Onkyo TX-NR818 "official" owner's thread discussion - Page 63

I should have said "Analog" means there's no "audio" being passed over the HDMI cable. Try connecting the laptop directly to the TV. Do you get audio with the video?

I'm guessing there is a setting in the menu that you have to change. Make sure that the correct input option is picked for that input...that's my only guess.

Laptop directly to the TV works fine. Just as it did with the Yamaha RX-A1000.

On this receiver, I have not found a way to toggle through the audio signal for each input. On the Yamaha, there was a button on the remote that was specifically for the audio signal for any input. All I had to do was hit the button and it would scroll through analog, HDMI, optical, etc. for the input I was on. No luck so far with the 818, but I'm still working on it.

Another thing that TOTALLY slipped my mind when considering this receiver is the lack of multi channel INPUTS. So as of now, my Marantz DV9600 is connected via HDMI only This after I just spent $60 on RCA plugs for it to connect to my Yamaha. So now, I cannot do straight analog out from the Marantz DV9600. So so sad...

^^^I know there was that option on my onkyo 706. Not sure how much different the menus/options are on the newer models...

If i used this power amplifier plugged into the FW/FH, would i then be able to run 11 channels at once during music playback?


http://www.outdoorspeakerdepot.com/stereo-amplifer.html

If i plug into line 2 on the amp, it will the allow me to run 8,9,10,11th speakers i think?? If so this is an easy way to get 11 channels out of the 818. Although i don't know if this can be done because of the switching between height and wide???

The 818 is supported in 1.3.10 (current version)

All updates are free. Look in your purchased app list and make sure you are using the same iTunes account.

Sometimes iTunes makes you go through all the purchase steps, but when you confirm the purchase, it tells you the item has been already purchased and downloads for free.

Port 60128. Load up Wireshark and sniff the traffic between Onkyo Remote 2 and the 818 and you'll see them. The receiver sends them in response to certain queries.

No,thats what I originally paid for the 807,the 818 was relaced free of charge.

I picked up an 818 over the weekend, updated the firmware and so far I'm pleased. Love running 9ch, no one should live without it! Coming from a 707 I notice the audio to be a little more bassy, but that could be the beefier amp section, I might just need to get used to that. I ran audysey and set all speakers to 80Hz, maybe I'm just used to my Parasound powering my L/R, which is now on height duty.

Second, HDMI handshake seems to be worse about 2-3sec delay when selecting shows from XBMC HTPC, any way to fix?

Other than that, great receiver!

In my case i have HTPC running XBMC connected to rear HDMI port (PC) on 818. I believe I also had analog indicator on 818, but I was able change it to hdmi by changing XBMC audio setting from analog to some other option (can't remember exact naming now)

See Audio Selector setting (p. 72 OM).

Do you happen to know an e.g. command that produces an XML result off hand?

I had it set to HDMI and it still wouldn't work. Turned off the receiver after giving up for the night. Tried it again this morning and it is working! Maybe restarting the receiver did the trick. Yesterday I rebooted my laptop several times after making some changes to it, but never thought to reboot the receiver. Thanks for the help!

A soft reset (ie. unplugging the AVR) will often cure minor issues.

REALLY love this receiver. My Emotiva speakers sound great, using the 818 as a prep/pro connected to my Outlaw 5 channel amp. My vtf-3 mk4 sounds fantastic now. Better than when connected to my Yamaha RX-A1000. This receiver will be in my rack for some time....

Thanks, I was able to update my app. LOVE this app. Keep up the good work.

One question, can I also use it on my iphone as well? I initially purchased and installed it directly to my ipad. Would love to get it on my iphone as well. Does it need to be repurchased in order to use it on a second device?

I originally purchased Oremote on my iPhone and I didn't have to buy it separately for the iPad. It runs (and is formatted appropriately) on both devices.

I'm fully entering the "kid on Christmas morning" mode. My 818 is ready for pickup at my local FedEx office and i'll be getting it in about 4 hours time. This will be my 6th Onkyo AVR:

605 - still fully functional in my In-Laws' setup
608 - sold to the owners of my previous house, worked flawlessly
806 - sold earlier this year, worked flawlessly
5507 - sold last year, worked flawlessly (too much for my current needs)
709 - currently in use in my Family Room setup
818 - about to be put into service in my Basement, Pool Table Room, and Backyard Patio setups

The only issue that I ever had was with the 605 (after 2 years or so) the protection circuit would go on whenever I tried to use Zone 2. I sent it for service and it came back perfect. Other than that the only other nitpick was that the 5507 clicked quite a bit and at the time it was driving most of the owners crazy. I guess with that much of a processor most folks have the units hidden away - mine was out in the open. I'm guessing that the 818 will have similar clicks but it will be inside of a rack behind closed doors.

Can't freaking wait to open the box up and get started!!

Guys,

I am interested in this receiver and after reading this thread it inspired me to upgrade my system. So, I was reading the manual interested in the bi-amp option, but I notice that I am limited to just 5.2 surround and the pre out for the "Ext Amp" will be deactivated. Would I be able to use a External 2ch Amp for the other pre out for SB/FH/FW and bump it up to 7.2 surround?

Second question, would bi-amping my front speaker enhance my experience when watching a movie or would it be better for listening to music or is it a waste of my time? I know what bi-amping does for the front speakers, but I want someones personal opinion with this setup.

Thanks!
Edited by alexwill22 - 8/21/12 at 1:16pm

My receiver is asking me to upgrade the firmware every time I turn it on. But it is working flawlessly as far as I can tell after using it the last 2 days. Should I turn off the notification? Or go ahead and do the update? I'm on version 1020-1100-0000-0000. Any thoughts about updating? What method should I use? USB or hardwired right to the router?

IMHO "bi-amping" requires two separate amps and a separate crossover and the one in your loudspeaker disconnected/removed (or DIY without one). This unit does have the crossover, which might be nice to experiment with even with the avr's amp only having separate channels. Otherwise you're really just doing fancy bi-wiring which is a waste of wire and time....again, IMHO.

An update on the static sound from the subwoofers. Simple enough, got a replacement unit and the static is gone. Looks like I had a bad unit. Some loose connection or shielding issue? Who knows? Just wish I could have those hours of troubleshooting and disassembling my rack back. Then again, just glad it wasn't something else and happy to have it resolved.

Regarding Audyssey calibration when using external amps. Make sure you use the Pre-Out marked External if you plan to use a rear surrounds. The onkyo does not differentiate between the wides and heights and the rears if you use the other pre-out. This will have an effect on your XT32 calibration. RM, your problem should be resolved when you move that connection to the EXT out when you get back on Thursday.


And finally, after putting everything back together and calibrating my speakers and subwoofers, the system sounds incredible. I was thinking about adding an amp for my front Ti6K's but that is not necessary because I am very happy with the sound and would rather save the money to do something else. I am very happy I went with the 818. It sounds incredible. Now let's see if I can stop myself from watching (listening) to demo material all night.

I believe the Onkyo updates the firmware one version at a time. I had to update mine three times in a row before it stops asking. Should not turn off the update notification unless you do not want to update to the latest firmware.

Good News for both!

Thank you for the confirmation of the solution of Markus.
Cheers!

Hey Everyone!

It only took me like a week to go through all 63 pages but now I'm done.
...And a bit disappointed, that I did not find an answer or better a solution for the issue I'm having.

I'm using the 818 for like 2 weeks now and I'm especially happy with XT32. That system is just awesome.


My first comment goes to jmpage2: Here I am. I am as surprised as you are that apparently noone sees the jerking, but I do.
I can confirm, that it happens on 23,976p material. The Onkyo seems to be processing it to 24p.
I tried everything I could... even the "videoprocessor=skip" did not help in my case. I could still see the crap.

Unfortunately my display does not show the exact frequency, but I think I made a discovery yesterday.
I read somewhere in this thread, that the video is not processed, when you use the "Sub HDMI Out" instead of the Main.
So I thought this might help, I put the HDMI Out on "both" and used the Sub to go to my TV (Pioneer KURO PDP-LX5090H).
I really concentrated on finding the jerking but I could not. Altough you can still have the overlay OSD via the Sub HDMI Out and I still have the blue screen from the Onkyo in between changing resolutions - I think the jerking is gone!

I would really appreciate if you could test this too!

Still, always using the Sub HDMI Out is not really a solution... I called Onkyo (Germany) and complained about the issue... They told me that they are aware of it and the engineers in Japan are working on it... Apparently it has been resolved on 515 and 616 already with some kind of workaround... But this would not work on 818.

Maybe you can give Onkyo USA a call as well to get the pressure on?


The next question is for markus767: You always advise that everyone uses Audyssey Movie and the Dynamic EQ switched on.

I observed with my 818, that there is a very loud "ambient noise / background emission / basic noise" (I had to look up the word and these are the Dictionary's proposals ) when the Dynamic EQ is turned on.
It does get less severe when I use an offset, but even with 15dB it is very noticable in comparison to Dynamic EQ = off.

In addition to that - Audyssey MultEQ XT32 did a very good job in my room in banning standing waves and boomy/muddy bass.
However with the Dynamic EQ turned on it sounds again too bassy and artificial.
I have to say that I really focus on a good music reproduction.
Maybe it is better when I use the 15dB offset but still the high basic noise is annoying.

Can you advise?

Sorry for double-post.

@rworne:
Is an Android version of oRemote planned for the near future? I feel a bit left out.
I can totally understand if you don't have the time for it.
It would just be amazing, since your app is so much better than the Onkyo app.

That's good news. Please keep us posted.

For music you should use Reference Level Offset just like you did. For movies no offset should be used.
Noise from the speakers after switching Dynamic EQ is definitely not normal behavior. Which speakers do emit that noise? Is it audible at the listening position or just when you move very close to the speaker?

Well, I don't know about good news - the issue seems to be existing since the XX07 Onkyo generation...
Maybe they should think about hiring some new engineers.
What I did so far is basically turning the EQ off and being happy with the results. It just sounds better to me that way.
But I will experiment a little. Maybe my ears do not have the standard bass and treble drop.

The noise is definitely audible on MLP (i.e. 3m distance eeehhh I mean 9.8 feet ). I am not confusing it with the standard basic noise, that you always have (when getting really close to the speakers).

I just tested it - source is CD (analog). In stereo the basic noise is fine. When I go to surround sound mode, the noise is loud - worst on "Orchestra" - apparently just being emitted from the front speakers.
As I said, the higher the offset, the quieter the noise becomes.


But again, even with a 15dB offset, music sounds just "loudnessy" to me with the Dynamic EQ.
I prefer "Music" (= flat frequency response) with Dynamic EQ = off. That sounds the most natural to me. And I think it is what measures the most linear too.


@jmpage2: I already said - a Pioneer Plasma (9G KURO). Well I tried to adjust it to "just running through" as best as I could:

Monitor Out = both
(So resolution is greyed out)

Wide Mode = Full
Picture Mode = Direct
A/V Sync = 0msec
OSD = On (apparently that does not hurt on the Sub Out)

RIHD = Off
HDMI Through = Off
Audio TV Out = Off
Lip Sync = On (apparently that does not hurt on the Sub Out)

VideoProcessor = Skip
That's exactly what I mean. You cannot blame them if noone complains about it!

I really cannot believe that so many users in this thread use the 818 without noticing it.
The theory in the German "hifi-forum" is, that the source may be an influence.
One user tried 5 BD-players and it only worked without jerking on an old Pioneer.

My player is a Dune HD Smart B1 btw.

But I don't believe it makes a difference...
I think some users in Germany may be watching just European Blu-Rays where apparently 24p instead of 23,976p is used (I only watch North American BDs)... Others just don't see it (to be honest, it IS kind of subtle if your eyes are not trained) and again others do not even watch REAL 24p on their displays...