AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › Onkyo TX-NR818 "official" owner's thread discussion
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Onkyo TX-NR818 "official" owner's thread discussion - Page 162

post #4831 of 7316
2/6/13 at 11:04pm
Updating my AV now to 1110-8103-0101-0000
Reply
Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #4832 of 7316
2/7/13 at 6:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by GoldenBoy View Post

As I posted before, the number seems higher, even though the file is dated from July 2012. But, when I tried to intall it, it won't install, the 818 just gives me the "Current Firmware" status message, which means that the firmware I already have installed is a later version -- go figure. For reference, this is the firmware number of the "test firmware" for the 24p bug fix:

1110-8103-0101-0000

This is the number for the one they just sent out dated 07-24-2012:

1141-0108-0400

It seems this second one does in fact have less digits, at least, but who can keep track of how they number these things?

Oddly enough, they just sent me a third email with the "test" firmware again.

Over on the OnkyoUSA site the word is, Onkyo goofed by sending the 1141-0108-0400, 1110-8103-0101-0000 is the fix, use it!
Reply
Reply
post #4833 of 7316
2/7/13 at 6:45am
The one I got from them is called "AVR000E_Release" with 5 files that look like ONKAVR000E_MAMAMAMAM9MAMA.

Is this what you guys got?

I'm not able to try it out until Friday...

Update: I think it's the right ("test") version....
Edited by MadMyers - 2/7/13 at 2:12pm
Reply
Reply
post #4834 of 7316
2/7/13 at 2:11pm
I'm looking for some insight into how the HDMI Main out and HDMI Sub outs actually work. I'm getting my 818 soon and I'm thinking about how to set it up...

Looking at the manual, it appears that that enabling both main out and sub out means the outputs must use the "auto" mode (as opposed to "through" or "direct" or 1080i, etc). Unfortunately, Onkyo doesn't really define what the heck auto does. I understand there can be some complexity with dual outputs as each could theoretically support different formats. I assume auto means the 818 will use a mode that is compatible with both. Is that right? This would mean the 818 is always scaling or something and not ever do "through" I'm guessing.

The manual implies that if you select "main out" then nothing goes out "sub out". Is that right? I've got the same question in reverse... If you select "sub out" then nothing goes out "main out"?

In a perfect world, I'd like the ability to have the 818 do the following simultaneously

Main out: Use whatever mode I select, which might be "through" or something else
Sub out: always output whatever the input source is

My #2 preferred configuration would be

Main out: always output what is provided
Sub out: always output what is provided

Are either of those possible? The manual seems to say no, but I know the manuals often don't cover everything or sometimes aren't correct.

Thanks!

... Altan
Reply
Reply
post #4835 of 7316
2/7/13 at 5:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MadMyers View Post

I'm looking for some insight into how the HDMI Main out and HDMI Sub outs actually work. I'm getting my 818 soon and I'm thinking about how to set it up...

Looking at the manual, it appears that that enabling both main out and sub out means the outputs must use the "auto" mode (as opposed to "through" or "direct" or 1080i, etc). Unfortunately, Onkyo doesn't really define what the heck auto does. I understand there can be some complexity with dual outputs as each could theoretically support different formats. I assume auto means the 818 will use a mode that is compatible with both. Is that right? This would mean the 818 is always scaling or something and not ever do "through" I'm guessing.

The manual implies that if you select "main out" then nothing goes out "sub out". Is that right? I've got the same question in reverse... If you select "sub out" then nothing goes out "main out"?

In a perfect world, I'd like the ability to have the 818 do the following simultaneously

Main out: Use whatever mode I select, which might be "through" or something else
Sub out: always output whatever the input source is

My #2 preferred configuration would be

Main out: always output what is provided
Sub out: always output what is provided

Are either of those possible? The manual seems to say no, but I know the manuals often don't cover everything or sometimes aren't correct.

Thanks!

... Altan

The manual implies that if you select "main out" then nothing goes out "sub out". Is that right? yes that is correct for both main out or sub out. whatever you choose it will be your out put

Main out: Use whatever mode I select, which might be "through" or something else
Sub out: always output whatever the input source is

what will happen if both is selected... auto basically means source out put from the device coming in.. i wouldn't worry what your trying to do will work.. sit back and relax and enjoy it when you get it.. worse case you'll have to choose the out put manually in settings from main to sub... so you get to change out of auto and select the input to what you want. i.e 1080/24 1080, 720 etc.. but even with both on you can still change video processing from through to direct to game , movie, streaming etc. under video settings.. its confusing but you'll see when you get it.. you'll be ok.. i don't know if i helped or made it worse im not good at explaining
Edited by Marco Giudice - 2/7/13 at 5:26pm
Reply
Reply
post #4836 of 7316
2/7/13 at 6:17pm
Installed the beta firmware with an NTFS formatted USB stick. Took 5 minutes and works great.
Reply
Reply
post #4837 of 7316
2/7/13 at 7:38pm
I attempted to download the beta firmware this evening and received an access denied message.

Anybody else have this problem?

I emailed them again and asked for a working link.
Reply
Reply
post #4838 of 7316
2/7/13 at 8:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by wlvca View Post

I attempted to download the beta firmware this evening and received an access denied message.

Anybody else have this problem?

I emailed them again and asked for a working link.
That happens if you download it (I think) then try grab it again. To prevent sharing I guess.
Reply
Reply
post #4839 of 7316
2/7/13 at 11:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fredthesoundguy View Post


I found a workaround the analog zone 2. Plug RCA cables from the L/R Front Pre-outs into analog input.
Interesting idea. But there's one thing that worries me:
As I understand analog inputs are designed to receive analog signal from devices with no volume control (like standalone cd players) and the applies whatever volume is dialed on 818.
Pre-outs are designed to send signal to devices with no volume controls (like standalone monobloc amplifiers) with volume already applied.
So would it mean that by looping pre-outs to analog inputs 818 applies volume amplification twice? Does it introduce danger of overloading analog input circuits?
Reply
Reply
post #4840 of 7316
2/7/13 at 11:44pm
I have an issue with loud buzzing when I mute my AV while watching Tivo (not muting TV, but the AV) there is a loud buzzing noise coming from the center speaker, and I realized if I disable Dynamic Volume (Med to off) it goes away. What's up with that?

edit: Via HDMI btw.
Reply
Reply
post #4841 of 7316
2/8/13 at 2:26am
Did you try another source on the input your Tivo is on to see if you have the same result and or move the Tivo to another input and see if the problem moves?
Reply
Reply
post #4842 of 7316
2/8/13 at 4:29am
I want to upgrade my 709 to either a 818 or 3008. The 3008 is only $40 more expensive.

I have only one subwoofer and I am planning to buy Cerwin Vega XLS-215 front speakers.
The 3008 has in theory more power and has the advantage of being able to bridge the front channels for extra power or bi-amp whereas the 818 can only bi-amp.
The 818 is two generations newer however.

Anyone here who has heard both and can tell me the differences?
Reply
Reply
post #4843 of 7316
2/8/13 at 5:41am
I'm listening to some BluRays that have 5.1 PCM tracks. How can I get these to play "direct" (straight 5.1)? I tried a couple of buttons on the front panel, but all I can get are modes like THX Cinema, Direct (2 channel), DTS Neo, ...

Thanks.
Reply
Reply
post #4844 of 7316
2/8/13 at 6:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco Giudice View Post

The manual implies that if you select "main out" then nothing goes out "sub out". Is that right? yes that is correct for both main out or sub out. whatever you choose it will be your out put

Main out: Use whatever mode I select, which might be "through" or something else
Sub out: always output whatever the input source is

what will happen if both is selected... auto basically means source out put from the device coming in.. i wouldn't worry what your trying to do will work.. sit back and relax and enjoy it when you get it.. worse case you'll have to choose the out put manually in settings from main to sub... so you get to change out of auto and select the input to what you want. i.e 1080/24 1080, 720 etc.. but even with both on you can still change video processing from through to direct to game , movie, streaming etc. under video settings.. its confusing but you'll see when you get it.. you'll be ok.. i don't know if i helped or made it worse im not good at explaining

FWIW, the manual made me think this from the text on page 54. It says "If the “Monitor Out” setting is set to “Both”, this setting is fixed to “Auto”."

Anyway, thanks for your input. I'll try it out and see what options are available.
Reply
Reply
post #4845 of 7316
2/8/13 at 8:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by wlvca View Post

I attempted to download the beta firmware this evening and received an access denied message.

Anybody else have this problem?

I emailed them again and asked for a working link.

Onkyo sent me the update again this morning. Link worked and I now have installed the new firmware.

Thanks, Onkyo.
Reply
Reply
post #4846 of 7316
2/8/13 at 12:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MadMyers View Post

FWIW, the manual made me think this from the text on page 54. It says "If the “Monitor Out” setting is set to “Both”, this setting is fixed to “Auto”."

Anyway, thanks for your input. I'll try it out and see what options are available.

Marco be aware that the SUB HDMI will not contain audio unless the audio is sent to the TV on the Main HDMI also. It is an either/or. I found this out the hard way...........mad.gif
Reply
Reply
post #4847 of 7316
2/8/13 at 12:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MadMyers View Post

FWIW, the manual made me think this from the text on page 54. It says "If the “Monitor Out” setting is set to “Both”, this setting is fixed to “Auto”."

Anyway, thanks for your input. I'll try it out and see what options are available.
yes thats correct if monitor out is set to "both" it"ll go into "Auto" Which means thats it"ll have a source incoming signal. But you still add video processing to it on "Both" by going to the quick setting and video , then picture mode.. and that will give you video processing
Reply
Reply
post #4848 of 7316
2/8/13 at 3:35pm
hi,
i've had this for a few weeks and everything has been working as expected (although maybe i did notice the duplicate frame thing a few times wink.gif). if i have a source connected which goes into power saving and attempts to power off the connected display, the nr818 will instead just display a solid blue screen. is there a way to 'pass through' this power saving and have my tv go to standby as it would without the receiver in between?
thanks,
-matt
Reply
Reply
post #4849 of 7316
2/8/13 at 5:14pm
Got my 818 today and did a quick setup, including a 6 position Audyssey setup.

WOW! This is a great receiver!

Some quick thoughts:

1) Sounds wonderful! I'm sure its the audyssey processing more than watts or the "amp", but the initial results were fantastic. Very full sounding, with crystal clear highs (cymbals, hi-hats).
2) Nice build quality. I though the volume knobs on the new Denon models felt _really_ cheap. No issue with the knob on the 818
3) It's surprisingly front heavy. Perhaps it was designed this way to help with some of the heat problems in the past. The transform in right in the front while most of the ASICs seem to be toward the back.
4) Setup was very smooth
5) Audyssey set ALL my speakers to 40 Hz (or is that Onkyo? I realize that Audyssey repots info back and then Onkyo decides what to do). I changed them to 80 Hz as I have a power sub.
6) Onkyo UI is fine. Looks like it's upscaled from something better than 640x480, but definitely not 720p or 1080p!
7) UI response is a little slow, but nothing terrible
8) The thing has 1,000 different modes, some of which are not compatible (Audyssey Equalization vs. THX Re-Eq)... I feel the manual could describe this stuff better. I also think of 818 software could handle it better (such as allowing you to say "I only ever want to use THX, or I only ever want to use Aydyssey's version).

It upgraded to the latest (released) firmware over the internet. I'm going to apply to 24/60fps firmware tonight. Takes a good 10 minutes (maybe 15?) to flash.

I appreciate all the work people have done in this forum!

... Altan
Reply
Reply
post #4850 of 7316
2/8/13 at 10:08pm
I have a fat ps3 that is connected via hdmi to my 818, I have had no issues with it displaying either 2D or 3D to my Epson 3020. I purchased another Sony BDP-S590 3D blu-ray player and if I run it through the 818 I can play 2D just fine, but it will not pass through the 3D. I verified the unit would indeed play 3D by hooking it directly to my projector. So, something is going on between the sony and the 818. Is this just some compatibility issues? I am having the sony replaced just to see if something may be off with it somehow, but I suspect the new unit will do the same thing. Any ideas? btw, does not matter which input I have it on, it will not pass 3D through the 818, and yes, I have all 1.4 hdmi cables.
Reply
Reply
post #4851 of 7316
2/9/13 at 8:08am
I'm thinking of purchasing the 818 since I recently sold my UMC-1. My listening habits are 70% music 30% movies. I loved the SQ of the UMC-1 for music just a few quirks with the unit that I couldn't bear. How good is the 818 at music playback? Thanks for any responses.
Edited by g-man5.1 - 2/9/13 at 8:23am
Reply
Reply
post #4852 of 7316
2/9/13 at 11:04am
The 818 is on my short list but I have a question for current users.

I will have a 2 zone system.

Zone 1 is a 7.1 setup for movies, with a big projector screen.

If I rotate the projector, I can use a second, smaller screen, which is convenient for some uses of the room. A pair of speakers flanks screen 2, and these speakers need to play the same audio as the 7.1 setup--but downmixed to 2.0

Both sets of speakers cannot, may not be in use at the same time. They are in the same room, but different orientations.

So, can I make this beast play 7.1 sound in Zone 1 and then switch it to 2.0 sound in Zone 2?

I realize that Zone 2 can only use analog sources, but I don't know if there is a "Speaker B" type trick on this model. Much more modest AVRs can do what I'm looking for, so I am hoping this guy can be configured too. (I have also seen someone post running pre-outs to an analog input, which seems like it would work, but it's so hacky.)

Thanks for the help.

Also, if any deals pop up, please keep posting. smile.gif
Reply
Reply
post #4853 of 7316
2/9/13 at 1:40pm
Is it possible to tweak the audyssey curve once it is run. I have some high frequency hearing loss and Im concerned audyssey may do 'too good' of a job flattening the signal. I am looking at purchasing the onkyo 818.

I posted this on the Audyssey thread as well hoping to get a quick response so I apologize for the duplication.
Reply
Reply
post #4854 of 7316
2/9/13 at 1:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by handsaw View Post

Is it possible to tweak the audyssey curve once it is run. I have some high frequency hearing loss and Im concerned audyssey may do 'too good' of a job flattening the signal. I am looking at purchasing the onkyo 818.

I posted this on the Audyssey thread as well hoping to get a quick response so I apologize for the duplication.

AFAIK, you can change some parameters of the sound itself, but by doing so it disables the Audyssey-created profile. Major drawback to Audyssey in general, IMHO, but there might be technical (or even licensing) reasons for it.
Reply
Reply
post #4855 of 7316
2/9/13 at 6:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by raaj View Post

Thanks Patrick. I will make the request there. Good to see that they are still taking requests and sending out updates.

So we will only get this via email and not like all the other updates to date?
Reply
Reply
post #4856 of 7316
2/9/13 at 7:07pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by NODES View Post

So we will only get this via email and not like all the other updates to date?

They are soliciting feedback right now. If they are comfortable with the feedback then it is likely that they will release it as part of a general FW update.
Reply
Reply
post #4857 of 7316
2/9/13 at 7:52pm
Hello Everyone. I spent some time today running various tests to try and comprehend the 818's various video settings. I wanted to share my results. Note that this assumes Main HDMI out for now.

Let's start with one global rule: The TX-NR818 will never downconvert. I didn't see this mentioned in the manual anywhere. For example, this means that if you have a 1080p input source, you will always get 1080p output. Additionally, if you have a 720p source the TX-NR818 will never convert it to 480p. This is regardless of what the settings say to do.

I haven't come up with a simple sentence describing how all these parameters related, but I've managed to summarize it as succinctly as possible below.

Rule 1: If an input's Picture Mode is set to Direct, it overrides the Monitor Out:Resolution setting and the TX-NR818's HDMI output will be the same as the source's input

Rule 2: Setting Monitor Out:Resolution to Auto (when an input's Picture Mode is not Direct) will cause the TX-NR818 to convert the content to the highest format (e.g., 1080p) supported by your display

Rule 3: Setting Monitor Out:Resolution to 480p/720p/1080i/1080p (when an input's Picture Mode is not Direct) will cause the TX-NR818 to convert the content to the specified value for output

Rule 4: Setting Monitor Out:Resolution to Through (when an input's Picture Mode is not Direct) tells the TX-NR818 that its output format should always be equal to its input format.

Rule 5: When Monitor Out:Resolution is set to Source (when an input's Picture Mode is not Direct) , the input's Custom:Resolution will be used to determine the TX-NR818's output format. Custom:Resolution values of 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p are self explanatory. The value "Through" for Custom:Resolution means the 818 will make the output format match the input format. The value "Auto" for Custom:Resolution means the 818 will select the highest resolution supported by the display. Picture Mode's Custom:Resolution is ignored unless Monitor Out:Resolution is set to Source.

I've got the beginning of an Onkyo 818 web page that has additional info (such as the different between Through and Direct). Please take a look if you are interested

http://www.aaarpinball.com/Onkyo818/Onkyo818.htm

I plan to update it as I find more interesting 818 behaviors. I hope this is useful to someone. If you disagree with any of it, please me know. I documented my 58 test cases so I'm reasonably comfortable it's correct --- but one never knows!
Edited by MadMyers - 2/9/13 at 8:01pm
Reply
Reply
post #4858 of 7316
2/10/13 at 8:09am
"Hello Everyone. I spent some time today running various tests to try and comprehend the 818's various video settings. I wanted to share my results. Note that this assumes Main HDMI out for now.

Let's start with one global rule: The TX-NR818 will never downconvert. I didn't see this mentioned in the manual anywhere. For example, this means that if you have a 1080p input source, you will always get 1080p output. Additionally, if you have a 720p source the TX-NR818 will never convert it to 480p. This is regardless of what the settings say to do.

I haven't come up with a simple sentence describing how all these parameters related, but I've managed to summarize it as succinctly as possible below.

Rule 1: If an input's Picture Mode is set to Direct, it overrides the Monitor Out:Resolution setting and the TX-NR818's HDMI output will be the same as the source's input

Rule 2: Setting Monitor Out:Resolution to Auto (when an input's Picture Mode is not Direct) will cause the TX-NR818 to convert the content to the highest format (e.g., 1080p) supported by your display

Rule 3: Setting Monitor Out:Resolution to 480p/720p/1080i/1080p (when an input's Picture Mode is not Direct) will cause the TX-NR818 to convert the content to the specified value for output

Rule 4: Setting Monitor Out:Resolution to Through (when an input's Picture Mode is not Direct) tells the TX-NR818 that its output format should always be equal to its input format.

Rule 5: When Monitor Out:Resolution is set to Source (when an input's Picture Mode is not Direct) , the input's Custom:Resolution will be used to determine the TX-NR818's output format. Custom:Resolution values of 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p are self explanatory. The value "Through" for Custom:Resolution means the 818 will make the output format match the input format. The value "Auto" for Custom:Resolution means the 818 will select the highest resolution supported by the display. Picture Mode's Custom:Resolution is ignored unless Monitor Out:Resolution is set to Source.

I've got the beginning of an Onkyo 818 web page that has additional info (such as the different between Through and Direct). Please take a look if you are interested

http://www.aaarpinball.com/Onkyo818/Onkyo818.htm

I plan to update it as I find more interesting 818 behaviors. I hope this is useful to someone. If you disagree with any of it, please me know. I documented my 58 test cases so I'm reasonably comfortable it's correct --- but one never knows!
Edited by MadMyers - Yesterday at 8:01 pm"

Where were you 6-7 months ago? eek.gif This info should be stickied to thread 1 or 2 with the other 818 info?

Succinct is an understatement. I I believe I actually understand it now. Nice writeup on your link, BTW. Hope you keep it updated. wink.gif

Thanks!!
Reply
Reply
post #4859 of 7316
2/10/13 at 12:09pm
MM,

Great work, although I have to admit my eyes glazed over initially but after re-reading it (quite) a few times it all became clearer. I have now changed to 'through -Custom:through' from 'source - custom:auto' I don't have the pj on now but will look at it later.

Do you have a personal favorite?
Reply
Reply
post #4860 of 7316
2/10/13 at 12:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MadMyers View Post

Hello Everyone. I spent some time today running various tests to try and comprehend the 818's various video settings. I wanted to share my results. Note that this assumes Main HDMI out for now.

Let's start with one global rule: The TX-NR818 will never downconvert. I didn't see this mentioned in the manual anywhere. For example, this means that if you have a 1080p input source, you will always get 1080p output. Additionally, if you have a 720p source the TX-NR818 will never convert it to 480p. This is regardless of what the settings say to do.

I haven't come up with a simple sentence describing how all these parameters related, but I've managed to summarize it as succinctly as possible below.

Rule 1: If an input's Picture Mode is set to Direct, it overrides the Monitor Out:Resolution setting and the TX-NR818's HDMI output will be the same as the source's input

Rule 2: Setting Monitor Out:Resolution to Auto (when an input's Picture Mode is not Direct) will cause the TX-NR818 to convert the content to the highest format (e.g., 1080p) supported by your display

Rule 3: Setting Monitor Out:Resolution to 480p/720p/1080i/1080p (when an input's Picture Mode is not Direct) will cause the TX-NR818 to convert the content to the specified value for output

Rule 4: Setting Monitor Out:Resolution to Through (when an input's Picture Mode is not Direct) tells the TX-NR818 that its output format should always be equal to its input format.

Rule 5: When Monitor Out:Resolution is set to Source (when an input's Picture Mode is not Direct) , the input's Custom:Resolution will be used to determine the TX-NR818's output format. Custom:Resolution values of 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p are self explanatory. The value "Through" for Custom:Resolution means the 818 will make the output format match the input format. The value "Auto" for Custom:Resolution means the 818 will select the highest resolution supported by the display. Picture Mode's Custom:Resolution is ignored unless Monitor Out:Resolution is set to Source.

I've got the beginning of an Onkyo 818 web page that has additional info (such as the different between Through and Direct). Please take a look if you are interested

http://www.aaarpinball.com/Onkyo818/Onkyo818.htm

I plan to update it as I find more interesting 818 behaviors. I hope this is useful to someone. If you disagree with any of it, please me know. I documented my 58 test cases so I'm reasonably comfortable it's correct --- but one never knows!

I spent some additional time looking into how this is effected by using the Monitor Out settings of Sub and Both. I've pasted the core information below, but there is some addition details on my site (http://www.aaarpinball.com/Onkyo818/Onkyo818.htm).

When Monitor Out is set to Sub, the TX-NR818 behaves like a slightly advanced HDMI switch. Although Onkyo uses the term "Through", which previously has allowed video processing but no resolution change, in this case video processing is disabled. The 818 is displays basic information, such as volume, but the presentation is very primitive (and ugly).

Botton line for using Sub: When Monitor Out is set to Sub, the Monitor Out:Resolution is forced to be a "no video processor" variant of Through. In this configuration, the Onkyo TX-NR818 behaves like the Picture Mode is set to Direct. What comes in as an input is what goes out.

Setting Monitor Out to Both does not cause the two HDMI outputs to be mirrored. When Monitor Out is set to Both, the TX-NR818 forces the Monitor Out:Resolution to be Auto. This means ...

1) Main output is operating as if Monitor out was set to Main and Monitor Out:Resolution was set to Auto. You can still select "Direct" for the input's picture mode and cause the direct behavior to occur (overriding auto).

2) Sub output is operating as if Monitor out was set to Sub

IMHO, you can easily understand the behavior of Both if you understand the Main and Sub behaviors.

As I wrote before, this is based on my testing... I cannot test every scenario, so if you think something isn't right don't hesitate to mention it! Hope this is helpful.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Receivers, Amps, and Processors

Gear mentioned in this thread:

AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › Onkyo TX-NR818 "official" owner's thread discussion