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Inputs and HDMI's..oh my...

post #1 of 22
11/8/07 at 11:15am
Thread Starter 
I'm hoping you guys can help clear up some things for me...

I have a Samsung 1080p dlp.

Right now, the receiver I'm using is an yamaha 5560 (old but works fine). Will look to upgrade this very soon.

I recently purchased both an HD DVD Player (toshiba hd-a3) and a blu-ray player (Samsung bd-p1400. Got this at a steal for $299).

Now here's the question: I have always been in the mindset that the best way to get the video to the tv is directly. In other words, straight from the dvd players to the tv, NOT through the receiver. Why add another piece of hardware for the video to pass through?

However, it seems the ony way to take advantage of hd dvd or blu-ray's audio is by using the audio over HDMI connected to a capable receiver.

That means I would also be forced to have the video go through the receiver as well, no?

Am I wrong about this? If I'm not, it seems stupid to me to have to be "forced" if you will to route BOTH video and audio through the receiver.

By the way, this is an excellent forum. Thanks to all those who help out here. so that guys like me can learn.
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post #2 of 22
11/8/07 at 11:29am
Pretty sure there are some break out cables you can buy that will allow this still.

But in all honesty, I'd just connect through the AVR and then to the display from the HDMI out of the AVR.

There are some oddities that can occure and I am sure I have read others have been able to go with the splitter cables to get past them.
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post #3 of 22
11/8/07 at 11:35am
Thread Starter 
I would not see a problem with running hdmi through the receiver for audio and video, except it seems there are no affordable 7.1 AVRs that will straight up just pass through the video.

For example, the Onkyo 605 I was looking at...if you have an hdmi source at 1080i it will pass it out as 720p. I don't want that.

Never heard of an hdmi splitter (splits the video and audio up) but this seems like something I wouldn't want to do. 6 in 1, 1/2 dozen in the other.
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post #4 of 22
11/8/07 at 11:38am
I have my A2 connected directly into my Panasonic 42px60u via HDMI for video and run optical out of the A2 into my Onkyo AVR. It works great. You can't get TrueHD this way but you can still get DD+ and DTS at 5.1. The sound is great.
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post #5 of 22
11/8/07 at 11:40am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buckeye911 View Post

I have my A2 connected directly into my Panasonic 42px60u via HDMI for video and run optical out of the A2 into my Onkyo AVR. It works great. You can't get TrueHD this way but you can still get DD+ and DTS at 5.1. The sound is great.

This is what I am doing now. But you can't take advantage of the audio this way.
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post #6 of 22
11/8/07 at 12:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jolton View Post

I would not see a problem with running hdmi through the receiver for audio and video, except it seems there are no affordable 7.1 AVRs that will straight up just pass through the video.

For example, the Onkyo 605 I was looking at...if you have an hdmi source at 1080i it will pass it out as 720p. I don't want that.

Never heard of an hdmi splitter (splits the video and audio up) but this seems like something I wouldn't want to do. 6 in 1, 1/2 dozen in the other.

I don't think this is true. The Onkyo 605 will pass 1080i HDMI as 1080i HDMI, however, 1080i component will be downconverted to 720p when transcoded over HDMI.
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post #7 of 22
11/8/07 at 12:18pm
gunbunny is right. I know it passes HDMI in and out at the same rez.
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post #8 of 22
11/8/07 at 1:01pm
Thread Starter 
Hmm. perhaps I misread then. Thank you for clearing that up.

Still though, am I wrong about not wanting to pass video through?

Also, what would be the best choice in the $400-$600 dollar range for a receiver and 7.1 speakers. (i don't care or necessarily want a dvd player). Could be HTIB or stand alone.

I'd prefer something with HDMI 1.3 (more than 2 inputs). Is this possible at this price range?
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post #9 of 22
11/8/07 at 1:11pm
Try the Onkyo 605 or 705.
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post #10 of 22
11/8/07 at 1:42pm
I agree on the inputs. I had to have 4, and that was a year ago now. I'd be up for even more if buying now.
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post #11 of 22
11/8/07 at 1:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JOHNnDENVER View Post

I agree on the inputs. I had to have 4, and that was a year ago now. I'd be up for even more if buying now.

I agree more inputs are good, but its not realistic in the $400 to $600 range, for a 1.3 receiver AND 7.1 speakers.
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post #12 of 22
11/8/07 at 1:46pm
Thread Starter 
I guess upgrading the speakers later on would be fine...am I better off going with a hdmi 1.1?
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post #13 of 22
11/8/07 at 1:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jolton View Post

Still though, am I wrong about not wanting to pass video through?


Yes, you are wrong if you don't want to do this because you think it degrades picture quality. It doesn't. You don't need HDMI 1.3 with either of those players. Any receiver that will handle HDMI audio will suit you. I have the Yamaha 661 which will work quite well in your situation.

Pat
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post #14 of 22
11/8/07 at 1:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jolton View Post

Hmm. perhaps I misread then. Thank you for clearing that up.

Still though, am I wrong about not wanting to pass video through?

Also, what would be the best choice in the $400-$600 dollar range for a receiver and 7.1 speakers. (i don't care or necessarily want a dvd player). Could be HTIB or stand alone.

I'd prefer something with HDMI 1.3 (more than 2 inputs). Is this possible at this price range?

You can buy a 605 and add an HDMI switch to add more HDMI ports which is probably your most cost effective choice. Even if you splurge for the 705 it only has 3 total. I have the 605 and I am running a PS3, 360 and VIP622 all through HDMI using an HDMI switch. With the 3 in 1 switch I still have one more HDMI port available should I decide to get and HD-DVD player. I have seen up to 6 in 1 HDMI switches.
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post #15 of 22
11/8/07 at 1:49pm
For a 7.1 receiver that will offer decent sound quality and handle MC PCM over HDMI, at around the cheapest price point possible that offers a warranty and is an authorized dealer, check this out:

http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=35591672

That leave about $350 for a 7.1 speaker package in YOUR budget.
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post #16 of 22
11/8/07 at 1:53pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gunbunnysoulja View Post

For a 7.1 receiver that will offer decent sound quality and handle MC PCM over HDMI, at around the cheapest price point possible that offers a warranty and is an authorized dealer, check this out:

http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=35591672

That leave about $350 for a 7.1 speaker package in YOUR budget.

what are the differences between the 604 and 605?
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post #17 of 22
11/8/07 at 1:54pm
You have a 604? And it handles 1080p?

If, so I am starting to wonder what is up with a friend of mine's system, we have verified it three ways to Sunday that 1080p, no picture on his newer Sony. Of course a direct connection from his PS3 and viola 1080p works fine.

I just galanced back at the OP, and I have to admit, I didn't see 1080p as a requirement. I'd say the 604 is a winner here. I like my friends and aside from the 1080p issue? he just hasn't had any weirdness or issues with it at all.
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post #18 of 22
11/8/07 at 1:57pm
Thread Starter 
1080p is a requirement, yes.

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post #19 of 22
11/8/07 at 2:01pm
I really think the 604 is 1080i only.

I will add that I am fully 1080p capable on two different systems and I run 1080i, because I sware it provides the best overall PQ on both of them. Others systems as well if you can get them to carefully switch back and forth and let them pick which they think is best.
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post #20 of 22
11/8/07 at 2:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JOHNnDENVER View Post

I really think the 604 is 1080i only.

I will add that I am fully 1080p capable on two different systems and I run 1080i, because I sware it provides the best overall PQ on both of them. Others systems as well if you can get them to carefully switch back and forth and let them pick which they think is best.

Probably because your tv does better deinterlacing that the player you have.

I know my XA2 does it right, but I heard the A20 and A30 gets it wrong, so I am guessing you have one of those players?
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post #21 of 22
11/8/07 at 2:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JOHNnDENVER View Post

I really think the 604 is 1080i only.

I will add that I am fully 1080p capable on two different systems and I run 1080i, because I sware it provides the best overall PQ on both of them. Others systems as well if you can get them to carefully switch back and forth and let them pick which they think is best.

LOL, I still think its 1080p. I'm about to buy one just to find out because its driving me nuts. Everywhere online says its 1080p. The Onkyo specs...Even all the reviews say its 1080p. I just can't see there not being 1 thing online about someone saying it was marketed as 1080p, and doesn't support it. If someone has the 604, PLEASE ADVISE!

EDIT: I found a customer review on amazon for the 604, and it was stated: "It works great with the PS3, and passing 1080p video through it works with no problem."

http://www.amazon.com/review/product...DateDescending


I'm going to contact Onkyo directly as well, just to confirm, as the 604 as $240 is a great buy for some in need of a new receiver.
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post #22 of 22
11/9/07 at 2:39am
Let me know. I can only report on one system, we can't get it to work.

Could be an HDMI cable issue I suppose. 1080p is iffy no matter what system, no matter what AVR, no matter what source.
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