NEW SONY STRDN1030 RECEIVER - Page 2

I bought this receiver because of its wireless capabilities.
Overall I am happy with my purchase but there are some issues:

1. The HDMI pass through seems to be hit & miss. When the unit is in standby the TV will find the video signal from my cable box some of the time, but not all of the time. There are times when I have to turn on the receiver in order for the TV to receive the video signal from the cable box.

2. Airplay is also a hit & miss situation, unlike Bluetooth which seems to work flawlessly. When Airplay works its great, but many times the connection doesn't happen.

3. I’m not sure why the receiver seems to default to the TV input. I’m not even sure why the TV input comes up all together. The HDMI is connected to the sat/cable input, there is nothing connected to a TV input.


4. Important info like sound settings are only readable by getting very close to the receiver display and taking note of the small icons indicating the current mode. My older Sony AVR had a big blue light that would come on when the receiver was playing in a digital mode.

5. This last issue just started after ten days of using the receiver. For some strange reason now, whenever I try to go to the “GAME” input (PS3 through HDMI), I have to continuously keep pressing and holding down the GAME input button on the remote, as if to force the receiver to let me go there. If I just press normally it defaults back to that mysterious TV input.

Overall the this is a very impressive piece of tech for the price, but I would like these issues resolved.


UPDATE:
It seems that most of the issues I am having with this receiver stem from connection problems.
As for the "TV" input I discussed previously, I now understand that whenever a desired connection (airplay, game, etc...) is not completed, the receiver defaults to "TV". I still haven't discovered why this happens, but I do see a pattern.

NEW UPDATE:
After using this receiver for over a month now I am overall still very happy with it.
Once you learn its quirks, you adapt to them and start to understand the technology more.
The remaining issues still pertain to connection problems, but it remains a very impressive piece of tech.
Edited by bramg - 1/14/13 at 7:01am

I picked up mine last night and the setup wasn't as bad as I had read on previous posts. Yes, I agree the OSD could be slicker, but it got the job done. My system: Samsung ES467100 LED SMART TV, Samsung BDE-6500 Blu Ray player, Sony CD Player and for now a 2-speaker setup.

I too am seeing a 10-15 second lag in the response from the output device. For example, power on the receiver, select cable/sat as source, TV screen shows "No signal" message for about 10 seconds, then screen shows HDMI 2 as source and picture and sound appear. Is this a software issue?

Hey guys. I just picked up this receiver 2 days ago and am pleased overall. However, I am unable to find out if it's possible to stream music via AIRPLAY or BLUETOOTH WHILE watching tv? For instance, stream music off Itunes yet be able to watch football on the tv? Thanks!

-wb

Hi All,

I have also recently set up a new STRDN1030 and had a few questions (some of which overlap with those of other users). My setup comprises the STRDN1030, wired to an Energy Take Classic 5.1 system, an XBox 360 and HD Cable box connected by HDMI to the receiver and the receiver outputting (by HDMI) to my Samsung LCD display (1080p max resolution). I did a settings reset when first powering the Receiver up and rand the auto calibration with the provided mic (after setting the speaker layout to match my 5.1 layout). Here are the issues/questions I have:

1) video quality when using my xbox 360 seems to be lower resolutions/less clear now that it is going through the receiver than when I used to have it directly connected to one of my TV inputs. I play plenty of xbox, so I am certain that I am not imagining a loss of crispness and clarity on text (and this applies to the entire xbox output, not just certain games - ie. the main OS of the xbox displays in this reduced clarity). I have triple checked that my xbox's system settings have the video output set to 1080p (as it was before I introduced the receiver into the mix). I am at a loss as to how a digital signal is suffering any loss of resolution. The xbox can output 1080p. The receiver can handle 1080p. The TV can (and has) displayed in 1080p. So what is going on here? Are pass through settings part of the solution? Will playing around with the cause me to not be able to get my xbox sound through my speakers? Any guidance would be very much appreciated.

My only possible explanation is that the HDMI cable I am using for the link between the receiver and the TV might not be the best quality (its one that came with my cable box from Time Warner, and Time Warner is awful at everything). But I was under the impression that if a cable is HDMI, it can carry 1080p no matter how bad its quality.

2) I am also experiencing long delays when switching inputs, but maybe this is just how the receiver is?

::EDIT:: I also applied the latest firmware update before doing all the setup I mentioned above.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Calvinice,

Thanks for the swift reply! Forgive my relative AV ignorance, but I'm a little confused by what you are saying. Are you suggesting that I just go back to running the hdmi cable right from my xbox to my TV? If I do this, how do I get the audio to go through my receiver? Would I have to go buy an optical cable to hook back from the tv to the receiver? (I'm pretty sure my TV is JUST slightly too old to have Audio Return Channel - of course ). And do you have any insight into what is causing this change in video quality? It has to be something in the Receiver, since that's the only thing that has been added to the equation. Is there some way to have the receiver process the audio part of my xbox's output while telling it to leave the video signal alone? Honestly, I'm a little annoyed that this is even an issue, as one of the main purposes of getting a receiver (other than its necessity to power my speakers) was that everything could be piped through it and handled and adjusted through a single interface.

Chris

Hi Syntaxbad,

No, I am not saying that you should connect your Xbox directly to the TV (Eventhough you can do that if it suites you). What I was suggesting via the example is that you check the particular HDMI port parameters on your TV in which you have the receiver connected. For example, my monitor it's also a Samsung (but it's a Plasma) and it has 4 HDMI inputs; each input may be adjusted independently for Picture mode, Brightness, Contrast, Cell-light, Sharpness and so forth. When I connected the receiver I used the TV's HDMI port in which I had previously my blu-ray player connected (Because I had that port calibrated for the blue-ray) so now the blu-ray image -arriving to the TV pasing through the receiver- looks exactly identical as it looked before; if I had used a different HDMI port -any other of the remaining 3- the image certainly had looked different. I hope to have clarified the point.
Edited by calvinice - 12/30/12 at 8:08am

Calvinice,

Aha! Now I understand, and that makes perfect sense. The HDMI port on my TV that I am using to take input from the receiver is the same one that I used to use for the cable box, so it is configured for watching movies and TV. Now that I think about it, the HDMI port I used previously for the XBox (when it was directly connected) had different settings (including a "game mode" that the TV has to prevent display and input lag). My issue now would seem to be that I can't use any of the game mode features on the TV if I also want to use the receiver. And I essentially can only use one set of video settings for everything going through the receiver (ie. whatever settings are on the HDMI in port I choose to use on the TV). So if my goal is to use the video settings I have for the xbox AND to get surround sound output through my receiver while playing xbox, what should I do? Would it work if I plugged the xbox directly into the old game HDMI port on my tv and then get an optical cable to link back from my TV to the receiver? If I do that, will the TV being in the middle mess up the audio?

Thanks again!

Hi Syntaxbad,

Wow, that's is a though question.

First I would like to tell you that in a perfect world you would only have everything connected to the receiver and forget about it; unfortunetaly we live in an imperfect world and it seems that each signal you connect to the receiver is actually different in some or other way and might need its own set of video -or Audio- adjustments. I guess that is why all the new digital TVs have several HDMI inputs (Some as many as 6!). What I would suggest you is to use the most "advanced" piece of equipment -in my case was the blu-ray player- and give it the royal treatment: remember that only through HDMI your receiver can decode the advanced Audio Codecs as DTS Master HD, Dolby TrueHD, PCM 96/24 and so forth; Through the Coaxial -or Optical- Digital connection you can only resolve Dolby Digital or DTS of the standard variety. You may try the ARC (Automatic Return Channel) -if your TV provides this option- and see what happens. Remember also that in this receiver you may assign separetely Video and Audio for a given input, that means that you may use the HDMI connection directly to the TV and the digital audio connection to the receiver. Furthermore, if you read carefully the supplied Manual under "Other Operations" you may find another sort of permutations in this regard.

First off, thank you so much for all your help on this Calvinice, I really appreciate it. I think, as lame as this is, that I might go for the lowest tech solution imaginable: It may be simplest to for me to just swap the HDMI cable between the old Cable and Game ports on my TV every time I use the xbox to play games for an extended time (the TV settings are actually probably better for when we use the xbox to stream video via netflix). OR, maybe I could invest in an HDMI splitter from Monoprice and split the output cable from the receiver so that it goes into both the Cable and Game ports of my TV? That way I could switch which port on the TV the signal from the receiver was entering through and thereby apply different video settings in my TV to each. I'm just not sure if I will be risking any degredation of the signal by doing that - my cables aren't too long so hopefully that wouldn't be a problem? Also, I'm somewhat opposed on principle to having to be yet another bit of hardware just to get things set up to work like they did before...

I have recently purchased the 1030, big jump from my old de695 (non HDMI AVR).
I have only one question:
The HDMI pass through for viewing sources on the TV when the AVR is in standby.... I am having a bid of trouble with.
I have set this option to ON.
when I use the AVR with my Cable box all is OK (input set to SAT). When I turn off the AVR again all OK, the video and audio are passed through to the TV.
Even when I'm finished and turn off the TV and Cable box for the night and then turn back on only the cable box and TV in the morning all is OK.
However, if I then turn on the XBOX or PS3 and turn off the cable box, the signal is not passed through, I have to turn on the AVR set the input to GAME and then turn it off again and all is OK.
Is this normal? Does the AVR input need to be set before it is put into standby for the source I want to be passed through?
Thanks.

Hey guys. I just picked up this receiver 2 days ago and am pleased overall. However, I am unable to find out if it's possible to stream music via AIRPLAY or BLUETOOTH WHILE watching tv? For instance, stream music off Itunes yet be able to watch football on the tv? Thanks!

-wb

Like is it possible to not have a blank tv screen while selecting AIRPLAY as your input source?

My sister has a non HDMI reviever and is looking to upgrade. She has Fios, Xbox 360, and a blu ray player. Would this be a good entry level reviever for a lady that can appriciate the bells and whistles but doesn't have a dedicated HT?

-Alan

What speakers does she have?

Does she need the wireless capability of this receiver? The On Screen Display on this unit is lacking and I've seen some other complaints too. What's her budget?

Hi...I'm the sister. I'll try not to sound like a complete idiot, because my current system was configured by my ex-husband, so I won't swear to using the right terminology...forgive me!

Current system has a JBL center channel speaker, 2 front speakers are Advent AS2, 2 surround speakers are also Advent, but up where I can't reach to see model. There are 2 subwoofers behind the TV, not sure brand/model (and can't get to them right this second).

Old receiver is a Sony STR-DE475. TV is a Hitachi 51F500.

The reason I want to upgrade is with all the new toys we have (Xbox 360, Blue Ray Player, Verizon FiOS, etc) there aren't enough inputs on the TV to accommodate the higher quality devices, and the picture sucks using the old Red,Yellow,White cables.

Can't afford a new TV right now, but could swing about $500 (max) for a new receiver to run everything through.

Does that make sense?

As for the wireless capability, rather have it and not need it...strikes me as a good feature for the future. The on screen display doesn't bother me...from what I've read after initial setup I'll barely use it anyway. Also, drawn to the ability to stream Airplay for my iOs devices.

Wondering though am I going to need some kind of Component to HDMI converter?? Can't figure it out from the pics I can see of the back of this unit.

I should add I'm a computer geek by trade and in a past life worked in live theater, so have *some* familiarity with tech, but feels like a million years ago, so I'm a bit over my head trying to figure out what equipment to buy. Big hugs to my bro for helping me out!!!

Thanks for the help!!!
Edited by LPJackson76 - 1/1/13 at 1:15pm

I have a question about the power of this unit (100wpc). I am afraid that this will not be enough power for my ht. I am in the beginning phase of putting my ht together. I have an older high-end 200wpc component system. My budget will be in the 500-600 range. The room is approx 16x20. Thinking about using the 200wpc amp for future subs.

What older system do you have? Chances are it could not produce 200 watts with even 2 channels driven. I have used the 1030 and it has power. Will you be replacing your speakers also?

I have an old Marantz amp 2x200 that I had refurbished last year. I will be adding speakers and using my existing towers for front mains.

Hi there! I am thinking about buying Sony STR-DN1030 receiver to build a home theater system. I have an old non HD TV and it does not have HDMI a port. Currently I am using my Wii to watch Hulu and Netflix on it. I also have an Apple TV but only after I bought it did I realize that it only works on HD TVs. I can't afford to buy a new TV right now but I am saving for it. If I get this receiver can I use connect my Wii and Apple TV to it and output to my non HD TV? I see that it has component out so it should work right? I don't want to spend $500 on a receiver and then realize that I wont be able to use it until I get a new TV which is probably going to be another few months.

Thanks for you help

Hi All,

I recently bought Sony STR-DN1030 receiver and it is good so far. I just tried to update the firmware of the receiver and I am getting "No update required" message. My firmware version is "s9025.1074.0". Is this the latest firmware version ?. I am not able to verify the firmware version number in Sony support website.
Please let me know what is the latest firmware number.

I am getting very good volume with receiver. I am finding volume is loud when I am just around 25 [volume is 0-73 scale]. All I want to control the Max volume. I want to set the Max volume around 50 so that no body will increase the volume accidentally. This is little important and I know most of the AV receivers like Yamaha,Denon provide this option.
Please let me know how to set the max volume in this sony receiver.

Thank you

I *just* got this receiver thinking the same thing, and the answer is NO IT DOES NOT! Any input can output to an HDMI connection, however if you are outputting to Component video or the older Red/Yellow/White output, they can ONLY receive the same kind of input, so your Apple TV and Wii will NOT pass through the receiver using an HDMI input. You *may* be able to find a converter out there that will allow it to work, but from what I've found so far they are VERY pricey, and not guaranteed to work.

http://www.meritline.com/handy-hdmi-component-video-audio-av-cable-196---p-34969.aspx?source=fghdac&gclid=CP7KosW-2rQCFYpFMgodzSoAwg

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011410&p_id=8125&seq=1&format=2

Sorry! New here. Quoted wrong post. Won't allow me to delete.
Edited by Mademedia - 1/8/13 at 9:07pm

Hi Sony owners,

My Sony STRDN1030 firmware version is "s9025.1074.0". Can anybody confirm this is the latest version on their system.

Thanks

Yes, that's the last one.

Hi calvinice,

Thanks for replying to my question.

Can anyone tell me how to get the name input to display differently on the front of the AVR? I change Video 1, for instance, to another name like DVD and the front of the AVR still displays Video 1. Advice? Tips? Thanks!

Having some of the same problems,cannot access MENU from rm.also when switching inputs (sat. to bluetooth then back to sat.) audio comes on immediatly but vid. sometimes never comes on until I turn everything on/off several times. Is it possible to access setting from the front panel? Pehaps I'm not waiting long enough,(45 sec) but I think I have. Sound like a firmware updat is needed.

I just got the Sony strdn av receiver and am very pleased, only because I have a poor Internet connection the airplay is not brilliant, it's a bit leggy. I decided i would use the Bluetooth feature instead only I cannot find out how to set it up and am really stuck. I heard they had a Bluetooth feature, maybe I'm wrong?.. Sorry I'm a bit new to all this. Any help would be much appreciated!