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Analog to HDMI solution?

post #1 of 20
3/9/12 at 8:14am
Thread Starter 
We're in the process of installing a PJ in our living room... For obvious reasons we can't run a bunch of wires to the projector So I'd like to run everything through a receiver to the a single HDMI line. But we have a number of devices that don't currently have HDMI connections.

So I think the best solution is a theater in a box solution that would allow me to run multiple composite and component sources along with 3 or 4 hdmi sources through a single hdmi port.

The PJ is 720p, so upscaling to 1080p isn't really needed, but upscaling 480i or 480p would be nice.

I currently have a 5.1 JBL system that is 8 or 9 years old, which works fairly well, so I could probably live with just a receiver, although new speakers would be a plus.

Budget wise, I'd like to stay in the $300-500 range.. Thanks for any help.

Just to add a couple of things, 3D support for HDMI sources would be nice... network functions on the receiver aren't really needed since I have a HTPC hooked up to this.
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post #2 of 20
3/9/12 at 8:43am
Up your budget to $600 and this is the best all in one system you will find all from the same company. Onkyo HT-S9300THX or HT-S9400THX.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...Package/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...Speaker/1.html
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post #3 of 20
3/9/12 at 8:49am
Thread Starter 
Can you recommend a 5.1 system with these same features? The room doesn't lend itself to 7 speakers... Sorry I should have posted that before.

I'm also looking for a new system not a refurbished system.

Quote:
Originally Posted by flickhtguru View Post

Up your budget to $600 and this is the best all in one system you will find all from the same company. Onkyo HT-S9300THX or HT-S9400THX.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...Package/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...Speaker/1.html
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post #4 of 20
3/9/12 at 9:06am
I'll let others post. Cuz IMO this HTiB is the only one worth buying. Most other speakers in HTiBs are just horrrible. I have personally heard and set up 3 of these systems and they sound good for the price. Just because its 7.1 doesn't mean you have to use all the speakers.

Why not refurbished??? Every HTiB or A/V Receiver I've ever owned was refurbished. I've saved lots of money by buying refurbs. Never had any problems with any of them.
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post #5 of 20
3/9/12 at 9:35am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by flickhtguru View Post

I'll let others post. Cuz IMO this HTiB is the only one worth buying. Most other speakers in HTiBs are just horrrible. I have personally heard and set up 3 of these systems and they sound good for the price. Just because its 7.1 doesn't mean you have to use all the speakers.

Why not refurbished??? Every HTiB or A/V Receiver I've ever owned was refurbished. I've saved lots of money by buying refurbs. Never had any problems with any of them.

Well, some types of devices I'll buy refrub... just don't want to mess with it.. I want something I can order from Amazon with a 30 day no questions asked return policy incase there are problems.

What about the HT-S8400 or HT-S7409?

Only reason I'm looking for a new system is because I need analog to hdmi through a single hdmi connector to the projector.
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post #6 of 20
3/9/12 at 12:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayctn View Post

I currently have a 5.1 JBL system that is 8 or 9 years old, which works fairly well, so I could probably live with just a receiver, although new speakers would be a plus.

Which JBL system? If it's a decent set of speakers, I'd be inclined to keep them and just get a receiver. Good speakers can last decades.
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post #7 of 20
3/9/12 at 1:05pm
Thread Starter 
JBL Cinema ProPack 600II
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post #8 of 20
3/9/12 at 7:23pm
I would be careful about buying onkyo......they got some SERIOUS reliability issues. a few mins in this forum should be enough to validate that.....

Yamaha does not offer a HTIB that does video processing until you are willing to spend about $780 or so..

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio...e=model#page=1


You can get a 5.1 speaker package and a RX-A700 and that will give you video processing plus a receiver with outstanding reliability.....

The receiver in that package is a RX-V567 that retails for about $290 or so. spend $40 more and get the RX-A700

a 7.1 speaker package that goes with it start at around $400 for ok speakers
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post #9 of 20
3/9/12 at 10:20pm
Thread Starter 
I appreciate the input but I'm looking to spend 300-500, suggesting a $350 receiver and another $400 for speakers is nearly $300 over that limit.

I realize that it's not going to be a top of the line system... frankly I'm not a sound guy.. I've have a $75 sound bar on my 47 inch upstairs, and it's good enough... if I didn't need the ability to convert analog to hdmi to keep cabling down, I'd go with something simple like that.

So $300-ish is fine for the receiver... where can I buy a decent set of 5.1 speakers/sub for $200?
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post #10 of 20
3/10/12 at 4:44am
You should be spending more on speakers and less on receiver. How about for now you buy a receiver and 2 nice bookshelf speakers for a total of $300-$500. Then when you have more money add a decent sub. Next add a matching center. And lastly add 2 surrounds.

In the end it will be more than $300-$500 obviously. BUT trust me it will be worth it and will be money well spent. And you said your not a sound guy, get some decent stuff and you will become one of us (A/V addicts/hobbiests).
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post #11 of 20
3/10/12 at 5:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayctn View Post

I appreciate the input but I'm looking to spend 300-500, suggesting a $350 receiver and another $400 for speakers is nearly $300 over that limit.

I realize that it's not going to be a top of the line system... frankly I'm not a sound guy.. I've have a $75 sound bar on my 47 inch upstairs, and it's good enough... if I didn't need the ability to convert analog to hdmi to keep cabling down, I'd go with something simple like that.

So $300-ish is fine for the receiver... where can I buy a decent set of 5.1 speakers/sub for $200?



If you're really stuck on HDMI, a receiver will be your cheapest method for converting a large number (how many?) of sources from component to HDMI. However, you have to make sure the receiver is capable of cross-converting from component to HDMI - not all of the receivers will do that.

However, since you don't care too much about sound quality and your video is at 720p, then why use HDMI? You wouldn't lose any video quality with component video cables and it might be easier to setup. The cables are thinner than HDMI. You also don't have to worry about the (roughly) 25' HDMI High Speed cable limitation, although if you are only sending 720p then you can use a Standard Speed HDMI cable.

You seem fixated on a particular solution and I'm not sure I understand why.

Really, your budget seems too small for what you want to do - particularly the speakers. I've found a lot of people buy cheaper speakers only to throw them out in a year or so (wasted money). The better way is, as flickhtguru said, buy the fronts now and then save up for a good sub, then a center and then buy even better fronts and move the old fronts to the surrounds. This way you don't end up throwing out your money after a year.
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post #12 of 20
3/10/12 at 7:55am
Thread Starter 
I think the reason I'm posting here is because I'm looking for a receiver that supports composite/component to HDMI and that is not information you always find documented in the feature list on most sales websites. I understand this is a not a typical feature that is the primary purchasing decision when most people buy a receiver.

I currently have 3 HDMI sources, 1 component and 1 composite source that I would like to have hooked up to the receiver. Having some empties would be a plus to help future proof the receiver.

Why not use component cables? Two reasons... First, because some of the HDMI devices don't have component outputs. Second, for obvious reasons the PJ is going to be mounted in the ceiling and fishing 1 small hdmi wire is much easier than fishing 3 component wires, which is even easier than fishing 5 wires in total, 1 hdmi, 3 component, 1 composite. Also, I'm not positive how easy it will be to hit the PF from the Harmony remote, so much better to only have to worry about that twice (to turn it on and off), than every time I want to change an input.

So, if I could solve that problem with a different less expensive device I would in a heart beat. It just seems to me that some receivers do support this functionality, and that is the best way to skin this cat

The speakers and audio part of the situation... I'm not a picky person, my hearing isn't the best I'm not going to notice the difference between a $300 set of speakers and a $1000 set of speakers... as I said I have a $100 soundbar from Vizio on our upstairs TV, if I could find a 5.1 set of speakers about that same quality I'd be happy and for sure not tossing them out in a year.

Worse comes to worse, I can use the JBL speakers I have, they sound great to me... so help identifying a receiver which can convert analog video to HDMI is the key.

Quote:
Originally Posted by alk3997 View Post

If you're really stuck on HDMI, a receiver will be your cheapest method for converting a large number (how many?) of sources from component to HDMI. However, you have to make sure the receiver is capable of cross-converting from component to HDMI - not all of the receivers will do that.

However, since you don't care too much about sound quality and your video is at 720p, then why use HDMI? You wouldn't lose any video quality with component video cables and it might be easier to setup. The cables are thinner than HDMI. You also don't have to worry about the (roughly) 25' HDMI High Speed cable limitation, although if you are only sending 720p then you can use a Standard Speed HDMI cable.

You seem fixated on a particular solution and I'm not sure I understand why.

Really, your budget seems too small for what you want to do - particularly the speakers. I've found a lot of people buy cheaper speakers only to throw them out in a year or so (wasted money). The better way is, as flickhtguru said, buy the fronts now and then save up for a good sub, then a center and then buy even better fronts and move the old fronts to the surrounds. This way you don't end up throwing out your money after a year.
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post #13 of 20
3/10/12 at 9:22am
If you like your speakers then just get a receiver that converts analog video to HDMI.

something like the Yamaha RX-V667 would meet your needs.
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V667...1399682&sr=8-1

So would this Denon AVR 1911 or AVR-791
http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html
http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html
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post #14 of 20
3/10/12 at 9:37am
Thread Starter 
What is the difference between the RX-A700 recommended above and the RX-V667? I'm sure the A vs V means something important But looking at the spec sheet, I must be missing it

Quote:
Originally Posted by afrogt View Post

If you like your speakers then just get a receiver that converts analog video to HDMI.

something like the Yamaha RX-V667 would meet your needs.
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V667...1399682&sr=8-1

So would this Denon AVR 1911 or AVR-791
http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html
http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html
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post #15 of 20
3/10/12 at 10:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayctn View Post

What is the difference between the RX-A700 recommended above and the RX-V667? I'm sure the A vs V means something important But looking at the spec sheet, I must be missing it

afrogt beat me to it...A refurbished unit from a reputable dealer (and manufacturer) is probably your best bet. I would have recommended the Denon AVR-1911, as well. A second choice would be this Onkyo:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

Keep in mind these are low end receivers, so don't expect large amounts of power.

Also remember that HDMI shouldn't cost much. One good place to get reasonable prices is Monoprice at:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...02&cp_id=10240
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post #16 of 20
3/10/12 at 10:38am
Thread Starter 
Does the HT-R590 support analog video to hdmi?

Quote:
Originally Posted by alk3997 View Post

afrogt beat me to it...A refurbished unit from a reputable dealer (and manufacturer) is probably your best bet. I would have recommended the Denon AVR-1911, as well. A second choice would be this Onkyo:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

Keep in mind these are low end receivers, so don't expect large amounts of power.

Also remember that HDMI shouldn't cost much. One good place to get reasonable prices is Monoprice at:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...02&cp_id=10240
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post #17 of 20
3/10/12 at 10:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayctn View Post

What is the difference between the RX-A700 recommended above and the RX-V667? I'm sure the A vs V means something important But looking at the spec sheet, I must be missing it

The A700 is part of their Aventage line and comes with a 3 year warranty vs 2 years for the RX-V series.

Aventage is supposed to use better internals, a fifth foot for better stability. come with a detachable power cord and the higher end models use better video processing.

But looking at the RX-V667 and A700 they seem exactly the same to me. No detachable power cord on the A700.

If buying new might as well get the one with the longer warranty if price is close.
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post #18 of 20
3/10/12 at 10:52am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by afrogt View Post

The A700 is part of their Aventage line and comes with a 3 year warranty vs 2 years for the RX-V series.

Aventage is supposed to use better internals, a fifth foot for better stability. come with a detachable power cord and the higher end models use better video processing.

But looking at the RX-V667 and A700 they seem exactly the same to me. No detachable power cord on the A700.

If buying new might as well get the one with the longer warranty if price is close.

A700 is currently about $25 cheaper new on Amazon is why I asked. But if it was missing some critical feature, I'd go with the V667
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post #19 of 20
3/10/12 at 10:59am
In that case go with the A700 since it is cheaper too.
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post #20 of 20
3/10/12 at 4:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayctn View Post

A700 is currently about $25 cheaper new on Amazon is why I asked. But if it was missing some critical feature, I'd go with the V667

From what I can see, the RX-A700 and the RX-V667 are functionally identical

The front and back panels look the same other than the names (ie they have the same buttons and inputs on the front and the same inputs on the back. They even have the same power ratings..... (you can compare them on amazon.com if you like)

Replace your receiver first to get the functionality you want and then at a later date get a better speaker package........

I use 4x Yamaha NS-5490 and 2x Yamaha NS-SW215's and I got all of that for $400 (speakers were $99 a pair and subs were $99 each) that I aquired over the last 8 years with the RX-V667 being the last peice that I got for $260 used
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