[tylerhardy]

So my name is Tyler and I'm new to the home theater style and I have a couple of questions if y'all would be willing to answer. So my set up is a basic budget college dorm setup, I just ordered the TV and received the blu-ray player already and my current receiver system and speakers are old and about to bite the dust. here's my equipment as of now


Receiver system: RCA RT2280

TV: Sharp 42-inch LC-42SB45UT 1080p LCD HDTV

blu-ray: Samsung BD-P1600

Nintendo Wii

Desktop Computer will be hooked up to use the LCD as a monitor as well.


So I've noticed that the left speakers are shot and the receiver is ancient and so I'm in the business of getting a new receiver. here's the catch, I'm a college student and being frugal is a goal.


So first question is this, I'm looking at a ONKYO HT-S3200, it looks decent and its within my price range, 300$.

Is this a good buy?


Second, On the description it shows that it has 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output with 1.3 pass through. I believe that I understood the HDMI 1.3 pass through to be that the audio is just pass through and not processed by the receiver. So is that only on the output HDMI? That's fine cause the TV speakers wont be in use. but will the blu-ray player send the audio through the HDMI input at HDMI 1.3 receiver? I hope that I am understanding this correctly.


Third, would you recommend that I change anything or go a separate way in my setup? Keep in mind that I am a poor college student and I like to be frugal

 

[tylerhardy]

So I've been thinking about this. Instead of the HTIB i go for the sr507 which solves this problem and also its around my price range and I could just use the old speakers until I get money to replace them, Would this be a good idea?


Also, will this receiver upconvert all inputs into or close to 1080p so that I don't have to have two separate video connections to the TV (ex. nintindo wii component video)?

 

[jpdeuce]

The Onkyo HTiB systems are decent...at least they come with a real receiver with some decent options. Stay away from HTiB systems that are very limited on inputs and outputs, or are more like an all-in-one solution.


For around $300, you should be able to find a receiver that will upconvert the signals to all come out of the HDMI output...but you will probably not get a receiver that upscales/processes the image for 1080p. I believe that starts being included with the receivers in the $500 ish range, like the Pioneer VSX-1019.


I think you will be happier in the long run if you upgrade components as you can with more long term solutions. If you will consider used items, Craigslist can be a treasure chest.