Unclejosh

Hi, I recently inherited a Toshiba HD-A3 and a Sony PS3 and I need a receiver that will allow me to hear audio through the HDMI port.

Two things to note, it must be from Best Buy and around $500 as I have a gift card.

I had originally picked out the Pioneer VSX-917V-K, but after reading some info online, this is a HDMI video switching only unit.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1171057791987

So then I was looking at the Sony STR-DG810 which I believe accepts PCM via HDMI...is that correct?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1167444907826

So is the Sony the better choice for my needs, or is there another option in my price range at Best Buy?

Thanks!

Spiky

Check out the Onkyos always discussed in this forum. I would ignore Sony's existence unless you need to play a game.

Deftones

Best Buy doesn't sell Onkyo, so those are out.

insanecollector

If you want a great reciever from BB, I would recommend the Harmon Kardon AVR247. I had it for a little under a month before I got an Onkyo. The Harmon is easy to set up, looks great and gave great sound through HDMI. It is a nice clean sound so you do not need a lot of pwer to feel the system. It has been on sale for under $500 all month online. You can do store pick up.

I had it hooked up to a A3 as well and it blew me away. With your restrictions I highly suggest the HK 247.

Spiky

Sorry. Somehow I missed that BB line.

HK would be a great choice.

Unclejosh

Thanks guys, the only thing that concerns me is that the HK 247 appears to convert video sources to 720P. Since i will be watching on a 1080 TV, I read on avsforum that this will introduce jaggies, artifacts, plus there is some sort of other video processing taking place.

So now i am confused. The Yamaha 661 seems well regarded, but i know the HK will sound better as i am familar with "their" sound. I still have a 25 year old HK stereo in my basement, that i listen to when down there.

Arrrrggggg. Need to get this done soon, but having trouble deciding.

Spiky

They still have Yamaha? That's another great brand. My first receiver was a Yamaha, excellent sound.

shaun3000

I'm not sure (I may be thinking of a different brand) but I believe it only converts to 720p if it is converting from analog to HDMI. (ie component to HDMI) I think it passes HDMI video untouched, so if you're input is 1080i/p via HDMI, I believe it will output the same signal.

mzupeman2

Yeah, HDMI is usually passthrough, it's component that gets the 720p treatment.

Sdallnct

<----H/K pimp...

kefrank

This is true. It should pass a 1080i/p signal via HDMI just fine (no downrezzing).

That said, apparently it can't pass 1080p24 (at least not currently - maybe a firmware update will provide this), so if you have a 1080p24-capable display, you may want to consider something else.

Personally, I LOVE Harman Kardon receivers and think that you can't go wrong with the 247 (the 1080p24 issue notwithstanding).

Artman

I was looking at HK's receivers, and noticed they were all hdmi 1.1... is 1.3 on receiver's still uncommon? When do the various companies introduce their new line-ups?

Unclejosh

Ended up with the Yamaha 661. The video processing on the HK, plus reports of LFE problems on the HK made me nervous. The Yammy was on sale at the best buy i went to for $379.99 down from $514. Guess it was last one. Anyway the deal was too good and if i dont like it can always take it back for the HK or something else.

Thanks for the responses!