CNET Reviews Onkyo TX-SR605

[VinnyC]

Looks like CNET finally reviewed the Onkyo TX-SR605! Gave it an 8 out of 10. Not too shabby. Read it here:

http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/onkyo-tx-sr605-black/4505-6466_7-32430579.html?tag=prod.txt.1

 

[sholling]

The down conversion of component video 1080i would kill the deal for me. Anybody know if the 805 has the same defect?

 

[fmw]

Defect? Design parameter you don't like, perhaps. I have a 605 but I'm 100% HDMI so component video isn't an issue for me. I can see how it might for someone else, however.

 

[NoTx]

You know, I wonder if the reviewer has heard of the Playstation 3? It really is a blu-ray player... really.

I am not sure if it can transmit DTS-HD... but I know you can select bitstream, so I expect ity can. And I know it can decode Dulby TrueHD. Heck that was from the very begining.

 

[avaserfi]

You know, I wonder if the reviewer has heard of the Playstation 3? It really is a blu-ray player... really.

I am not sure if it can transmit DTS-HD... but I know you can select bitstream, so I expect ity can. And I know it can decode Dulby TrueHD. Heck that was from the very begining.

The bitstream option on the PS3 does not output a TrueHD signal (99% sure of this). Right now any receivers ability to decode an HD audio format is pointless because their are no players that send out bitstream data.

 

[MDS]

The bitstream option on the PS3 does not output a TrueHD signal (99% sure of this). Right now any receivers ability to decode an HD audio format is pointless because their are no players that send out bitstream data.

Agreed, but upconversion (scaling or deinterlacing - not transcoding) is mostly a pointless feature for a receiver too but lots of people want it.

 

[VinnyC]

Agreed, but upconversion (scaling or deinterlacing - not transcoding) is mostly a pointless feature for a receiver too but lots of people want it.

I think upscaling is the worst idea ever created for picture quality. What happens when I take a photograph and stretch it 2x as large? Why pixelation! This isn't CSI or X-Files where you can "digitally enhance" an image after you zoom in to make it clear. Whatever compensation the upscaling devices do to a video signal, I want no part of it. Give me the native signal anyday.

I will hook up my upscaling DVD player thru HDMI, however, I will happily leave it at 480p, because the video on the disc is made to be played at the resolution. If this means bypassing the reciever and using an optical cable for audio, so be it. People just like the bragging rights. If you really want 1080p, get a 1080p source image.

Don't get me wrong, I will probably get this receiver, but will not use it for my video. I would rather have good picture quality than the convenience of one cable. I believe any true Audiophile would agree with me. If not then oh well.

 

[MDS]

I would use the receiver for video simply because I like the convenience of having the receiver do all the switching. However, I will not get all upset if 1080i component video from my cable box gets converted to 720p.

 

[fmw]

I think upscaling is the worst idea ever created for picture quality. What happens when I take a photograph and stretch it 2x as large? Why pixelation! This isn't CSI or X-Files where you can "digitally enhance" an image after you zoom in to make it clear. Whatever compensation the upscaling devices do to a video signal, I want no part of it. Give me the native signal anyday.

Have you tried upscaling? I wouldn't say the results are dramatic but it certainly doesn't destroy picture quality. I watch SD DVD's all the time on my Blu-Ray and Onkyo 605 and they look super. They aren't HD, of course, but they are quite good.

 

[zhimbo]

I think upscaling is the worst idea ever created for picture quality.

Well, in most cases you can't NOT upscale - it's just a question of what does the upscaling.

If you have a 720p or 1080p TV, and you're playing DVDs, for example, you're upscaling. If your receiver or DVD player isn't, your TV is. TVs won't "match" the resolution of the source.

Well, you can play a shrunken image of the source material that will take up a fraction of the area of the TV screen, but I don't see that happening too often.

 

[alexsound]

The bitstream option on the PS3 does not output a TrueHD signal (99% sure of this). Right now any receivers ability to decode an HD audio format is pointless because their are no players that send out bitstream data.

The PS3 can decode Dolby TrueHD and Digital Plus and send it via HDMI
to a receiver that has HDMI 1.2 or above, from my understanding. It
doesn't, however have DTS-HD decoding. Unfortunately, I can't test
this, since I have my PS3 hooked up through component video. My TV doesn't have HDMI inputs and netiher does my receiver. It's also my understanding that if the receiver/prepro has built in (all of the above surround modes) and it has HDMI 1.3, the PS3, being HDMI 1.3 spec, can send the raw data stream to the receiver or prepro to decode. The online manual explains how to set the options for the above scenario if I remember correctly.

Oh yeah, the BD disc itself has to have a Dolby True or Plus or DTS-HD track/option too.

 

[Phantom_9192]

Ok... I have read a lot of stuff and though I am still feeling a bit overwhelmed, I think I have my concern boiled down to a simple question.
Here's my situation - Mitsu WD62628 1080p (wobulated) 62" DLP, and I'm putting in a new game room/media room.
I only have one 1080 HDMI input on the TV (the other is maxed at 720p as a computer input... what a beating). Both are pre-HDMI 1.3.

So.... if I get the 605 and run my DISH HD DVR and a PS/3 both through the 605 HDMI ports and then to the TV via HDMI, will I suffer any downconversion?
Meaning will I get 1080i from the DVR, 1080p from Blu-Ray discs via PS3, and 480p via regular DVD via PS3?
If so, then I'm IN and I will just avoid the component inputs for anything other than my old PS2 (Guitar Hero ) and any other non-HD sources since the max output via component it sounds like is 720p.

Does this make sense? I would very much like to get this rcvr and not pay double for the 805 (I think that's the next model up) if possible. I want to spend that $ on some nice speakers.

I'm hoping my assumptions above are right and I can confidently buy this receiver and be ecstatic about it.
With but a simple answer from one of you fine folks, I'll be SET and completely stoked.
Thanks in advance!!!!!

 

[NYGuy10960]

I'm a bit confused by this CNET comment as well:

Downconverts 1080i component video signals to 720p when outputting over HDMI; HDMI video quality converted from analog sources may not satisfy videophiles.

As of right now the only decision I've made for my "new" room is

Sony KDL-52XBR2 52" BRAVIA XBR® LCD Flat Panel HDTV 1080p
Panasonic DMP-BD10 Blu-ray Disc Player

TV signal will be from an HD receiver (FIOS)

Do I have to worry about the downconverting? I'll be playing standard dvds thru the blu-ray which does upconversion. (hope I got that right)

So this shouldnt be an issue right?

 

[MDS]

The downconverting only applies to analog video signals from component video that are transcoded to HDMI.

 

[NYGuy10960]

Amazon has the Onkyo TX-SR674 7.1 Channel Up-Converting A/V Receiver for $399.98! Better right??!!

To move to a level beyond purely functional home theater, the TX-SR674s gives you everything you need for audibly powerful, visually expressive home entertainment. The first consideration should be the essentials—like rock-steady amplifier power and performance through Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT) and the cleanest audio signals generated by Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (VLSC). And with HDTV in mind, the TX-SR674 also offers High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) and connectivity with the latest high-definition disc formats. Capping it off with Audyssey 2EQ™ room acoustics correction technology, the TX-SR674 stands out as one of the more complete A/V receivers in its class.
Special Features

HDMI 2 Input / 1 Output, 1080p bandwith - ready for next generation DVD players
Auto Speaker Calibration with Audyssey 2EQ - Creates an optimal listening area, not a point - perfect for families
Video Upconversion to HDMI with deinterlacing - ensuring your video looks the best on the newest tv's