This is my first post, although I visit the forum off and on. My Sony STR DB840 has lost a rear channel, so I guess it's time to replace it. I'm asking for help because I'm having a hard time comparing AVRs to find what will work best for my system. The specs all seem to show that there's plenty of everything, but once you look at the back of the AVR, those inputs are not really available.The Yamaha's in particular seem to have confusing groupings of video/audio input options (e.g. video with just an optical).
I'm looking to spend $500 to $600. The big step-up that I'm hoping to get is HDMI output for all video regardless of the input. I currently switch the monitor to straight video when required as well as use a separate HDMI switch for different sources. The ladies of the house would prefer less switching. Note that the monitor that I have right now will only do 1080i and some of my input sources are also 1080i. I think that I've read that this is an issue with the up-converting on some of the AVRs.
I have 5.1 speaker setup with a powered sub.
My main inputs are:
- cable/DVR box (HDMI with analog audio or optical if required)
- DVD - OPPO DV-970HD (HDMI with analog audio or optical if required). I was hoping to get a Blue-ray player soon, but it looks like I'm buying an AVR instead.
- LaserDisc player (Pioneer D606) (video/analog audio+optical). I have quite a few discs that still are not available in DVD. The Sony makes it easy to switch to analog-only for those discs with no digital output.
- Two VCRs that we still use quite a bit. I could route these through a AV switch if needed, but we still record on both of them too. The Sony has three VCR in/out channels.
The easier that the remote is to use the better.
The AVR would go in an enclosed cabinet with powered ventilation. From what I read, if I chose one of the Onkyo's I'd need to add a fan unit that goes on top of the AVR in addition to the powered ventilation.
Thanks!
