|
My HDTV is a 5 year old 65" Mitsubishi which has a GREAT picture but only component video inputs. I'm not sure that there is a compromise in sound quality by doing it this way. Great layout, awesome automatic calibration (the result is WAY better than any auto-calibration I had ever run before)BUT.I bought the Receiver primarily to do two things:1- Upconvert / Downconvert all video for output to 1080i 2- Process the Dolby TrueHD and DTS MasterAudio from my playstation 3.Unfortunately, I was thwarted in my goal, I think largely due to the equipment I am hooking up to it.As far as Decoding Dolby TrueHD goes, the Playstation3 does not bitstream that format out of the HDMI connection - it must send it as a 6-channel PCM signal, which is not processed by the receiver. The receiver will NOT upconvert ANYTHING to 1080i via the Component Connection. In thinking about it, I'm not sure how much of a difference I should expect with a lossless signal, the Dolby Digital signal is great on its own.
One important point is that the optical digital connection cannot carry the multichannel PCM signal, so a receiver with HDMI inputs was a necessity anyway (my previous receiver, an awesome Pionneer Elite, does not have that capability so it has been demoted to my bedroom system.More disappointing is the video upconvert / downconverting. After much web research, I found that most BluRay players currently decode those signals onboard and then passes them on to the receiver. I really like the quality of the Onkyo SR806. So I'm getting the TrueHD output, just not processed by the receiver, so the nice little lights never fire up. If I had an HDMI connection on the Mitsu, it would upconvert everything to 1080p.
This is most definitely and issue with the PS3, not the ONKYO. Again out of luck, but not the problem of the Onkyo.I'm keeping the Onkyo because I love the way it sounds and I think it will work well when I upgrade to a flat screen 1080p unit with HDMI inputs.
I wish I had known that up front, but I plan to replace my old projector soon anyway. My projector has DVI and Component RGB connectors, and Onklyo says their upscaling isn't supported if you have to use an HDMI-to-DVI converter. I love this AV receiver. The only issues I have had are 1) that there's no switched power outlet on the back and 2) that the upscaling feature doesn't work well on everything. Everything else is great, and I suspect my new projector will allow everything to look wonderful.
Some people don't need or want this. A slight error on my part. This certification is why this unit has the sticker price it does.This unit also has 5 HDMI inputs to plug all sorts of HDMI items in like Xbox 360, PS3, a Blu Player ETC. the small display screen on the unit. When using the set up mic to automatically adjust your speaker setting without having to do it manually make sure the surround speakers from your previous 5.1 plug into the "surround" speaker outputs NOT the "Back surround" speakers. For the nontechnicaly advanced and new comers everything is color coded.When it came to setting up the speakers I came into a small problem. If this is you Id suggest looking for a model or 2 down the line. There are several units on the market that might meet the THX lever of quality but unless products pay for the certification we wont know.
This is good when setting up the speakers. To me this shows Onkyo cares about letting you know what you are getting. Setting it up was a breeze. The Back surround is for a 7.1 connection which I still need to upgrade to. and one HDMI out to connect to the TV. If you connect the HDMI out there is a on screen option that allows you the visibility of reading off your TV set vs.
I also like the blue backlite volume knob and the green display on the face of the unit. This will also cause a problem if you try to manually set up the speakers too.Aside from that small mishap- sounds great easy set up- self explanatory remote- and the reason I bought it, the THX certification.The THX certification basically means Onkyo paid Lucas to certify that the equipment meets the THX standards. This receiver is amazing. If you plug them in the wrong outputs of the receiver you will get an error message while performing the auto speaker set up. So I hope this advice helps others when setting up the speakers. This receiver comes with a mic that is used to electronicaly test the distance from each speaker to 1 of 6 seating positions one at a time to ensure best sound in all 6 seating positions.
This unit also reads several of upgrade audio options found on the Blu DVDs.
If you only have a composite connection I would not buy this receiver.Other than that this receiver is very good. Had it done and Comcast said it was fine but put in a signal amplifier anyway. My Motorola Comcast cable box only had a composite hook up which I ran to the reciever and then HDMI to the TV. The picture with HDMI is better than composite. I ended up replacing the Comcast box (with another Motorola) to get an HDMI out to the receiver and it all works fine.
Very disappointed in the Onkyo performance using composite. Audio worked fine during the drop outs. I purchased a new Sony Bravia 52" LCD TV as well as this Onkyo receiver about 2 weeks ago. It was suggested that I check the video signal strength. The sound quality is superb.
I immediately noticed video drop outs of several seconds when changing channels and at TV commercials. The reviewer's comments re the remote are right on but I purchased a Logitech remote - simply great so I do not have the remote problems.
The receiver will pass-thru HDMI Video or the built-in processor can enhance it. My speakers never sounded so good and I hear sounds that were not possible until now. The receiver set-up will automatically adjust the acoustics or you can tweak the nearly indefinite number of adjustments available to enhance the sound quality to any way you like.
Blu-ray discs with True Dolby HD or DTS Master Audio are heavenly perfection. There are no heat concerns (like last years model) as the unit operates at a cooler temperature.The only part of the package that could be improved is the layout of the remote control. The Onkyo TX-SR806 will process all the latest High Definition formats flawlessly.
I have had high-end receivers before, but this model is the best. It's all here at a price that other receivers can't touch at twice the price. Outstanding Audio Quality from Stereo to 7.1 channels.
Some buttons like the remotes volume control should have been bigger, more conveniently located and back-lit.If you are looking for an HD receiver for today and tomorrow this one will entertain and thrill like a never ending roller coaster ride.
|
May be eligible for FREE Shipping offer
