Need a little advice finding a reciever

[spacedyevest]

Hey, I'm new here and currently upgrading my modest A/V situation. I'm looking for a receiver with at least 2 component inputs, 1 s-video, and 1 composite. I want to be able to up convert all these signals into one component output so I don't have a billion cords running to my projector. It would be great if the receiver could auto-detect signals and switch to that video/audio input accordingly. Digital audio as well as HDMI or DVI don't really concern me as much (don't need them right now). I'm trying to find something moderately priced (at or under $500 definitely). As for actual power, 500-800 watts would be fantastic, but a little less or more wouldn't be out of the question. 5.1 surround sound preferable.

I know, it may be a little specific, which is why I'm having a difficult time trying to find a receiver. Thanks in advance.

 

[MDS]

Your requirements aren't difficult to meet at all except there are NO receivers that can output 500-800 watts. Those numbers are meaningless and are only touted by lower end manufacturers that just add up the power for each individual channel to make it look impressive.

For $500-ish you should look at the Onkyo 575, 604, 674 and maybe even the new 605. Every one of them has all of the feautures you require.

 

[Seth=L]

In this situation I would suggest the Yamaha RX-V659 or the big box store equivalent HTR-5960

 

[Adam]

I was going to recommend taking a look at the Onkyos, as well, but I didn't think that they could auto-detect signals and switch inputs.

MDS, do you know if they can do that?

 

[MDS]

I don't know of any receiver that can auto-detect signals and switch inputs. Onkyo does have a control system called RI (Remote Interactive) and will switch inputs when a device like a dvd player is turned on or playback started.

Auto input switching probably isn't done because it would create way too many problems. The only way it could work would be if all peripheral devices were off and the switching was done only when a device is turned on. Otherwise how should it behave when you have the cable box and dvd player on at the same time? If the cable box is on it is always sending video.

 

[senna1a]

I was going to recommend taking a look at the Onkyos, as well, but I didn't think that they could auto-detect signals and switch inputs.

MDS, do you know if they can do that?

I have a 604 and it will detect source.

 

[MDS]

I have a 604 and it will detect source.

Please explain. I have a feeling you are not talking about the same thing as the original question.

 

[senna1a]

correc

MDS, I stand corrected, I read the question too quickly (blonde moment). The Onk will detect the source material in my HD-DVD (ie, is it HD, SCD, SDVD, DVD-A).... after rereading, the above question is obviously referring to auto-detection of source components, which my 604 will NOT auto-detect...

Please explain. I have a feeling you are not talking about the same thing as the original question.

 

[senna1a]

correction

MDS, I stand corrected, I read the question too quickly (blonde moment). The Onk will detect the source material in my HD-DVD (ie, is it HD-DVD, CD, Sd-DVD, DVD-A).... after rereading, the above question is obviously referring to auto-detection of source components, which my 604 will NOT auto-detect...

Please explain. I have a feeling you are not talking about the same thing as the original question.