I've got some LG BH-200 questions

Originally Posted by pixelcide

Hi all.

Just got my LG BH-200 (only 400 bucks!)
updated firmware to 3-14 version (worked fine)
set it to region free (worked fine)

and now i have a few questions for you people that have more experience with the unit.

1. I'm thinking of getting a new receiver that can take advantage of the HD audio it decodes. Whats a good receiver that you would recommend hooking up to the BH200? I'm trying not to spend much more than 500 bucks. I hear Onkyo is pretty good for the money.

2. I noticed that aside from playing video files, the usb port can be used as memory for when you play Blu-Ray movies. Does this only benefit 1.1 and 2.0 discs? Does it make any difference with 1.0 discs at all?

3. Thinking of hooking up a router to the back of it too. Can anyone verify which routers work with it?

Originally Posted by bradavon

BD Profile 1.0 discs won't need the extra memory, there is nothing they do that can take advantage of it. Profile 1.0 is like SD DVD in that respect.

Originally Posted by DM2006RI

The Onkyo 605 is the best deal for the money and works great. You may need to update the firmware to avoid the "bitstream bomb" but it is a fairly easy process.

Originally Posted by pixelcide

I'm guessing it only plays a DVD+R or -R if its an exact copy of another SD DVD.

Originally Posted by stpat

Exploring the BH200 menus, I noticed that they've implemented the abillity to off-load HD-DVD downloaded content to a USB flash drive.

Originally Posted by stpat

That being said, I have an Onkyo 705 on it's way. It improves on the 605 in almost every way

Originally Posted by stpat

A lot of people recommend the Onkyo 605, and it's a great deal (for example, it's $329 through Amazon.com).

That being said, I have an Onkyo 705 on it's way. It improves on the 605 in almost every way, and is currently $533 at Amazon.com (with free shipping).

The 605 will definitely get the job done though, so it all boils down to whether the extra features appeal to you (if you're going to go with 5.1 rather than 7.1 the 705 may not be worth it.)

Originally Posted by bradavon

That is cool. Which firmware was that brought in with?

Originally Posted by oilblue

re: off-load HD-DVD downloaded content to a USB flash drive.

Pretty sure that was in the original firmware, though I could be wrong on that. The capability is there for both HD DVD and BD. The BD side of things is why the BH200 appears to have all the hardware necessary for Profile 2.0.

Originally Posted by casey.christian

I agree. After considering both a new Denon and a new Onkyo receiver, both of which would support TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, I decided to go with the 705. I did a lot of research and in the end felt the 705 just offered a lot more than the 605 with only a minimal premium in price.

First off, you're going to get cleaner, more powerful sound from the 705 thanks to its 100 watts per channel vs. the 605's 90 watts. The 705 is THX Select2 certified and is perhaps the most affordable THX approved receiver on the market. The 705 also features Audyssey's MultEQ XT auto calibration compared to the 605's Audyssey's 2EQ. The MultEQ XT is normally only found on higher end, much more expensive units like Denon's $1200 and up receivers. Trust me, when used correctly, the auto calibration done via the MultEQ XT vs. the 2EQ can be awe inspiring. The technology is pretty amazing. The 705 also adds one more HDMI input bringing its total to 3. You may not need it now, but it's always better to have more than you need just in case. Finally, the 705 was developed and went into production after the 605 and 805 so even though Onkyo hasn't confirmed this (for obvious reasons) all real world reports suggest the 705's platform is a little more robust, less prone to operating at high heat levels, and hasn't had any of the "quirks" reported in the 605 or 805 series.

All in all, there's nothing wrong with the 605 and you'd probably be happy with it. But, if you can swing it, I'd say go for the 705. As someone who's very picky about audio, I've always sworn by Denon. But, I think Onkyo has really batted it out of the park with the 705 and when you factor in its price, to me it's a clear winner.

-C.

P.S.
And since this is a thread about a receiver to use with your LG BH200, I can tell you that so far, my BH200 and 705 have played perfectly together!

Originally Posted by stpat

Question about them "playing perfectly". Does this mean no video dropouts? I don't have my 705 yet, but it'd be great if it resolved the dropouts (currently I'm going from my BH200 to my Sony TV, and I get dropouts).

Originally Posted by casey.christian

I agree. After considering both a new Denon and a new Onkyo receiver, both of which would support TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, I decided to go with the 705. I did a lot of research and in the end felt the 705 just offered a lot more than the 605 with only a minimal premium in price.

First off, you're going to get cleaner, more powerful sound from the 705 thanks to its 100 watts per channel vs. the 605's 90 watts. The 705 is THX Select2 certified and is perhaps the most affordable THX approved receiver on the market. The 705 also features Audyssey's MultEQ XT auto calibration compared to the 605's Audyssey's 2EQ. The MultEQ XT is normally only found on higher end, much more expensive units like Denon's $1200 and up receivers. Trust me, when used correctly, the auto calibration done via the MultEQ XT vs. the 2EQ can be awe inspiring. The technology is pretty amazing. The 705 also adds one more HDMI input bringing its total to 3. You may not need it now, but it's always better to have more than you need just in case. Finally, the 705 was developed and went into production after the 605 and 805 so even though Onkyo hasn't confirmed this (for obvious reasons) all real world reports suggest the 705's platform is a little more robust, less prone to operating at high heat levels, and hasn't had any of the "quirks" reported in the 605 or 805 series.

All in all, there's nothing wrong with the 605 and you'd probably be happy with it. But, if you can swing it, I'd say go for the 705. As someone who's very picky about audio, I've always sworn by Denon. But, I think Onkyo has really batted it out of the park with the 705 and when you factor in its price, to me it's a clear winner.

-C.

P.S.
And since this is a thread about a receiver to use with your LG BH200, I can tell you that so far, my BH200 and 705 have played perfectly together!

Originally Posted by Caanda45

Thanks great summary and I pulled the trigger and bought the 705. Could not be happier. Now I have to find the time to run the Audyssey's MultEQ XT auto calibration. Thanks for all the tips!!!!!

Originally Posted by pixelcide

Hi all.

Just got my LG BH-200 (only 400 bucks!)
updated firmware to 3-14 version (worked fine)
set it to region free (worked fine)

and now i have a few questions for you people that have more experience with the unit.

1. I'm thinking of getting a new receiver that can take advantage of the HD audio it decodes. Whats a good receiver that you would recommend hooking up to the BH200? I'm trying not to spend much more than 500 bucks. I hear Onkyo is pretty good for the money.

2. I noticed that aside from playing video files, the usb port can be used as memory for when you play Blu-Ray movies. Does this only benefit 1.1 and 2.0 discs? Does it make any difference with 1.0 discs at all?

3. Thinking of hooking up a router to the back of it too. Can anyone verify which routers work with it?

Originally Posted by bradavon

p.s - How much did the BH200 cost when it first came out in Canada and The USA? Thanks

Originally Posted by bradavon

$450

You guys are so lucky. The BH200 has been released in the UK, just (good luck if you can actually find it). Check out the price:

£699.99 is $1,386 USD

For one, LG Canada doesn't list the BH200 (or the BH100) on their website as product.

Originally Posted by bradavon

Sorry Peterjcat. I don't understand?

Originally Posted by pixelcide

Hi all.


1. I'm thinking of getting a new receiver that can take advantage of the HD audio it decodes. Whats a good receiver that you would recommend hooking up to the BH200? I'm trying not to spend much more than 500 bucks. I hear Onkyo is pretty good for the money.
(snip)
3. Thinking of hooking up a router to the back of it too. Can anyone verify which routers work with it?

Originally Posted by peterjcat

Read the ad, in the fine print it presents the very generous offer of 1/3 off an HDMI cable if you buy a BH200 for the princely sum of 700 squid.

Originally Posted by allargon

The Onkyo TX-SR605 ain't bad. However, if you're buying new and willing to spend $500, you should wait a few months until the Onkyo TX-SR606 comes out. The Onkyo TX-SR605 has two HDMI inputs. The Onkyo TX-SR606 has FOUR!

Originally Posted by bradavon

...but the BH200 isn't listed and there isn't even a Blu-ray/HD Player section on the USA site.