HDCP Receiver with Repeater Architecture

[ChrisW123]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking to buy my first A/V receiver for my HDTV to which I will connect these things:

Connecting:
*Vizio 48 in. LCD HDTV (1080p)
*Pana BD35 Blue-Ray DVD (HDMI)
*Comcast HD Cable Box (Component? - 5 cables)
*Old CD Player (2 cables)
*Speakers: 2.1 floor speakers (TST2) at first, adding 3 more speakers later (5.1 total)

I want a receiver that allows me to connect all of these items but use the items normally without turning on the receiver. When I want the enhanced sound, I'd simply turn on the receiver with as little hassle or changing settings as possible to get the receiver sound.

"TLS Guy" said this in another post: "So the big point is he needs a fully HDCP compliant unit with repeater architecture." And he listed this receiver:

Onkyo TX-SR605
http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR605&class=Receiver&p=i

Will the "repeater architecture" of this receiver allow me to shut off the receiver yet still use the DVD player and Cablebox/TV normally? And if so, is this Onkyo a pretty good receiver for the price (about $400)? Are there any other better values in the same price range?

Thanks! -Chris.

 

[Adam]

The owner's manual doesn't specifically state that function is available for the 605, and I'd never heard that it could do it. The manual for the 606 also doesn't state that, but someone posted on another forum that it could be done (linked here, look at the last post).

There are other receivers that specifically mention that capability. The Yamaha RX-465 is one example of a receiver that will certainly do that.

 

[Lordoftherings]

A good remote control will easily do for you these tasks.

Hi Chris,

Why not just getting a Logitech Harmony 550 remote control? Only $50 on sale.
Here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NLZ17W/ref=asc_df_B001NLZW81037?smid=ATVPDKIKXODER&tag=us-pricegrabber-premium-ce-20&linkCode=asn

So now, you can pick any receiver you like, without being restricted to this feature.

And the newer Onkyo TX-SR607 was only $375 about two weeks ago at Accessories 4 Less.
And the Onkyo TX-SR606 is only $320 right now.
And, yes, it is a very good one for this kind of money. The 606 is the best value at anything around that price range. (Almost sold out!)
Here: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR606/Onkyo/TX-SR606-90w-x-7ch-HDMI-Theater-Receiver-BLACK/1.html

Also, give a look at the Marantz SR4003, another great receiver for only $350.
Here: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR4003/Marantz/SR4003-Dolby-Digital-EX/DTS-ES-Surround-Receiver-/1.html

But look at these below for exceptional value:

The Marantz SR5002 at $350 at the Marantz SR6001 also at $350, and both at the same place. Great receivers at a very good discount.
* SR5002 -> http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5002/Marantz/SR5002-receiver-90w-x-7ch-HDMI-home-theater-surround/1.html

** Check the huge discount on this one:
* SR6001 -> http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6001/Marantz/SR6001-receiver-100w-x-7ch-HDMI-home-theater-surround/1.html

Cheers,

Bob

 

[Davemcc]

HDMI repeating is a reference to the receiver decoding the audio track and playing it through the surround system. This is in contrast to HDMI switching, where the receiver passes through the entire HDMI signal intact and does not extract the audio from the HDMI signal. With HDMI switching, you will need to run a separate cable to the receiver in order to get audio.

Using components when the receiver is off is another feature entirely and as Adam has mentioned, some receivers will do this, others won't. You will have to look at each receiver individually to make sure that function is included.

 

[Lordoftherings]

From above ^

Well Dave, he can have a longer look at these exceptional receivers for value, to see if they also include that special feature of "HDMI repeater architecture" with "HDCP compliant" feature (that's where the Harmony 550 remote control comes in).

I believe that any of these receivers will do.

But Thanks for explaining more precisely this requirement from the OP.

Bob

 

[Adam]

Bob,

How is a Harmony remote control supposed to allow someone to pass HDMI signals when a receiver is in standby? That is a feature of a receiver, not the remote.

Adam

 

[MichaelJHuman]

One problem as I see it, is that you want to have multiple devices work when the receiver is off.

My receiver, the Yamaha RX-V3900 will let me choose among too options for HDMI passthrough when the receiver is in standbye mode.

1) Last input selected
2) Fixed input

So if you just wanted TV from a DVR or set top box of some sort, you set it to that input. When you put the receiver in standbye mode, it will send that signal to the TV.

If you want to choose among multiple devices, you would have to turn the receiver on, switch inputs, then put it back into standbye.

Frankly, I don't understand why you would not just use the receiver full time. But if you do want HDMI passthrough in standbye mode, make sure you understand it's limitations.

 

[Adam]

Solid point, Michael. I forgot to mention that limitation.

 

[ChrisW123]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the replies! You guys are great.

I wouldn't want to use a new remote control to allow me to use the TV and/or DVD player with the receiver off. I don't want any new remotes at all. I have finally figured out how to control everything with just my Comcast remote (which are good remote controls) so I definetely wouldn't want a new remote.

With the receiver I buy, I don't intend to ever use the remote that comes with it. All I want to do is push on the ON/OFF to get the surround sound or to turn it off when I'm watching the news or don't want the surround sound, for example. Of course when it's ON, I would also need to switch between CD, DVD, and Tuner depending on which device I'm using which is fine. But that's all the interaction I want with the receiver.

Michael, yes that makes sense. I would only expect that the last selected input device be able to work with the receiver power off, that is fine. And if it allows two devices, even better. Thanks for that clarification.

So my question is: When shopping for a A/V Receiver, what "feature" do I need to look for on the box to verify that that receiver will allow what Michael described? What wording should I look for? Is it "HDMI repeater architecture", or is it "HDMI passthrough", etc.?

The reason is, I don't plan on spending more then about $400 for my receiver so I want to be sure the one I pick has this ability. If I were paying more, I probably wouldn't be as concerned because I'm assuming that more expensive models will always this feature.

Thanks!

 

[MichaelJHuman]

It might not even be labeled. Looking at Yamaha's pages, I could not see any phrase which says they support the feature.

It might say something like 'HDMI Passthrough in standbye', but don't count on it.

Ask around or download the manual to be sure.

 

[Adam]

Ask around or download the manual to be sure.

Great advice. Checking for yourself is best, because even people here get it wrong.

Dave explained the terms in his post above. To be clear, neither "HDMI repeater" nor "HDMI passthrough" refer to what you want.

I know the Yamaha RX-V465 will do it because I checked the manual. I'd be happy to check others for you if you have questions about them.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Oups!

Bob,

How is a Harmony remote control supposed to allow someone to pass HDMI signals when a receiver is in standby? That is a feature of a receiver, not the remote.

Adam

Perhaps (probably) my misunderstanding. I thought that he also meant how to turn "on" all his components (without his receiver) with a simple touch of a button.
If I misread (and it looks that way), I'm sorry for that.
Thank you Adam for pointing that out.

Regards,

Bob

 

[Lordoftherings]

It might not even be labeled. Looking at Yamaha's pages, I could not see any phrase which says they support the feature.

It might say something like 'HDMI Passthrough in standbye', but don't count on it.

Ask around or download the manual to be sure.

Hi Michael,

I thought that only the Yamaha RX-V1900, RX-V3900 and RX-Z7, and perhaps a couple more models from another manufacturer, can pass the HDMI signal through the receiver while it is OFF (Standby).

Bob

 

[ChrisW123]

Thanks everyone!

I've done a little research and found out that, I may be asking (or concerned) about the wrong thing. What I really need is a receiver with "HDMI 1.3 repeating" features so that I can get HD Audio that my Blu-ray DVD player produces (a Pana BD35).

And when watching DVDs, if the receiver has to be on that's fine and if not that's even better.

So my next concern is with the Component connection from my HD Cable box (5 cables) to the receiver I buy. For this connection, I will definetely want to have the receiver off somtimes and still be able to hear/watch the TV. And then sometimes I will want the receiver on while watching TV for better sound.

So for this connection (Component connection of the TV), is there a special feature I should look for in a receiver that allows this? Or will they all have this feature?

Hope this makes sense to everyone!

Thanks, -Chris.

 

[ChrisW123]

And the newer Onkyo TX-SR607 was only $375 about two weeks ago at Accessories 4 Less.
And the Onkyo TX-SR606 is only $320 right now.
And, yes, it is a very good one for this kind of money. The 606 is the best value at anything around that price range. (Almost sold out!)
Here: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR606/Onkyo/TX-SR606-90w-x-7ch-HDMI-Theater-Receiver-BLACK/1.html

I think the SR607 is the one for me. Especially at that price, if I can get it. That site, accessories4less.com, doesn't have any in stock right now however. Lord, have you bought stuff from this site before? Are they reputable?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Excellent deals!

I think the SR607 is the one for me. Especially at that price, if I can get it. That site, accessories4less.com, doesn't have any in stock right now however. Lord, have you bought stuff from this site before? Are they reputable?

Personally, no. But several people did, and are extremely satisfied. It is a very good place, with full warranty and coverage, don't fret about it.
Also check at 6th Avenue for great deals, also another good place of very good reputation.
The Onkyo TX-SR607 was only $375 at 6th Avenue, just a couple weeks ago.

For other great deals, check at Accessories 4 Less, and look at the Marantz SR5002 and the SR6001, both at only $350. The SR6001 is heavily discounted at 71% off from it's original list price!

Lord

 

[ChrisW123]

Thanks for the recommendations!

Looks like both the Marantz SR5002 and SR6001 do not have HMDI v1.3a repeating ability. From what I have read, if you have a Blu-ray DVD player, you want to have this feature for the best sound.

Both the Onkyo SR607 and SR507 have this feature. Wow, the SR507 is only $350 at most places. I think accessories4less may sell a lot of "Reconditioned" units and that's why their prices are about $100 less then everywhere else. Example the SR507 is only $250 there but is Reconditioned (and out of stock).

Now I think the Onkyo SR507 may be the right receiver for me. It's $150 cheaper then the 607 and I could use that savings towards speakers. I don't really need the 7.2 ability of the 607, although the 607 has a couple other features I like. So tough to decide.

 

[Lordoftherings]

You are right, the older Marantz receivers don't have the HDMI version 1.3a
But the Onkyo TX-SR607 and 507 does. So, if it's what you need, then the Marantzs are out of question.

Now, the Onkyo TX-SR607 is only $350 and is better than the TX-SR507, but the 507 is only $260.
And reconditioned receivers at accessories 4 less are perfectly fine with their full warranty. You won't be able to tell if they are refurbs or brand new.

I personally recommend you the 607, at only $350, it is worth the difference over the 507. And don't fret over about getting a refurb from A4L.

 

[ChrisW123]

Yeah I would like the 607 over the 507.

Do you know what "reconditioned" means? Does it mean it had a problem before leaving the factory and was fixed there? Or does it mean it had a problem found by a customers and was returned and then fixed?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Yeah I would like the 607 over the 507.

Do you know what "reconditioned" means? Does it mean it had a problem before leaving the factory and was fixed there? Or does it mean it had a problem found by a customers and was returned and then fixed?

"Reconditioned" means that it is better than brand new, because it is up to date with the latest firmware, and it also means that it was inspected and 100% running in perfect condition, so the term "reconditioned".

Brand new, on the other end, means that there is no guaranty that the unit will be performing properly or that it's defective, plus it will not have the latest firmware update either.

If you can spread the small amount of money to the 607 over the 507, it will be well spent. Even if you don't need an 11.3-channel system setup.

Hope that helps in your new understanding the difference between "reconditioned" and "brand new".
A lot of people still don't fully understand the difference...

Bob