Receiver upgrade...

Hello everyone! I am in the process of trying to find a new receiver to replace my 3 year old Pioneer. It is a fine receiver with only two exceptions. 1) There are only two hdmi inputs, and 2) The audio from the hdmi inputs is only pass through. Since the receiver cannot decode audio through hdmi, I am losing audio quality when watching blu-ray using only an optical cable for audio. I want the full HD sound.
So I was hoping that I could get some recommendations for receivers from some of you. I am looking for something with at least 3 hdmi inputs (ver 1.3), and that would work good with my setup. I have cable/dvr box, samsung lcd, samsung blu-ray player, and gaming system. At the same time, I also do not want to spend a fortune.

Thanks for your suggestions!

Carl

 

Does your Samsung BD player have the 5.1/7.1 analog outputs, and decode the HD audio internally?
If so, and your receiver has the 5.1/7.1 analog inputs, you can get the HD audio from blu ray movies now.

As far as receivers, this is a very good one, for the money:
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR60...1?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1234530701&sr=1-1
It's hard to beat Onkyo, with bang for the buck...........
Good luck!

 

Yes, my Blu-Ray player is the Samsung BDP2550 and includes the 7.1 analog outputs with internal decoding. But can't I get the HD audio, including DTS Master, over the HDMI connection? Correct me if I'm wrong, or if the 7.1 analogs are just a better connection for the HD audio.

Thanks!

Carl

 

You said the HDMI inputs are only pass through.

With pass through HDMI, you need to use a separate audio connection. You said so yourself:

That type of HDMI is for easy switching of video. I'm just telling you how to get the HD audio, without buying a new receiver. If your current receiver has the 5.1/7.1 multi-channel analog inputs, connect the blu ray player that way, set the player's audio output to use the analog multi-channel, and you'll be good to go. Of course, when watching a BD movie, you'll need to set the receiver on "Multi-Channel", instead of "DVD".

If you get a new receiver, like the Onkyo TX-SR606, you'll be able to get the HD audio over HDMI.

 

Ok, I see what you are saying. Sorry I misunderstood you. Yeah, the receiver I have now does not have the analog inputs. But I'm looking at the Onkyo 606 & 706 now, trying to debate which one I'm going to get. Kinda leaning more towards the 706 now.
Thanks for the input!

Carl

 

What is the model number of your Pioneer receiver?

 

My Pioneer model # is VSX-917V

Do you know if the blue dot problem has been corrected on the Onkyo TX-SR706?

 

Don't know about any blue dots............