HK AVR7300 Video Processing Question

[WndrBr3d]

I recently replaced my HK AVR520 with the AVR7300 when I made the move to HD.

The AVR7300 comes with the Faroudja 2300 DCDi Deinterlacing Processor built in, converting -any- standard 480i signal to 480p (using DCDi filters).

My HD Cable box is a Pioneer 3510HD Digital Tuner. It's capable of upsampling standard television from 480i to 1080i.

My question is, which would yield a better picture.

A) Having the cable box output standard 480i channels to the receiver for conversion to 480p by the Faroudja 2300 deinterlacer (while passing through all 1080i images)

-or-

B) Having the cable box upsample all non-1080i signals to 1080i and having it pass through the receiver.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Lincoln]

I think you would be better off trying it each way and determining which you like better. Theoretically you could determine which SHOULD be better (I'm guessing the recvr) but the reality is that in these circumstances theory doesn't always work

 

[Audioholics]

A) Having the cable box output standard 480i channels to the receiver for conversion to 480p by the Faroudja 2300 deinterlacer (while passing through all 1080i images)

If I'm not mistaken you would lose the HD channels if you did this. I don't think the box can put out widescreen 480i for HD channels. Check it out and let us know.

 

[WndrBr3d]

If I'm not mistaken you would lose the HD channels if you did this. I don't think the box can put out widescreen 480i for HD channels. Check it out and let us know.

Any component signal that's not 480i (i.e.: 480p, 720p, 1080i) the AVR7300 passes through w/o video processing. The cable box "upsamples" all HD channels (700 -> 725 on Time Warner San Diego) automagically to 1080i since all HD channels broadcast in 480p or higher.

 

[WndrBr3d]

*bump*

Any help with someone who has experience with the AVR 7300 would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Joss]

I also have the HK 7300. Currently, I route the non-HD signals from my Scientific Atlantic 8000 as 480i and let the HK 7300 upsample to 480p. The HD signal is passed through untouched. Another nice benefit is the 7300's menu signal tags along as well.

I also use the DCDI engine for my DVD player (HK DVD31).

Both work very well on my Hitachi 51''.

Mike

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Wndrbr3d and Joss,

Interested to know how you like your AVR7300 and what you compared it to before purchasing? Do you have any problems with the processor memory or setup? Any hangups with the receiver? What are it's strengths? SoundandVision seemed to test it with enormous power comparable to the best of the best receivers on the market. I know this is in depth, but a lot of our previous threads had to do with this receiver and we haven't seen many posts by members who own this beast. Your comments are very much appreciated!

 

[WndrBr3d]

I've been playing with the AVR 7300 video processing options for the last two weeks I've owned it.

I set my cable box to output 480i (on non-HD channels) and allow the AVR 7300 to process the video to 480p. I have no doubt that the AVR7300 has a good video processor in it, but as far as it's abilities to deinterlace signals, I'm beginning to doubt.

For the last week, I've been analyzing different video streams from my Pioneer 3510HD Digital Tuner (Analog channels, Digital Channels) and have found that the Receiver just doesn't deinterlace the signal very well at all.

My TV does register the output from the AVR7300 as 480p, BUT, you can see interlaced artifacts while watching TVs and movies.

I've read the manual and it says that it can process both 480i AND 480p video. I'm not sure on this, because you cannot see any OSD of volume or menu's when it's not processing a 480i picture, which tells me that it cant put any graphics over component video unless it's running through the image processor.

I'm going to call Harman/Kardon tomorrow and speak with their support about it. Since I cant pull up the menu while using a NON-processed 480i signal, I can't adjust the settings to see if they have an effect on 480p video.

As far as this receiver goes in general, it's awesome! I'm very pleased, and it was an excellent upgrade from my HK AVR520. Pushing 110w per channel in 7.1 gives this receiver -outstanding- power.

 

[Joss]

Yes, it is awesome. I've owned the 7300 since September and couldn't be happier. Lot of flexibility, power, and it also looks good. I was surprised by the size and weight when I first got it. It is big and heavy.

The remote works as advertised--I'm using it for all of my remote needs. Finally, I have sought this for time on end.

The video processing with the DCDI engine is a nice touch. I have done some comparision with/without and have not noted artifacts. The picture is quite good--especially on digital signals and DVD.

On the downside: A lot of work to set up. It does get hot. The fan is audible at times. Switching from 480p to 1080i blanks the screen and causes "gyrations". Also, it would be nice if the OSD menu worked on all modes. Alas, it does not. Only on 480i or signals converted to 480p through the receivers internal video processor.

Though biased, I own one, I whole heartily recommend the 7300. Truly worthy of flagship status.

Did I mention big and heavy...

 

[WndrBr3d]

The manual says it runs both 480i and 480p signals through the Faroudja 2300 processor.

I'm going to call H/K to verify this on Monday.

I'm thinking if the OSD isn’t working, the signal isnt being sent through the video processor (like on even 480p signals).

What are your Advanced Video settings? I have a TV similar to yours (Mitsu Rear Projection) and you said you don’t see artifacts from deinterlacing.

I'm going to put the AVR7300 through my Avia test disc and see how well it performs. I think the issue might be the processor has trouble identifying poorly flagged signals.

I'll let you know what I find out. I just need to dig up my Avia DVD

 

[WndrBr3d]

So, I called HK tech support and asked them the dealio on the AVR7300's video processor.

He says the main reason that the FLI2300 processor is in the AVR7300, is to up-convert standard Inputs (S-Video, Component) into a 480p signal.

ANY SIGNAL THAT IS 480P OR HIGHER WILL BE PASSED THROUGH THE RECEIVER WITHOUT BEING PROCESSED BY THE FLI2300 PROCESSOR!

I asked them if it made sense to have my DVD player output 480i over component video and let the receiver deinterlace it, and the tech said that it's better to let the DVD player output 480p than to have it 'down sample' the component output to 480i.

He also said it's standard for all HK recievers to not display OSD over component output.

That all being said, I'm rather disappointed in Harman/Kardon’s implementation of the FLI2300 processor. It's a great deinterlacer and powerful video processor but it seems they're not using it to it's full potential in this application.

So all THAT aside, I'm pleased with the receiver otherwise.

Anyone have any experience using 480i composite input? I've done it using my DVD player and Digital Cable and notice interlacing artifacts constantly.