A/V reciever's Scalers

[brutus]

Do the new recievers featuring HDMI video output, such as Yamahas RX-Z11
improve picture quality on older sets using 1080I?
Also can anyone provide some insight as to who makes the best scaler. I have been told by some sales people that Denon is one of the best but when quizzed on what features and benefits one would realize with one of these units they all seem to draw a blank.

 

[Johnd]

The Z11 uses the ABT 1018 chip offering excellent scaling. However, the best way to compare is an AB test, so if you can find a dealer that would allow you to bring in your display and player, there would be no uncertainty. Otherwise, if that is all you need (scaling) consider a 1080p player which would cost a fraction of the Z11.

 

[Seth=L]

The Onkyo TX-SR875 and TX-NR905 offer Reon HQV scalers, which are supposed to be excellent, I don't know how they compare to the ABT 1018 in the Yamaha RX-Z11.

Edit: I can't find any direct comparisons online, but it looks like the ABT 1018 is a new chip set and is pretty high end. Teac Esoteric (extremely high dollar stuff) use the ABT 1018 in their upscaling multiformat players, that's a pretty good indication that the ABT 1018 is top of the line, because that is pretty much all Teac Esoteric uses is top of the line stuff.

For example, the Teac Esoteric UX-3Pi retails for around 7k USD and that is one of their less expensive models.

 

[brutus]

Thank you for your response. Since Audio is also of interest I am focusing my research on A/V type recievers. 7K is out of the question for my budget, looking for the best bang for the buck between $1500 AND $2000. I've had good luck with both Denon and Yamaha products in the past, rotten luck with Kenwood but I'm open for suggestions.

 

[Seth=L]

Thank you for your response. Since Audio is also of interest I am focusing my research on A/V type recievers. 7K is out of the question for my budget, looking for the best bang for the buck between $1500 AND $2000. I've had good luck with both Denon and Yamaha products in the past, rotten luck with Kenwood but I'm open for suggestions.

Well lucky for everyone, at least to my knowledge, Kenwood isn't actively competing in the A/V receiver race much.

IMO, Onkyo offers the best Bang for Buck right now. They have very beefy amlifiers and tons of features. The TX-NR905 is a fantastic looking receiver on paper. One common complaint about Onkyo that everyone seems to get hung up on is that they run hotter than the competition, that is physically hotter. They have built in fans to handle extreme heat beyond operating comfort but you could put fans on it yourself to keep it running cool.

 

[Warpdrv]

I have been watching the scalers implemtation for a while, and Im still holding out for a new batch... There are alot of people that have problems with artifacts being introduced into the stream... I am looking forward to seeing how Emotiva's results with the LMC-2...

Hardware is based on the new Cirrus CS497xx decoder. Video processing is handled by the new Genesis Torino processor; this chip is no slouch, it's state of the art. HDMI management and routing is courtesy of Analog Devices. All audio components have been carefully chosen for SQ and very low noise.

I chose to buy a inexpensive switching receiver to hold me over while I ride out the storm...

I also have only 1080i and I feel the picture quality of my Dish network, and movies (DVD's) is up to par, and I am not lacking in not having 1080p... eventually as prices come down I will upgrade my equipment but then I will have to do Processors to upgrade at the same time for scaling... the never ending circle...

 

[mazersteven]

I have been told by some sales people that Denon is one of the best but when quizzed on what features and benefits one would realize with one of these units they all seem to draw a blank.

At least my audio sales guy knows his stuff. But then again he could be telling me anything and I wouldn't have a clue.

I don't know what speakers your attempting to drive, or the features you need. But here is a pre/pro that has been getting lots of phrase about exceptional "scaling".

Integra DTC-9.8

http://www.integrahometheater.com/model.cfm?m=DTC-9.8&class=Separates&p=i

It's at the top of your budget, and when you add amps it's over your budget. But depending on what speakers your using it might fit the bill.

If not please disregard the above post. Like I said I don't have a clue.

 

[Antus]

what TV set do you have?

some higher end TV have very good scaler. i don't think you will find a receiver in $1.5K range to have a better scaler than says Sony XBR4 or Pioneer KURO.

 

[jcPanny]

Video scaling

If you are planning on spending about $2k on a receiver then you should also budget for an entry level HD-DVD or BluRay player or upgraded Satellite or Cable package.

Even an excellent scaler can only do so much with a low res cable feed. SD DVD will not look as good as HD even with a good scaler.

 

[Warpdrv]

I also am curious, what equipment are you running in conjunction with your 1080i... dish, cable, dvd?

I have all 1080i plasma's and I run Dish Networks HD receivers, and upscaling is done through them, and the PQ is freakin awesome... When I watch Sunrise Earth on Discovery HD, It looks so good, im not sure what the hurry is for 1080p, but alas when it becomes more the norm, I will fold and upgrade.

Even my old xbox upscales up to 1080i and I think it looks fantastic.

If I were in the running and had to have 1080p upscaling unit... I would go with Mazers suggestion of the Integra.. hands down the best product out there right this minute... Of all the receivers I have seen they are already going to be outdated this year... get a dedicated Pre-amp and go seperates.

 

[brutus]

I am currently running a Sony 50" SXRD in 1080I (Bought last year just before the newer 1080P sets became resonably priced Rats!!!)
A Yamaha HTR-5890 reciever.
Denon DVD-1730 DVD player.
2 RF82 Klipsch towers for fronts.
2 F3 Klipsch towers for rears.
1 Klipsch Synergy 10" subwoofer.
1 Klipsch RC-62 center.
2 Klipsch S-2 surrounds.
My music sounds great, or as great as my budget will allow, the Yamaha does a good job in this regard. Unfortunately, as is the curse or addiction of this hobby the minute you buy it, it becomes old obsolete stuff. A Blueray is on the horizon, soon as Blockbuster starts renting the movies. In the meantime I am researching an end run around my 1080I TV set and hopefully a upgrade on my now obsolete 3 year old reciever.