Hi,

I currently have a Denon 3803, but in the 'brave new world' of hdmi I need
to upgrade (essentially for Freesat it seems).

Stuff I already have as inputs;

1 pc connected via component and optical.
1 multi-regional dvd player connected via s-video and coaxial.
1 Freeview PVR connected via s-video and red/white stereo.
1 Freeview box (Setanta) connected via composite and red/white stereo.
1 fta sat box connected via s-video and coaxial (may scrap).
1 wii connected via composite and red/white stereo.

all then outputting to a plasma tv and projector via component (using a
cheap passive splitter).

I'm looking for an AV receiver that will allow the above (without many cable
changes for now) and allow me to add the following;

1 PS3 (blue-ray) connected via hdmi.
1 Freesat PVR connected via hdmi.

Which will allow me to connect to a plasma tv via hdmi and a projector via
component (already in place) or if need be hdmi, at the same time.

Does the Onkyo TXSR606 fit the bill?

On Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:50:28 -0000, "Des" wrote:

I currently have a Denon 3803,

Decent amp, that. Did I sell it to you about three years ago? If
you're the fellow I think you are, you came to Reigate for it, only
for me to be a bit late getting home from running an errand (sorry!).

I hope that you've been happy with it.

but in the 'brave new world' of hdmi I need
to upgrade (essentially for Freesat it seems).

Yup, I found that problem, too. In my case, it was a combination of a
new TV and a desire for Freesat and Blu-ray that did it.

Stuff I already have as inputs;

snip

all then outputting to a plasma tv and projector via component (using a
cheap passive splitter).

I'm looking for an AV receiver that will allow the above (without many cable
changes for now) and allow me to add the following;

1 PS3 (blue-ray) connected via hdmi.
1 Freesat PVR connected via hdmi.

Now you're talking! But I didn't think that these were on the market
yet. If you know differently, please say.

Which will allow me to connect to a plasma tv via hdmi and a projector via
component (already in place) or if need be hdmi, at the same time.

Does the Onkyo TXSR606 fit the bill?

Not sure. You can look at the manual online at
http://www.eu.onkyo.com/dl/1040433/M...SR606_En_A.pdf. There's a
picture of the rear panel on p.10. I haven't bothered to analyse it
for your purposes, but I'm sure you can do that for yourself. It
appears to have:
4 x HDMI in
1 x HDMI out
2 x optical in
2 x coax in
4 x S-Video in

I *think* that this would allow you to send an HDMI signal directly to
your plasma screen and component to the projector without needing your
splitter.

However, I'd be (pleasantly) surprised if that Onkyo sounds as good as
the Denon that you already have (especially if you use it for music as
well as film/TV). It is, after all, a model or two down the range from
the Onkyo equivalent of the Denon 38xx series.

I think it was the 875, rather than the 606, that I looked at. Nearly
bought it, too. But I eventually went for the Denon AVR-3808. I spent
most of a Saturday in the summer driving from here to Shrewsbury
(Creative Audio) and back to get it. Well, I did save £250 over
anything closer, and Denon won't allow their better kit to be sent by
courier - it's face-to-face purchase only.

Peter.

Peter wrote:
On Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:50:28 -0000, "Des" wrote:

I currently have a Denon 3803,

Decent amp, that. Did I sell it to you about three years ago? If
you're the fellow I think you are, you came to Reigate for it, only
for me to be a bit late getting home from running an errand (sorry!).

I hope that you've been happy with it.

Yep, very happy, its a fantastic amp, love it to bits, but hdmi calls.

snip

I'm looking for an AV receiver that will allow the above (without
many cable changes for now) and allow me to add the following;

1 PS3 (blue-ray) connected via hdmi.
1 Freesat PVR connected via hdmi.

Now you're talking! But I didn't think that these were on the market
yet. If you know differently, please say.

Not on the market yet as far as I know, just preparing and wanting to get
rid of the cheap component splitter.

snip

Does the Onkyo TXSR606 fit the bill?

Not sure. You can look at the manual online at
http://www.eu.onkyo.com/dl/1040433/M...SR606_En_A.pdf.

Thanks for the link, will check it out.

snip

However, I'd be (pleasantly) surprised if that Onkyo sounds as good as
the Denon that you already have (especially if you use it for music as
well as film/TV). It is, after all, a model or two down the range from
the Onkyo equivalent of the Denon 38xx series.

Would love to get another Denon or similar within the same range, but
unfortunately I have to feed the kids!

Regards
Des

"Des" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I currently have a Denon 3803, but in the 'brave new world' of hdmi I need
to upgrade (essentially for Freesat it seems).

Stuff I already have as inputs;

1 pc connected via component and optical.
1 multi-regional dvd player connected via s-video and coaxial.
1 Freeview PVR connected via s-video and red/white stereo.
1 Freeview box (Setanta) connected via composite and red/white stereo.
1 fta sat box connected via s-video and coaxial (may scrap).
1 wii connected via composite and red/white stereo.

all then outputting to a plasma tv and projector via component (using a
cheap passive splitter).

I'm looking for an AV receiver that will allow the above (without many
cable changes for now) and allow me to add the following;

1 PS3 (blue-ray) connected via hdmi.
1 Freesat PVR connected via hdmi.

Which will allow me to connect to a plasma tv via hdmi and a projector via
component (already in place) or if need be hdmi, at the same time.

Does the Onkyo TXSR606 fit the bill?




A lot of gear. I am contemplating a similar upgrade.

I bit of rationalisation wouldn't go amiss either... particularly as you
have some sub optimal connections - even the cheapest DVD player will look
better in component than yours in s-video.

Some things might as well connect directly to your screen (e.g. PC via
DVI - HDMI input (cable only - no conversion)) although there is a sound
routing issue.

so

PC DVI via HDMI to amp or TV; sound??
DVD via component to amp (possibly loop through Freeview); sound digital
Freeview PVR via component, sound analog
Setanta - consider scrapping or loop into freeview PVR
fta sat box - upgrade to HD sat (& freeview) PVR* via HDMI to amp; sound
digital
wii - connect however.
blue ray player connected via HDMI; sound digital

So you need 4 HMDI and quite a lot of other inputs.
Denon 2909 and Yamaha 1800 currently have this and there will be others.




* these are on the market now, but I would not consider them sorted yet, as
there is little material and the broadcast system may change / evolve.

freesat is relatively inflexible compared to a decent FTA receiver with
either a steerable or torroidal dish.

On Mon, 27 Oct 2008 02:35:08 -0000, "R. Mark Clayton"
wrote:

A lot of gear. I am contemplating a similar upgrade.

I bit of rationalisation wouldn't go amiss either... particularly as you
have some sub optimal connections -

Generally, I'd agree with you.

even the cheapest DVD player will look
better in component than yours in s-video.

You might be surprised, but that isn't necessarily true of all
equipment. Take my Topfield PVR, for example. I have the option (and
cables) to be able to connect it via either component or RGB. But I
don't. I use S-Video. It gives a more realistic and pleasant picture.
Both component and RGB look decidedly lurid. (Everything else in my
system is connected via either HDMI or component, though.)

Some things might as well connect directly to your screen (e.g. PC via
DVI - HDMI input (cable only - no conversion)) although there is a sound
routing issue.

Quite. Which is why an amp with decent video switching (and upscaling
where appropriate) is a nice solution. (And dead easy to operate with
eg a Logitech Harmony remote. That can switch on all relevant
components and correctly set the inputs for any given activity with a
single button press.)

Peter.

R. Mark Clayton wrote:
"Des" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I currently have a Denon 3803, but in the 'brave new world' of hdmi
I need to upgrade (essentially for Freesat it seems).

Stuff I already have as inputs;

1 pc connected via component and optical.
1 multi-regional dvd player connected via s-video and coaxial.
1 Freeview PVR connected via s-video and red/white stereo.
1 Freeview box (Setanta) connected via composite and red/white
stereo. 1 fta sat box connected via s-video and coaxial (may scrap).
1 wii connected via composite and red/white stereo.

all then outputting to a plasma tv and projector via component
(using a cheap passive splitter).

I'm looking for an AV receiver that will allow the above (without
many cable changes for now) and allow me to add the following;

1 PS3 (blue-ray) connected via hdmi.
1 Freesat PVR connected via hdmi.

Which will allow me to connect to a plasma tv via hdmi and a
projector via component (already in place) or if need be hdmi, at
the same time. Does the Onkyo TXSR606 fit the bill?




A lot of gear. I am contemplating a similar upgrade.

I bit of rationalisation wouldn't go amiss either... particularly as
you have some sub optimal connections - even the cheapest DVD player
will look better in component than yours in s-video.

Some things might as well connect directly to your screen (e.g. PC via
DVI - HDMI input (cable only - no conversion)) although there is a
sound routing issue.

so

PC DVI via HDMI to amp or TV; sound??
DVD via component to amp (possibly loop through Freeview); sound
digital Freeview PVR via component, sound analog
Setanta - consider scrapping or loop into freeview PVR
fta sat box - upgrade to HD sat (& freeview) PVR* via HDMI to amp;
sound digital
wii - connect however.
blue ray player connected via HDMI; sound digital

So you need 4 HMDI and quite a lot of other inputs.
Denon 2909 and Yamaha 1800 currently have this and there will be
others.



* these are on the market now, but I would not consider them sorted
yet, as there is little material and the broadcast system may change
/ evolve.
freesat is relatively inflexible compared to a decent FTA receiver
with either a steerable or torroidal dish.

Thanks for the suggestions, I made a mistake in my list, the Setanta box is
connected via s-video not composite and this is what I was considering
scrapping.

The dvd was connected via a short component lead until recently, when I had
to move it about 5 metres away to make space and only had a s-video cable
that length.
The PC is also directly connected to the projector via dvi/hdmi, to connect
it to the amp would require a 20 meter hdmi cable

I don't really want to connect directly to any screen, eg tv, because this
would prevent me from watching it on the projector for instance. I am trying
to set up a 'star type' network via the amp so that any input can go to many
outputs (tv and projector) with minimal fuss and remote control shuffling
(easier for the kids).

Ideally, I would like an amp which upscales everything to hdmi and has 2
hdmi outputs.

Think I'll have to wait a little, but still interested in whats available.

Peter wrote:
On Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:50:28 -0000, "Des" wrote:

Does the Onkyo TXSR606 fit the bill?

Not sure. You can look at the manual online at
http://www.eu.onkyo.com/dl/1040433/M...SR606_En_A.pdf.

Unfortunately, no. On page 22 it reveals that all sources are scaled to
hdmi, but a hdmi source for instance would not be sent via component,
s-video, etc, as far as I can tell.

Surely wanting to drive a projector and tv from an amp is commonplace.

..

"Des" wrote in message
...
R. Mark Clayton wrote:
"Des" wrote in message
...
Hi,


SNIP

Thanks for the suggestions, I made a mistake in my list, the Setanta box
is connected via s-video not composite and this is what I was considering
scrapping.

Lucky guess ;-)


The dvd was connected via a short component lead until recently, when I
had to move it about 5 metres away to make space and only had a s-video
cable that length.

Ah.

The PC is also directly connected to the projector via dvi/hdmi, to
connect it to the amp would require a 20 meter hdmi cable


Consider a two port video card - Matrox make some (I am using one right now)
as do many others.

I don't really want to connect directly to any screen, eg tv, because this
would prevent me from watching it on the projector for instance. I am
trying to set up a 'star type' network via the amp so that any input can
go to many outputs (tv and projector) with minimal fuss and remote control
shuffling (easier for the kids).

Ideally, I would like an amp which upscales everything to hdmi and has 2
hdmi outputs.

Is your projector HDMI? If not why bother with this path?

Upscaling is a bit doubtful too - usually better to let the screen sort it
out.


Think I'll have to wait a little, but still interested in whats available.


I tend to agree, but the two listed (or perhaps their bigger and more
expensive brothers might be fairly future proof

On Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:53:43 +0000, Peter
wrote:

On Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:50:28 -0000, "Des" wrote:

I currently have a Denon 3803,

Decent amp, that. Did I sell it to you about three years ago? If
you're the fellow I think you are, you came to Reigate for it, only
for me to be a bit late getting home from running an errand (sorry!).

I hope that you've been happy with it.

but in the 'brave new world' of hdmi I need
to upgrade (essentially for Freesat it seems).

Yup, I found that problem, too. In my case, it was a combination of a
new TV and a desire for Freesat and Blu-ray that did it.

Stuff I already have as inputs;

snip

all then outputting to a plasma tv and projector via component (using a
cheap passive splitter).

I'm looking for an AV receiver that will allow the above (without many cable
changes for now) and allow me to add the following;

1 PS3 (blue-ray) connected via hdmi.
1 Freesat PVR connected via hdmi.

Now you're talking! But I didn't think that these were on the market
yet. If you know differently, please say.

Which will allow me to connect to a plasma tv via hdmi and a projector via
component (already in place) or if need be hdmi, at the same time.

Does the Onkyo TXSR606 fit the bill?

Not sure. You can look at the manual online at
http://www.eu.onkyo.com/dl/1040433/M...SR606_En_A.pdf. There's a
picture of the rear panel on p.10. I haven't bothered to analyse it
for your purposes, but I'm sure you can do that for yourself. It
appears to have:
4 x HDMI in
1 x HDMI out
2 x optical in
2 x coax in
4 x S-Video in

I *think* that this would allow you to send an HDMI signal directly to
your plasma screen and component to the projector without needing your
splitter.

However, I'd be (pleasantly) surprised if that Onkyo sounds as good as
the Denon that you already have (especially if you use it for music as
well as film/TV). It is, after all, a model or two down the range from
the Onkyo equivalent of the Denon 38xx series.

I think it was the 875, rather than the 606, that I looked at. Nearly
bought it, too. But I eventually went for the Denon AVR-3808. I spent
most of a Saturday in the summer driving from here to Shrewsbury
(Creative Audio) and back to get it. Well, I did save £250 over
anything closer, and Denon won't allow their better kit to be sent by
courier - it's face-to-face purchase only.

Peter.

Thanks for the suggestion of the Onkyo TX-SR606. I too am looking for an
HDMI-switching A/V receiver. This looks just the job & it bargain too as I have
found it on sale at just 449 Euros here in France with 2 year warranty & free
delivery. That's about 350 of your English pounds today although a week or two
ago it would have been even less before the pound started plummeting:-) It's
obviously in a different league to the Onkyo TX-SR875 at 1300+ Euros or Denon
AVR-3808 at 1900+ Euros.
--

Cheers

Nigel Barker
Live from the sunny Cote d'Azur

"Nigel Barker" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:53:43 +0000, Peter
wrote:

On Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:50:28 -0000, "Des" wrote:

I currently have a Denon 3803,

Decent amp, that. Did I sell it to you about three years ago? If
you're the fellow I think you are, you came to Reigate for it, only
for me to be a bit late getting home from running an errand (sorry!).

SNIP
Peter.

Thanks for the suggestion of the Onkyo TX-SR606. I too am looking for an
HDMI-switching A/V receiver. This looks just the job & it bargain too as I
have
found it on sale at just 449 Euros here in France with 2 year warranty &
free
delivery. That's about 350 of your English pounds today although a week or
two
ago it would have been even less before the pound started plummeting:-)
It's
obviously in a different league to the Onkyo TX-SR875 at 1300+ Euros or
Denon
AVR-3808 at 1900+ Euros.
--

Cheers

Nigel Barker
Live from the sunny Cote d'Azur

But NO phono in - so a pre-amp required :-((