Sominex

Hey guys!

Well... it's been a rough couple weeks. So like any normal man, I am turning towards electronics to help sooth my pain.

Right now I have ghetto surround sound (It's reall like "Stero Surround". It has no receiver, and no 5.1 or anything like that.

I wanna upgrade, but just to something simple. I like the idea of a "Home Theatre in a Box", but it seems like ALL of them have a DVD Player built into the receiver. I already have a DVD Recorder/Upconverter AND an HD-DVD Player

Here is what I have:

Harmony 880 Universal Remote!
42" Vizio LCD
360 Elite
DirecTV HR-20 DVR/Satellite Receiver
Nintendo Wii
HD-DVD Player
Samung DVD Recorder/Up Converter
Belkin UPS/Surger protector

JUST order it! -Belkin PureAV® Home Theater Battery Backup with AVR Technology AP30800fc10-BLK -- ONLY $174!


Here is my "wish list": (In no particular order)

1. 3-4 HDMI Inputs (that handle video AND audio)
2. Optical Audio In/Out
3. 2-3 Component Inputs
4. 5 speakers and the speaker wire
5. Sub Woofer

Right now the room this is installed in is only about 13' x 16' with a low ceiling.

What can I get for under $300?

I DON'T need one with a DVD Player built in, but if it's a good system under $300 it's a moot point anyway.

** Edited to Add the following**

Am I dreaming wanting that many HDMI inputs? I GUESS I could cut back and JUST use my 360 Elite, and the HD-DVD Player with HDMI cables and use Component Cables for the HR-20 DVR. So I'd need at LEAST 3 Component Video IN Cables and 2 HDMI IN Cables

What do ya think? Hmmm... Could I somehow utilize the 2 HDMI inputs, and 2 Component Inputs on the Vizio to help accomodate sound and video for everything? It's been a while since I've had a "REAL" Surround Sound System

Obviously 1 of the HDMI and Component INPUTS on the TV will be utilized by the Receiver, but peraps I could use the 1 remainding HDMI and Component for JUST video, and use another cable for the digital sound? *Banging Head*

Sdallnct

No offense, but if you can find it, you don't want it.

You might be able to get the receiver for $300-$400 but not with the speakers for what you want.

You have a nice video set up, don't skimp on the audio. If needed, but buy pieces at a time.

Sominex

No offense taken at all! You make a good point, and that's why I as asking

I did find this though..

Sony - 900W 5.1-Ch. XM-Ready Home Theater/Upconvert DVD/CD

2 HDMI Inputs
3 Component Inputs

It's $200 more, but not a bad deal overall! (Just dont tell my Fiance

What do you think friend?

emoxley

You won't be able to take advantage of the new HD audio formats, unless your HD DVD player has 5.1 analog outputs.

I agree with Sdallnct. You'll be better off in the long run, to buy a receiver, in your price range (Yamaha or Onkyo), and maybe get some speakers from a pawn shop, Craig's List, or eBay, to hold you until you can do better. If you do this, watch out for these brands on Craig's List or eBay, and stay far away from them:

"White Van Speakers List"


Acoustic Response Series 707
Acoustic Image 3311 / 3312
Acoustic Lab Technology
Acoustic Monitor
Acoustic 3312 Studio Monitor
Acoustic Response
Advanced Sound Technologies AST X2 1055
Audiofile 583LR
Audiofile 835LR
Audiofile THX 6.1
Audio Tech
Dahlton KV 1500
Dahlton KV 2500 TI Speakers
Dahlton AV5.1 THX
DanWave DW-6
DanWave DW-606
DanWave DW-607
DanWave DW-608
Dan Wave DW-1000
http://www.divincisound.com
Divinci Sound
DiVinci Innovative Sound & Bass
Divinci Sound D6 D-6
Divinci Sound DV7010 DV-7010
Divinci Sound DV6030 Dv-6030
Divinci Sound DV505 DV-505
Divinci Sound DA6.1 DA-6.1
Divinci D-52
Divinci DV-606
Divinci DV-607
Divinci DV-608
Divinci DV-1420
Divinci DV-1450
Divinci DV-1412
Divinci DV-1450
Divinci DV- 607
Divinci DV-2150
Divinci DV-2100
Denmark
Denmark Loud Speaker E830LR
Digital Audio DHT 5.1
Digital Audio SL-3810
Digital Audio DA 2000SL / 2000CS
Digital Audio 2000
Digital Audio 2002
Digital Audio 2012 7.1
Digital Audio Professional Speaker Systems SL-3810
Digital Audio Skyline 900-SL
Digital Audio SL-3910 Speakers
Digital Audio 2003 DA 5.1 Pro-Series III
Digital Dogg Audio
Digital Pro Audio
Digital Pro Audio SL-T 2.8
Digital Research 5.1 Pro Series
Digital Research DA 5.1 Pro Series III
Digital Research DR-1000
Digital Research DR-2810
Digital Research DR-1610
Digital Research DR-1611
Dogg Digital
Dynalab
Epiphany Audio speakers
Elite Audio
Elite Audio EA-505
Elite Audio EA-608
Elite Audio EA-1620
Elite Audio EA-7012
Epic Sound 7.1
Fleetwood Audio
Genesis
Genesis Media Labs
Genesis G6.1 Digital Series
Genesis G-505
Genesis G-506
Genesis G-507
Genesis G-608
Genesis G-609
Genesis G-610
Genesis G-1420
Genesis G-1620
Genesis G-1630
Genesis G-2815
Genesis G-2840
Genesis G-2850
Genesis G-2870
Genesis G-2875
Genesis G-2880
Genesis G-2885
Genesis G-2950
Genesis G-2960
Genesis G-6030
Genesis G-6035
Genesis G-6040
Genesis G-7012
http://www.genesismedialabs.com
Grafdale
Hauffman
Innovative Sound Digital Pro Audio
Kirsch K3
Kirsch K10
Kirsch Prodigy K803
http://www.kirschloudspeakers.com
Linear Phase studio monitors
http://matrixaudioconcepts.com
Matrix Audio Concepts
Matrix MX-1300
MX-404
MX-550
MX-6160
MX-2060
MX-605S
Millenium
Millenium MTS-2006p
Millenium MTS-2208
Millenium MTS-2328
Millenium MTS-2300
Millenium MTS-2605
Millenium MTS-3100
http://www.mtsspeakers.com
Omni Audio
PSD (2.8)
PTS PT-5500S
PTS (Precision Transducer Systems)
http://www.ptswoofers.com
Palermo VA 6.1
Paradyme
Pro Audio
Pro Dynamics Pro Platinium Series
Pro Dynamics PD-9600
Proline Acoustic
Protecsound PT-5000 digital surround sound system speakers
Samurai 518
Skyline AD-900SL
Skyline Digital Denmark 800 or 900 "series"
Studio Tech (Pro Poly Series)
Theater Innovations (Ti 5100)
TI-440MR TI~440MR
TI-440R TI~440R
TI-440M TI~440M
TI-5100 TI~5100
TI-5150T TI~5150T
TI~1250 TI-1250
TI~1255 TI-1255
TI~1300 TI-1300
TI~1650 TI-1650
TI~1655 TI-1655
TI~6000SD TI-6000SD
TI~6100 TI-6100
TI~1750 TI-6200
http://www.theater-innovations.com
Theater Logic
http://theaterlogichomecinema.com/
Theater Logic L5ti
Theater Logic L6
Theater Logic L8TI 5.1
Theater Logic T 2400
Theater Logic T 2450
http://www.trtheaterresearch.com
Theater Research TR-501
Theater Research TR-900
Theater Research TR-1120
Theater Research TR-1400
Theater Research TR-1410 Digital Sound Speakers
Theater Research TR-2380
Theater Research TR-2810
Theater Research TR-5210 Professional Home Theater
Theater Research TR5160
Theater Research TR6000
Theater Research TR-6100 Digital Sound/5.1 Home Cinema
Theater Research 8810
Theater Research Pro Series III Professional Home
Ultra Digital Labs

Sominex

Emoxley-

I should AVOID all those speakers listed? Geeeeezzz... that's a big list! THANK YOU for the heads up

What do you guys think about this Dennon 7.1 Receiver?

Only $269!

Denon AVR 588 7.1

emoxley

You won't have to worry about those speakers, from a store or reputable online dealer. Watch for them on Craig's List or eBay. Lot's of models, of a few brands. They are a scam.

Denon makes good equipment. But that receiver still won't let you take advantage of the HD audio on HD DVDs, unless with the 5.1 analog outputs (like the Sony mentioned before). Does your HD DVD player have the 5.1 analog outputs? If not, you're gonna need a receiver that can handle the HD audio formats, over HDMI, if you want to listen to the HD audio soundtracks. If you don't care about the HD audio, either receiver you mentioned already will work for you, as long as there's enough inputs for everything else.

Sominex

Hmmm... Can't I just use the HDMI cable from the HD-DVD Player to the Receiver for DD 5.1 Sound?

I'll have the Receiver sending the digital VIDEO signal from the HD-DVD Player to the TV, and the Receiver will send the digital AUDIO 5.1 signal to the the speakers.

Am I missing something? *confused*

I definitely WANT DD 5.1 sound, and I thought that was the point of the receiver?

Here are the DVD Players I am using

TOSHIBA HD-A30
Samsung DR-155

The sale on the Denon Receiver ends Saturday, so HELP!

pat00139

The ONLY thing that would suit your needs is the Onkyo HT-SP908 HTiB. It's 7.1 with Onkyo's TX-SR605 receiver. It's got 2 HDMI ins, and decodes all HD audio codecs. Quite honestly, you're never going to find what you're looking for for the price you quoted, but the 908 is the closest thing you'll get to a good HTiB. It's a few hundred bucks extra, but it's worth the cost.

Sominex

I don't understand? Why can't I use the HDMI IN on the receiver, or the Digitial Optical IN on the receiver? That will give me Dolby Digital 5.1 from the XBox 360 and the HD DVD Player right??

How does that not work?

You're telling me if I have a Receiver that has HDMI inputs (which caries video and audio signals), or at the very least a digital opitcal IN, I still can't get Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound?! Why?


**EDITED TO ADD**

This post wasn't designed to be harsh, I am just terribly confused. Sorry if it came off as anything but guys!

emoxley

Yes, you can get 5.1 surround, but you may have to use digital coax or optical cable, since the receivers you've listed are HDMI "pass through". They are basically for easy switching, between sources (don't have to change input on tv AND receiver).

Regular 5.1, which is all you'll get, is not the same as the HD audio that's on HD DVDs. Regular Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS 5.1, are both compressed formats. The HD audio on HD DVDs is "Lossless" audio (not compressed).

As I said...........if all you want is regular 5.1 DD or DTS, then either of the receivers you mentioned, will be fine. But to take advantage of the HD audio, on HD DVDs, you'll need a receiver that can handle it.

pat00139

In your original post, you said you wanted an HTiB with a receiver with HDMI inputs that could handle video and audio, various digital ins, and speakers. The Onkyo I mentioned is the only HTiB that satisfies your needs for a very good price. (It's also 7.1! )

I guess I wasn't very clear. The HTiB (here) comes with the TX-SR605 receiver, which has all the connectivity you wanted, 7.1 speakers (which is more than you wanted), and a DVD player (with the receiver and DVD player being separate components, so you don't have to use the DVD player if you don't want to). According to your original post, the only thing that isn't what you asked for is the price.

You'll be able to use the receiver to decode anything you want. Like emoxley said, if you just want regular DTS and DD, then any 5.1 receiver will do, but if you want to take advantage of lossless audio, you need a receiver capable of handling multi-channel PCM over HDMI, or be able to decode all the HD audio codecs. You can plug your Xbox into your TV, and send the sound to the receiver, there's no problem with that. For example, you can plug your Sammy DVD player and your HD DVD player through HDMI to your receiver (and get both picture and sound from those components), and plug your XBox, cable box and Wii through component cables, and plug those with optical or digital coax to the receiver (or XBox 360 to your TV with HDMI and optical to receiver, or any number of other combinations).

There's a difference between regular DD/DTS and Dolby TrueHD, so it's something to consider. For $300, unfortunately, you won't even get a receiver with 3 HDMI inputs. The best you can hope for is 2 inputs, if that. The Onkyo HTiB is the best value. The receiver that comes with it is an excellent value, and the speakers are pretty good, as well.

I hope it cleared up some things.

Sominex

Well guys... I just went out and got it! It wasn't a HTiB, but I got a great deal! I went to BestBuy and the guy I dealt with didn't know much. So I took a trip to Circuit City!


I got the Onkyo TX-SR606 as on open box item! It was coincidental, b/c the guy who returned it the night before (or so he claims) was there looking at other receivers. He bought it thinking it had "Pre Amp" outs, and it only had it for the sub (above my head), but he was a nice guy and said it was a great receiver! He said he returned it to get a higher end model.

Anyway... I ended up getting it for $364! Not too bad. Chepest I saw online was Amazon for $405.

Now that you and emoxley have educated me a little on DD 5.1 and "TRUE HD"....

Will this receiver do "TRUE HD"?


The CC Employee said if I am disatifed for ANY reason I can return it in 30 days with no restocking fee.

I also got a 5.1 Speaker Package to go with it. Polk RM 6750. It was $399.99 but I see it's a LOT cheaper on Amazon so I am debating on returning it and getting it on Amazing. Hmmm...


All in all, I am happy so far. I am goign to start hooking it up tomorrow. Hey pat00139, any major differences in the 605 AND 606 models?

What do ya think of my Speaker choice? I am happy that I got a receiver that had FOUR (4) HDMI inputs that can handle video and DD 5.1 Sound

Thanks a lot to YOU and emoxley for all your help!


**EDITED TO ADD**

DAMNIT.. I wish I just paid more attention. I see I can get the whole HTiB setup exactly as your described for only $781.95 at Amazon. God... what the hell is wrong with me.

Should I just return everything I got and get that HTiB system from Amazon?!

**EDITED TO ADD.... Yet Again.....**

I should really take a chill pill. I noticed that the 606 Model has 4 (FOUR) HDMI inputs, and the 605 model only has 2. That does make it a lot nicer than the 605 model. (IMHO)

emoxley

You did good! Your new receiver should be able to handle whatever you throw at it.

Sominex

aawwww Thanks Emoxley!

Are you sure I shouldn't return it and get the one online? If you subtract the $20 for the "warranty" on the receivers, and the $30 for the speaker wire. I still paid about $30 more than online.

If I get the HTiB from online I won't have as many HDMI inputs, but I'll have a 7.1 Speaker Package, rather than 5.1


BUUUTTT... I am thinking since I got the POLK SPEAKERS, they're a lot nicer than the HTiB speakers?

I am torn my friend.... what do ya think?

emoxley

The $30 difference wouldn't be worth the wait, for the shipping of the online product. I would also rather deal with someone down the street, instead of online, if there's a warranty problem (easier to get in their face).
The Polk speakers you got should be better than what comes with an HTIB. You can always buy an extra pair of the Polks later, to make it a 7.1 setup, if you feel like you're missing something. There are VERY FEW 7.1 sources right now anyway (only a handful of HD movies). So I, personally, think you're good to go, with what you have. Ultimately, it's your decision as to if the $30 difference is worth it to you.

NotThatGuy

I was in a similar boat and price point ($500-$700) and I ended up with an Onkyo S5100 (I had GC's and a credit at amazon, so it was a no brainer for a couple hundred), though it only has HDMI pass through. It seems like you did well....as everything I've read about the 606 has been good. HTiB speakers tend to be mediocre at best, so getting seperate speakers was the right way to go.

GreenMonkey

Great deal on the 606. 606 + Polk speakers is a great bang/buck.

Sominex

THANKS BUD!

I appreciate it and feel great about my purchase! I am still hooking it all up. I may actually buy the Polk Speakers online from Amazon.com's PARTNER STORE "WholesaleAV" for $257 shipped!

Then I can return the $399 speakers to Circuit City!

1. Anyone deal with WholeSaleAV before?

2. Since I am using the Onkyo to xfer 720p/1080p video AND DD 5.1 sound from my 360, HD-DVD Player and my DirecTV Receiver do I need any SPECIAL kind of HDMI cable? I see some places online "Monoprice" sell special HDMI 1.3a HDMI cables now.

Will I be OK with what I have or need to upgrade?

Thanks!

Sominex

Hello?

Anyone?

GreenMonkey

HDMI cables is HDMI cables. The 1.3 thing just means they're certified for Deep Color and other 1.3 features (which pretty much no displays and sources support at this point).

Any of the HDMI cables from monoprice should do you just fine.

Speakers might be one of those things it's good to get instore...just for return sake. $140 is a lot of money but if you got bad speakers from an Amazon partner you'd probably be out the shipping money to return them (expensive!)

I bought my cheap 5.0 speakers online years ago on a very tight budget (Fluance.com AV-HTB):
(AVS thread)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hlight=fluance

I've been happy with them but I knew there was some risk associated with an online order of something that heavy.

BTW: I listened to some excellent speakers at a HT shop...I really liked the Paradigm bookshelf speakers...but at $399 a pop they were out of my price range...and nowadays REALLY out of my price range. These cheaper speaker sets can sound good, but not fantastic. I may someday get better speakers - when I don't have any babies & toddlers around to destroy them.

Sominex

Thank you!

For $5.45 per cable, not a bad deal at all!

It's been forever since I've had Surround Sound. My 360 games say "Dolby Digital" and so do some of the movies on my DirecTV HD-DVR, but I can only seems to select "PCM" as the source audio.

How do I get Dolby Digital 5.1? I am using HDMI for the 360, and the DirecTV Receiver.

Am I doing something wrong here?

I've tried checking the manual, but it's not helping much.

A batch of cookies to whoever helps me out!

Thanks

**EDITED TO ADD*

SAME THING with the HD DVD Player!

I can't get Dolby Digital 5.1, just "PCM"

What the heck am I doing wrong?

Sdallnct

I glad you found something decent, but you really need to slow down buddy! Your going to give yourself a heart attack!

These HT set ups are rather complicated and you will need to take some time and learn and play. I'd start by going into the set up menu's of your sources (Xbox and sat box) and make sure it is outputting what you want. Then go to the receiver to make sure it outputs what you want.

Both units need to be set.

Sominex

You're right! I need to slow down a bit Thanks! Sometimes I don't realize it and need to be told

I set the 360, HD-DVD Player, and DirecTV DVR all the outpout Doby Digital.

I am still not having much luck though. If I use he Receiver Interface on the front of the unid hit the "MOVIE", "MUSIC" and "GAME". Each button allows me to hit it multiple times and scoll through different "listening modes".

'FULL MONO", "ALL CHANNELS", etc,etc.. but oddly the only "digital" option that appears is the DTS LOGO.

I remember back in 1999 (ancient I know...) my JVC receiver would actually flash a green light when a source connected to the receiver was outputing a DD 5.1 Signal. I wish I could get this to do the same thing.

I try following the instructions and hitting the "DISPLAY" button to see what audio options the DVD/XBOX/DVR are sending, but I scroll through and only get "AUTO", "PCM" or "ANALOG".

Occasionally, the HD-DVD will flash the DD 5.1 logo but never DURING playback. Odd...

I'll keep reading and experimenting. If anyone has any ideas in the mean time, please let me know

**EDITED TO ADD**

I think I got my solution from here...

http://www.onkyousa.com/faqs_detail.cfm?detail=1&id=273

I ran a few quick tests and I may have the problem solved. I'll let you know. (Because I am sure you're all on the edge of your seats!)

jdodd

I'm just starting to research receivers now and I want to make sure I find one that will be able to handle the HD audio codecs. When browsing specs, what terms/language should I be on the lookout for? For example, I'm looking at some receivers on Best Buy's website, and one of them says: "Surround sound decoders: Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS, DTS 96/24"

I assume none of these are HD codecs. But what would be listed if it supported those codecs?

emoxley

Most of them will mention something about DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby True-HD.

Sorry to be late answering. Was out of town.