Hi folks. Once again, I come to you with a quick question: I've outgrown my old receiver (and have recently upgraded to HD-TV, HD-DVD, HD-DirecTV, and am considering buying a Playstation 3. So with three devices that can utilize HDMI, what (relatively cheap, hopefully!) receiver(s) should I consider? Do any reasonably priced receivers have three HDMI inputs?

I should mention that no up-conversion will be necessary.

I've seen a few, but they're all $1,000+ and to be honest, I just don't want to spend that kind of money on one. I guess I could go with a two HDMI input receiver, and then use a switch, but how do those work? Do I have to get up and switch them manually if I want to go from HD-DVD to Blu-Ray, or visa-versa?

I'd kind of like to avoid that, if possible, as it would just confuse my wife even more (she just likes to sit down and "turn the TV on").

If there's not a fairly cheap (under $500, certainly) three HDMI input receiver out there, can someone recommend a good receiver (~$250 or so) with two inputs and a fairly cheap switch?

Thanks so much for any suggestions!

Well, it's not under $500, but for $604 this receiver should kick ass: http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=87133

I would agree with Mr. Salty, from what little research I have done, that Onkyo is a great choice currently. I am a Pioneer Elite guy, but the new Elite 92 I want is listing at 1300 I think. The Onkyo comparable is several hundred cheaper so I have been considering a switch. I may just wait a while though and make sure all these new units are performing as advertised - these all have a lot of new tech, more than the normal round of upgrades to an AV unit.

How do you feel about Sony products? http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STR-DG910.../dp/B000OGA802

do you have any experience with this product? It is time for me to upgrade myself...

Just bought it and I like (once I got everything worked out -- http://forum.dvdtalk.com/showthread.php?t=509022 starting about post #25). I know a lot of people just don't like Sony though.

ouch, tough crowd there.

I'd be replacing an STR-K502P which I have had no issues with, other than lack of HDMI inputs...

I just got the Onkyo 705, and am very pleased with it.

Just got the Onkyo 705 myself, after looking around at a whole lot of options... waiting for it to arrive.

Same here. Just need to hook the thing up.

I used to own a Sony receiver, but I didn't like the sound quality and I didn't like the was the bass and treble controls worked. It also had some major problems after just a couple of months and had to be replaced under warranty.

I replaced it with an Onkyo after about a year. (I kind of wanted a Denon, but I didn't like the equivalent model.) It was a big difference. More power, better sound quality, more features.

If you're willing to spend $500, I'd recommend saving a little more cash and getting the Onkyo. You'll keep it for years and not feel a need to upgrade.

Amazon has the Onkyo 705 as well. The base price is a few dollars more than One Call, but the free shipping would end up saving you a few bucks.

My first Onkyo is still running great... after 16 years. So are the Cambridge speakers I have used with it to date.

I am moving that into the living room and replacing my Home Theater receiver with a new Onkyo simply because HDMI wasn't around in 1992. I also ordered a brand new set of Cambridge speakers to go with it, one size up since I'm a grown up now. I couldn't be more pleased with the past performance and it's well worth doing over again. I recommend a similar setup to anyone that has asked me.

onkyo 705 has been on my radar. I'm just waiting to see if there are any good deals on it after Thanksgiving.

Hmmm, I'm thinking about that 705. Is it really $300 better? I like the option of an iPod docking station on it, plus the brand is great. But $300??? Someone please talk me into this!

$300 better than the Sony? As someone who has owned receivers from both companies I can say, "Hell, yes!"

Ignoring the more subjective points (Sony's poor build quality and inflated amplifier specs and Onkyo's better sound quailty), there is this to consider:

The Onkyo has built-in decoders for all the new high-def audio formats (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio), which will be handled through the HDMI connections. The Sony only decodes the current Dolby Digital EX and DTS formats. The advanced audio formats will have to be handled by your players and then sent to the receiver through a analog connections. That means eight cables for just the audio, for just one device. Oh, and the Sony only has one multi-channel analog input, which means you'll have to choose which device you want to connect for advanced audio.

With the Onkyo? Just connect your three components with HDMI cables and you're good to go.

I guess I should mention: Is it worth the extra $300 for the Onkyo vs. Sony STR-DG910? I have the Sony (arrived today) for $325 shipped. Should I eBay it and get the Onkyo, really? I won't have the two to compare, and I'm not a huge audiophile - I don't want the sound so powerful that it strips the paint from my walls... I just want three HDMI inputs and a nice sound and nice capabilities.

Any further suggestions would be massively...well...helpful!

If I were you, rather than eBay it and lose money I'd see if I could return it, especially if you haven't opened the box yet.

Mr. Salty, thanks for the info. I just barely saw this after I posted my 2nd followup. DANG! It sounds sweet! Can someone do me a huge favor? Can someone measure how high this receiver is? My entertainment console/center is only about 19" wide, 7 1/4" high and 16 1/2" deep. Considering cables will be coming out the back, and the height (according to the specs, the dimensions are: 17 1/8" x 6 7/8" x 14 13/16" - W/H/D). But will I have enough room in the back for cables and enough ventilation room on the top?

Thanks so much!
Steve

P.S. Anyone want to buy a Sony STR-DG910?

Well, bought it on eBay. Still sealed. Anyone know where I could return it?

I have a Yamaha 2 hdmi receiver (661?) and a monoprice hdmi switcher. The switcher automatically switches to whatever device is one, so the Sat dish goes into one hdmi, and the HD-DVD and BD go into the other. It works seemlessly without me ever having to switch the "switcher."

I have been very happy with it. And I was in the same boat looking for something with 3 hdmi inputs.

Which switcher did you get from monoprice that automatically switches?

I'm also looking to get a HDMI switcher from monoprice. So any info is appreciated.

The specs are given at the OneCall link I provided in my first post (you can also download the owner's manual from there in PDF).

It'll be pretty tight --- about half an inch on top for ventilation --- but you should be OK. If your shelves have doors, I'd leave them open when you're running the receiver.

Don't know. I'll look when I get home.

My STR-DG910 came today... set it up, works well, sounds great.