5.1/7.1 PCM, HDMI, and DSP - An Explaination of the Future-Proof receiver - Page 2

If you really want to spend the $250 to run a single wire to your TV, I guess. But if you're doing it for remote convenience, a much better idea is to buy a universal remote. You gain a lot more convenience, it's more flexible, it's got a better 'wow' factor, it will last you a lot longer, and it's cheaper too - what's not to love! If you're technically adept and aren't scared of a little programming, I recommend looking at the professional Universal Remote or Philips Pronto lines. But, if you want to save money or you're not as technically inclined, go with the Logitech Harmony series. All are computer programmable, which will make setup a breeze (comparatively). Just in case you ask, I use the URC MX-850, but it's probably a bit more than you want to spend.


Lumagen HDQ

We're well outside the topic now... so... getting back on topic:


First, don't you think they'd shout out such an important feature if they had it? The level 6 receivers that don't say they have it, don't say anything about PCM over HDMI to begin with. Even the Panasonic XR700 touts the 7.1 PCM HDMI support in its very small spec list on the US Panasonic Blue-Ray page.

Second, I don't know how much clearer the manual can be... "We don't support 7.1 linear PCM."? I've never seen a receiver manual state what it can't do, unless it's one of those matrix displays for surround formats with x's and o's. If they did, manuals would have a lot more pages.

It sounds like you really want the receiver (for monetary reasons?). If you want to take the chance, go right ahead, but it's pretty obvious to me that it won't do what you want it to do. I'd at least call the manufacturer first.


I highly doubt there are any standardized processing chips that handle 7.1 PCM yet. It's a very new development. Not even the HD-DVD and Blue-Ray players output 7.1 PCM, yet. Even the next generation Toshiba player won't have 7.1 output. Granted, 7.1 analog inputs have been around for a little while, but those are trivial to route directly to the amplifier stage. The only receivers that allow processing on analong inputs are high-end processors that have roll-your-own implementations (except HK, which gets trickle-down features from the premium Lexicon line).


Do you want to buy a receiver, only to find out it doesn't have the features you thought it had? You better make sure, first.


I agree, but therein lies the dilemma. There are no 7.1 PCM over HDMI sources currently on the market to test. So, all you can do is look at the manual and call the manufacturer. The first 7.1 PCM over HDMI source will be the Panasonic Blue-Ray player. I don't know the release date off-hand (if there even is one yet), but it's still a ways out.

Because of this, anyone who's buying a receiver at this point in time will have a difficult time finding one that's future-proofed for their needs. This is why I wrote the guide - I spent quite a bit of time doing the research. Don't take this as combative, I'm just trying to save everyone a bit of time .

Right. That'll be fun to explain to the wife. Hunny, where do you think we should put the other 6 speakers? At least I have a dedicated room, but I don't think I could pull this one off in the living room . I don't expect to see beyond 8 channels mixed by studios for a good few years, but point taken.

Do you happen to have a reference for this? I believe you, but it'd be nice to have a link for quoting in the future. Thanks.

I'd say with 100% certainty that the Marantz 7001 would be perfect for this application. They're known to be warm/musical, are very well built, have plenty of HDMI inputs and the power you require. Unfortunately, from what I've read, they only support 5.1 PCM HDMI audio (may be wrong), but since that's all you require, you're golden.

I'm not sure if these 'future-proofing' comments are aimed at me, but in case you weren't paying attention: I defined a 'future-proof' receiver as a fully functional 7.1 receiver that will currently play future HD-DVDs and Blue-Rays with 7.1 lossless audio as well as doing upmixing from 5.1 to 7.1. Thanks for the pointing out the obvious though (you can't literally future-proof anything). Perhaps we can keep these [smartarse] comments out of this thread to avoid dilluting the useful information? Thanks.