big time. Of course, lesser amounts are harder to pickup. I don't think that Audyssey or the AVR has phase adjustments built in to the electronics. Are you getting a phase error?

But hey, half of the fun is experimenting with what sounds best to you. I'm still tinkering with mine.I've been doing just that. Last night I discovered something interesting. With 2-channel music material I've settled in on PLII Music. It has given a much more balanced feel with an anchored soundstage up front and good surround elements without feeling too spread out. What was a surprise was its affect on 2-channel movies on Directv. I had been scrolling back and forth between PLII Movie and Neo6 Movie, replaying certain scenes of King Kong on HBO. I had begun to settle on PLII Movie as my favorite of the two and decided to set it as such. I replayed the same scene and was like 'Whoa'. I was amazed how all of a sudden it changed. The soundstage was much wider now and vocals were really strong. The surround was very clear and had seemingly discrete sounds. I kept watching to confirm this sudden change and sure enough it was like a DTS dvd. I checked the front of the 705 display and low and behold I had inadvertently set it to PLII Music instead of Movie. I rewound back to that one scene and experimented again with PLII Movie vs Music and determined that Music was definitely better. I finished the movie and still felt this way afterwards. Also watched some of the Chargers-Patriots game and like the results there too. Between a strong effects movie and a stadium enviroment I was satisfied that this pretty much runs the gammit. My next experiment will be to cue both the 2-channel movie and the DVD and compare side by side with PLII movie vs DTS. As I side note. I've also had very favorable results on SACDs toggling between this setting and Multi.

I did turn down the surround channel a step since it seemed more noticeable with this setting. It now blends very nicely. Still front dominant, wider soundstage with vocals being split out to mains as if set to "no center", and "DTS like" surround.

Try changing the phase setting! It is likely on your subwoofer connection panel. An out of phase subwoofer should be reasonably easy to detect, especially if you're corner loading it. 1/2 phase off, is a bunch and you'll hear it big time. Of course, lesser amounts are harder to pickup. I don't think that Audyssey or the AVR has phase adjustments built in to the electronics. Are you getting a phase error?

No phase error message and I am at work so I have not had a chance to check your suggestion which is to trurn off the LFE filter and run the set-up again. I am pretty sure the sub gives me that option. I am also fairly sure that it is not out of phase - it is almost brand new and has, as a result, seen limited action thus far.

Heh guys

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.

RN

The Nyko blue wave remote fo PS3 is the answer..there is a small USB dongle that you plug in and you're done. The remote cannot turn the power on but it can control everything else for you. I got one at amazon for 14.95.

I just purchased the 705 and got it all set up. My last step was to use the Logitech 880 I have to control everything. For some reason, the 880 doesn't recognize the CBL/SAT input on the 705, so it won't tune the receiver to CBL/SAT. Anyone go through this already?

Sorry I have been a bit behind and so I was just reading some older pages and you may already have this figured out but what I did was program the remote (I have the 890 Pro) to send a further command after the 705 powers up telling it to change to whatever input you need and that seemed to work great.

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.

The 705 sounds great with my KLipsch Ultra 2 in-walls - not to bright at all - the sound is just all around you and immersive. We were watching Lord of the Rings on regular DVD (Upscaled by the PS3) and my wife commented on the over-whelming difference is sound and believe me, she never notices. She finds the whole interest over-the-top but she was truly blown away.

RN

Heh guys
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.
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".

I agree with dropzone, be sure to check out monoprice's hdmi cable selection Seven, monoprice makes a very high end hdmi cable for the price. I have always been a fan of high end cables in years past. (monster cable and even higher end brands included) Since discovering monoprice (and advent of hdmi format) I do not bother with monster cable anymore. This isn't just some "look a like" generic brand. Their cables are all well made and use quality wiring, strong gold plated terminals and are VERY heavily shielded.

The only reason to get monster cables $150 hdmi cable vs monoprices $25 cable is the hdmi terminals slimness and cables body weight (which could cause strain on some hdmi connection terminals). However, the lighter cable body weight of monster cable is very telling about how much less shielding they are using vs the monoprice cable. As of date I never had a problem with my HDMI cable from monoprice messing up my tv or cable box or PS3 and its been about 1 year now. I heard one story in all this time of the monoprice cables messing someones tv up due to the bulky weight of the cable. Even still, I have not had this problem. My guess is that user was bumping the cable a lot or somehow put extra torsion and strain along the cable and where it connects to the flat screen.

I do agree high end quality cables make a difference for various factors (especially in analog era), but thats not to say only monster cable can do that properly. Infact monster cable is rather generic and low on the chain as far as high end quality cables go. (look at nordost cable company sometime)

HDMI is a digital format though, not an analog one, and therefore follows a few different rules of importance when looking for quality cables. Since the info being pushed through HDMI is 1's and 0's and not an analog signal (analog can change at any step along the way and color the resulting A/V quality at the destination),with hdmi as long as the cable is properly shielded and the 1's and 0's can get from source to destination without interference, it can be read and played back as the same data as when it started. This is very different from analog in many ways, as far as cables go, it's a lot more forgiving then analog is (as long as the cable is properly shielded). Even though the 1's and 0's (digital data) can also get colored and altered along the signal path as long as the data is not corrupted along the way, in the end it still remains the same 1 and 0 as when it started (as long as it wasn't corrupted). So the slight variance to the signal that different wiring materials exhibit on the signal have no effect on digital data. It can be a deep zero, loud zero, high zero, sharp zero, dull zero, etc... the computer doesn't care cause a zero is still just a zero and a one is still just a one. (The benefit of the digital era!)

If you want to consider the speed factors, of faster or slower rates of electrical travel based on different kinds of internal wire materials, this is the part of cables companies that is a lot of "hype". The speed difference from worst cable compared to best cable won't be noticeable to the human ear or eye since they are all traveling near the speed of light (which your ears or eyes won't pick up at all). I do agree quality made cables can increase the speed by using higher end materials that create less resistance (less drag) along the way. However, the ironic part of this, it's like comparing something that does 50% the speed of light for 20 bucks to something that does 90% the speed of light for like 2000 bucks (like Nordost Valhalla cables). Its all so fast the usages of faster cables (in this medium) is just a money sink. Light travels at 299,792,458 meters per second. Most people use about a 2 meter cable....if the monoprice gets 1/2 the speed of light (150 million meters per sec) .....its going to get from point A to point B without any noticeable lag.


The 2 most important factors to look at for digital cables are, the quality of the terminal connections at each end (how they were soldered on, gold plated to resist corrosion over time, etc) and how much shielding they used along the cable length.

Having said that ... monoprice makes some amazing analog cables to... very close quality of monster cable for like 1/5 (or less) of the price.

So I'm trying to decide between a Onkyo 605 and a 705. I really could use the extra HDMI port but don't know if it's worth an extra $300 just for that.

Are their any other benefits of the 705?

So I'm trying to decide between a Onkyo 605 and a 705. I really could use the extra HDMI port but don't know if it's worth an extra $300 just for that.

Are their any other benefits of the 705?

Don't buy it just for 1 extra HDMI slot (thats just gravy)... buy it cause you can get the THX certification on the 705 (the 605 has no THX).

Next question will be is THX worth it? lol... to me yes, it is worth it. :)

Don't buy it just for 1 extra HDMI slot (thats just gravy)... buy it cause you can get the THX certification on the 705 (the 605 has no THX).

Next question will be is THX worth it? lol... to me yes, it is worth it. :)

Don't forget the extra power you get in the 705 and the pretty blue light. :D

So I'm trying to decide between a Onkyo 605 and a 705. I really could use the extra HDMI port but don't know if it's worth an extra $300 just for that.

Are their any other benefits of the 705?

The 705 has two additional Digital Signal Processor chips, which allow it to do listening modes for multichannel PCM material. They also allow a significantly better Audyssey room autoconfiguration process.

The 705 also has that extra 10 watts of power per channel, the THX certification, the nicer remote control, the illuminated blue volume knob, the built-in cooling fans, pre-amp outputs so you can add on dedicated amplifiers if you ever get so crazy :p and support for a stereo pair of speakers in a second zone.

It also supports bi-amping, which is to say, you can use the center rear channels (the ones that make it a 7.1 amp rather than a 5.1 amp) and use them to drive your main speakers in conjunction with the dedicated main channels, giving you up to 200 watts for your mains.

It's quite a nice amp.

What is your favorite setting to listen to movies via HDMI PS3 for Blue Ray and Component for the Xbox 360 HD add on (with optical for sound)?

What do you guys use, and do you have 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, etc....

Any one???

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.

What is your favorite setting to listen to movies via HDMI PS3 for Blue Ray and Component for the Xbox 360 HD add on (with optical for sound)?

What do you guys use, and do you have 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, etc....

I use 7.1 speaker setup and prefer to use any of the "x" (extra) channel DSP's to fill in the 2 back rear speakers so they are not left dead and useless. To answer your other listening mode questions.

My Favorite Listening modes:

PS3 (via HDMI)
I use the PCM output (on ps3) and leave my receiver on multichannel (i want my true hd however I can get it) this setting sounds amazing to me and better then I can get bistream with any onkyo dsp to sound (for now... and for me)

Xbox 360 (via optical)
On the xbox 360 side (i also run optical cable for my 360) I like Dolbly D Ex and my favorite is (Pro Logic 2 X) PLIIx Movie

Cable (via HDMI)
On hdmi cable box side.. I use PLIIx Movie.

Music (via anything)
On music side of things (hdmi or other).. for lower end sources like ipod... I turn on All channel stereo.. it fills the room up nice and loud and everything is real clear.. I still get left and right stereo seperation.. but the all channel stereo fills all my 7 channels up evenly and same volume. I love basking in music from every direction. :) If i had some music that demanding nice sound stage I would prolly go try PLIIX Music or Dolby D EX

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.

You are making it more complicated than necessary. You do not need to switch the receiver on. If you simply select the appropriate source the receiver will switch on and enable that source in a single shot.

I do noy own a Harmony, but a Harman Kardon TC30 (which is a Harmony clone). Check my posts in the Remotes section of Avforums (http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=620300). The guys of HK talk directly to the 2nd level guys froim Logitech, something you and I as apparent dumb-ass consumers are not allowed. (I tried and could not get past 1st level support - Then I sold my Harmony and got a HK).

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.

The cable TV-AudioOut to Receiver-AudioIn is only required if you actually plan to use the TV as a source.

In your case, the cable box is the source.

I guess you want to use your Onkyo connected speakers for output. Then you need to connect STB-DVI to Onkyo HDMI in and Onkyo HDMI-Out to TV HDMI-In. Lastly you need to connect STB-AudioOut to Onkyo-Audio-In.

If you have assigned the HDMI input to CBL/SAT then you should use the CBL/SAT inputs to connect the STB. A digital connection is obviously better and then you go into the menu to assign the chosen digital input to CBL/SAT.

That's all.

/edit: Same thing posted before... Duh! (to myself) ;)

Looks like August was the end of CC's 2nd qtr and they may have been dealing to get their same store sales up (I'm making stuff up of course). If this is true, likely won't see similar deals until November.

I seem to recall reading that Audyssey adjusts the phase of your subwoofer via the distance parameter. I'd be curious to see what happened if you changed the phase setting on the sub itself and reran Audyssey.

Frank

I've done that. My Sony sub only has a 2-position phase switch, and both positions gave the same distance setting in Audyssey. So probably my sub is in a location that its phase switch doesn't give enough adjustment to properly address.:(

What did you guys use to remove the residue left behind by the yellow sticker on the front panel. I peeled mine off and it left a "shadow" of the sticker. I don't want to rub to hard or use something that may mar or discolor the finish.

Thanks a bunch...

Well, I finally joined the club. Just placed an order for the silver 705. Strangely enough I did not use the CC web page printout that I emailed to so many people. I ended up ordering from Crutchfield and using a coupon code and a rewards certificate from my Discover card. Final price ended up pretty much the same as the CC deal. I kind of wanted black but they were out of stock so I went silver. The rep did tell me that if the black came back into stock within my 30 day from purchase window then I could trade it out at no cost except the freight to return this one. I doubt I will do that after getting it setup and everything but at least I have the option. I should be back here soon to start asking questions of course. Well, it might be a little while as I still need to order speakers! I have a 5.1 setup but it's not what I'm planning to use so I wont go to the trouble of setting them up. I will probably be ordering Ascend Acoustics speakers by the weekend.

Well, I finally joined the club. Just placed an order for the silver 705. Strangely enough I did not use the CC web page printout that I emailed to so many people. I ended up ordering from Crutchfield and using a coupon code and a rewards certificate from my Discover card. Final price ended up pretty much the same as the CC deal. I kind of wanted black but they were out of stock so I went silver. The rep did tell me that if the black came back into stock within my 30 day from purchase window then I could trade it out at no cost except the freight to return this one. I doubt I will do that after getting it setup and everything but at least I have the option. I should be back here soon to start asking questions of course. Well, it might be a little while as I still need to order speakers! I have a 5.1 setup but it's not what I'm planning to use so I wont go to the trouble of setting them up. I will probably be ordering Ascend Acoustics speakers by the weekend.

Gratz you will enjoy it.. you buying a 7.1 setup for ascend acoustics? A 7.1 setup from them is around $3,000 right? I never demo'd that brand myself is your other setup also from them (if so how you like them)?

I eventually (soon) want a new setup for my living room and will want to get a nice 7.1 set out there (its currently 5.1), I will probably want a heftier receiver then this 705 for it though. I currently am using this 705 for a bedroom 7.1 setup (not my living room).

What did you guys use to remove the residue left behind by the yellow sticker on the front panel. I peeled mine off and it left a "shadow" of the sticker. I don't want to rub to hard or use something that may mar or discolor the finish.

Thanks a bunch...

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibility if you do any of this.. do with this info as you may. :)

I didn't get any residue left behind on mine.. thats odd that you did. However, I know a great product that will take off any sticker glue from products and is non toxic and very safe on most surfaces. Its called, "Orange Oil" and its made from real orange rinds and smells super intense like oranges. Its used as a woodcare product, but works wonders as non corrosive way to remove glue (especially the weak glue from stickers often found on electronics). Basically, its mild fruit acid in its oily form. The combination works great for glues.

Other notes:
The oil and smell can be washed away with a lightly damp cloth after your remove the glue. Be sure to not drown the cloth with orange oil.... a little goes a long way. Only use it right where the sticker glue is at. (not all over the Onkyo faceplate as a cleaning product) Avoid getting the oil on the small printed text on the face of the onkyo receiver. I do not think that text will rub off with orange oil, but I don't want you to take any risk. I have rubbed the oil over other electronics printed text with no problems, but I would avoid it if you can. If you use the oil sparingly and apply it to a cloth 1st you should be fine and you can control where you are wiping the glue away. The Onkyo is kinda a brushed metal finish my only concerns with using oil products is since the brushed metal is indented in all the brushed grooves the oil may sit in those pits and make the area where you cleaned it look a little darker then the surrounding area. I have had a good experience with getting this oil off services with a lil damp rag cleaning afterward but the brushed surface may make you work harder to get it perfectly cleaned up. I have only used this orange oil on products that have slick metal and plastic surfaces (never a brushed finish like this Onkyo) If you do attempt to try this product regardless.. do a small test area to see how it cleans up with a damp rag afterward 1st.

As far as the only thing to REALLY avoid with this product. Just don't get the oil near your LCD screen TV (if you own one). Oil (any oil) and unprotected LCD screens can be VERY BAD. (unprotected as in it has no hardened plastic outer shell.. just the squishy soft film with the matte finish)

Other then that...the glue almost seems like it leaps off with orange oil, plus its Non toxic, smells great and works like a charm!

Of course just Google this topic if you want more info... you will find orange oil as a glue remover is very common.

Next question will be is THX worth it? The certification? Of course it isn't. But, the THX sound modes might be. There is also the more advanced Audessey EQ program, and the 2 more bands of manual EQ. There are a bevy of small differences that make up the $200 difference.

1st post! Got tired of waiting for the Denon 2308 to arrive, so just ordered my Onkyo 705 last night. Looks like I made a good decision, in part based on all I read here.

My first question has to do with upscaling to 1080p. I noticed the 705 handles 1080p (if passed to it, I imagine) but does not upscale analog to 1080p. The 705 will be matched with a Denon 1940 universal DVD/CD that upscales to 1080p using Faroudja Fi2301 video engine with DCDi. Does this mean my SD DVDs will be upscaled to 1080p and passed thru the 705 and maintained as 1080p on the LCD (Toshiba REGZA LH167)?

Second question; The Denon 1940 has multi channel outputs support DVD-A and SACD media playback for high quality audio, also has a 'Pure Direct" mode that passes 2 channel analog stereo and, according to the manual, recommends this for highest audio quality. Since SACD is 2 channel PCM, should I use the Pure Direct mode for SACD playback, or keep it on HDMI? How does the 705 handle an analog signal for audio?

Last question; my cable provider is Comcast, and I want to get an HD cable box with HDMI port, not DVI. Does it matter? Any specific recommendations?

As you can tell, nothing is set up yet, so hoping to save some time and maximize my investment.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks for everyones advice, I'm gonna go with the 705.

Hey well the 705 just dropped like $140 in price since yesterday on Amazon.

It is now $617 but is from a 3rd party seller. I was planning on waiting a month or so but this might force my hand a little sooner.

Onkyo 705 on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR705-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B000OBMX0K******pd_bbs_1/103-6062481-2547811?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1190113997&sr=8-1)

It's $100 cheaper than circuit city but they offer no payments for 12 months (don't really need that) and a cheaper (probably better) service plan.

Gratz you will enjoy it.. you buying a 7.1 setup for ascend acoustics? A 7.1 setup from them is around $3,000 right? I never demo'd that brand myself is your other setup also from them (if so how you like them)?

I eventually (soon) want a new setup for my living room and will want to get a nice 7.1 set out there (its currently 5.1), I will probably want a heftier receiver then this 705 for it though. I currently am using this 705 for a bedroom 7.1 setup (not my living room).

Heck no, I can't drop that kind of money on speakers! I'm going to start with a 5.1 setup of the CBM-170 front and left channel, CMT-340 center and the HMT-200's for surronds. This should come in at about $875 and then I will add the last two surround speakers a few weeks later if all goes well. Total investment should be around $1100 for the Ascend package I want. I'm currently using some old (10 years old) Energy speakers I picked up second hand. While they sound pretty good for my plasma downstairs (just using two floorstanders) they wont really cut it for what I want out of the theater.

Heck no, I can't drop that kind of money on speakers! I'm going to start with a 5.1 setup of the CBM-170 front and left channel, CMT-340 center and the HMT-200's for surronds. This should come in at about $875 and then I will add the last two surround speakers a few weeks later if all goes well. Total investment should be around $1100 for the Ascend package I want. I'm currently using some old (10 years old) Energy speakers I picked up second hand. While they sound pretty good for my plasma downstairs (just using two floorstanders) they wont really cut it for what I want out of the theater.

Ahh, that sounds like a more down to earth price for sure. I did something similar to you, where I bought the 5.1 setup and followed through with the extra back 2 channels the next month. Buying those 2 extra channels was rough for me because, I bought the 5.1 package on a sale and the extra sats where not on sale so I had to go to http://www.accessories4less.com/ for a pair of scratch and dents sats and saved 200 bucks. (1 had a minor non-visible scratch on the back and no dents and other had no scratch nor dents) I got lucky. The outer packaging looked horrible on both, but that company seemed to get me those speakers fast and to see the speakers work without any damage made me happy. Some people elsewhere on forums recommended that company to me. I am glad I gave them a chance. because I was skeptical at 1st.

Ok a technical question mixed in with all the spec talk right now:)

I have my Moto 6416 HD-DVR in HDMI 1, Directv HD-DVR in HDMI 2, and my Toshiba HD-A2 in HDMI 3. My issue is with the Moto 6416. I leave the box on all the time since its a DVR and records programs throughout the day. When I switch on the 705 (I use a Harmony 880) I end up with a bunch of squiggly lines and the only way I have found to correct this is to cycle power on the cable box. That will cause an issue if it's actually recording something at that time. I'm guessing the issue is with the HDCP handshake, but not certain. I leave my DTV box on all the time but have no such issue with it. Any ideas, its really annoying having to cycle power to the box everytime I turn on my system.

I've asked this question before but I didn't get a response. Could someone tell this novice how to setup my equalizer manually? I'm not familiar with frequencies /db's and such and would like to try it. Thanks

1st post! Got tired of waiting for the Denon 2308 to arrive, so just ordered my Onkyo 705 last night. Looks like I made a good decision, in part based on all I read here.

My first question has to do with upscaling to 1080p. I noticed the 705 handles 1080p (if passed to it, I imagine) but does not upscale analog to 1080p. The 705 will be matched with a Denon 1940 universal DVD/CD that upscales to 1080p using Faroudja Fi2301 video engine with DCDi. Does this mean my SD DVDs will be upscaled to 1080p and passed thru the 705 and maintained as 1080p on the LCD (Toshiba REGZA LH167)?

Second question; The Denon 1940 has multi channel outputs support DVD-A and SACD media playback for high quality audio, also has a 'Pure Direct" mode that passes 2 channel analog stereo and, according to the manual, recommends this for highest audio quality. Since SACD is 2 channel PCM, should I use the Pure Direct mode for SACD playback, or keep it on HDMI? How does the 705 handle an analog signal for audio?

Last question; my cable provider is Comcast, and I want to get an HD cable box with HDMI port, not DVI. Does it matter? Any specific recommendations?

As you can tell, nothing is set up yet, so hoping to save some time and maximize my investment.

Thanks in advance.

Answer to #1 - as long as you go HDMI in --> HDMI out then your 1080p signal will stay intact

#2 - someone else will have to answer this for you, I haven't played with that function yet.

#3 - I just made my cable company upgrade my cable box to a pace Tahoe DVR with HDMI out to simplify things. I think the motorola 6416 also has HDMI.

A DVI to HDMI plug will still pass the video perfectly, but you'd probably want to grab an optical cable for the audio.

Ok a technical question mixed in with all the spec talk right now:)

I have my Moto 6416 HD-DVR in HDMI 1, Directv HD-DVR in HDMI 2, and my Toshiba HD-A2 in HDMI 3. My issue is with the Moto 6416. I leave the box on all the time since its a DVR and records programs throughout the day. When I switch on the 705 (I use a Harmony 880) I end up with a bunch of squiggly lines and the only way I have found to correct this is to cycle power on the cable box. That will cause an issue if it's actually recording something at that time. I'm guessing the issue is with the HDCP handshake, but not certain. I leave my DTV box on all the time but have no such issue with it. Any ideas, its really annoying having to cycle power to the box everytime I turn on my system.

Cable boxes seem to be the most unreliable hardware on the planet. I Blew through 3 Moto 6416's in the last 6 months with similiar issues you are speaking of and a TON of macro blocking.

I just had the cable company drop off a pace tahoe DVR and it has worked alot better than the moto. The only strange thing that ever happens is when i switch from DVD on my reciever to CBL/SAT i get an instant picture, then it drops off for 2 seconds then comes back perfect.

I've asked this question before but I didn't get a response. Could someone tell this novice how to setup my equalizer manually? I'm not familiar with frequencies /db's and such and would like to try it. Thanks

You should run the Audyssey EQ first and take at least 3 listening positions. After that you can make some manual adjustments to fine tune everything.

For about 40 dollars you can buy a radio shack Digital sound level meter. This will measure the SPL (loudness) of each speaker.

Basically what you do is sit down in your favorite listening position, set the reciever volume at around -15 or so and go into setup.

navigate to the speaker level setting and you will find a page that has your speakers listed, when you highlight a speaker a test tone will start to play. watch your meter and adjust or lower the speaker level until the meter reads 75.
do this for every speaker...now at your listening position all the levels are perfect.
If you like alot of bass you might want to set the subwoofer 10-15 decibels higher.

There is also a speaker configuration page that lets you set up crossovers and distances...I recommended running the audyssey first because it will put in pretty accurate speaker distances for you. The crossovers are another story...it detected my bookshelves as full range.

Depending on what speakers you have you may want to change this around. set the crossovers based on the data sheet your speaker manufacturer gave you.

Hope this helps get you started.

dropzone, you will be happy with the ascends. just place your order and dont even wonder about it. great speakers!

Ok a technical question mixed in with all the spec talk right now:)

I have my Moto 6416 HD-DVR in HDMI 1, Directv HD-DVR in HDMI 2, and my Toshiba HD-A2 in HDMI 3. My issue is with the Moto 6416. I leave the box on all the time since its a DVR and records programs throughout the day. When I switch on the 705 (I use a Harmony 880) I end up with a bunch of squiggly lines and the only way I have found to correct this is to cycle power on the cable box. That will cause an issue if it's actually recording something at that time. I'm guessing the issue is with the HDCP handshake, but not certain. I leave my DTV box on all the time but have no such issue with it. Any ideas, its really annoying having to cycle power to the box everytime I turn on my system.

I don't have the Moto box but I'm wondering why you have to leave the power on all the time? I have a Scientific Atlanta HD-DVR and I record things all the time with the power off. It records either way as the hard drive always has power. You might try leaving it in a switched "off" state so that when you activate everything with your Harmony remote it simply switches on with the rest of the equipment. Perhaps the command being sent is being confused by the fact that the cable box is already on when it expects to be turning it on from an "off" state. So maybe it's like "turn on, oh it's already on, so maybe you are trying to turn me off, oh but now I'm turning it back on..." I probably have no idea what I'm talking about but I would give it a try.

Iammongo,

I had a Pace 775 box last week that I had to take back because I couldn't get it to display anything thru my receiver. It would however work if I went directly to my TV. So when I returned it I asked specifically for the 6416. So I'm not sure what the deal was but on my cable system, the Pace box didn't work for me.

DropZone,

You know I've never tried leaving it off and see if it actually records anything, but I do know that if I push on/off on my remote it will ask if I want to stop recording and continue action (shutting off). I just assumed it won't record in the off state. I'll try it tonight, thanks.

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibility if you do any of this.. do with this info as you may. :)

I didn't get any residue left behind on mine.. thats odd that you did. However, I know a great product that will take off any sticker glue from products and is non toxic and very safe on most surfaces. Its called, "Orange Oil" and its made from real orange rinds and smells super intense like oranges. Its used as a woodcare product, but works wonders as non corrosive way to remove glue (especially the weak glue from stickers often found on electronics). Basically, its mild fruit acid in its oily form. The combination works great for glues.

Other notes:
The oil and smell can be washed away with a lightly damp cloth after your remove the glue. Be sure to not drown the cloth with orange oil.... a little goes a long way. Only use it right where the sticker glue is at. (not all over the Onkyo faceplate as a cleaning product) Avoid getting the oil on the small printed text on the face of the onkyo receiver. I do not think that text will rub off with orange oil, but I don't want you to take any risk. I have rubbed the oil over other electronics printed text with no problems, but I would avoid it if you can. If you use the oil sparingly and apply it to a cloth 1st you should be fine and you can control where you are wiping the glue away. The Onkyo is kinda a brushed metal finish my only concerns with using oil products is since the brushed metal is indented in all the brushed grooves the oil may sit in those pits and make the area where you cleaned it look a little darker then the surrounding area. I have had a good experience with getting this oil off services with a lil damp rag cleaning afterward but the brushed surface may make you work harder to get it perfectly cleaned up. I have only used this orange oil on products that have slick metal and plastic surfaces (never a brushed finish like this Onkyo) If you do attempt to try this product regardless.. do a small test area to see how it cleans up with a damp rag afterward 1st.

As far as the only thing to REALLY avoid with this product. Just don't get the oil near your LCD screen TV (if you own one). Oil (any oil) and unprotected LCD screens can be VERY BAD. (unprotected as in it has no hardened plastic outer shell.. just the squishy soft film with the matte finish)

Other then that...the glue almost seems like it leaps off with orange oil, plus its Non toxic, smells great and works like a charm!

Of course just Google this topic if you want more info... you will find orange oil as a glue remover is very common.

woots,

Thanks for the tip, your disclaimer made me laugh, :D but I totally understand.

My wife actually had some Orange Oil in her cleaning supplies and it worked like a charm! I used literally a drop on a soft cloth and it took care of the residue. Like I said in my post it was more like a shadow of the sticker and not a sticky glue left behind but it was noticeable. I was careful to only use it where the sticker was and not let it get on any plastic or lettering and I didn't rub hard.

Thanks again... :)


Now it's clean and shiney!

P.S. I just want to reiterate what woots said about keeping this stuff or any other type of cleaner away from your LCD or Plasma. I always use a microfiber cloth to keep the dust away.

The certification? Of course it isn't. But, the THX sound modes might be. There is also the more advanced Audessey EQ program, and the 2 more bands of manual EQ. There are a bevy of small differences that make up the $200 difference.

from what i have read about thx cert. is that it must be extensively tested before thx will put their name on it. not just the finish products, but all parts within. at least thats how it use to be with thx. people are wondering now about products with such a low price point,use to be thx cert. receivers were over 2 grand. looks like something else to research.

Thanks iammongo. While I have you, would you be able to answer this question;

The Denon DVD player is HDMI 1.1, the Onkyo 705 and the Toshiba REGZA are both HDMI 1.3a. Is there any improvement *or* loss of PQ or AQ with the original conversion being done with HDMI 1.1 then being passed to 1.3a?

I've read every post in this thread (!) but don't recall anyone discussing a weird issue I'm having with my 705.

I have a legacy DVD/VHS combo unit (a Sony) connected to the 705 via new Monoprice component cables and coax digital. The 705 outputs to my TV (a Samsung LNT5271F) via HDMI.

When playing something on the DVD, the picture pulses up and down a pixel or two at varying speeds. Sometimes it's a rapid flicker and sometimes it's a slower "shake"...I'd be totally guessing, but it looks like the pulsing ranges anywhere from 3Hz up to about 20Hz. I rerouted the component cables directly to my TV and there's no pulsing whatsoever, so something about the 705 is causing this issue. This is the only device hooked up to the 705 that I've noticed anything weird (my Wii is also hooked up via component and its image is stable).

Any suggestions on troubleshooting this? TIA.

You need to get tight with the "DISPLAY" button. Lets say you are listening to a DVD with a DD 5.1 sound track. The display on your 705 will read "DVD -20". That is the input you've selected and the volume level. If you now press the Display button on the remote the display will now read "DD 5.1" This means you are receiving Dolby Digital, 5.1 channels. If you press display again it will say something like "DD PLIIx". That is what your receiver is putting out/post processing.

There are smaller read lights on the display that also would light up, DD is Dolby Digital, DTS, etc. The small green lights are what the receiver is putting out to the system.


That's what mine is doing but doesn't that mean I'm outputting to the speakers Dolby Digital Pro Logic IIx which is a matrix of 2 channels?
And wouldn't that be less than DD 5.1?

Thanks iammongo. While I have you, would you be able to answer this question;

The Denon DVD player is HDMI 1.1, the Onkyo 705 and the Toshiba REGZA are both HDMI 1.3a. Is there any improvement *or* loss of PQ or AQ with the original conversion being done with HDMI 1.1 then being passed to 1.3a?

Your PQ will be just dandy. If i understand things correctly The Higer levels of HDMI will allow larger bandwidth of future technologies such as deep color and the like.

If you look into the stickie threads in this forum there is an article that states that HDMI 1.3 is unnecessary. Some have speculated that it is part of the marketing scheme of cable makers. I'm not sure about any of that yet but i know my PQ is fine right now without it.

Congrats Drop....Must have been that pretty blue light finally convinced you..

U'll luv it....Good luck

Ironic the person that sent the CC page to so many doesnt use it...lol

Congrats Drop....Must have been that pretty blue light finally convinced you..

U'll luv it....Good luck

Ironic the person that sent the CC page to so many doesnt use it...lol

Yeah, I had been shopping this for a while and I could not let my coupons and reward certificates go to waste. Crutchfield usually gets things to me in 2 days and with free shipping. The blue light was just one of many things that swung my vote, that and those 3 HDMI ports on the back. I'm not even using an HDMI source at this time but I have an HD-Fury device on the way which will give me HDMI out to my CRT projector. If it looks good then all of my sources will be changed to HDMI.

Yeah I got my Mirage 550's + c-150 from Crutchfield...had them the next day (East Coast) with the free shipping and was very pleased.
Just couldnt resist that sale price and as I mentioned B4 am very happy with the sound in my setup with the 705. Only 5.1 at this point.

Again u'll be happy

Congrats Drop....Must have been that pretty blue light finally convinced you..

U'll luv it....Good luck

Ironic the person that sent the CC page to so many doesnt use it...lol

lol.. Sometimes I feel like a moth... if it glows blue.. I must buy it!

Lol yeah my HK AVR630 had the pretty blue light also but now with the purchase of the 705 it may be dimmed for good...sad

PS or maybe ill stack the HK on top of the 705, put the PS3 on top of that and then cook my Turkey for Thanksgiving on the shelf above

woots,

Thanks for the tip, your disclaimer made me laugh, :D but I totally understand.

My wife actually had some Orange Oil in her cleaning supplies and it worked like a charm! I used literally a drop on a soft cloth and it took care of the residue. Like I said in my post it was more like a shadow of the sticker and not a sticky glue left behind but it was noticeable. I was careful to only use it where the sticker was and not let it get on any plastic or lettering and I didn't rub hard.

Thank again... :)


Now it's clean and shiney!

lol nice! Good stuff... glad it helped. My father showed me that trick about a year back and I been using it here ever since.

Amazing how much that damn sticker glue residue problem shows up in ones "purchasing" lifetime. :D My only regret is I didn't hear about it sooner. I cant tell you how many surfaces I have scratched up or marred just trying to get glue off something.

Thanks iammongo. While I have you, would you be able to answer this question;

The Denon DVD player is HDMI 1.1, the Onkyo 705 and the Toshiba REGZA are both HDMI 1.3a. Is there any improvement *or* loss of PQ or AQ with the original conversion being done with HDMI 1.1 then being passed to 1.3a?

If you have the benefit of owning a newer hdmi 1.3a Tv set you will want to upgrade your hd player to 1.3 also so that you gain all the benefits of a pure 1.3 spec pipeline.


3 solid benefits

-Deep Color:
This is similar (but not directly) to setting 32 bit color depth on your PC's desktop settings vs the lower setting. What it looks like is when you see a color gradation on screen it looks smoother instead of stair stepped. There is a greater range of colors to fill in the gap. It basically will just polish up the look. (not sure if that new Tv takes advantage of this feature yet though even though its 1.3a, check owner manual)

-lip sync fix:
(1.1 and 1.2 had issues that are fixed in this 1.3 spec) you also can gain access to lip sync time shifting in the onkyo menu, when connected purely via 1.3

-True HD/DTS HD MA:
Raw bistream output from new players to the receiver. If buy one of the newest breed of HD DVD players (just coming out) you can get raw bistream output of True HD and will be a lot more future proofed.

I'm interested in maybe picking up this receiver. Anybody got any good price leads? I saw it on B&H for $629, but they are saying it is out of stock. I've seen the prices at a few other retailers and they are asking more than I can afford unfortunately. The $629 at B&H is pushing it a little on it's own, but that is a VERY nice price so I would be willing to go for it.

That's what mine is doing but doesn't that mean I'm outputting to the speakers Dolby Digital Pro Logic IIx which is a matrix of 2 channels?
And wouldn't that be less than DD 5.1?

DD PLIIx will work on sources from 2.0 up to 7.1. If you see DD PLiix & DD 5.1 you're getting 7.1 out of 5.1. More not less. Go to listening modes in the manual, decent explanation of source and process.

If you have the benefit of owning a newer hdmi 1.3a Tv set you will want to upgrade your hd player to 1.3 also so that you gain all the benefits of a pure 1.3 spec pipeline.


3 solid benefits

-Deep Color:
This is similar (but not directly) to setting 32 bit color depth on your PC's desktop settings vs the lower setting. What it looks like is when you see a color gradation on screen it looks smoother instead of stair stepped. There is a greater range of colors to fill in the gap. It basically will just polish up the look. (not sure if that new Tv takes advantage of this feature yet though even though its 1.3a, check owner manual)

<snip>

-True HD/DTS HD MA:
Raw bistream output from new players to the receiver. If buy one of the newest breed of HD DVD players (just coming out) you can get raw bistream output of True HD and will be a lot more future proofed.


Woots, I was under the impression that in order to obtain the benefits of both Deep Color and True HD/DTS HD MA, the media ALSO had to be enabled with those features (especially with HD DVD, which has restrictions on what can be decoded outside the player), and that there are no media available now that take advantage of those features. Is that not the case?

I just purchased the 705 and got it all set up. My last step was to use the Logitech 880 I have to control everything. For some reason, the 880 doesn't recognize the CBL/SAT input on the 705, so it won't tune the receiver to CBL/SAT. Anyone go through this already?

Yeah, those gave me a headache at first until I realized harmony's database has the dvd input followed by video 1 (vcr/dvr) video 2 (cbl/sat) etc. I may have those two backwards, I'm not looking at the remote at this moment.

Worked fine for my on my 880 on 1st try.

CBL/SAT on the 880 is labled Video 2

onkyo / hamrony 880
DVD = DVD
VCR = video 1
CBL/SAT = video 2

etc.

What he said. :)

Woots, I was under the impression that in order to obtain the benefits of both Deep Color and True HD/DTS HD MA, the media ALSO had to be enabled with those features (especially with HD DVD, which has restrictions on what can be decoded outside the player), and that there are no media available now that take advantage of those features. Is that not the case?

For HD DVD format the disc has to be authored in "Basic Mode" for the media to output those new undecoded audio formats. I am not a HD DVD guy.. (i am pure blu ray at the moment)

However, mr gribbles who frequents here on this thread, says he owns a basic mode hd dvd... ready to go for when the firmware update comes out on his hd dvd player. Even if there was no Basic authored media out at the moment. It will be on the way. Receiver that support True HD/DTS HD MA are coming out now (like ours) and now and next month disc players coming out that allow output to them is coming. This is a bit of the "field of dreams" effect... "built it an they will come." HD DVD discs will most likely be authored in basic mode more often in the near future would be my guess. (in fact its just another cash cow for the studios to double dip.... just watch once the execs of studios realizes there is a real market interest in discs that output on those formats you will see a flood of re-releases... "remastered for True HD output!!!" .. lol i can see it now.... just a matter of time)

The purpose of my responce was to inform him that if he has a 1.3 tv (which is awesome, I wish i waited a year more, before I jumped in) and a 1.3 receiver... go the last mile and get one of the upcoming 1.3 players and take advantage of newer features as they unfold. There still is advantages to be had doing so now and letting this 1.3 spec blossom over time.

The Deep Color is a very convoluted topic of how it will all work and if and when or never will blu ray and hd dvd support this. If and when it happens (if ever) it will certainly require a player that supports it. Since he already has the TV that does and receiver that does.. again it just makes sense to get a 1.3 pipeline. This feature in my mind is to hazy at the moment to praise it. The primary reasons to get a NEW 1.3 player is so people can take advantage of the True HD/DTS HD MA possibilities and finally have proper lip sync control.. if deep color ever happens in 1-2 years for disc authoring.. thats just the cherry ontop.

Most of this info that has jumped around the forums stems from this http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Joshua_Zyber/High-Def_FAQ/High-Def_FAQ:_Is_HDMI_1.3_Really_Necessary/853
And the forum post that inspired this article: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=789994
If your note: That forum post, he had to go back and update his post to recant some of his original comments (which were true at the time).

I think even though that info was accurate (at the time) this info is becoming outdated as of recent. Things are changing a bit since this CEDIA convention...I believe sincerely the industry as a whole is taking steps to take advantage of uncompressed audio format, these are CERTAINLY good reasons to get a new 1.3 spec player with these capabilities. Its not all bunch of hype anymore as that article will lead you to believe... Things change, technology progresses and this is all happening...very soon.

Get with mrgribbles on which HDDVD disc(s) are currently authored in basic mode. (or whats slated to come)

I have the 705, and from the owner's manual I saw:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/Jammasterc/Ohmproblem.jpg

I just bought this Pyramid Marine speaker:http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=310-070

The box says nothing of 8 ohm application use only Impedance-4 Ohms use; but the online store description says "Rated for 4 and 8 ohm applications".

this outdoor speaker will be connected to Zone 2.

Will I be ok using this outdoor speaker?

I have the 705, and from the owner's manual I saw:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/Jammasterc/Ohmproblem.jpg

I just bought this Pyramid Marine speaker:http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=310-070

The box says nothing of 8 ohm application use only Impedance-4 Ohms use; but the online store description says "Rated for 4 and 8 ohm applications".

this outdoor speaker will be connected to Zone 2.

Will I be ok using this outdoor speaker?

I am not 100% sure if you will be able to do this. I know inside the menu speaker setup you can select speakers that are greater then 6 ohm or less then 6 ohm. I do not have my zone 2 rigged up yet so I cannot say for sure, if that selectable ohm control is adjustable for zone2 also, or if its holistic for the entire amplifier (zone 1 + zone2).

Marine speakers and stereo equipment is just like car stereo and speaker equipment its all 2-4 ohm stuff since its meant to work on a DC battery setup. If your speakers for your home theater are standard I assume they are 8 ohm. If that ohm selector is holistic, this would be bad and I do not think it will work for you.

Good luck with this if you already bought them, I hope you can make this work out. I trust that store allows you to return them if not?

I have the 705, and from the owner's manual I saw:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/Jammasterc/Ohmproblem.jpg

I just bought this Pyramid Marine speaker:http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=310-070

The box says nothing of 8 ohm application use only Impedance-4 Ohms use; but the online store description says "Rated for 4 and 8 ohm applications".

this outdoor speaker will be connected to Zone 2.

Will I be ok using this outdoor speaker?


On the link it says 4 and 8 ohm applications so i think you should be fine..Please post your results after you try them out.

I have all axiom speakers (8ohm) and i have read several issues with people trying to run their 4-ohm speakers with an onkyo reciever. Infact the company warns against buying onkyo and a few other popular brands to power their top of the line M80 model.

Ok, here's my set-up. I have the 705 with an HD-A2 in hdmi dvd, a HR20-700 in hdmi cbl/sat, and a HR10-250 in hdmi vcr. All this goes via a hdmi-dvi cable to my hitachi tv. I've only had audio sync issues with the dvr's. I'm outputting in DD from both. I adjusted the sync to zero from the default of 40ms. For the most part it seems fine but occasionally it seems off. HD-DVD plays fine with no audio sync adjustments necessary.

I'm happy with everything overall although I wish I could adjust the audio sync just a tad more. Would I gain or lose anything by going pcm out from both dvr's?

On the link it says 4 and 8 ohm applications so i think you should be fine..Please post your results after you try them out.


I called "partsexpress.com" to explain my concern, maybe trying to return the 4 Ohm speaker for a 8 Ohm pair.
The technician said that he would take the speaker apart, test it and call me within 30 minutes, with the results.
He also stated that it was odd that their online description claimed 8 Ohm application use.

Ok, here's my set-up. I have the 705 with an HD-A2 in hdmi dvd, a HR20-700 in hdmi cbl/sat, and a HR10-250 in hdmi vcr. All this goes via a hdmi-dvi cable to my hitachi tv. I've only had audio sync issues with the dvr's. I'm outputting in DD from both. I adjusted the sync to zero from the default of 40ms. For the most part it seems fine but occasionally it seems off. HD-DVD plays fine with no audio sync adjustments necessary.

I'm happy with everything overall although I wish I could adjust the audio sync just a tad more. Would I gain or lose anything by going pcm out from both dvr's?

PCM = no Dolby signal will be passed to your receiver... everything gets decoded in the cable box and sent out.
bistream = you get dolby undecoded signal passed to your receiver and can decode on the receiver.

The difference to your ears.
Ironically I always prefer the sound of PCM to bistream to my ears... but this is just overall loudness and perceived volume. Once I hear the separation of sending bitsrteam on my cable box I just deal with the cut back signal and turn up the volume more in my satellite db settings. When the signal gets decoded in the source device things get levelized a bit I think. This gives your greater perceived volume.

However, bit stream is the setting you want to run if you have a 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 setup. That is to say, since your receiver gets the signal and decodes it, you are getting better surround sound separation and imaging. Its better to tweak the sound of your speakers in bit stream then to just run PCM.

I feel your pain on the lip sync issues (seriously dude!)... but at least if you take 10-20 mins of your time and play around with the audio delay option in your receiver you can get the sync very close (not perfect but good enough it doesn't piss me off every time I look at the screen... lol... its like watch those old Chinese karate movies where the lips are moving but nothing is being said.) Trust me .. I do feel your pain.

I want a cable box with 1.3 hdmi slot in hopes this can get me better control over the situation (i doubt it since I don't have a 1.3 tv.. this is the penance I pay for not waiting a year... then again hdmi 1.4 is on the way and everyone buying now will regret not waiting a year too :D )

Anyway... stick to bitsream... tweak your sound how you like it... tweak the delay setting and get it the best you can... try to accept it.. or... ditch HDMI all together and go back to component/optical (I'm kidding!)

You should run the Audyssey EQ first and take at least 3 listening positions. After that you can make some manual adjustments to fine tune everything.

For the record, you can't manually adjust Audyssey's equalization, though you can change speaker crossovers and levels. The Audyssey equalization takes far more into account than just broad ranges of frequencies. The manual EQ implementation lets you make broad changes, but doesn't let you adjust the range of frequencies you're adjusting (Q), the time alignment, etc. that Audyssey sets. In fact, you can't even view Audyssey's EQ findings, since there would be no easy way to display them on screen.

The only implementation of Audyssey MultEQ XT that lets you see the results is the Pro version, which lets you plug to your computer for additional computation and review of results.

So basically, you either use what Audyssey gives you for EQ (which is very precise), or you play with the broad-range EQ that it gives you as an alternative.

Thanks woots for the very clear and practical reply.

My plan at moment is to sit out the HD/Blu battle for a short while until I can get a better fix on the future PLUS reduced price with better features on h/w and dvds.

The reason I 'shorted' on the DVD player is;

-it's the least expensive unit between LCD/AVR/DVD
-I'm more focused on audio capabilities right now (SACD/DVD-A)
-The only units at very moment to do what you say are the HD/BD units?

Meanwhile, I'm starting from scratch with everything so I'll be very pleased with upscaling...for now! Once the wife and kids see how great this is, I'll have an easier time with funding a new HD/BD player in 2008... :)

woots, what particular 1.3 DVD player(s) that's available today would you recommend?

I'm interested in maybe picking up this receiver. Anybody got any good price leads? I saw it on B&H for $629, but they are saying it is out of stock. I've seen the prices at a few other retailers and they are asking more than I can afford unfortunately. The $629 at B&H is pushing it a little on it's own, but that is a VERY nice price so I would be willing to go for it.

YES! The price dropped over $100 on Amazon since yesterday. It's at $617 right now but it's from a 3rd party vendor 6ave.

I checked out their website and they seem legit with about 10-15 retail stores mostly in NJ with a few in NY. I think I'm about to order mine in 5 seconds.

Has anyone seen anything lower than $617 on this unit?

woots, what particular 1.3 DVD player(s) that's available today would you recommend?

If your want Blu Ray PS3 is still one of the better choices. It has 1.3 hdmi, firmware is updated constantly and the price is very competitive. Not to mention your kids could use to game on too. Right now you cannot output true hd or dts hd ma from the PS3 (i do not know for sure, but I am starting to think hardware wise it may not be possible on that machine... time will tell) However, one can be bought for about 500 bucks now. Despite the fact is a game console don't let that fool you. Pound for pound its one of the better blu ray players on the market (maybe the best?)

If you want HD DVD fromat the the current flagship of the Toshiba line is 1.3 hdmi... the Toshiba XA2. Since its been out for a little while its cheaper now and you can find it on sale. However, the firmware right now still does not allow raw bistream output. Mrgribbles who is following this HD DVD side of things better then me can fill you in on the details of this. Apparently, that flagship model of the current generation of 1.3 players will be the only one to get the firmware update to allow it to do what the next gen of toshiba players are doing. My advice is sit and wait before you buy, but if you are chomping at the bit to get a player this is probably a smarter purchase. My advice would be wait for the next generation to come out this October. The new model coming out in october (available for preorder now) is the toshiba HD-A35. ($500) about the same as the sale price on the current gen XA2... I would advise you buy the newer gen since you dont own one yet.

Since you seem willing to wait.. my advice is wait a minimum of 1 month.. and a maximum of 6 months before you buy into one of these players. As far as the format war .. that has the whole collective world at a loss.. I just didn't want to wait 5 years for it to come to a head before I finally jump in (i went blu ray route) I think perhaps since HD DVD requires this basic authoring mode on discs.. blu ray has a leg up on this whole next tech trend of high def audio formats. blu ray is more poised to do this right out of the box. The sad part of that is.. nice 1.3 raw bistream player from sony coming out this next month cost a lot of cash. (which is why i want sony to figure out a way to make my ps3 do this :) )

I cant tell you which format to go for.. even though I am currently a owner of over 20 blu ray movies.. I do not endorse them any more or less then HD DVD format. I think you need to decide which direction to go in, then wait just a little for this next generation wave to hit, then figure out the best device you want for the price.

Here are 2 links to bookmark and check daily

Blu Ray Player Forums
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=149

HD DVD Player Forums
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=151

During the beginning and middle of next month.. be sure to check these 2 forums for lots of posts on user feedback from the people who are buying these new generation players.

Sorry for the long reply.. good luck!

I just purchased the 705 and outputing to my Mits hc1500 via 1 hdmi cable. The hdmi cable I purchased from monoprice (35' 22AWG HDMI Tin-Plated Copper CL2 Rated), which is not rated for hdmi 1.3 and will be permanently running through the wall-when I get around to it. My question, should I return it and get one rated for hdmi 1.3 or will this cable work? I will one day be purchasing a hdef dvd player and want to look ahead.

YES! The price dropped over $100 on Amazon since yesterday. It's at $617 right now but it's from a 3rd party vendor 6ave.

I checked out their website and they seem legit with about 10-15 retail stores mostly in NJ with a few in NY. I think I'm about to order mine in 5 seconds.

Has anyone seen anything lower than $617 on this unit?

Many of us bought it last month from circuit city and got the discount of 550 bucks. A few people managed even lower prices then this with CC discount coupons and such (i know someone who got it for 494, cause of discount stacking)

617 isn't a bad price... that 550 deal will not apply to you since its not the current price, they wont match it. If you wait around for the CC 4 hour sale (which happens while you sleep) chances are you may wait forever. I bought mine for 675 and later got my 550 price match discount (I got lucky, I was content in the price I bought it for originally). I was comfortable in justifying 675 vs the 750 price I saw everywhere so I think 617 is a good price if you are hungry to own it now. :)

I just purchased the 705 and outputing to my Mits hc1500 via 1 hdmi cable. The hdmi cable I purchased from monoprice (35' 22AWG HDMI Tin-Plated Copper CL2 Rated), which is not rated for hdmi 1.3 and will be permanently running through the wall-when I get around to it. My question, should I return it and get one rated for hdmi 1.3 or will this cable work? I will one day be purchasing a hdef dvd player and want to look ahead.

Thats a loaded question thats hard for anyone to answer definitively. The 1.2 spec cable from monoprice may very well be identical to the 1.3 cables (internal wire and connection wise) However, once raw bistream starts to happen perhaps those cables will make a difference. (Currently, I own one of each from monoprice to test and I see no differences.. All i can say is the new 1.3 cable has slimmer HDMI terminals)

I think the idea of controversy here is, what about the newer cables makes it have more "bandwidth" other then them saying it does on the site. They dont give any specifics technically about how the wire achieves this vs a 1.2 variety.

Since you are installing this in the wall and wont want to mess around later with all this .. I would ere on the side of caution and just get the 1.3 cable just to be safe.. its nearly same price.. not a big deal to get the newer one instead.

"then wait just a little for this next generation wave to hit, then figure out the best device you want for the price."

Exactly. Thanks for the good advice, definitely not too long of a reply!

"then wait just a little for this next generation wave to hit, then figure out the best device you want for the price."

Exactly. Thanks for the good advice, definitely not too long of a reply!

:D

That should give you just enough time to sweet talk your wife into spending another 500 bucks for the ole Home Theater! Woohoo more toys!

Thats a loaded question thats hard for anyone to answer definitively. The 1.2 spec cable from monoprice may very well be identical to the 1.3 cables (internal wire and connection wise) However, once raw bistream starts to happen perhaps those cables will make a difference. (Currently, I own one of each from monoprice to test and I see no differences.. All i can say is the new 1.3 cable has slimmer HDMI terminals)

I think the idea of controversy here is, what about the newer cables makes it have more "bandwidth" other then them saying it does on the site. They dont give any specifics technically about how the wire achieves this vs a 1.2 variety.

Since you are installing this in the wall and wont want to mess around later with all this .. I would ere on the side of caution and just get the 1.3 cable just to be safe.. its nearly same price.. not a big deal to get the newer one instead.Thanks Woot! One thing that just dawned on me is the hdmi cable to my projector will always handle Video only. Since the concern is over audio (I think?) then I would only need to insure the cable from my hdef dvd to my 705 is 1.3 compliant. Or would I need to be concerned with video, Woot?

Thanks Woot! One thing that just dawned on me is the hdmi cable to my projector will always handle Video only. Since the concern is over audio (I think?) then I would only need to insure the cable from my hdef dvd to my 705 is 1.3 compliant. Or would I need to be concerned with video, Woot?

What i mentioned would apply to both audio and video of the 1.3 spec. Again all the things I mentioned before still applies... the 1.3 spec cables may or may not be worth it.. but if you are installing it in the wall at this point in time.. go with 1.3 cable to be safe.

If you projector is 1.3 compliant you want your whole pipeline to be 1.3 if you can to take advantage of at the very least (lip sync) changes they made in this revision. However, since its only video and not audio....if you already ordered the cable and don't feel like returning it and getting a 1.3... just stick to the 1.2 cable.. if you haven't ordered yet... the rule of future proofing any installation is to be better safe then sorry. I do not think the 1.2 cable would lag the lip sync any more or less then a 1.3 cable.. and deep color probably isn't something you have to worry about with that current projector (guessing).

Since youse guys are talking about HD & BD players I'd thought I'd chime in with a bit of news.

It appears that the new Samsung BD-P1200 is now appearing in stores and I just read that it has already received an update and for the first time, "DTs HD MA" lights are lighting up on the AVRs. It has HDMI 1.3, internal DD THD decoding and 24fps video.

I'll get shot by you know who, but I think I have to buy one tomorrow. Woooooot.

EDIt: I mean't to say Samsung BD-P1400. Thanks grubavs.

Since youse guys are talking about HD & BD players I'd thought I'd chime in with a bit of news.

It appears that the new Samsung BD-P1200 is now appearing in stores and I just read that it has already received an update and for the first time, "DTs HD MA" lights are lighting up on the AVRs. It has HDMI 1.3, internal DD THD decoding and 24fps video.

I'll get shot by you know who, but I think I have to buy one tomorrow. Woooooot.

1400???

Hi guys
I bought the 705 a few weeks ago from CC, and I was one of the lucky ones that got the price match about a week ago.

At the time, I was figuring I could try it out for a month, and then return it if I did not like it. I doubt anything can touch it at the price, and figured I would have to pay quite a bit more to do better, so it is not going anywhere.

I connected my rear two speakers yesterday, so I now have a 7.1 system, and watched a little of the 3rd LOTR in THX 7.1. It was pretty impressive. Need to play with the sound modes some, and fix some of the settings (for one, sub distance was wacky).

So far, I have bought a new 52" Sony LCD, new speakers (Ascend Sierra's and 200's) and this receiver. I also just ordered parts to build a new sub. Spent too much, but I don't expect to make any changes for a while, except for the Blu Ray or HD DVD that I will get around Christmas.

Randy

1400???

Thank you. Another bout of early onset, adult dementia.

What i mentioned would apply to both audio and video of the 1.3 spec. Again all the things I mentioned before still applies... the 1.3 spec cables may or may not be worth it.. but if you are installing it in the wall at this point in time.. go with 1.3 cable to be safe.

If you projector is 1.3 compliant you want your whole pipeline to be 1.3 if you can to take advantage of at the very least (lip sync) changes they made in this revision. However, since its only video and not audio....if you already ordered the cable and don't feel like returning it and getting a 1.3... just stick to the 1.2 cable.. if you haven't ordered yet... the rule of future proofing any installation is to be better safe then sorry. I do not think the 1.2 cable would lag the lip sync any more or less then a 1.3 cable.. and deep color probably isn't something you have to worry about with that current projector (guessing).
The lipsync could be problamatic seeing that it is a real issue now with this receiver (and probably many more on the market). For the money it does make since to upgrade my cable to err on the safe side. Thanks again for your advise.

The lipsync could be problamatic seeing that it is a real issue now with this receiver (and probably many more on the market). For the money it does make since to upgrade my cable to err on the safe side. Thanks again for your advise.

But the a/v sync features of HDMI 1.3 have nothing to do with the cable, it's just a feature of the digital protocol that the HDMI transmitter and receiver can negotiate if both of the devices on either end of the cable support that feature.

The feature simply has nothing to do with the version of HDMI support claimed for the cable.

I've read every post in this thread (!) but don't recall anyone discussing a weird issue I'm having with my 705.

I have a legacy DVD/VHS combo unit (a Sony) connected to the 705 via new Monoprice component cables and coax digital. The 705 outputs to my TV (a Samsung LNT5271F) via HDMI.

When playing something on the DVD, the picture pulses up and down a pixel or two at varying speeds. Sometimes it's a rapid flicker and sometimes it's a slower "shake"...I'd be totally guessing, but it looks like the pulsing ranges anywhere from 3Hz up to about 20Hz. I rerouted the component cables directly to my TV and there's no pulsing whatsoever, so something about the 705 is causing this issue. This is the only device hooked up to the 705 that I've noticed anything weird (my Wii is also hooked up via component and its image is stable).

Any suggestions on troubleshooting this? TIA.If you also hook up component cables from the 705 to your display, you will be able to see whether the "pulsing" is due to the upconverting to HDMI output, or still occurs even when using component pass through (one assumes it would be due to the HDMI conversion, but always pays to make sure)

For HD DVD format the disc has to be authored in "Basic Mode" for the media to output those new undecoded audio formats. I am not a HD DVD guy.. (i am pure blu ray at the moment)

However, mr gribbles who frequents here on this thread, says he owns a basic mode hd dvd... ready to go for when the firmware update comes out on his hd dvd player. Even if there was no Basic authored media out at the moment. It will be on the way. Receiver that support True HD/DTS HD MA are coming out now (like ours) and now and next month disc players coming out that allow output to them is coming. This is a bit of the "field of dreams" effect... "built it an they will come." HD DVD discs will most likely be authored in basic mode more often in the near future would be my guess. (in fact its just another cash cow for the studios to double dip.... just watch once the execs of studios realizes there is a real market interest in discs that output on those formats you will see a flood of re-releases... "remastered for True HD output!!!" .. lol i can see it now.... just a matter of time)

The purpose of my responce was to inform him that if he has a 1.3 tv (which is awesome, I wish i waited a year more, before I jumped in) and a 1.3 receiver... go the last mile and get one of the upcoming 1.3 players and take advantage of newer features as they unfold. There still is advantages to be had doing so now and letting this 1.3 spec blossom over time.

The Deep Color is a very convoluted topic of how it will all work and if and when or never will blu ray and hd dvd support this. If and when it happens (if ever) it will certainly require a player that supports it. Since he already has the TV that does and receiver that does.. again it just makes sense to get a 1.3 pipeline. This feature in my mind is to hazy at the moment to praise it. The primary reasons to get a NEW 1.3 player is so people can take advantage of the True HD/DTS HD MA possibilities and finally have proper lip sync control.. if deep color ever happens in 1-2 years for disc authoring.. thats just the cherry ontop.

Most of this info that has jumped around the forums stems from this http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Joshua_Zyber/High-Def_FAQ/High-Def_FAQ:_Is_HDMI_1.3_Really_Necessary/853
And the forum post that inspired this article: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=789994
If your note: That forum post, he had to go back and update his post to recant some of his original comments (which were true at the time).

I think even though that info was accurate (at the time) this info is becoming outdated as of recent. Things are changing a bit since this CEDIA convention...I believe sincerely the industry as a whole is taking steps to take advantage of uncompressed audio format, these are CERTAINLY good reasons to get a new 1.3 spec player with these capabilities. Its not all bunch of hype anymore as that article will lead you to believe... Things change, technology progresses and this is all happening...very soon.

Get with mrgribbles on which HDDVD disc(s) are currently authored in basic mode. (or whats slated to come)Actually from the discussions about the toshiba firmwares, it doesnt seem like it will only work with disks authored in "basic mode" because it sounds like they have implemented it as an option you set on the playet. Setting this option will pass the TrueHD/DTS-MA along undecoded, and will disable the advanced mode features like button press click sounds and multimedia content etc. Sounds like a great way to implement it in my opinion... all these people claiming it's uyseless for anything other than basic authored disks (and then claiming that there are few/none of these around thus the feature is basically useless) seem to not be up with the latest info as to how Toshiba are implementing the funcitonality in their firmware upgrades

Question about HDMI to Component conversion?

All my searches say a 1080 component in can only be output at 720 via HDMI. Does it work the same way in reverse?

Any reason not to go component to the screen?

Any HDMI HD input regardless of rez (1080i, 1080p, 720p) will be down-rezzed to 480p if sent to the display via component (I have a 705, but haven't tried this; from all I've read, though, converting an HD HDMI signal to an HD component signal would not be allowed due to copy protection issues).

I got the lip sync pretty much straight on all inputs. I had to adjust the HD-A2 speaker level about 7DB to put it around the same level with my other equipment.

What's the verdict on THX Cinema? I used that on top of every setting, PCM, DD, DDPLII. So far I like that best. It just seems smoother to me.

YES! The price dropped over $100 on Amazon since yesterday. It's at $617 right now but it's from a 3rd party vendor 6ave.

I checked out their website and they seem legit with about 10-15 retail stores mostly in NJ with a few in NY. I think I'm about to order mine in 5 seconds.

Has anyone seen anything lower than $617 on this unit?It's been $629 from Amazon and Vann's with free shipping for weeks now. One Call is also $629, and will match free shipping, but with 3-day instead of ground. (I got mine in two.)

I've heard stories of people getting the $550 price match from CC. Even with tax, that's under $600, and you take it with you.

If you also hook up component cables from the 705 to your display, you will be able to see whether the "pulsing" is due to the upconverting to HDMI output, or still occurs even when using component pass through (one assumes it would be due to the HDMI conversion, but always pays to make sure)

Good suggestion...I should try that.

Whether or not I get the time to do that before my Oppo 981 comes (and I can relegate this old hunk o' junk to the attic) is an entirely different issue. :D

I just purchased the 705 and outputing to my Mits hc1500 via 1 hdmi cable. The hdmi cable I purchased from monoprice (35' 22AWG HDMI Tin-Plated Copper CL2 Rated), which is not rated for hdmi 1.3 and will be permanently running through the wall-when I get around to it. My question, should I return it and get one rated for hdmi 1.3 or will this cable work? I will one day be purchasing a hdef dvd player and want to look ahead.

My understanding, per this article (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/hdmi-cable-battlemodo/the-truth-about-monster-cable-+-grand-finale-part-iii-282725.php), is that at this point even the best HDMI cables have trouble maintaining that full 1.3 spec connection at long lengths. If you read that article (that page is the wrap-up, but you can click the HDMI Cable Battlemodo link at top for previous installments) it explains the whole thing. I say get whatever's reasonable right now, but leave yourself a way to revise it in the future, if possible.

A quick question on 1.3a - newbie:

Fairly new to the world of home entertainment, but when my old receiver blew up, I had to buy a new one. It appears I went with the right choice of 705 (it's awesome). One of the reasons I chose this was because of the "future-proofing" function of 1.3a.

Now after reading more on this on the site and elsewhere - I've run into a wall. It looks like a lot of you are experts in this area, so I fail to understand why no-one has really raised up the fact that nothing utilises these functions advertised for 1.3a? There is nothing out there.

The same goes for the Video side with 1.3a -> deep colour, etc etc. This doesn't exist anywhere and from what I can tell, won't for awhile (ever). HD DVD/BD could do this, but the way they are authored removes this option or will remove it in the future (if you're thinking BD).

ie: off the topic, but it's the same with the future 1440p or 2160p HD TVs - nothing will ever use this resolution (besides the fact you'll need to hug your TV to see any difference).

Now the question: have I missed something here or are we all hoping that "in the future" somebody, somewhere will enable these functions and we'll be better off? Overall, can someone please advise what exactly is the bonus here?

Scarecrow420 has it figured out. Bitstreaming DD THD, etc. The Advanced Authoring disk argument has been a tad overplayed as an excuse for not being able to pass bitstream HD audio material. Toshiba has told a handful of industry insiders, including some AVS forums folks that the A35 and XA2 will be able to pass bitstream up to 7.1 regardless of disk authoring, basic or advanced. No one but Toshiba knows at this point exactly how it will be implemented but we have been told that the user will have the option to select, for lack of a better term, an override. When this occurs it is possible that you will not get button sounds or commentary mixing. A pop up may occur telling you you are SOL for those features unless you go back to internal decoding. Also, as I posted above, the Samsung p1400 player is now outputting DD & DTS HD material over HDMI as bitstream. Its happening now.

I encourage all whom are interested in HD audio to explore the HD & BD player forums. I don't believe advanced authoring is the impediment to progress that it was/is being touted.

Question about HDMI to Component conversion?

All my searches say a 1080 component in can only be output at 720 via HDMI. Does it work the same way in reverse?

Any reason not to go component to the screen?

HDMI in - component out. Nope!

i'm looking to purchase the sr705. is it too late to use the CC printout? if not, could someone please PM me.

thanks!

What's the verdict on THX Cinema? I used that on top of every setting, PCM, DD, DDPLII. So far I like that best. It just seems smoother to me.

Just to clarify, on my display it will show the DD and THX on DD 5.1, PCM multichannel and THX on PCM, and DDPLII and THX on 2 channel audio.

Because I'm not sure, does that help? My understanding is it gives a more diffuse sound stage. If I'm wrong, what should I set it to?

seems like the big news is samsung 1400 outputting true hd, dts ma. via bitstream. i have not heard if their cables must be 1.3 cert. maybe worth checking into. i am hopeing that those more gifted at these things, check into this. after all we did pay for a receiver that is supposed to process these new audio formats.

Alos, switching from my old receiver with component outputs to this receiver with HDMI has made all my HD content on my Tivo seem much more vibrant than before. Would that be due to the processing within the receiver or the HDMI cables or both?

Just to clarify, on my display it will show the DD and THX on DD 5.1, PCM multichannel and THX on PCM, and DDPLII and THX on 2 channel audio.

Because I'm not sure, does that help? My understanding is it gives a more diffuse sound stage. If I'm wrong, what should I set it to?

I believe that the THX listening modes try to compensate for the smaller home theater environment. They supposedly accomplish this by applying something similar to the RE-EQ setting wherein the highs are softened a bit. I do find it a bit more diffuse than say DD PLIIx and since I need all the upper frequency help I can get I tend not to use it as much as others do. Too many options in these receivers, I try 'em all.

Alos, switching from my old receiver with component outputs to this receiver with HDMI has made all my HD content on my Tivo seem much more vibrant than before. Would that be due to the processing within the receiver or the HDMI cables or both?

if its hdmi in and hdmi out than receiver is not doing any processing. it must be the hdmi cable.

My Def Tech BP 8B Specifications are (Nominal Impedance: 4 — 8 ohms) do I set impedance to 4 Ohms or 6 - 8 Ohm?

I believe that the THX listening modes try to compensate for the smaller home theater environment. They supposedly accomplish this by applying something similar to the RE-EQ setting wherein the highs are softened a bit. I do find it a bit more diffuse than say DD PLIIx and since I need all the upper frequency help I can get I tend not to use it as much as others do. Too many options in these receivers, I try 'em all.

So THX Cinema on top of the DD or PCM settings is an equalizer setting correct?
It's not a replacement of those settings. I guess that's what I'm trying to get at. Obviously I'm clueless about this. :o

So THX Cinema on top of the DD or PCM settings is an equalizer setting correct?
It's not a replacement of those settings. I guess that's what I'm trying to get at. Obviously I'm clueless about this. :o

Not quite. I didn't mean to confuse the issue by using the RE-EQ analogy. The THX modes operate very similar to DD & DTS playback modes but they do a bit more in terms of smoothing out the presentation. Although it may have certain frequency triggered filters in it, it is more of an audio post processor than it is an equalization process. RE-EQ will work during most output modes but it is closer to a filter.

Actually from the discussions about the toshiba firmwares, it doesnt seem like it will only work with disks authored in "basic mode" because it sounds like they have implemented it as an option you set on the playet. Setting this option will pass the TrueHD/DTS-MA along undecoded, and will disable the advanced mode features like button press click sounds and multimedia content etc. Sounds like a great way to implement it in my opinion... all these people claiming it's uyseless for anything other than basic authored disks (and then claiming that there are few/none of these around thus the feature is basically useless) seem to not be up with the latest info as to how Toshiba are implementing the funcitonality in their firmware upgrades

Good news I will have to give a serious look at HD DVD. I have been toying around with this idea for a while now anyway... Then I finally do not have to care any longer who wins the format war! :)

I asked this before but did not get a lot of answers. So I will ask it again, it may sound not interesting for many but it is to me. I just want to find out what the 705 owners preffered in listening mode. So here it is. and eventhough this is not important please share what you prefer.

And I asked this because my previous onkyo AVR (702) is so much easier which one to choose like for example if I have dts es, dd ex or dd 5.1 my old onkyo will recognized it automatically. Is there a way to have the 705 do this too. I am confused I really like 705 my set up is simple, I have cable box, hd a2 and panny bd10a to connect with my 705. to be honest I have'nt watch any sd dvd eversince I bought my hd players I guess I have to try those dts es dd 5.1 source to find out if 705 will recognized automatically.

1. If you select truhd from a movie disc, which listening mode do you pair this is it with neuralthx7.1, thx cinema ddpliix etc.
2. If you select DDplus from a movie disc, which listening mode do you pair this is it with neuralthx7.1, thx cinema ddpliix etc.

3. If you select dts hd from a movie disc, which listening mode do you pair this -
neuralthx7.1, thx cinema ddpliix etc.

4. If you select dts-es, dts or dd 5.1 from a movie disc, which listening mode do you pair this - neuralthx7.1, thx cinema ddpliix etc.

thanks,

Peter

A quick question on 1.3a - newbie:

Fairly new to the world of home entertainment, but when my old receiver blew up, I had to buy a new one. It appears I went with the right choice of 705 (it's awesome). One of the reasons I chose this was because of the "future-proofing" function of 1.3a.

Now after reading more on this on the site and elsewhere - I've run into a wall. It looks like a lot of you are experts in this area, so I fail to understand why no-one has really raised up the fact that nothing utilises these functions advertised for 1.3a? There is nothing out there.

The same goes for the Video side with 1.3a -> deep colour, etc etc. This doesn't exist anywhere and from what I can tell, won't for awhile (ever). HD DVD/BD could do this, but the way they are authored removes this option or will remove it in the future (if you're thinking BD).

ie: off the topic, but it's the same with the future 1440p or 2160p HD TVs - nothing will ever use this resolution (besides the fact you'll need to hug your TV to see any difference).

Now the question: have I missed something here or are we all hoping that "in the future" somebody, somewhere will enable these functions and we'll be better off? Overall, can someone please advise what exactly is the bonus here?

You are correct in that there "wasn't" anything out that took advantage of 1.3, but CEDIA which happened recently put the new 1.3 generation into full swing. Now new 1.3 TV's rolling out.. Now newer generation 1.3 blu/hd dvd players coming out. Some of these players can be had now some of them release during beginning of October. Even this receiver here we just got is fairly new to the Onkyo family line.

The newer players are outputting raw bistream undecoded True HD/DTS HD MA to the receiver and finally letting it do its job properly. The advantage is all the 6.1 and 7.1 speaker owners finally get proper decoding of these uncompressed formats on all our channels.

Also, since lip sync has been an issue notoriously since hdmi came out the newer 1.3 has features that correct lip sync. With a 1.3 HDMI pipeline a new features reveals itself inside the onkyo menu that allows you to also time shift lip sync separately from the current time shift we have in the A/V settings menu now.

Deep Color is tricky thing to achieve of the whole new 1.3 changes. However, I believe newer tv's coming out have this now. I know our receiver has this pass through option and I know new players have this option. The trick was when and if content ever comes out to take advantage of this. Since there are serious size limitations to jumping up color depth and also some issues with mastering studios not having proper source footage currently. However, my guess is you may see some very specialized new "Art House/3D Animation" flavored content come out that takes advantage of this in 1-2 years. My guess is the show will have to be 1 hour or so (very short). Since uncompressed audio tracks suck up a lot of space currently, once the video files jump up in size even more. I am guessing that since Blu Ray since it has a larger format with more elbow room, it may shine when it comes to Deep Color.

I know from being an digital artist myself its easy to redo (re-render) a video at a higher color depth.. however, all this does is interpolate the colors to a higher bit rate. The ideal situation for amazing looking Deep Color content will be to have original source footage captured at that bit depth. Because of this CGI animation has the best case scenario of releasing content like this.. they can render it out however they wish. Even though its a lot of work for the animation studio to re render the entire film if they believe there is a market they will do it. In fact, they have done this before for 4:3 vs 16:9 separate releases in the past with standard DVD's. Its the only format where the character and the scenes models can be shifted around to frame them properly for new formats which they did for many of these dual aspect ration 3d animation movies. (for example Bug's Life) For these studios to go back and render out at a higher bit depth is no big deal. Since most of these movies are only 1 hour they also would be the best candidate for Deep Color. We will have to wait and see.

Oh ya and one last thing on Deep Color, there is a standard thing people agree on is that people would not notice the difference even if it was running. This is true unless you would compare old vs new frames side by side... then the difference becomes obvious. Any scene that has a smooth shift in colors from a dark color to a lighter color (sky scenes, lights illuminated in dark rooms, etc) the smoothness of that color shift from one color to the next is the greatest place you can see higher color depth working. In fact, It already drives me nuts to see stair stepped color gradations in movies/shows/games instead of perfectly smooth gradations. I never noticed this on standard definition, but now that we have HD this jumps out in my eyes like a sore thumb... perhaps me more then others since I am used to being critical of digital rendering quality.

My Def Tech BP 8B Specifications are (Nominal Impedance: 4 — 8 ohms) do I set impedance to 4 Ohms or 6 - 8 Ohm?

I would run those speakers at 8 ohms, since thats the typical native ohm setting for more in home speaker setups.

The onkyo menu only says >6 ohms or <6 ohms... go for greater then 6 ohms.

Good news I will have to give a serious look at HD DVD. I have been toying around with this idea for a while now anyway... Then I finally do not have to care any longer who wins the format war! :)

My next AV purchase will be the Toshiba A30 or A35. Waiting for a clear winner in the HD format war may be awhile if ever. I can use the ABT chip, pass TrueHD/DTS-MA now and 1080p/24, lip sync, and deep color will match up nice with my early next year purchase of a new HD Display.

I would run those speakers at 8 ohms, since thats the typical native ohm setting for more in home speaker setups.

The onkyo menu only says >6 ohms or <6 ohms... go for greater then 6 ohms.

Thanks,

I will have to re-run the Audyssey calibration, I have them set at 4 Ohm now.

YES! The price dropped over $100 on Amazon since yesterday. It's at $617 right now but it's from a 3rd party vendor 6ave.

I checked out their website and they seem legit with about 10-15 retail stores mostly in NJ with a few in NY. I think I'm about to order mine in 5 seconds.

Has anyone seen anything lower than $617 on this unit?
Right now the silver version is $633, directly from Amazon. The black version is being sold by WholeSaleAV for $699. When I view the receiver through the 6ave store, it is also saying that it is sold by Amazon.com.

I swear the price on the black version was like $614 yesterday, directly through Amazon :(

Right now the silver version is $633, directly from Amazon. The black version is being sold by WholeSaleAV for $699. When I view the receiver through the 6ave store, it is also saying that it is sold by Amazon.com.

I swear the price on the black version was like $614 yesterday, directly through Amazon :(

Ya Amazon is a bit like the stock market.. if you don't jump on a price when you see it low it may be back up the next day.

I bought a Harmony 880 remote off Amazon a lil over a week back and the next day after I bought it the price jumped up another 20 bucks. Its freaky how much prices shift.

Since youse guys are talking about HD & BD players I'd thought I'd chime in with a bit of news.

It appears that the new Samsung BD-P1200 is now appearing in stores and I just read that it has already received an update and for the first time, "DTs HD MA" lights are lighting up on the AVRs. It has HDMI 1.3, internal DD THD decoding and 24fps video.

I'll get shot by you know who, but I think I have to buy one tomorrow. Woooooot.

EDIt: I mean't to say Samsung BD-P1400. Thanks grubavs.

If you buy this Mrgriggles please let us know how it works with our receiver.

Also, do you own a hdmi 1.2 tv?

If you do, I really want to know if your 1.2 tv drags down the whole pipeline negating the 1.3 HD audio raw bistream benefits. I have heard from others within these forums, it should not work like that. At the same time, slightly contradictory to that, I have heard that when connected to a PC to monitor the hdmi data.....the hdmi info being pulled through, can yank data off every device connected to the pipeline even if it goes through other devices 1st.

I have yet to hear from someone who did a real world experiment, if a 1.2 tv negates the 1.3 benefits of the receiver/player. Please let me know how your experiment goes.

TIA

PS: Please give me a link to the 1200 thread that says people are confirming lights are coming on. I have read 1200 and 1400 thread and they all are saying no lights are coming on via there onkyo, 605, 805, 905's

Ya Amazon is a bit like the stock market.. if you don't jump on a price when you see it low it may be back up the next day.

I bought a Harmony 880 remote off Amazon a lil over a week back and the next day after I bought it the price jumped up another 20 bucks. Its freaky how much prices shift.

You really aren't kidding!! I just checked again and the 705 in black is now $599 from WholesaleAV. Just crazy.

I got my 705 at 549.00 couple of weeks ago. :D

****************************
HD DVD - 22
BD - 17

Scarecrow420 has it figured out. Bitstreaming DD THD, etc. The Advanced Authoring disk argument has been a tad overplayed as an excuse for not being able to pass bitstream HD audio material. Toshiba has told a handful of industry insiders, including some AVS forums folks that the A35 and XA2 will be able to pass bitstream up to 7.1 regardless of disk authoring, basic or advanced. No one but Toshiba knows at this point exactly how it will be implemented but we have been told that the user will have the option to select, for lack of a better term, an override. When this occurs it is possible that you will not get button sounds or commentary mixing. A pop up may occur telling you you are SOL for those features unless you go back to internal decoding. Also, as I posted above, the Samsung p1400 player is now outputting DD & DTS HD material over HDMI as bitstream. Its happening now.

I encourage all whom are interested in HD audio to explore the HD & BD player forums. I don't believe advanced authoring is the impediment to progress that it was/is being touted.

CRAP! I bought an A2 'cuz of that disk authoring stuff :(:(:( (that and I don't have a 1080p-accepting TV). Oh well, I guess I'll just have to get the p2400.

-snip-


PS: Please give me a link to the 1200 thread that says people are confirming lights are coming on. I have read 1200 and 1400 thread and they all are saying no lights are coming on via there onkyo, 605, 805, 905's

here's one... (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11662724#post11662724)

But now you pay for shipping. Arrghh!!! I want this below $600 out the door

I got my 705 at 549.00 couple of weeks ago. :D

****************************
HD DVD - 22
BD - 17

me too! :D

I am starting to be happy I snagged it for that price. It is almost as good as buying the xbox 360 pro version over a year ago on sale for 300 instead of 400. :)

Hi guys is anyone here using the 7.1 analog input?

I have the onkyo 705 receiver which equipped with 7.1 analog I wonder if
anyone using this setting for their panny with their 7.1 analog receiver.
currently my set up for audio/video is connected via HDMI I understand that for now
you can't pass this new audio codecs (dd+, dts hd rl and truhd via bitstream) atleast
for my equiptment I know I can't. through analog 7.1 I should be able to listen with dd+ dts hd rl and truhd am I right?

If I do this 7.1 analog do I have to disconnect my hdmi cable or there is a way to switch if you want 7.1 analog or hdmi to use...and what button from the remote,
My panny audio set up is:
DD/DTS - bitstream
DD+/DTS HD/TruHD - pcm
this should stay the same right?


Thanks,
Peter

HD DVD - 22
BD - 17

I am trying to find out from the 1400 owners if a 1.2 tv drags down the pipline and negates the true hd or dts hd now....

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11668210#post11668210

Here is the 1400 thread.

If it doesnt I may very well be buying this player.

I played a disk on my A2 the other night, and chose TrueHD from the setup menu. The 705 indicated it was receiving PCM multichannel. Is there a TrueHD indicator on the 705?

Just waiting on the FedEx guy. Not that I can do anything when he gets here as I'm still waiting on cables, speakers, etc...

I played a disk on my A2 the other night, and chose TrueHD from the setup menu. The 705 indicated it was receiving PCM multichannel. Is there a TrueHD indicator on the 705?

there is. but it will not appear need to pass through via Bitstream. mrgribbles and other are expert on that question they are very knowledgeable.

Just waiting on the FedEx guy. Not that I can do anything when he gets here as I'm still waiting on cables, speakers, etc...

way to go dropzone, did you get the lower price? I hope you will if you have not certainly you helped a lot of owners here. kudos to you.:)

Good news DropZone, I seemed to have found a solution to my handshaking issue with the Moto box. I'm still testing but it seems if I cycle the power to the tv after selecting my activity on the 880 it fixes the display problem. So at least it seems I have found a solution so far! :)

Good news DropZone, I seemed to have found a solution to my handshaking issue with the Moto box. I'm still testing but it seems if I cycle the power to the tv after selecting my activity on the 880 it fixes the display problem. So at least it seems I have found a solution so far! :)

Slightly OT but can you reorder the startup sequence in a "Watch Cable" activity on the 880?

I am trying to find out from the 1400 owners if a 1.2 tv drags down the pipline and negates the true hd or dts hd now....

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11668210#post11668210

Here is the 1400 thread.

If it doesnt I may very well be buying this player.

It won't. There are 605 owners bitstreaming THD from their 1400s. The audio and video should be mutually exclusive. The 705 actually rewrites the EDID from your TV and adds a bit of its own definition to make it all handshake correctly.

I haven't pulled the trigger but I'm a you know what hair close. wooooot.

I got my 705 at 549.00 couple of weeks ago. :D

****************************
HD DVD - 22
BD - 17

where?

@ CC.

Peter

HD DVD - 22
BD - 17

It won't. There are 605 owners bitstreaming THD from their 1400s. The audio and video should be mutually exclusive. The 705 actually rewrites the EDID from your TV and adds a bit of its own definition to make it all handshake correctly.

I haven't pulled the trigger but I'm a you know what hair close. wooooot.

well after all my homework its looking good like you said too.

And dude.. lol.. now you got me hungry.. hmm 500 bucks!... and i can FINALLY hear the true potential of my onkyo... damn... cant beleive i gotta buy yet another blu ray player... but i am seriously tempted!

If you pull the trigger b4 me of course give us a heads up how it works with our 705.. if I pull trigger 1st of course I will let you know.

(PS: Do you own a hdmi 1.2 tv out of curiosity?)

Yep. Mits DLP 1.2

Yep. Mits DLP 1.2

As soon as I can get 100% confirmation that PS3 will never or cannot ever (due to hardware limitations) output DTS HD/True HD at any point in the future... i am officially as good as sold.

Wow! Mine just got here and I have to say, what a HUGE remote! I thought the remote for my CRT projector was big. Everything looks good so far and I think I am glad I went for the silver this time. Man I wish the rest of my goodies were here so I could play with this thing. Oh well, that's part of the fun is getting things delivered and opening them. It's like Christmas morning! Yipeee!!!:D

Wow! Mine just got here and I have to say, what a HUGE remote! I thought the remote for my CRT projector was big. Everything looks good so far and I think I am glad I went for the silver this time. Man I wish the rest of my goodies were here so I could play with this thing. Oh well, that's part of the fun is getting things delivered and opening them. It's like Christmas morning! Yipeee!!!:D

Lol ya the receiver remote is a mammoth.. it reminds me of my old Marantz RC 2000 univeral remote.. i think the Marantz still wins on "heaviest" remote in this house.

Buy a Harmony 880/890 if you don't already have one.. its easier then lugging this Onkyo remote around.

Lol ya the receiver remote is a mammoth.. it reminds me of my old Marantz RC 2000 univeral remote.. i think the Marantz still wins on "heaviest" remote in this house.

Buy a Harmony 880/890 if you don't already have one.. its easier then lugging this Onkyo remote around.

Yep, a Harmony remote is defiantly in my future...

Yep, a Harmony remote is defiantly in my future...

Yep, me too. As much as I love our Pronto, the Harmony's ease of programming definitely has me intrigued.

there is. but it will not appear need to pass through via Bitstream. mrgribbles and other are expert on that question they are very knowledgeable.I was using HDMI, with the Toshiba A2 audio set to "Auto", which I assumed outputted bitstream.

Yep, me too. As much as I love our Pronto, the Harmony's ease of programming definitely has me intrigued.

Not to get this thread off topic, but I love my 890. It controls all of my A/V with ease. :)

<----- I love my Harmony 880

If you guys own a Harmony remote and use Firfefox I found a great lil browser "add-on" http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-harmony/thread.cgi?4182

If you use the browser instead of the Harmony software to tweak your remote you gain this new functionality.

Its a quick way to move menu items up or down their locations (even from one page to another) really fast. It saves you from copying and pasting and re-finding the command (which for a 9-14 page device can get hectic)

I was able to truly get rid of my receiver and tv remotes for the 1st time in, universal remote ownership because of the ability to "organize" the most important features 1st on this remote (instead of letting the remote do it all sloppy the way it does when it automatically 1st sets up the remote device). I moved my top 10-16 commands or so spread out on 1st two pages.. the rest of the commands go afterward. No more hunting to find that "one" command! This lil browser up/down arrow tweak made this reorganization very very quick.

Thought I'd share this.

Here is the link to the Logitech Harmony "online" remote programmer. Its a long link but this is the website only login for the universal remote click here (http://members.harmonyremote.com/EasyZapper/ProcessCheckBrowser/CB_InvalidBrowser2.asp?ReturnUrl=%2FEasyZapper%2FNew%2FProcL ogin%2FStart%2Easp%3FBrowserIsChecked%3DTrue%26ReturnUrl%3D% 252E%252E%252FUserHome%252Easp%26Error%3DLoginRequired&SkinId=Harmony&OS=Win) ... once you are there click "next" when it asked about the update.. (just ignore it)

I did my tweaking online.. then shut off my browser and reloaded the software and of course all the online changes I did via the browser were seen here.. then I used the software to physically update the harmony 880 instead of the web browser.

yeah harmony 880 will be next remote.....what! this is 705 thread ooppppss sorry

Peter,

HD DVD - 22
BD - 17

I think I finally found the answer I have been looking for.

The Ps3 uses the Silicon Image Vastlane 9132 chip.
The new Samsung BDP1200 blu ray player uses the Silicon Image vastlane 9134 chip.

The difference ... 9132 is basically the same as 9134 accept the newer chipset adds the high bit rate streaming audio output to your receiver.

I think this confirms no firmware on earth will ever make ps3 do this.... so that says buy a new player if you want hi def audio output of DTS HD MA and True HD.

Basically, the reason the PS3 was among the 1st 1.3 hdmi spec players is because they didn't have the full fledged updated 1.3 spec chip sets... I guess you could call it a draft spec... instead of final revision. Much like WiFi formats do... come out with a cut down draft spec early.. then later the final version.

Basically, owners of PS3 have been in part partially deceived they were getting a true 1.3 capable unit, in reality they were not.

Here are some links that helped educate me:
http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/05/08/no-dolby-truehd-or-dts-hd-for-ps3-owners/
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=876573

Just an FYI

....so... alas... I guess its time to stop waiting for firmware.. and make my move on some new technology that will get the job done!... DTS HD MA & True HD output... Here I come!

I was using HDMI, with the Toshiba A2 audio set to "Auto", which I assumed outputted bitstream.

I believe if you set to auto and if insert a disc recorded with the ff:

DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1 - it will be output as BITSTREAM.

DTS HD (dts core only), DD+ and TruHD - it will be output as PCM.

as for my set up I have everything set to PCM.




Peter,

HD DVD - 22
BD - 17

I was using HDMI, with the Toshiba A2 audio set to "Auto", which I assumed outputted bitstream.

but the indicator of truhd over 705 will not light up, atleast not yet for now.

Peter,

HD DVD - 22
BD - 17

<----- I love my Harmony 880

was it love at first sight!;)

was it love at first sight!;)

He actually sleeps with his remote.. but he doesnt like to talk about sort of thing on the forums. :D

Ok Ok, I admit it I sleep with mine too! I keep it next to my bed!

.... on my TV STAND!

can't wait to buy mine, I might even get a crib for my new baby named harmony 880. :)

Peter,

HD DVD - 22
BD - 17

can't wait to buy mine, I might even get a crib for my new baby named harmony 880. :)

Peter,

HD DVD - 22
BD - 17

no need.. it comes with a craddle in the box! (the charger)

Right now though I got a serious love jones forming for this new Samsung BDP1200 player. i can get it from CC for 470.. right now!

Not sure why I have not pulled the trigger yet! (I guess I am not sure if want the BDP 2400 instead... only difference is nice old DVD upscaler)

All I know is, I want my True HD and DTS HD MA lights to come on!

For those that have not seen it..here is a photo of someone who owns a Onkyo 905 and a BDP1400
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=89967&d=1190172037
Take a close look at the readout on the front "True HD"

Right now though I got a serious love jones forming for this new Samsung BDP1200 player. i can get it from CC for 470.. right now!

Not sure why I have not pulled the trigger yet! (I guess I am not sure if want the BDP 2400 instead... only difference is nice old DVD upscaler)

All I know is, I want my True HD and DTS HD MA lights to come on!

For those that have not seen it..here is a photo of someone who owns a Onkyo 905 and a BDP1400
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=89967&d=1190172037
Take a close look at the readout on the front "True HD"

you mean sammy 1400? with current hd dvd/blu ray players (not 1.3) are now getting truehd/dd+ dts hd RL via HDMI or analog input right? but the display over receiver lcd is not the actual audio codecs because it will show mch pcm 5.1 (if you have 5.1) of mch pcm 7.1 (if you have 7.1 source).

am I right?

Peter,

HD DVD - 22
BD - 17

panny dmpbd10a
toshiba hd a2

Bought my Harmony 880 from Amazon for $125 last week and got it yesterday... and now I have all my 705's functions where I want them on the menu. Nice to have THX and Surround mode selection right there on the top of the screen, and it's a vast improvement over Onkyo's remote for the functions I use the most.

The 705's remote reminds me of the freakin' monolith from 2001. I appreciate the functionality, but that sucker's just too damn big!

Right now though I got a serious love jones forming for this new Samsung BDP1200 player. i can get it from CC for 470.. right now!

Not sure why I have not pulled the trigger yet! (I guess I am not sure if want the BDP 2400 instead... only difference is nice old DVD upscaler)

All I know is, I want my True HD and DTS HD MA lights to come on!

For those that have not seen it..here is a photo of someone who owns a Onkyo 905 and a BDP1400
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=89967&d=1190172037
Take a close look at the readout on the front "True HD"
It will be interesting to hear from someone what the sonic difference between having the player decode TrueHD and sending it over PCM versus sending bitstream for the player to decode. I suspect there will be very slight if any difference and one really has to have super hearing abilities to tell them apart in a double blind test...just my thought.

But if you can pull if off and buy it; let us know (wonder if you or mrgribbles will be the first to give us the feedback).

Slightly OT but can you reorder the startup sequence in a "Watch Cable" activity on the 880?
I have been doing a little research and messed with my software to see if there is any way to control the sequence of how the devices start...but so far not getting it done right.

There are ways you can cheat :) Like in my case, I have programmed the remote to pause x number of seconds before sending commands; or intentionally changing the input on the 705 to the wrong input and once everything is turned on; then changing it to the right input. You can do all of these in one activity button. Just a matter of playing with it till you get it right.

If you find the right way to do this; please let us know :)

you mean sammy 1400? with current hd dvd/blu ray players (not 1.3) are now getting truehd/dd+ dts hd RL via HDMI or analog input right? but the display over receiver lcd is not the actual audio codecs because it will show mch pcm 5.1 (if you have 5.1) of mch pcm 7.1 (if you have 7.1 source).

am I right?

Peter,

HD DVD - 22
BD - 17

panny dmpbd10a
toshiba hd a2

It was a typo bro.. sorry.. ya i meant 1400.. looks like i typed 1400 right at the bottom of that post not the the top.. ya sammy 1400 is what i meant.

and yes you are correct the 1200 isn't going to get it.. the ps3 isn't going to get it.. either.. the new SI 3194 Vastlane chipset are in these new 1400 and 2400 sammys.

I think I finally found the answer I have been looking for.

The Ps3 uses the Silicon Image Vastlane 9132 chip.
The new Samsung BDP1200 blu ray player uses the Silicon Image vastlane 9134 chip.

The difference ... 9132 is basically the same as 9134 accept the newer chipset adds the high bit rate streaming audio output to your receiver.

I think this confirms no firmware on earth will ever make ps3 do this.... so that says buy a new player if you want hi def audio output of DTS HD MA and True HD.

Basically, the reason the PS3 was among the 1st 1.3 hdmi spec players is because they didn't have the full fledged updated 1.3 spec chip sets... I guess you could call it a draft spec... instead of final revision. Much like WiFi formats do... come out with a cut down draft spec early.. then later the final version.

Basically, owners of PS3 have been in part partially deceived they were getting a true 1.3 capable unit, in reality they were not.

Here are some links that helped educate me:
http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/05/08/no-dolby-truehd-or-dts-hd-for-ps3-owners/
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=876573

Just an FYI

....so... alas... I guess its time to stop waiting for firmware.. and make my move on some new technology that will get the job done!... DTS HD MA & True HD output... Here I come!

This is great research, but unfortunate news for those of us PS3 owners who thought we lucked into the best Blu-Ray unit around. Any evidence in your research whether internal decoding of DTS-HD MA could be possible with the PS3, then pushing it to the receiver via PCM? If I could bank on that hope I think it would hold me over awhile longer until we get into gen 4 and 5 Blu-Ray players that are even more refined.

Also, re: the 2400 model. I haven't read a lot that describes in detail this HQV feature. Is it basically just for better upscaling of your old 480p DVDs? Does it do ANYTHING for Blu-Rays themselves?

Thanks!

This is great research, but unfortunate news for those of us PS3 owners who thought we lucked into the best Blu-Ray unit around. Any evidence in your research whether internal decoding of DTS-HD MA could be possible with the PS3, then pushing it to the receiver via PCM? If I could bank on that hope I think it would hold me over awhile longer until we get into gen 4 and 5 Blu-Ray players that are even more refined.

Also, re: the 2400 model. I haven't read a lot that describes in detail this HQV feature. Is it basically just for better upscaling of your old 480p DVDs? Does it do ANYTHING for Blu-Rays themselves?

Thanks!

Thx, glad the info helped.. and yes it disappoints me too. I am very standoffish about running out and buying yet another blu ray player when I just did that less then 1 year ago (with the ps3).

The 2400 is identical to the 1400 accept it adds the Reon chip that the older 1200 had. All that does is upscales old dvd's better. It doesn't do anything special to the high def format.

As far as DTS HD MA, there is still issues with this decoding inside the PS3 (for all kinds of reasons people like to speculate on). There is also a slew of speculation if ps3 will ever be able to do it. However, True HD decodes properly inside the ps3 though. I have been running bitstream output on ps3 for DTS movies and i can get DTS discrete.. but it doesn't cut it even though i seemingly get better separation on my speakers.

You could post this question or hunt down more perhaps find a more in depth response on this thread. Just be prepared to hear a dozen posts from the unschooled peanut gallery on the topic.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=650544

This is the official Ps3 working as a blu ray player thread.

i think we'll retitle this thread to "Official Onkyo 705 & Harmony Remote Thread".

Great Harmony link up there woots. When I get home today I'm on it. Just what I was looking for. Thanks. Today could be 1400 day today. Ship it from Vanns or pick it up at CC. Hmmmmmm.

If you don't have a player with the Reon chip, hold out for one. What my XA2 does to my SD DVDs is simply stunning.

It was a typo bro.. sorry.. ya i meant 1400.. looks like i typed 1400 right at the bottom of that post not the the top.. ya sammy 1400 is what i meant.

and yes you are correct the 1200 isn't going to get it.. the ps3 isn't going to get it.. either.. the new SI 3194 Vastlane chipset are in these new 1400 and 2400 sammys.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought I read somewhere that BD will enable TrueHD & DTS-HD-MA bitstream output only if a Blu-ray disk allows. On the HD DVD side True HD and DTS HD MA are passed on all HD disks.

Slightly OT but can you reorder the startup sequence in a "Watch Cable" activity on the 880?

Gribbles, you can pretty much do what you'd like in an Activity based function. When I "Watch TV", I turn on the 705, my Mits CRT, and then wait approx. 5 seconds before sending the TV a change Input command. Works like a charm! They are definetely some cool remotes:)

If you don't have a player with the Reon chip, hold out for one. What my XA2 does to my SD DVDs is simply stunning.

I think I may go with the XA2. I was leaning towards the A35 but so far what I've read of the A35's ABT chip is that there is no big improvement over the 2nd gen players.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought I read somewhere that BD will enable TrueHD & DTS-HD-MA bitstream output only if a Blu-ray disk allows. On the HD DVD side True HD and DTS HD MA are passed on all HD disks.

I don't know about the BD & bitstream thing, first I've heard that. In the BD-P1400 threads, I have not read a single instance where someone was prohibited from getting the bitstream. People are getting it off new titles like 300, etc. Could be true, could be that no one's hit a disk authored that way in BD?? If you see more on this please keep us posted.

As for HD, we can't do it yet, no A35s and no XA2 upgrade. Soon, we pray.

I had heard before that the ps3 will never output bitstream, but i am still hoping for PCM decoding of DTS-MA.

What display setting do you guys have your 705 on so that it says PCM or whatever on the display instead of the source like "DVD"? I cycled through the display options a few times and PCM comes up but then switches back to the source name. There is one setting that will stick but it doesn't say PCM, can't remember now what it does say...
Any help?

I don't think it will stick on "MCH PCM 5.1", it will stick on volume and process. Could be wrong.

I think I may go with the XA2. I was leaning towards the A35 but so far what I've read of the A35's ABT chip is that there is no big improvement over the 2nd gen players.

I would definitely recommend the XA2. The improvements made to the 3rd gens just don't trump the Reon upscaling. I've been watching the Office 3rd Season DVDs and I am amazed at the quality.

I don't know about the BD & bitstream thing, first I've heard that. In the BD-P1400 threads, I have not read a single instance where someone was prohibited from getting the bitstream. People are getting it off new titles like 300, etc. Could be true, could be that no one's hit a disk authored that way in BD?? If you see more on this please keep us posted.

As for HD, we can't do it yet, no A35s and no XA2 upgrade. Soon, we pray.


I thought it had to do with Digital rights management and that Blu-ray uses Region codes where HD DVD does not.

I read this awhile ago so things might have changed, and I could be wrong. Maybe someone that knows for sure can comment.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought I read somewhere that BD will enable TrueHD & DTS-HD-MA bitstream output only if a Blu-ray disk allows. On the HD DVD side True HD and DTS HD MA are passed on all HD disks.

Things are changing so much with this whole topic day to day it takes a encyclopedia worth of reading to stay up to date with it (as each player is purchased and discussed). To be quite honest with you we all wont have a very accurate snapshot until the end of October about what HD DVD and Blu Rays new players are and are not capable of.

Right now from what I understand all blu ray discs are working on this new BDP1400 blu ray player (they output hd audio bitstream). I haven't found a post yet saying anything about one not working.

My concern is Blu Ray 1.1 profile is coming out soon and thats supposed to force all decoding to happen once again back inside the player. Which leads people to wonder why they are letting the signal out now later to revamp that and pull the decoding back inside yet again. (copy right protection issues perhaps)

It seems that HD DVD was always like this with forcing the decoding to happen in the machine.. and the latest machines about to come out had to find tricks to ignore that and send the undecoded data out externally.

This begs to question, If I went out to buy the sammy 1400 today... once the new 1.1 blu ray profile is released for disc authoring as a standard (who knows when) will this 1400 get a new firmware update that once again allows me to bistream out my Hd audio format?! (who knows.. i have head sammy has a poor firmware update release performance historically speaking.. from what i read)

So, just like I said the other day (this rule applies to me too)... just wait 1 month minimum .. and a maximum of 6 months to make a move on a new HD streaming audio format player... I truly don't want to regret a 500 buck purchase (especially when i already own a blu ray player and am just doubling up for sake of bistream hd audio formats)

Centered at the whole core of this debate is the common question "is it really worth it to bistream out your hd audio formats vs letting them decode in the player and output via pcm" Since all of us here bought the 705 (myself included) we are all anxious to see our new toy work at full potential... we want to see True HD and DTS HD MA lights turning on in the front of the machine... but to be honest I REALLY REALLY do not know if in the end, will it sound any better or not?!? I assume so.. but i can play devils advocate here and assume not.. its all guess work.

Back in the day most dvd player could be bouight for dirt cheap that didnt have dolby decoding and all the fancy bells and whistles.. it just outputted the audio and let your receiver do all the fancy THX/Dolby work. The advantage was you could buy a dvd player for like 100 bucks and buy a really nice receiver to make it sound great. With this current generation they are ALL mid to high end player (there seems to be no low end players at all) fancy decoding is built in.. even with these new players that allow you to output, they still do it inside the player. This adds to the bottom line cost... so the primary benefit (as compared to days past) of saving money is mute on this current generation.

So this is a long long description of this whole thing... I know sorry about that... I had a chance to sleep on this topic last night and this is what I come up with. I still do want a player that outputs.. but I really am not into regrets... so I will at the very least wait until the end of October to see whats going on with both HD DVD and Blu Ray.. and I really want to get to the bottom of the 1.1 blu ray profile roadmap and see whats going on there. Being able to buy a blu ray player that outputs today and finding out in 6 months all the new movies block that from happening and samsung never comes out with a new firmware update... this would make me very angry.

Gribbles, you can pretty much do what you'd like in an Activity based function. When I "Watch TV", I turn on the 705, my Mits CRT, and then wait approx. 5 seconds before sending the TV a change Input command. Works like a charm! They are definetely some cool remotes:)

It is one helluva piece of equipment. But, not to belabor the point. When you setup a canned activity like "watch Cable", you pick the TV, receiver and Moto box. The Harmony takes over from there and if I recollect, you can't (woots' link not withstanding) fool with the initial settings that the Harmony comes up with. You can add stuff but i didn't think you could reorder the start sequence?
Technically, the TV should always be on first. In your example, the 705 comes on first. It does on mine too. I don't have a problem at all, but some do, and if it happens to me I'd like to change the sequence. When i first got my 880 this bugged me, but then again, I'm not a fan of "wizards" I like doing my own programming.

Aw c'mon woots. I was waiting for you to buy it so I could tell the Bride, "you don't understand Sweetheart, woots just bought one, we gotta have it." (Of course her response will be, "Who the hell is woots)." Actually, I too have decided to postpone the acquisition but for a different reason. Best I can determine from sources, Disney isn't honoring the 5 free BD DVDs. No diskeee. No buyeeee. We'll see what Fall brings for Promos, so c'mon Toshiba, firmware me Baby.

Aw c'mon woots. I was waiting for you to buy it so I could tell the Bride, "you don't understand Sweetheart, woots just bought one, we gotta have it." (Of course her response will be, "Who the hell is woots)." Actually, I too have decided to postpone the acquisition but for a different reason. Best I can determine from sources, Disney isn't honoring the 5 free BD DVDs. No diskeee. No buyeeee. We'll see what Fall brings for Promos, so c'mon Toshiba, firmware me Baby.

Last night I mentioned to my fiancee that I might be buying a BD player soon to go with the XA2. She replied that no one has both formats, and that if I could tell her one person who did, I could go get one. I told her that a ton of people in these forums have both, but she responded that she meant "real people" not my forum friends. Looks like I'm going to have to make some new friends around here.

I think I'm postponing a BD purchase until the dust settles with the new profiles. I'm really tired of missing out on certain movies, but I would like to have a settled profile which answers many of my questions before jumping in. In the meantime, my XA2 is keeping me happy. Just waiting for the THD lights to light up on the 705. That update cannot come fast enough.

After this week I am done buying anything for a while. I will live with my A2 for now and perhaps at the first of the year I might go for whatever the latest vintage Toshiba player is as well as a Blu Ray player (I would get one for the Disney movies if nothing else...big fan).

My concern is Blu Ray 1.1 profile is coming out soon and thats supposed to force all decoding to happen once again back inside the player. Which leads people to wonder why they are letting the signal out now later to revamp that and pull the decoding back inside yet again. (copy right protection issues perhaps).

Sony (Blu Ray) is also selling content and this is a major reason why they will hold on till the bitter end with Blu Ray. We all know how companies that are in the business of selling us content feel about copy right protection.

Aw c'mon woots. I was waiting for you to buy it so I could tell the Bride, "you don't understand Sweetheart, woots just bought one, we gotta have it." (Of course her response will be, "Who the hell is woots)." Actually, I too have decided to postpone the acquisition but for a different reason. Best I can determine from sources, Disney isn't honoring the 5 free BD DVDs. No diskeee. No buyeeee. We'll see what Fall brings for Promos, so c'mon Toshiba, firmware me Baby.

You got my "lol-ing" in real life :D

Seriously though bro, I also am going to wait ... at least until the end of October.. it makes the most sense to just hold off a lil bit being that all these players are still rolling out just now. I wanna see all the pitfalls before I start running down that path.

Also, I rather buy a new hd dvd player then a new blu ray player.. i can live with my ps3 for now. Honestly, if I had my choice, I'd LOVE a dual format player with raw bitstream out.

PS: You still got me laughing dude.

UPS dropped off my 705 yesterday and I spent the greater part of the day disassembling a large Bush monstrosity and moved my old 32" tube TV to a bedroom -as my back can attest to- it will never move again!

So I then put together a new audio rack and TV stand for a yet unpurchased HDTV. I dutifully connected all my components and started reading the manual ( but in that "Wow a new toy mode!") I got to page 54 and then realized that I don't have a TV to do the Audyssey speaker setup. Can this be done without a TV connected to the receiver? Or should I be out shopping for a new HDTV? Or should I have two more cups of coffee and find the line in very small 4 pt. type that says "This can also be done without a TV".

BTW, I bought a 705 over a 905 because:
a) I only wanted the 905 for HD radio and bought an HD tuner instead.
b) Mr Gribbles likes it alot!
c) It doesn't have Orville Redenbacher - Rice Krispies syndrome.
d) I'm really cheap!

The above reasons may not be in the correct order.

So far, just listening to a CD that I played last week on my old Sony Receiver and hearing it with the 705 - I'm amazed at the improvement!!!:)

Last night I mentioned to my fiancee that I might be buying a BD player soon to go with the XA2. She replied that no one has both formats, and that if I could tell her one person who did, I could go get one. I told her that a ton of people in these forums have both, but she responded that she meant "real people" not my forum friends. Looks like I'm going to have to make some new friends around here.

I think I'm postponing a BD purchase until the dust settles with the new profiles. I'm really tired of missing out on certain movies, but I would like to have a settled profile which answers many of my questions before jumping in. In the meantime, my XA2 is keeping me happy. Just waiting for the THD lights to light up on the 705. That update cannot come fast enough.

Post a classified ad in the local newspaper that you are starting a new club called "We Need Dual Format Friends So Our Wives Lets Us Play, Organization".

UPS dropped off my 705 yesterday and I spent the greater part of the day disassembling a large Bush monstrosity and moved my old 32" tube TV to a bedroom -as my back can attest to- it will never move again!

So I then put together a new audio rack and TV stand for a yet unpurchased HDTV. I dutifully connected all my components and started reading the manual ( but in that "Wow a new toy mode!") I got to page 54 and then realized that I don't have a TV to do the Audyssey speaker setup. Can this be done without a TV connected to the receiver? Or should I be out shopping for a new HDTV? Or should I have two more cups of coffee and find the line in very small 4 pt. type that says "This can also be done without a TV".

BTW, I bought a 705 over a 905 because:
a) I only wanted the 905 for HD radio and bought an HD tuner instead.
b) Mr Gribbles likes it alot!
c) It doesn't have Orville Redenbacher - Rice Krispies syndrome.
d) I'm really cheap!

The above reasons may not be in the correct order.

So far, just listening to a CD that I played last week on my old Sony Receiver and hearing it with the 705 - I'm amazed at the improvement!!!:)

Congratz, and yes.. 1st time hearing these new receivers is like opening your eyes for the 1st time.

They do sound amazing.

UPS dropped off my 705 yesterday and I spent the greater part of the day disassembling a large Bush monstrosity and moved my old 32" tube TV to a bedroom -as my back can attest to- it will never move again!

So I then put together a new audio rack and TV stand for a yet unpurchased HDTV. I dutifully connected all my components and started reading the manual ( but in that "Wow a new toy mode!") I got to page 54 and then realized that I don't have a TV to do the Audyssey speaker setup. Can this be done without a TV connected to the receiver? Or should I be out shopping for a new HDTV? Or should I have two more cups of coffee and find the line in very small 4 pt. type that says "This can also be done without a TV".

BTW, I bought a 705 over a 905 because:
a) I only wanted the 905 for HD radio and bought an HD tuner instead.
b) Mr Gribbles likes it alot!
c) It doesn't have Orville Redenbacher - Rice Krispies syndrome.
d) I'm really cheap!

The above reasons may not be in the correct order.

So far, just listening to a CD that I played last week on my old Sony Receiver and hearing it with the 705 - I'm amazed at the improvement!!!:)

I'm not even to this point yet but I'm pretty sure you don't need an HDTV to get the onscreen menus, just a monitor or TV of some type. I'm sure you could run S-video or composite video out of the receiver to your TV to run the setup.

I tried to skim through the thread, so if this has been asked before, sorry...

I am going to purchase this and wanted to know about how the upcoversion worked...Is it apart of a set-up I have to do or does it do it automatically? Also, when I looked at cnet, it said it downconverts, but is this only if you have component or svideo cables vs. the Hdmi? Thanks in advance...

UPS dropped off my 705 yesterday and I spent the greater part of the day disassembling a large Bush monstrosity and moved my old 32" tube TV to a bedroom -as my back can attest to- it will never move again!

So I then put together a new audio rack and TV stand for a yet unpurchased HDTV. I dutifully connected all my components and started reading the manual ( but in that "Wow a new toy mode!") I got to page 54 and then realized that I don't have a TV to do the Audyssey speaker setup. Can this be done without a TV connected to the receiver? Or should I be out shopping for a new HDTV? Or should I have two more cups of coffee and find the line in very small 4 pt. type that says "This can also be done without a TV".

BTW, I bought a 705 over a 905 because:
a) I only wanted the 905 for HD radio and bought an HD tuner instead.
b) Mr Gribbles likes it alot!
c) It doesn't have Orville Redenbacher - Rice Krispies syndrome.
d) I'm really cheap!

The above reasons may not be in the correct order.

So far, just listening to a CD that I played last week on my old Sony Receiver and hearing it with the 705 - I'm amazed at the improvement!!!:)

sorry I missed your question in there.

You can edit all the menus with or without the tv. You can see each level of the menus and options on the front display of the unit (even though its tricky to dig through the menus like that .. its possible)

If you have pure HDMI setup.. when you click setup menu (if you have hdmi output all setup properly 1st) you can then see the menu on screen.

I have never ran pure component (no hdmi).. However, I think if you do this you gain an On screen display that overlays on top of the source so you can see both at same time (not sure on this) but I do know OST only works with analog not digital setup with this receiver (go figure)

I tried to skim through the thread, so if this has been asked before, sorry...

I am going to purchase this and wanted to know about how the upcoversion worked...Is it apart of a set-up I have to do or does it do it automatically? Also, when I looked at cnet, it said it downconverts, but is this only if you have component or svideo cables vs. the Hdmi? Thanks in advance...

If you want 1080p up convert your gonna have to pony up the cash for the onkyo 905... this will downconvert your analog sources going out of hdmi. If you get to the hidden menu of this unit you can output a maximum of 720p on "analog in to hdmi out" throughputs. You xbox 360 pro (pre elite) 1080p component output will actually get worse running through this unit.

However, pure hdmi pass through works unfettered. 1080p hdmi in = 1080p hdmi out... 1080i hdmi in = 1080i hdmi out, etc.

Reasons to buy this over 905... Its a lot cheaper! :D ... and still very great for the price.

I'm going out for dinner tonight with friends and the restaurant is located right by a Circuit City and Costco in Matthews (dropzone7 - you probably know where that is! I rode all the way to Hickory on Tuesday to get the TV stand from CC!) I think I'm going to buy something - altho' as you all know, that perfect HDTV has not yet been invented! If it doesn't have clouds, banding or weak blacks or green disease for LCD, then the bulbs burn out prematurely or the picture is a giant parallelogram for RPTV, or the screen shows your CNBC stock ticker on permanent basis for plasma. But, I'm going to buy something. I've been reading the LCD threads for as long as I've been reading the Onkyo threads when they all started. Something for $2500 or less, 46", 47" or 52".

Shopping for a receiver is hard, but shopping for a TV is ten times worse!;)

I think I'd rather spend several weeks in Abu Garabe prison (standing on the box with the dunce cap on) than have to move that 32" POS again.:eek:

Oh, and then there is selecting between Blue Ray and HD-DVD. You would think that the release of that firmware fix for the 1400 was on the level of the release of Windows 95 or the Second Coming!:) I just have that sinking feeling that whatever I end up buying will be the losing format.:(

However, pure hdmi pass through works unfettered. 1080p hdmi in = 1080p hdmi out... 1080i hdmi in = 1080i hdmi out, etc.

I'm becoming a bit skeptical that this is true, as HD channels look slightly noisier now that my 705 is in the component chain than when the cable box was feeding straight into the TV.

Has anyone done any extensive comparisons between direct-in and routed-through-the-705 alternatives to determine how much, if any, PQ effect the 705 has in pass-thru mode?

woots - Thanks for that info! I'm going to have that second cup of coffee and play around a bit. My old Sony also allowed that and I was hoping that the 705 was similar. I'm also happy that you can rename inputs - I think someone remarked that the 605 couldn't. But all I can say after a couple of hours of listening to the 705 in its current state is "goodbye Sony". Well - not goodbye - it will be the bedroom receiver and will replace the Panasonic which will go in the guest bedroom. Should all bedrooms have at least Dolby digital?

I'm still going TV shopping tonight - at least I'll have some spare hands to get it in my Station wagon if I find something I like! Again, thank you!

But, I'm going to buy something. I've been reading the LCD threads for as long as I've been reading the Onkyo threads when they all started. Something for $2500 or less, 46", 47" or 52".

I recently paired my 705 with a Samsung LNT5271F and it's truly glorious. Dark blacks, no burn-in, 120Hz for 24p content...really the pinnacle of TV technology available in stores today. And Amazon makes it very easy to get one right now. ;)

Shopping for a receiver is hard, but shopping for a TV is ten times worse!

I think it's shifting to the opposite. As the TV becomes simpler and simpler (e.g., we're now to the point of feeding the TV just a single cable) and receivers are asked to do more and more (upscaling, decoding, tuning, etc.) and the technologies in receivers are changing faster and faster, I think it's getting easier to buy a TV and harder to buy a receiver. But maybe that's just me.

I'm becoming a bit skeptical that this is true, as HD channels look slightly noisier now that my 705 is in the component chain than when the cable box was feeding straight into the TV.

Has anyone done any extensive comparisons between direct-in and routed-through-the-705 alternatives to determine how much, if any, PQ effect the 705 has in pass-thru mode?

My sony bravia lcd has a display button that says what format the signal coming in is being displayed at... 1080p... 1080i... etc.

My ps3 is still putting out 1080p signals and my cable box is still doing 1080i (on hdtv channels)

Also I have no noise that you mention. What hdmi cables do you own (monoprice like the rest of us... or something else... hopefully not to generic)?

My video is as tight looking as it was before.. the only real complaint i have is this extra lip sync lag that got added on. At least with proper adjustment of the audio time shift settings I got it close to normal again.

What hdmi cables do you own (monoprice like the rest of us... or something else... hopefully not to generic)?

New 6' Monoprice HDMI 1.3a-spec :rolleyes: cables.

My video is as tight looking as it was before.. the only real complaint i have is this extra lip sync lag that got added on. At least with proper adjustment of the audio time shift settings I got it close to normal again.

I only notice lip-sync lag on certain channels. Discovery HD is always dead on whereas another I rarely watch (TNT HD maybe?) seems to have the audio lag the video by a quarter-second or so. I've not yet watched enough sources with sync issues to worry about it....yet.

I'll see if I can take a close-up photo of the noise/artifacting under both direct-feed and pass-through situations. May turn out that I'm imagining a difference...I hope that's all it is.

cmf - You may be right! When I was looking at TVs last week, they all seemed to look pretty good. I looked at the Sony XBR4 and while it was had a great picture, I don't think it looked that much better than other models that were substantially cheaper. I wish it was as easy to discern the defects that everyone harps about, as the sonic difference between my old Sony and the 705. Congrats on your '71F! I think it makes a lot more economic sense than getting the 81F.

cmf - You may be right! When I was looking at TVs last week, they all seemed to look pretty good. I looked at the Sony XBR4 and while it was had a great picture, I don't think it looked that much better than other models that were substantially cheaper. I wish it was as easy to discern the defects that everyone harps about, as the sonic difference between my old Sony and the 705. Congrats on your '71F! I think it makes a lot more economic sense than getting the 81F.

Not to get too OT, but there's a guy (sharpjunkie) who compared in his living room the XBR4, the 4671, and the 4681. Price wasn't a concern and he ended up keeping the 4671. Look for two threads started by him over in the LCD forum for the gory details.

but the indicator of truhd over 705 will not light up, atleast not yet for now.

Peter,

HD DVD - 22
BD - 17

it will not ever from the A2

Post a classified ad in the local newspaper that you are starting a new club called "We Need Dual Format Friends So Our Wives Lets Us Play, Organization".

Unfortunately, she's the managing editor of the local newspaper, so that is a no go. But, her job does have other advantages as I found out about the Paramount announcement pretty early. I think that she will eventually come around, but at least the flux of the BD profiles helps to lessen the urge to go out and buy more.

I'm going out for dinner tonight with friends and the restaurant is located right by a Circuit City and Costco in Matthews (dropzone7 - you probably know where that is! I rode all the way to Hickory on Tuesday to get the TV stand from CC!) I think I'm going to buy something - altho' as you all know, that perfect HDTV has not yet been invented! If it doesn't have clouds, banding or weak blacks or green disease for LCD, then the bulbs burn out prematurely or the picture is a giant parallelogram for RPTV, or the screen shows your CNBC stock ticker on permanent basis for plasma. But, I'm going to buy something. I've been reading the LCD threads for as long as I've been reading the Onkyo threads when they all started. Something for $2500 or less, 46", 47" or 52".

Shopping for a receiver is hard, but shopping for a TV is ten times worse!;)

I think I'd rather spend several weeks in Abu Garabe prison (standing on the box with the dunce cap on) than have to move that 32" POS again.:eek:

Oh, and then there is selecting between Blue Ray and HD-DVD. You would think that the release of that firmware fix for the 1400 was on the level of the release of Windows 95 or the Second Coming!:) I just have that sinking feeling that whatever I end up buying will be the losing format.:(

My fiancee is from Matthews (well technically Weddington, but her mailing address is Matthews). We are hoping to move back to the Charlotte area after I graduate from law school.

Aw c'mon woots. I was waiting for you to buy it so I could tell the Bride, "you don't understand Sweetheart, woots just bought one, we gotta have it." (Of course her response will be, "Who the hell is woots)." Actually, I too have decided to postpone the acquisition but for a different reason. Best I can determine from sources, Disney isn't honoring the 5 free BD DVDs. No diskeee. No buyeeee. We'll see what Fall brings for Promos, so c'mon Toshiba, firmware me Baby.

Mrgribbles, did you settle on the 1400 because you've already got the Reon doing upconverting in your XA2 and it would just be redundant to have it in the 2400?

Also, did you read that Disney isn't honoring the 5 free deal on specifically this model, or on all the models? I bought a PS3 back in late July, sent in my form immediately, and I'm still waiting on my discs.

You got my "lol-ing" in real life :D

Seriously though bro, I also am going to wait ... at least until the end of October.. it makes the most sense to just hold off a lil bit being that all these players are still rolling out just now. I wanna see all the pitfalls before I start running down that path.

Also, I rather buy a new hd dvd player then a new blu ray player.. i can live with my ps3 for now. Honestly, if I had my choice, I'd LOVE a dual format player with raw bitstream out.

PS: You still got me laughing dude.

The ultimate solution might be that Samsung BD-UP5000. I hear it's got the same guts as the new 2400 (yay Reon chip), but adds support for HD-DVD. Guess we'll have to wait for reviews to see if it retains the HDi functionality and all that good stuff.

I'm Blu-Ray-only right now, like you. I wanted to take a firm stance in the format war, and most of the credible sources I read supported Blu-Ray, so that's the way I went. But with the Paramount/Dreamworks thing now I'm wondering if they won't just stalemate and we'll all end up buying discs for both formats. As long as they can make fully-featured dual format players I could really care less. I just don't want to have to buy two players. :-P

Not to get too OT, but there's a guy (sharpjunkie) who compared in his living room the XBR4, the 4671, and the 4681. Price wasn't a concern and he ended up keeping the 4671. Look for two threads started by him over in the LCD forum for the gory details.

I read his postings with great interest. I was hoping to solve all my AV problems by being adopted by JoeRod but I guess that not going to happen! My family room is fragrant with the smell of new Onkyo Receiver. It's almost as good as new car smell.:) I'm going to take woots' advise and spend a couple of hours trying to get this set up properly. I'll check out your suggestion tonight.

Mrgribbles, did you settle on the 1400 because you've already got the Reon doing upconverting in your XA2 and it would just be redundant to have it in the 2400?

Also, did you read that Disney isn't honoring the 5 free deal on specifically this model, or on all the models? I bought a PS3 back in late July, sent in my form immediately, and I'm still waiting on my discs.

I've been waiting on a player, I don't care what format, that does it all. The 1400 seems to be the first player in the BD camp with HDMI 1.3, bitstream audio (7.1), 24hz. The only thing it lacks is the interactivity 1.1 or 2.0. I'm not really into that stuff, although as soon a I get another player someone will tell me what I'm missing. Soooo, I've managed to forestall my OCD for a while. In so doing I've read that Daewoo is coming out with a player that may have it all and maybe inexpensively, Sharp has one due out in a couple of weeks. So I'll wait. This isn't easy for me. AmEx will be happy though.

And yes, I have the XA2 and nothing is going to beat that on SD material. It even puts out 24Hz on SD DVDs. When the final update arrives, this player too will have it all. C'mon Toshiba, make my day.

On the 5 free BDs thing, the 1400 isn't on the list and other forum members have gone into this far enough that it appears to be a no-go. I woulda gone for it with the 5 free discs. If there's a reversal, still might. My comments on this apply only to the Sammy 1400. I don't know about the PS3. Be prepared for a long wait. It took 3 1/2 months for me to get the Toshiba 5 disks.

BTW, there's a very positive review on the Samsung BD-UP5000 by one of the magazine on line sites. i just read it but I can't find it. He had a pre-production unit. Very positive.

I was using HDMI, with the Toshiba A2 audio set to "Auto", which I assumed outputted bitstream.

but the indicator of truhd over 705 will not light up, atleast not yet for now.

Peter,

HD DVD - 22
BD - 17

is here... (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11677299#post11677299)

The ultimate solution might be that Samsung BD-UP5000. I hear it's got the same guts as the new 2400 (yay Reon chip), but adds support for HD-DVD. Guess we'll have to wait for reviews to see if it retains the HDi functionality and all that good stuff.

I'm Blu-Ray-only right now, like you. I wanted to take a firm stance in the format war, and most of the credible sources I read supported Blu-Ray, so that's the way I went. But with the Paramount/Dreamworks thing now I'm wondering if they won't just stalemate and we'll all end up buying discs for both formats. As long as they can make fully-featured dual format players I could really care less. I just don't want to have to buy two players. :-P

erik - I was also leaning towards Blu-Ray hoping to get the Star Trek NG, DS9, and Voyager (they were all filmed wide-screen) until Paramount made that announcement. The only problem with dual-format machines is that they either will always favor one format - feature wise, over the other or that they will be so expensive that it will still probably be cheaper to buy both. You can't win for losing!

My fiancee is from Matthews (well technically Weddington, but her mailing address is Matthews). We are hoping to move back to the Charlotte area after I graduate from law school.

Ah yes, I hope you are doing VERY well in law school as you will need a nice job to live in Weddington-Matthews. :D

Ah yes, I hope you are doing VERY well in law school as you will need a nice job to live in Weddington-Matthews. :D

Yeah, I'm doing pretty well so I'm hopeful that I'll land a cush job in Charlotte. I'll need one to live in the area as well as keep up my home theatre hobby. She is actually flying to Charlotte tomorrow to do bridesmaid stuff for a friend, and I will be coming down a few times in the next two weeks for interviews.

I'm going out for dinner tonight with friends and the restaurant is located right by a Circuit City and Costco in Matthews (dropzone7 - you probably know where that is! I rode all the way to Hickory on Tuesday to get the TV stand from CC!) I think I'm going to buy something - altho' as you all know, that perfect HDTV has not yet been invented! If it doesn't have clouds, banding or weak blacks or green disease for LCD, then the bulbs burn out prematurely or the picture is a giant parallelogram for RPTV, or the screen shows your CNBC stock ticker on permanent basis for plasma. But, I'm going to buy something. I've been reading the LCD threads for as long as I've been reading the Onkyo threads when they all started. Something for $2500 or less, 46", 47" or 52".

Shopping for a receiver is hard, but shopping for a TV is ten times worse!;)

I think I'd rather spend several weeks in Abu Garabe prison (standing on the box with the dunce cap on) than have to move that 32" POS again.:eek:

Oh, and then there is selecting between Blue Ray and HD-DVD. You would think that the release of that firmware fix for the 1400 was on the level of the release of Windows 95 or the Second Coming!:) I just have that sinking feeling that whatever I end up buying will be the losing format.:(

Potential Solution: Go into Costco and buy whichever TV looks best to you. Even with their new return policy, you'll have plenty of time to return it, if you find something you like better - no questions asked.

While you're there, buy whichever HD disc player they have on hand. These are not subject to the new return policy, so if the format dies - just bring it back - whenever.

In the mean time, you'll be enjoying the best pq (and aq with the Onkyo) that you've likely heard and seen.

Mr Gribbles - I joined the camp and love my 705! Have you flashed your XA2 yet with a previous firmware update and does it do so via a RS-232 connection, USB or over a net connection? Also - I don't think anyone has asked this - does HDMI support firmware updates? One aside tho - my Toshiba Beta recorder was the best built and had the most features of any of my old Beta machines. I guess since they were on the losing side in that war, they figured it might be advantageous to have their own format.:)

nugga22 - You'll love Charlotte - I thought it was the Atlanta waanabe until I found out it has twice as many people. Get that Law degree and pay attention to class-action suits, just in case we need you!!

dropzone7 - By my former NJ standards, Weddington & Matthews are still cheap!:)

Firmware updates are via ethernet & Inet connection or you can burn an ISO on a cd. Piece o' cake. Yes, I've updated several times, now at 2.5 waiting for the next one!!

Unfortunately, she's the managing editor of the local newspaper, so that is a no go. But, her job does have other advantages as I found out about the Paramount announcement pretty early. I think that she will eventually come around, but at least the flux of the BD profiles helps to lessen the urge to go out and buy more.

LoL jeez man... she has you locked down then.. no dual format for you! :(

Firmware updates are via ethernet & Inet connection or you can burn an ISO on a cd. Piece o' cake. Yes, I've updated several times, now at 2.5 waiting for the next one!!

I know I saw it somewhere, but wondering how you check the firmware version?

Thanks
Randy

Go into setup --> Maintenance --> Update. It will tell you the version #.

Yeah, I'm doing pretty well so I'm hopeful that I'll land a cush job in Charlotte. I'll need one to live in the area as well as keep up my home theatre hobby. She is actually flying to Charlotte tomorrow to do bridesmaid stuff for a friend, and I will be coming down a few times in the next two weeks for interviews.

Cool, I'm glad it's going well! Charlotte and the surrounding area is a great place to live but unfortunately a lot of people have found that out and it's driven up the price of housing. Apparently is still a great deal though if you are coming from some place like New Jersey. I am one of the VERY few native Charlotte residents that has lived here all my life and things have changed a LOT over the last 20 years especially.

Sorry I'm late to the discussion. I just read most of the 49 pages in this thread, and I have a few issues I haven't seen before. I am using the 705, HDMI out to a Panny TH-50PZ700U 1080p plasma. I have a Comcast HD box running to the 705 via component (the DVI-HDMI cable wouldn't work). Also a Denon DVM-2845 DVD changer using HDMI. I'm using the Harmony 890.

1. I experienced the strange issue at the top of the screen discussed by mrgribbles a while ago, but I think mine was much worse. What started as a 1/8 inch white line at the top of the screen would gradually migrate down the screen, showing a bunch of blocks, maybe 40 across, horizontally aligned, that would slowly creep as much as 2 inches down the screen. Then I would lose the whole picture. It only happened on SD channels, and if I would change to an HD channel the problem would disappear. Going back to SD, it would slowly come back. Very strange. However, it hasn't happened in several days. I am wondering if this may have been a heat issue. The receiver was originally sitting on carpet (I have just moved and am gradually unpacking), and now that it is on an open rack the problem seems to have disappeared.

2. I think I'm having handshake issues with the Denon player. I turned the Denon player on with no disc to get into setup menus, but nothing showed up on the screen. I haven't had time to mess with this very much, but does anybody have any immediate suggestions?

3. I plugged the 890's RF receiver/IR transmitter directly into the IR input on the back of the 705 with a standard mini-to-mini cable. It generally works fine, but occasionally the 705 won't power on from the remote. Once I manually turn on the 705, functionality is fine. Anyone else had this issue? Any problem with connecting the RF to the receiver in this way?

Mr Gribbles - I joined the camp and love my 705! Have you flashed your XA2 yet with a previous firmware update and does it do so via a RS-232 connection, USB or over a net connection? Also - I don't think anyone has asked this - does HDMI support firmware updates? One aside tho - my Toshiba Beta recorder was the best built and had the most features of any of my old Beta machines. I guess since they were on the losing side in that war, they figured it might be advantageous to have their own format.:)

nugga22 - You'll love Charlotte - I thought it was the Atlanta waanabe until I found out it has twice as many people. Get that Law degree and pay attention to class-action suits, just in case we need you!!

dropzone7 - By my former NJ standards, Weddington & Matthews are still cheap!:)

Funny, I just saw your last comment after my last post! :D

aydu - Thanks for the tip. I didn't even look to see if they had any HD players when I was looking at the TV's. I thought the new policy applied pretty much to all electronics - not just TVs. Good to know!

UPS just dropped off a whole bunch of cables from Monoprice that I ordered last week. This must be a sign from above! I really need a TV - bad!!! The new season starts next week. Must buy TV. Must buy TV.

dropzone7 - We've also got the Psychic Electronic Friends Network going on here. One thing I noticed about the 705 was that it seemed to be a lot heavier than my old Sony 995. I kind of glad I didn't jump to an 805 - it's too damn heavy! Too bad humans aren't as upgradable as AV systems - I'm due for a major overhaul!

dropzone7 - We've also got the Psychic Electronic Friends Network going on here. One thing I noticed about the 705 was that it seemed to be a lot heavier than my old Sony 995. I kind of glad I didn't jump to an 805 - it's too damn heavy! Too bad humans aren't as upgradable as AV systems - I'm due for a major overhaul!

Yeah, there must be a ton of heatsink in this thing. It's certainly heavier than any receiver I have ever owned. I know there are some larger ones out there but this is heavy enough for me! Yes, I could use a spinal transplant myself. The old spare tire is starting to do a number on my back. I need to detox for about a week and get off the fastfood.

The ultimate solution might be that Samsung BD-UP5000. I hear it's got the same guts as the new 2400 (yay Reon chip), but adds support for HD-DVD. Guess we'll have to wait for reviews to see if it retains the HDi functionality and all that good stuff.

I'm Blu-Ray-only right now, like you. I wanted to take a firm stance in the format war, and most of the credible sources I read supported Blu-Ray, so that's the way I went. But with the Paramount/Dreamworks thing now I'm wondering if they won't just stalemate and we'll all end up buying discs for both formats. As long as they can make fully-featured dual format players I could really care less. I just don't want to have to buy two players. :-P

Indeed, that 5000 dual format sammy looks very cool. I am sure it will be $1,000+.. but dual format + reon chip + bistream output ... its sounding VERY temping if its flawless in operation. thats a big "IF"... we shall see.. i guess it comes out november 1st. I really have no interest to spend 1000+ on a player... but to be honest I would do it if it gets rave reviews.

aydu - Thanks for the tip. I didn't even look to see if they had any HD players when I was looking at the TV's. I thought the new policy applied pretty much to all electronics - not just TVs. Good to know!

UPS just dropped off a whole bunch of cables from Monoprice that I ordered last week. This must be a sign from above! I really need a TV - bad!!! The new season starts next week. Must buy TV. Must buy TV.

funny... you got the opposite problem i had a month ago... wires and no hardware...for me it was hardware and no wires...

when i bought my 705 receiver + speakers ...i had it for an ENTIRE week before monoprice finally delivered my speaker cables... drove me nutz having new stuff I couldn't listen to. I had the speakers fully wall mounted and receiver hdmi's all set up by the time the speaker wire finally showed up. I dont think I ever stripped wires and did an install that fast in my life the day those cables came. :)

Indeed, that 5000 dual format sammy looks very cool. I am sure it will be $1,000+.. but dual format + reon chip + bistream output ... its sounding VERY temping if its flawless in operation. thats a big "IF"... we shall see.. i guess it comes out november 1st. I really have no interest to spend 1000+ on a player... but to be honest I would do it if it gets rave reviews.

I'm right there with ya. I've been avoiding becoming a casualty of the format wars, but since I don't think we're close to one side pulling out a victory, a dual-format player with Reon and bitstream would indeed be a nice way to buy some time. The thought of spending more on a player than I did on my receiver, though, definitely chaps my ass.

Regardless of the outcome of the format war, I can imagine that in 5 or so years you will be able to go into your local supermarket, especially just after Thanksgiving and buy a Nonamesonic HD player for only $19.95. Oh yeah, and if you buy 4 cans of Green Giant Peas they will take an additional $5 off that!:D

Regardless of the outcome of the format war, I can imagine that in 5 or so years you will be able to go into your local supermarket, especially just after Thanksgiving and buy a Nonamesonic HD player for only $19.95. Oh yeah, and if you buy 4 cans of Green Giant Peas they will take an additional $5 off that!:D

Probably, but by then, we'll all be bitching about not getting the firmware update to allow 10.1 True HD2 output via HDMIX bitstream on our 1440p BD 3.0-spec player. It's never-ending!

cmf - How true! But when Grandma has one, it's time to move on to the NEXT BIG THING.

It is one helluva piece of equipment. But, not to belabor the point. When you setup a canned activity like "watch Cable", you pick the TV, receiver and Moto box. The Harmony takes over from there and if I recollect, you can't (woots' link not withstanding) fool with the initial settings that the Harmony comes up with. You can add stuff but i didn't think you could reorder the start sequence?
Technically, the TV should always be on first. In your example, the 705 comes on first. It does on mine too. I don't have a problem at all, but some do, and if it happens to me I'd like to change the sequence. When i first got my 880 this bugged me, but then again, I'm not a fan of "wizards" I like doing my own programming.
I think you're right about this Mrgribbles...it's the wizard that determines what device in the activity to turn on first... in my case TV, Moto and then 705. Wish I have more control over this; but from there on you can add some extra actions to the devices like change input, put some delays etc. I haven't played with the link woots posted to see if that give you more flexibility.

I hope the rest of the members don't mind the occasional hijacking by harmony remote issues....forums like these are prone to OTs :)

Indeed, that 5000 dual format sammy looks very cool. I am sure it will be $1,000+.. but dual format + reon chip + bistream output ... its sounding VERY temping if its flawless in operation. thats a big "IF"... we shall see.. i guess it comes out november 1st. I really have no interest to spend 1000+ on a player... but to be honest I would do it if it gets rave reviews.

I think they set the MSRP for the 5000 at an even $1,000, so that means we'll probably see it initially for $800-$900, and then as we get into the holiday season, if you're voracious enough, I bet you could find one for $650-$700.

Believe. :-P

my Toshiba Beta recorder was the best built and had the most features of any of my old Beta machines. I guess since they were on the losing side in that war, they figured it might be advantageous to have their own format.:)

Yeah yeah, but Toshiba already got ungodly rich off of the DVD format. Time for Sony to win one of these things (they did, after all, develop the superior and yet ultimately unsuccessful Betamax format to begin with!).

Well, I've decided I like my 705 so much a 805 could only be even better! I got another great deal on one of these and can always use the extra power etc.. I'm looking at new speakers and have a large room to fill and the 705 just seems a little light in the power dept.. The great news is I already know most everything about these beasts and won't have any trouble with the new one.

Quick question for setting up my 705. When running Audessy what do I leave my powered subwoofer's settings at. I need to know where to leave volume from min to max and frequency from 50Hz to 150Hz. Anyone know. Thanks

Quick question for setting up my 705. When running Audessy what do I leave my powered subwoofer's settings at. I need to know where to leave volume from min to max and frequency from 50Hz to 150Hz. Anyone know. Thanks

arbitrage000,

Leave the volume set about halfway, that way you have a little wiggle room on the sub. For the crossover setting, go ahaead and max it out (150Hz).

Later...

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.

Sorry for the late response to this post, but I am out in California working 60+ hour weeks and without my receiver and TV. I am not sure what else has happened along the 1.3a cable discovery, but I am bummed to still see that we cannot get at the PS3 TrueHD / DTS-HD MA tracks. Thank you for letting us know what happened though. I still just have my 74 cent HDMI cables and they do all I need them to so far.

If you don't have a player with the Reon chip, hold out for one. What my XA2 does to my SD DVDs is simply stunning.It's definitely gotta be better than what the A2 does to them. My cheapo Toshiba DVD Recorder upscales better than my A2.

Congratz, and yes.. 1st time hearing these new receivers is like opening your eyes for the 1st time.

They do sound amazing.It doesn't sound any better than my previous Denon 2805. But, it has way more features, and is priced much lower than the current Denon equivalents. That's why I chose it.

I have been trying to determine what is causing my humming with my 705. It is especially noticable from my subwoofer as it approaches reference level but also from the speaker to lesser level. I have been working on the assumption that it was a ground loop issue and have tried may fixes all to no avail. (ground loop isolator, different outlet, shorter cable, etc)

I then set to direct audio and it cut down the hum buy a great deal. Of course that is what is supposed to do but it seems like I cannot use any DSP modes as when I get near ref level the hum is just too annoying when the scene is quiet. And with THX it seemed to cut down on the volume thus requiring me to get closer to ref level.
I have not purchased a power conditioner but I have turned off all appliances so I wouldn't think that would help.
I had this with the my prior pioneer so it is probably my setup. Any suggestions should I get a conditioner.

First, make sure all of the equipment in your HT is plugged into the same outlet (obviously via a power strip or strips.) If they are plugged into different outlets, it can cause ground hum. It's rare in a home environment, but not impossible. If you can't avoid an item being plugged into a different location, such as a projector, you can use an AC ground lift on that one device.

I would try that before going with a conditioner, just to be safe.

If you want 1080p up convert your gonna have to pony up the cash for the onkyo 905... this will downconvert your analog sources going out of hdmi. If you get to the hidden menu of this unit you can output a maximum of 720p on "analog in to hdmi out" throughputs. You xbox 360 pro (pre elite) 1080p component output will actually get worse running through this unit.

However, pure hdmi pass through works unfettered. 1080p hdmi in = 1080p hdmi out... 1080i hdmi in = 1080i hdmi out, etc.

Reasons to buy this over 905... Its a lot cheaper! :D ... and still very great for the price.


So, for the slow people in the group, you're saying that it does up convert to something say 720p if I use compenent cables, but it goes to 1080p if I use nothing but hdmi cables? Or are you saying that I can only get the upconvert to 1080p if i spend the big bucks on the 905...

IMO, anything is better than a 480i bs of SD channels...

hello y'all, just got my 705 today and i'm a little underwhelmed. i'm sure i'm not doing things all correctly. here's what's going on:
1. bass from the sub is way low from what i'm used to. tried different configuration (except for messing with the equalizer other than setting it to off) but still the bass stays relatively weak.

2. my panasonic bd-10a blu-ray player will not sync (no video, no audio). i tried different hdmi cables and ports but still no go. my xa2 however works like a charm in any ports.

any suggestions? thanks!

Finally got the time to hook up and mount remaining speakers tonight and run Audessey. Wow! I'd have never imagined the rather middling speakers we have could sound so amazing. The 705 replaced a 12-year-old mid-range Yamaha (back when AVR meant having 3 composite video inputs) and the Onkyo just blows it away.

As others have said, Neural 5.1 sounds really great...both on movies and CDs...glad I don't have to bop around various listening modes every time I change sources.

I am definitely happy with this purchase. Thanks to everyone who has posted such great info about it!

So, for the slow people in the group, you're saying that it does up convert to something say 720p if I use compenent cables, but it goes to 1080p if I use nothing but hdmi cables? Or are you saying that I can only get the upconvert to 1080p if i spend the big bucks on the 905...

IMO, anything is better than a 480i bs of SD channels...

The conversion to 720p is only in the case where you've got devices plugged into the 705 via component, and then the 705 is outputting to the TV via HDMI.

If you have component in and then component out, it'll output whatever the native format of the source is (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i).

If you have HDMI in and HDMI out, and the source is 1080p, it'll output 1080p.

hello y'all, just got my 705 today and i'm a little underwhelmed. i'm sure i'm not doing things all correctly. here's what's going on:
1. bass from the sub is way low from what i'm used to. tried different configuration (except for messing with the equalizer other than setting it to off) but still the bass stays relatively weak.

2. my panasonic bd-10a blu-ray player will not sync (no video, no audio). i tried different hdmi cables and ports but still no go. my xa2 however works like a charm in any ports.

any suggestions? thanks!

This may be a stupid question, but did you read the manual?

Q2: is your sub powered?
Q3: did you run the Aud calibration?
Q4: if Q2 and Q3 are yes, how high was your sub gain / cross during cal?

If you didn't run the Aud cal, I would. If your sub is powered, make sure the gain is at least 60%.

Charlotte and the surrounding area is a great place to live but unfortunately a lot of people have found that out and it's driven up the price of housing.That's why a lot of folks are settling in Rock Hill, SC just across the line.

That's why a lot of folks are settling in Rock Hill, SC just across the line.

Yeah, I know. Almost everyone at my work is from Rock Hill or Tega Cay and they have a short drive here to the southwest side of Charlotte for work.

hello y'all, just got my 705 today and i'm a little underwhelmed. i'm sure i'm not doing things all correctly. here's what's going on:
1. bass from the sub is way low from what i'm used to. tried different configuration (except for messing with the equalizer other than setting it to off) but still the bass stays relatively weak.

any suggestions? thanks!
After running Audyssey, it set the 705 sub level at -8. I left the sub (AR "10) setting where I have always run it (about half) and increased the level on the 705 to around -2.

One caveat, I have noticed a lot of variance in the sub output on different material and sound settings.

Yeah, I know. Almost everyone at my work is from Rock Hill or Tega Cay and they have a short drive here to the southwest side of Charlotte for work.It's the "have your cake and eat it too".

This may be a stupid question, but did you read the manual?

Q2: is your sub powered?
Q3: did you run the Aud calibration?
Q4: if Q2 and Q3 are yes, how high was your sub gain / cross during cal?

If you didn't run the Aud cal, I would. If your sub is powered, make sure the gain is at least 60%.

yes on Q1 through Q3. sub gain wast at 50% and 140hz x-over during calibration. after the cal the result for the sub is at -12db. i cranked it up to +6db and it's still weak. increased the bass tone level to +6 but the gain was minimal. i will try to manually adjust the equalizer tonite. if that does not pan out then i will try the analog outs (which kind of defeat the purpose of having HDMI).

one observation - i initially had the 705 plugged in to a "switched" monster cable power strip/surge protector. when i first plugged it in and turned the switch on it acted like it was not plugged in at all. unplugged it (wait ten seconds) and plugged it back in and standby led lit up. turned the 705 on for about a couple of minutes then turned it off and switched the power strip to off. turned the switch on again and no standby light on the 705. so i unplugged and plugged the 705 again and power's back on. my older onkyo did not do this. :confused:

I've had my 705 for about a week now, and I'm very happy with it. It replaced a Kenwood VR407, which worked great but lacked the HDMI inputs. I wanted to experience lossless audio, and, now that I have, all I can say is Wow!

I ran the Audyssey setup for my speakers and it too decreased the sub levels. I simply manually adjusted it and all is good.

I can't believe how much better my HTIB Kenwood speakers sound after running the Audyssey. But, now that the bug has bit, I know I will be replacing them soon. :)

Thanks to all the posters here that helped this lurker choose the Onkyo 705.

if i play with crossover freq.on speaker set-up, would i have to rerun auddessy? mains now set at 80, but would like to try 60.

The conversion to 720p is only in the case where you've got devices plugged into the 705 via component, and then the 705 is outputting to the TV via HDMI.

If you have component in and then component out, it'll output whatever the native format of the source is (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i).

If you have HDMI in and HDMI out, and the source is 1080p, it'll output 1080p.

Oh...so if I have hdmi in and hdmi out, and the source is 480i, will it put it to 1080p or 720p? Or that's why you said i have to buy the 905 to do that...Thanks in advance...

I did find an 875 that is a step below the 905 but is cheaper...

if i play with crossover freq.on speaker set-up, would i have to rerun auddessy? mains now set at 80, but would like to try 60.

From the Audyssey FAQ:http://www.audyssey.com/faq.html#Parameters%20change

"What happens to the MultEQ settings when the parameters are changed?

MultEQ corrects for room acoustical problems. Changes in the tone controls do not change the filter performance. They do change the tonal balance based on the preferences of the customer. The benefit of MultEQ is that it allows a customer (or installer) tone control setting to work on all program material in a much more predictable way than it would on an uncalibrated system. Changes made to the crossover frequency or “small” and “large” settings of the loudspeakers will affect the performance of the MultEQ filters and Audyssey does not recommend changing them."

Feel free to change them but you may not get the full benefit of the Audyssey treatment. Many however, myself included, have made minor changes but the last time I did this I decided to let Audyssey run the show, no changes, not even to the sub level (that one, everyone does). I'm lovin' it so far, but I'm a tweaker, we'll see. BTW, if you manually change xover settings and re-run Audyssey, it will just reset them. Usually different than the last time.

Oh...so if I have hdmi in and hdmi out, and the source is 480i, will it put it to 1080p or 720p? Or that's why you said i have to buy the 905 to do that...Thanks in advance...

I did find an 875 that is a step below the 905 but is cheaper...

HDMI 480i in --> HDMI 480i out. The 875 & 905 will process HDMI so you would get 480i to 1080p. The major difference in video between the 875 & 905 is that the 905 has advanced picture controls/filters that are user accessible. The 875 has little or no PQ adjustments.

one observation - i initially had the 705 plugged in to a "switched" monster cable power strip/surge protector.
I've got everything plugged into my Monster power strip too, with the exception of my Sub, but I not sure why that would matter.

I think they set the MSRP for the 5000 at an even $1,000, so that means we'll probably see it initially for $800-$900, and then as we get into the holiday season, if you're voracious enough, I bet you could find one for $650-$700.

Believe. :-P

1st we have to see if this player is all specs and no game. Its a tall order to get both formats in 1 player to work with all there newest bells and whistles with 1 internal firmware. (ie: making bistream output work on both formats for both hd ma and true hd)

I think LG dual format sucked when it came out ....I have heard lots of bad things about it. I am just hoping this sammy is not a repeat.

But if I could snag that dual format player for 650 it would be very cool no doubt.

if i play with crossover freq.on speaker set-up, would i have to rerun auddessy? mains now set at 80, but would like to try 60.

From the Audyssey FAQ:http://www.audyssey.com/faq.html#Parameters%20change

"What happens to the MultEQ settings when the parameters are changed?

MultEQ corrects for room acoustical problems. Changes in the tone controls do not change the filter performance. They do change the tonal balance based on the preferences of the customer. The benefit of MultEQ is that it allows a customer (or installer) tone control setting to work on all program material in a much more predictable way than it would on an uncalibrated system. Changes made to the crossover frequency or “small” and “large” settings of the loudspeakers will affect the performance of the MultEQ filters and Audyssey does not recommend changing them."

Feel free to change them but you may not get the full benefit of the Audyssey treatment. Many however, myself included, have made minor changes but the last time I did this I decided to let Audyssey run the show, no changes, not even to the sub level (that one, everyone does). I'm lovin' it so far, but I'm a tweaker, we'll see. BTW, if you manually change xover settings and re-run Audyssey, it will just reset them. Usually different than the last time.

THIS (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11685047#post11685047) was posted on the 805 thread last night... very enlightening about Audyssey.

yes on Q1 through Q3. sub gain wast at 50% and 140hz x-over during calibration. after the cal the result for the sub is at -12db. i cranked it up to +6db and it's still weak. increased the bass tone level to +6 but the gain was minimal. i will try to manually adjust the equalizer tonite. if that does not pan out then i will try the analog outs (which kind of defeat the purpose of having HDMI).

one observation - i initially had the 705 plugged in to a "switched" monster cable power strip/surge protector. when i first plugged it in and turned the switch on it acted like it was not plugged in at all. unplugged it (wait ten seconds) and plugged it back in and standby led lit up. turned the 705 on for about a couple of minutes then turned it off and switched the power strip to off. turned the switch on again and no standby light on the 705. so i unplugged and plugged the 705 again and power's back on. my older onkyo did not do this. :confused:

Please don't shoot the messenger for an obvious suggestion but, on the back of the 705 are 2 RCAs labeled Sub Woofer. Double check to see if you are in the right one. Its happened to a # of folks.

HDMI 480i in --> HDMI 480i out. The 875 & 905 will process HDMI so you would get 480i to 1080p. The major difference in video between the 875 & 905 is that the 905 has advanced picture controls/filters that are user accessible. The 875 has little or no PQ adjustments.

Thanks for the info...This was confusing to me as from the 605 to the 805, they claim up conversion but it doesn't sound like it until you get to the 875/905...Wow, I may have to just suck it up and spend the $$$...

another question, sorry. when i got new speakers i reran auddusy. now i have second sub, other side of room. one cable out of receiver,y splitter, to connect the two. does 705 have 2 outs for subs? if, does auddusy detect this? if not, should i set both subs the same and rerun auddusy? have not seen this problem discussed before. what would give me best results?