Shopping Advice: HDMI and AV recievers

[Skippman]

All,

I need advice. I've reached a point in my home theater where I need to replace my current A/V receiver with a more robust model. Basically moving from "user" to "semi-enthusiast" level. My trusty Pioneer has served me well for a couple years now but I'm to the point were I need more power. Here is my setup.


MONITOR
Mitsubishi WS-62525

CURRENT RECEIVER
Pioneer VSX-D810S A/V receiver

VIDEO SOURCES
Sony SLV-M20HF VCR using composite
Sony DVP-CX985V DVD changer using component
Panasonic LX-900 LD player using S-Video

GAME SYSTEMS
Nintendo GameCube using component
Microsoft X-Box 360 using component
Sony PlayStation 2 using component

AUDIO SOURCES
Sony CDP-C265 CD changer using RCA
Sony TC-WR570 dual tape deck using RCA

Currently I have the game consoles and the LD player hooked up through a manual, older Pelican A/V switch. I did this to expand the number of component and optical inputs on my reciever. Unfortunatly the switch seems to be malfunctioning at this point as reds on my component sources are fading in and out and the S-Video is failing altogether. Rather than use a stop gap repair such as buying another switch, I want to just upgrade my whole system by replacing my receiver.

I'd like to have everything I input run through one output to the TV to reduce cabling. I'd prefer it if that output was HDMI. Right now I'm leaning towards the Denon 3806. After reading the Denon thread for 4 hours (up to post #450) I gave up as they were discussing things I'll likely never use (DVD-A, SACD, Multi Zone, Etc). The one question I have that was never answered is will it (and I'm fuzzy on the term here) transcode Composite/Component/S-Video to HDMI? Basically my goal is no matter what the source, it outputs as HDMI.

I'm not stuck on the Denon, but it was the first unit I've read about that seems to do what I want and more importantly is in my price range. Any suggestions?

-Skip

[eric102]

I have the Yamaha 5990 and it will up convert and pass any video input thru the HDMI output. I would assume the Denon or any mid to upper level receiver would do the same.

If you have read some of the threads you are probably aware that the Motorola cable boxes won't pass HDMI out through a receiver. It has to go directly to the display or component out to the receiver.

[Skippman]

eric, I did read that in the Denon 3806 thread about the Moto boxes which won't be an issue for me. Right now I do not have a HD reciever other than the OTA tuner in my Mitsu. Were I to go HD I would use E* or AT&T's forth coming IPTV service. I have Charter in my area and they are less than competativly priced.

Looking at the quick specs on Best Buys web site it seems to meet my basic requirements. Do you have any problems with up converting via the HDMI output? Say 720p component to HDMI? I'm concerned about loss of definition on my X360. Also, I assume the inputs are assignable, but are they lableable? And does the reciever support direct component selection via remote, or do you have to cycle the inputs?

[eric102]

I'm running HD component out from the Moto cable box to the receiver, then HDMI from the receiver to my plasma display. As a check I also ran HDMI from the box to the display, but through different inputs. By simply hitting the input buttons on the display I could compare the images, I couldn't see any difference.

I think all the video inputs are assignable and that you can change the labels on the receiver display. I haven't needed to do that so I'm not sure.

Yes the remote has separate buttons for each video input.

You can read the manual online at Yamaha's website if you need any detailed info. It has a nice flowchart that shows the paths of the video and audio signals.

[Skippman]

I'm going to go to Ultimate today and listen to the unit if they have it. I'm thinking you've solved my problem! I'm excited! Hope it sounds as good as everyone in the 5990 thread says it does. The Ultimate near my house also has a set of Kef's I've been looking into so I can hear both together. :)