Stupid AVR video question

[BBigJ]

I am pondering making the jump to HD in the near future and, thus, I am trying to figure out what features I need in a display. My receiver is an HK AVR 630 (and, no, I don't have nearly enough WAF points to upgrade to an HDMI model), which I don't think does any video processing. So, if I hook up the AVR to the display via component, will the receiver send any composite signals (like from a VCR) through the component cables, or will I need to also hook up the composite cable and program the TV's source codes into the remote?

 

[MDS]

You'd have to look at the receiver manual to see if it can perform composite/s-video to component upconversion.

 

[markw]

If you feed your video signals directly to the monitor and use it for video selection, while your receiver handles the audio audio selection, you lessen the worries you'll face in selecting a receiver, and gain flexibility as well.

 

[BBigJ]

If you feed your video signals directly to the monitor and use it for video selection, while your receiver handles the audio audio selection, you lessen the worries you'll face in selecting a receiver, and gain flexibility as well.

I would agree, but the whole home theater upgrading process only goes through if I can make it idiot-proof for my wife. It sort of kills the fun if I'm getting calls at work complaining that the image and sound don't match (How much did you pay for this thing? Why can't you just make it work?) This is why I'm looking into it now. I can do what you suggest, but first I have to make sure the TV has separate remote codes for each input, the remote can handle enough macros, etc. That's why I'm doing the research now.

 

[jcPanny]

Video and Audio switching

BB,
Doesn't look like your receiver includes the video format conversion feature. You can download the manual on the HK site:
http://manuals.harman.com/HK/Owner's Manual/AVR 630 OM .pdf

Here is my suggestion, spend $100 on a nice Harmony or Home Theater Master LCD remote. The macros allow you to turn gear On/Off, swith the audio source, video source, etc. with a single button. This is my wife's favortie HT upgrade.

 

[BBigJ]

I came to that conclusion too after a google search (thanks, MDS, for letting me know what the correct term was. I didn't realize upscaling and upconverting were two different things.) Actually, the orginal CNET review of the receiver claims it does upconvert, but the mountain of evidence is that it does not.

The 630 comes with a sevicable universal remote (I earned major points with the wife when I programmed macros for her), so I think I'll be ok for now. But if things get more complicated than my "near future" upgrade plans, that will definitely be on the list.

 

[markw]

Give the little lady a little credit.

I would agree, but the whole home theater upgrading process only goes through if I can make it idiot-proof for my wife.

I recently posted this in response to another's query on the importance of HDMI in a receiver. The answer is so similar to what I would say to you, I took the lazy way out and simply copied and pasted it.

I'm of the school that routes all video sources directly to the monitor and uses that for video selection. Along with that, I also route the primitive red/white analog outputs from the sources to thecorrosponding input on the TV.

Also, I run the "better" audio (digital coax, toslink) directly to the receiver and use that for audio selection/switching.

This allows me to select a source via the TV, watch the source on the TV, have rudimentary audio through it's internal speakers and not even turn on the receiver. I don't need a cooking show, the grandkids purple dinodsaur/Bob the Builder videos, or the daily news in 5.1 surround. Those little speakers are fine for that.

But, when I want the big sound, I turn the volume down on the TV, turn on the Denon, select the source, and blast away. All is right with the world.

Heck, many times I have the kids sitting (duct-taped together) watching a video and I'll be sitting in the LazyBoy listening to a CD with my headphones on. Who says I'm not a good Grandpa?

So, if you intend to route everything through the receiver, then HDMI becomes important. As it is, for myself, I don't find it really necessary at this time.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I have to agree with Mark; there are just a lot shows that I dont want to hear through my set-up so I run redundant wiring just for that simple fact.

 

[Nick250]

BB,
Doesn't look like your receiver includes the video format conversion feature. You can download the manual on the HK site:
http://manuals.harman.com/HK/Owner's Manual/AVR 630 OM .pdf

Here is my suggestion, spend $100 on a nice Harmony or Home Theater Master LCD remote. The macros allow you to turn gear On/Off, swith the audio source, video source, etc. with a single button. This is my wife's favortie HT upgrade.

I was going to suggest a Harmony since I own one and it's a great convince whether or not you need idiot proofing.

Nick

 

[Nick250]

I have to agree with Mark; there are just a lot shows that I dont want to hear through my set-up so I run redundant wiring just for that simple fact.

Same here and a programmable remote makes switching between different configurations a one button operation.

Nick

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I have yet to get one but I am waiting out a deal right now on the 670 from a Comp USA that is going out of business.

I was going to suggest a Harmony since I own one and it's a great convince whether or not you need idiot proofing.

Nick

 

[BBigJ]

I have yet to get one but I am waiting out a deal right now on the 670 from a Comp USA that is going out of business.

Oooooh, good suggestion. I've been hovering over the closing CompUSA myself. I'll keep an eye out.