Official Yamaha RX-V863 thread - Page 5

Why don't you just start a separate "Yamaha RX-Vx63 BTB/WTW Problem" thread and take the discussion there??

I don't think there's going to be much more discussion about it. If someone confirms it in the 863 I think a lot of people would like to know, but they can post it over here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1010178) if they prefer.

Am considering upgrading to the 863. One question; my display is only dvi. Can I do the HDMI out from the 863 with a DVI adapter on the other end to my display. Will I get the handshake or will I get an error or black screen?

I am using HDMI to DVI in on a Sony 34XBR800 and it works fine.

While I do have a v863 hooked up to my DVI-only TV (a Sony 34XBR800) and the picture works fine, I don't have my complete setup yet. In particular, I don't have a Blu-Ray player.

I just read of some people having problems with playing audio over HDMI from a Blu-Ray player with a similar setup. Their setup is:

Blu-Ray/HDMI <-> HDMI/Receiver/HDMI <-> DVI/TV

They surmise it is because the DVI is not fully HDCP compliant and so the receiver refuses to play the audio.

Has anyone gotten the V863 (or V663) to play HDMI audio when using a DVI connection to the monitor?

Nothing is broken so nothing needs to be fixed. Yamaha is conforming to the spec and there is only an issue with a handful of seldom viewed movies. This is not an issue with the Yamaha receivers. If you buy another receiver to get BTB for movies then you are wasting your money!

It most certainly is an issue with Yamaha that has nothing to do with the HDMI spec. But I think we should continue this discussion in the other thread. See you over here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...4#post13801534

I got the Yamha 863 and just love it. HDMI passes everthing correctly for me . Just a great receiver. I would highly recommend it for everyone looking for a nice receiver. MMike

I have all 8 speakers setup properly, yet 5.1 sources will not output 7.1 ...basically the rear speakers do not output anything, just side surrounds. What is required for this to happen over HDMI inputs? I thought that it was supposed to output to the rear automatically...but alas does not. Can someone shed some light on what is required for this to work? Usually receivers will have an option to turn on and it will send the surround signals to the rear speakers as well. Am I missing something? Thought this was the EXTENDED Surround option set to automatic, which should do just that...yet...it isn't.

Input sources: PS3, Toshiba A30, DirecTV HD-DVR Tuner.
All sources are set to bitstream and have both HDMI and Optical connections for backup, though I don't think I need optical anymore....so....

What is the best settings for hookup on RX-V863 and input devices?

Thanks, guys.

Is there a big difference between the 863 and the 1800?

Have you try setting the Extended Surround to EX/ES or PLIIxMovie to see if that works?

DVI = Video only

Priceless...

Looking at the specs, I would go to Yamaha's site and download the "manual" for each. This way, you can have a full understanding of what is available.

Sure there are some additional features or tweaks that are available on the 1800, but is it worth the money. Some say yes. Some, no. So it depends on your preferences. I personally chose the 863 because I actually liked the SCENE features that basically allow you to setup each input and settings to how you like it and then program that to a single button...so when I use a specific device, I programmed it vertically, so top device was scene 1 button, next down...scene 2, etc. Then lock the settings and your done. I find the omni microphone setup to actually be more accurate than the one on the 1800...but that maybe because I measured and angled my speakers exactly and then placed the mic exactly at ear level centered where I sit...then I tweaked the bass volume back up on the speaker itself...and it is perfect for me.

Price was important, but the 1800 can be updated with firmware, so that is where it may be best to go with if you want to ensure all the latest fixes and tweaks are available to you.

Cheers.

I picked up my 863 today I love Mothers day. The price for todays sale was under $400 only 5 available, Hook up is very easy, The remote will take time to get used to, I feel I will be very happy. Thanks to all for the feedback on this, Enjoy.

Based on some of the replies, it appears not everyone who replied carefully read this post. It asks if there is a problem, under these circumstances, with the receiver playing the audio. Strictly speaking, it is irrelevant whether or not DVI carries audio to the monitor as I was asking about the receiver playing the audio.

There have been reports that some receivers are sensitive to this setup. For example, a receiver will not play audio received from an HDMI source when a DVI-connected monitor is turned on, but will when it is turned off or disconnected. Happily, there is evidence from some helpful posts indicating the V663 and V863 do not suffer from this limitation.

Confirmed. After changing the Extended feature from AUTO to EX/ES it will matrix any EX/ES audio source to the rear speakers or if you leave AUTO, then it will matrix any 5.1 source with one exception; PCM Audio. If your Disk is encoded with 5.1 PCM audio (PS3) or connecting analog 5.1 surround (SACD), then you will NOT receive audio in rear speakers and there is no settings that will allow matrix to work properly.

This IS a Yamaha bug only on the x63 units from what I understand. It should allow for PCM to be matrixed to the rear speakers when it is not 7.1, but it will not, so I will be returning this unit for the 3800 model as I found those do not have the bug. Also, the power/sound quality is higher on the 3800...so rear speakers will have a bit more punch anyways...

For the money, the 863 is a good unit with some nice features for a 5.1 system, but I cannot recommend it for a 7.1 system due to the matrix issue. Surround speakers are setup for the side, not rear...so when you have 5.1 it should actually push the signal to the rear and make the sides "silent" rather than making the rear speakers "silent." I could move all surround speakers to the rear, but that defeats the purpose of "SURROUND SOUND." The surround aspect should enclose the sides and the back, not just the back in a 7.1 system. Granted if I wanted just a 5.1 surround system, this would be the only system I would need...but I setup a 7.1 system to give that WOW feature to the sound; just like I did with VIDEO...so it needs to be fixed, but I am not waiting for that...if they ever decide to listen to ONE person.

Thanks for the push...now going for the Top Shelf!

Is anyone familiar with the IR input and output on the back of the Yamaha 863? My television can pass through and emit IR signals. Can this be then sent to the Yamaha IR input and then will it transmit it back out to my other equipment with the proper sending units?

Thanks.

Are you sure you got a Yamaha RX-V863 for under $400 without a 5 finger discount? That is a deal that sounds too good to be true.

I bet it is a 663. I've been looking around at prices on the 863 and found a few in the high $700's (and I don't know if that includes shipping) but nothing even close to $400.

If I did get one for under $400, I would EBAY that thing so fast!!!

Features on 1800 over 863:

- 25 more watts p/ch (25 x 7)
- 10 addl. lbs
- one addl. HDMI input
- RS232 port (Rec. Mgr. Software)
- learning remote
- macros on remote
- one addl. optical input
- one addl. optical output
- one addl. coax input
- 5 addl surround programs
- one addl. S-video input
- one addl Zone
- Zone remote

Features on 863 not on 1800:
- HD Radio
- Sirius Radio
- Bluetooth


The SCENE function is one feature I was scared of losing when upgrading from my RX-V661 to the RX-V1800...

What I didn't realize is the settings like DSP modes/decoders, PLIIx, surround back/front presense preferences and volume level
for each input BD/HD DVD,DVD,XM,IPOD...etc on the 1800 are remembered if you select the "last" option from the Initial configuration menu
(instead of auto). Once you set them, you can use memory guard to lock them in.

There are also 6 memory slots for several parameter configurations
Like: Speaker/EQ settings, sound field parameters, video conversion, scaling and display settings etc.


The remote also has learning capabilties, if you get tired of entering codes.

And... A Macro feature that will allow up to 10 individual steps from several devices into a single button selection on your remote.
(just like SCENE, only better)

The RX-V1800 is Totally loaded with features once you dig deep into the manual.





I think the 863 remote is similar to my old 661


the 1800 Remote(s) (Zone 2/3, and Main)


I got my RX-V1800 for less than a new 863, (locally)
There are deals to be found with the replacement 1900 series due mid August.
I love the way the front panel looks too, nice and clean with most buttons hidden behind the panel.

The 1800 is the 6th Yamaha receiver (and the best) I've bought over the last 20 years,
Trust me! it's definately worth looking into.

Why didn't you try PLIIxMovie? This works fine for me with my PS3 and PCM audio. It matrixes the 5.1 to 7.1 - the front even says PCM+PLIIxMovie or something. Make sure you set the init settings to use Last for surround and it should be saved for future use. If you returned already so be it, but seems like you didn't try both options.
Also from my research, which was confusing, I found the Dolby PLIIxMovie to be a newer and possibly 'richer' mode than EX/ES...

Errr, no, V863 does upscale and upconvert as well any video input - it's the main difference from the netry-level V663.

That being said V1800 indeed sounds better for the price, let alone for less.

Was this on a PCM only encoded disk? A number of old movies that are being ported over have 5.1 PCM Audio only. I will take a look at it...but did already order the 3800 as I got a deal for about $200 more than I paid for the 863, since I jumped on it at a retail store.

The "guts" of the 3800 is far superior, especially when only talking about a $200 difference ($899 for 863 vs. $1099 for 3800)...I think I will be more than happy with the change.

Granted the 863 is a good receiver and I do like it, but having the ability to set the crossover for each speaker is important. Many Surrounds and Centers lack the range that mains typically provide (bass) and calibrating each to what they technically can handle (effectively) before the sub picks up the bass is important for sound quality and smooth transitions, at least to my ears...and especially in the surrounds for some odd reason I like more range in them.

I do plan to upgrade my center speaker, which will allow me to drop the crossover for it down to the 50-60 range like the fronts to provide more natural sound, since your mains and center are most important for Music & Movies...especially movies with music.

I also like having a lot of options as you can really make your sound shine if you do. General options for speakers is not ideal in my mind, especially if you have a non-standard room or speaker placement that is difficult. A higher-end receiver that has options to aid "real-world" rooms is best, but some don't really care about all that and just want nice music... to each his/her own.

The higher quality amp ie "guts" of the 3800 seem better to me...but that is just my ears. Everyone has a pair; they just hear sound differently...so listen before you buy (if you can) or buy 3 choices and return what you don't like. Most places give you 30 days.

Thanks for the post.

It sounds like you got a good deal on the 3800, but it still has only a single crossover frequency for all speakers.

Yes, for setting the LFE crossover

but there are advanced EQ settings too

If I recall correctly, I had this ability in the 661 too,
so its likely in the 663/863 manual too.


Just checked my 661 manual, and it allows EQ adjustments to the center channel only.



Here's a snip from my 1800 manual,
shows you can adjust EQ levels for each speaker , maybe that's what ColorfulThreads meant?
...however, I think the new 863 has the same feature.

You can't use EQ to compensate for the lack of individual crossovers, EQ does something quite different. For example, if you set the (single) crossover frequency to 100Hz because you have small surround speakers, nothing you do with EQ will help your main speakers play lower. The only thing you can do if you want your mains to play lower than your surrounds is set the mains as large. And then if they are not truly full range speakers you had better set Bass Out to Both. But you don't have the fine control you would have on a receiver that supports an independent crossover frequency for each speaker.

Having said that, I'm not a big believer in having multiple crossover frequencies. It's much harder to make the sub blend with other speakers at multiple frequencies than at a single frequency.

Can and 863 owner please answer this question.....is it possible to Display the receiver menu on your tv via HDMI? If so, does it blank out the screen like on the 1800 or does it overlay the picture like on the Denon 3800 and up units. Does the volume display on your tv when using HDMI and making volume changes?

Yes the receiver menu does display on the TV via HDMI. It blanks out the screen, the same as the 1800 does. At the present time I do not have the Yamaha remote set up to control my Direct TV DVR and at the present time when I use the Yamaha remote for volume it does not display on the TV, just on the receiver. Once I program the remote to control the DVR, it may show the volume display on the TV also. Overall so far, a great receiver. MMike

Thanks for checking Mike, it sounds like the same as the 1800. I wonder if Yamaha will come up with a GUI for their 1900? I will be interesting to see what happens.