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Question regarding multiple switching for A/V receivers

post #1 of 15
6/1/11 at 10:50am
Thread Starter 
Hello all!
I have a question that I'm sure a lot of you can help me out with. Here is my current dilemma. I currently own a Sony STR DG720 but I think it's time to upgrade. For one, I need a receiver that has a better A/V sync function, for two I'd like a receiver that has HDMI passthrough capabilities so I can still watch TV without physically turning the receiver on. My final concern is this...I have everything going to my receiver, then to the TV including my turntable. Sometimes while I play my PS3, I like to listen to a record or other audio while playing but I've come to realize this is NOT possible using the STR DG720 due to the switching. Are there any receivers out there that would allow me to accomplish this?

Thanks!
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post #2 of 15
6/1/11 at 12:19pm
Back when I had my Yamaha RX-V2700, I could select audio only sources with a video source selected, and play that audio source with the video retained. At some point that was removed. But I suspect there's receivers which allow it, still.
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post #3 of 15
6/1/11 at 12:26pm
I'm able to watch TV with or without my AVR on by connecting my DTV box to my AVR via HDMI and also connecting the box via component + S/PDIF directly to the display.
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post #4 of 15
6/2/11 at 9:40am
Thread Starter 
Thanks! Can anyone post some receivers that have these functions in the $400-$500 range?
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post #5 of 15
6/7/11 at 9:20am
Thread Starter 
bump...
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post #6 of 15
6/7/11 at 10:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by UnDeR_FLiP View Post

Thanks! Can anyone post some receivers that have these functions in the $400-$500 range?

Phonograph inputs are expensive. Yamaha a1000 has that and hdmi passthru but way more than $500. The 867 is going for under $450 (coupon EMCKDKC57 @newegg.com) but has all the usual restrictions combining audio with hdmi video input. It has network, but no usb. The yamahas will pass audio from hdmi inputs to all zones in party mode better than most brands.
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post #7 of 15
6/9/11 at 7:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kikkenit2 View Post
Phonograph inputs are expensive. Yamaha a1000 has that and hdmi passthru but way more than $500. The 867 is going for under $450 (coupon EMCKDKC57 @newegg.com) but has all the usual restrictions combining audio with hdmi video input. It has network, but no usb. The yamahas will pass audio from hdmi inputs to all zones in party mode better than most brands.
I tried that code yesterday and got a message that it's a valid code but the order didn't qualify...Vann's has it for $519, not tax, no shipping....seems like you can't beat the value for that price.
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post #8 of 15
6/9/11 at 8:23am
The ability to "switch" the audio to an audio only source while watching something else can be achieved two ways...

1. Most receivers(and all the ones I've ever owned) when you pick your VIDEO source first, you can then pick an audio source(other than FM/AM). It is NOT A FEATURE. You won't find that ability in an owners manual. The fact your Sony doesn't do it is odd, as I know of many Sony that do.

2. Run a tos-link, digital coax or an RCA into the SAME labeled input, but from the source you pick to listen to otherwise as in...
Input DVD you connect your Blu Ray via HDMI
Input DVD also has your CD player connected analog/tos-link/digital coax
Press the "audio source" button to cycle between the various audio inputs. EVERY SINGLE RECEIVER MADE can do that.

So if the problem is, your two sources are both HDMI, that means they are two video sources. You'll have to connect the one you want to listen to TWICE. Either run the 2nd connection to an open audio only connection, or into the same labeled input, and cycle the audio connect.

Being a record player throws a kink in this (sortof). It could be that the phono pre-amp integrated into the receiver has to be used ON ITS OWN. That isn't unfathomable. You could get an inexpensive exterior phono pre-amp...
http://www.amazon.com/TC-400G-Phono-...7633354&sr=1-1 (didn't read any reviews to see if this one is worth a darn, just an example)
Then you can connect it where you wish.
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post #9 of 15
6/9/11 at 8:35am
"Audio source" button? Most receivers have selector sources, which are user defined activities, including both the video and audio sources. I don't recall seeing the audio source option you describe on many receivers.

Some AVRs have a function that allows the user to change the audio associated with a given activity. Others don't offer that functionality. And, with some, it's possible with component video but not with HDMI.
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post #10 of 15
6/9/11 at 8:47am
I'll throw this caveat out there, I usually don't deal with(original priced) receivers under $1000. I'm familiar with the Yamaha 867(barely with the 667, not at all lower). Denon over $800. My knowledge of Onkyo's end when the first number is 7 or under.

If all else fails(and I wouldn't purchase a receiver where you couldn't do this) you can go in the menu and change your audio input to whatever else you want. Every AVR I've ever owned has had the ability to have the video via HDMI, the audio some other way.

By the way, the Integra DTR 8.8(that I just retired), and its replacement DHC 80.2 both have selectable audio on the fly. It is a feature I expect when I buy AVR/Pre-Pro.

But, the ability to pick an audio source after a video source is not a feature. I would not keep a receiver 5 minutes that couldn't do that(other than FM/AM and turntable...as those two can be expected, both have workarounds anyway)
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post #11 of 15
6/9/11 at 11:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SaveFerris View Post

I tried that code yesterday and got a message that it's a valid code but the order didn't qualify...Vann's has it for $519, not tax, no shipping....seems like you can't beat the value for that price.

Someone said that you had to click on the box for subscribing up for their newsletter for the offer to be valid. I did click on that button without knowing that it was required and $429.99 it was. So not positive about newsletter requirement. Sale expired midnight last nite. Got mine yesterday ups.
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post #12 of 15
6/9/11 at 11:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by schan1269 View Post

I'll throw this caveat out there, I usually don't deal with(original priced) receivers under $1000. I'm familiar with the Yamaha 867(barely with the 667, not at all lower). Denon over $800. My knowledge of Onkyo's end when the first number is 7 or under.

If all else fails(and I wouldn't purchase a receiver where you couldn't do this) you can go in the menu and change your audio input to whatever else you want. Every AVR I've ever owned has had the ability to have the video via HDMI, the audio some other way.

By the way, the Integra DTR 8.8(that I just retired), and its replacement DHC 80.2 both have selectable audio on the fly. It is a feature I expect when I buy AVR/Pre-Pro.

But, the ability to pick an audio source after a video source is not a feature. I would not keep a receiver 5 minutes that couldn't do that(other than FM/AM and turntable...as those two can be expected, both have workarounds anyway)

Thanks for the professional explanations in both these posts. There is so much confusion here. My onkyo 1007 would share hdmi video input with audio only inputs like "cd" without re-assigning the active audio attached to the video input. Select video play then cd on 1007 and sourses would share or mix. What is the right terminology for this function?

Then I bought the yamaha a1000 this doesn't work. When selecting cd the tv displays a nice picture of a harp! I can't get video to play at the same time. I think this is actually normal for most 2010/11 receivers. It would be nice to verify which brands/models still have this function. When only a few offer it now it is a feature. For my normal use an important one.

A bigger issue to me is all the restrictions on playing audio streaming with hdmi video and to zone 2 in these receivers. Lets face it manufacturers almost all our video is from digital hdmi now. Quit restricting the audio we play with it at home. Let us easily share any audio input with any video input. I don't want to loop audio and re-assign active audio all the time.
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post #13 of 15
6/10/11 at 12:37am
You and me both(about the digital 2nd zone restriction)...

Apple TV2 has caused a major consternation because it only has HDMI and tos-link. 90% of receivers can't do 2nd zone with the ATV2*.

Me thinks HDCP has finally chopped of its own feet. The "Analog sunset" was only supposed to affect BD players, but apparently Apple is hopping on the bandwagon for no apparent reason.

*of course, there are these things...
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Optica...7691486&sr=1-6
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post #14 of 15
6/10/11 at 9:23am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by schan1269 View Post

The ability to "switch" the audio to an audio only source while watching something else can be achieved two ways...

1. Most receivers(and all the ones I've ever owned) when you pick your VIDEO source first, you can then pick an audio source(other than FM/AM). It is NOT A FEATURE. You won't find that ability in an owners manual. The fact your Sony doesn't do it is odd, as I know of many Sony that do.

2. Run a tos-link, digital coax or an RCA into the SAME labeled input, but from the source you pick to listen to otherwise as in...
Input DVD you connect your Blu Ray via HDMI
Input DVD also has your CD player connected analog/tos-link/digital coax
Press the "audio source" button to cycle between the various audio inputs. EVERY SINGLE RECEIVER MADE can do that.

So if the problem is, your two sources are both HDMI, that means they are two video sources. You'll have to connect the one you want to listen to TWICE. Either run the 2nd connection to an open audio only connection, or into the same labeled input, and cycle the audio connect.

Being a record player throws a kink in this (sortof). It could be that the phono pre-amp integrated into the receiver has to be used ON ITS OWN. That isn't unfathomable. You could get an inexpensive exterior phono pre-amp...
http://www.amazon.com/TC-400G-Phono-...7633354&sr=1-1 (didn't read any reviews to see if this one is worth a darn, just an example)
Then you can connect it where you wish.

The STR-DG720 doesn't have a phono input. I have my record player running to a phono pre-amp via RCA then out from the pre-amp in to the "CD" RCA connection on the back of the AVR. I've looked through the menu options on my AVR and I can't find any way to allow me to watch TV/play PS3 via HDMI but listen to audio via the RCA "CD" input.

Also, I'm not looking for a new receiver with a Phono input...Like I said I have a phono pre-amp running to the "CD" input on the amp. So, that's not a concern for a new AVR. I'm just looking for the ability to watch one thing via HDMI and listen to another via another source at the same time.
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post #15 of 15
6/10/11 at 12:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by UnDeR_FLiP View Post

I currently own a Sony STR DG720 but I think it's time to upgrade. For one, I need a receiver that has a better A/V sync function, for two I'd like a receiver that has HDMI passthrough capabilities so I can still watch TV without physically turning the receiver on. My final concern is this...I have everything going to my receiver, then to the TV including my turntable. Sometimes while I play my PS3, I like to listen to a record or other audio while playing but I've come to realize this is NOT possible using the STR DG720 due to the switching. Are there any receivers out there that would allow me to accomplish this? Thanks!

That sony can't do passthrough, but combining hdmi video and analog audio is possible. Study page 75 of your manual. By selecting the "input mode" button on front of receiver (not remote?) the receiver will toggle or scroll thru the active inputs. For example based on picture page 9 the "sat in" hdmi is also assigned to a toslink audio input and an analog (red/white rca) input. The dvd hdmi also has an analog input. The 3rd hdmi in labeled "bd" does not have an analog input with the same name. That appears to be hdmi only. So try connecting ps3 hdmi and phono analog audio to the same named input, then get both devices playing. Start hitting that input mode button and let me know if that worked.
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