Newbie here - HDMI & HTR-5960 question...

[ShootingBlanks]

Hi, all - sorry if this question is simplistic to answer, but I'm kinda new at this stuff...

I've been looking around online for a decent, yet affordable, sound system. I wanted a 7.1 system. I have a PS3 and HD cable reciever that I want to hook up through it. I am more interested in tv/movie sound than music, and didn't want to spend more than $400 on the reciever...

I was looking at the Yamaha HTR-5960 which I read a number of good things about and also saw for $319 new...

I was about to purchase it, but then I noticed in the specs that it has no HDMI input. Is there any reason that I should be concerned about this? (particularly that the PS3 is Blu-Ray, and I know that you need HDMI for Blu-Ray video, but I'm not sure about Blu-Ray audio). If the optical inputs will suit me just fine, then that's cool. But I wanted to make sure before I purchased...

If the HDMI input IS something I should have, does anyone else have any other suggestions of good 7.1 receivers that are good for tv/movies that may fit my $400-or-less budget?...

Thanks a lot - these forums are great!!!...

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha Receivers

Shoot,
Great receiver, I have last years model the HTR-5860 and recommend it. Make sure you buy from an authorized online dealer so you have a valid warranty.

Based on the speaker budget you posted, I would not worry about HDMI on the receiver. Connect the PS3 video directly to the display and use a digital coax or optical connection for audio to the receiver.

 

[ShootingBlanks]

Thanks, JC! - one other question regarding that receiver...

Regarding this product spec page:

HTR-5960 Specs

I see that it does not have THX Processing. What is that, and is that something to be concerned with?...

Also, is this a relatively easy hookup? Thanks for all the help!!!...

 

[Louis]

I'm kind of new at this but from what i understand THX is just a certification from Lucas Film that manufacturers have to pay to be able to use the Logo (although it does specify some standards the equipment needs to conform to). From what I've been reading, a lot of people consider it a marketing scheme and a lot of receivers out there would pass the requirements for THX certification but manufacturers instead opt not to pay that fee and pass on the savings to you.
Again this is from what i've been reading in this and other forums....
I just got my 5960 2 days ago and I'm loving it!

 

[ShootingBlanks]

Sweet - thanks!...

...mine should be arriving in the mail tomorrow!!!

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver setup

Start by connecting all of your speakers to the receiver and using the suplied mic to run the auto setup. This should accurately set the levels and distance for each speaker. You might want to go into the manual setup and verify that all speakers are set to small and that the crossover is around 80 Hz.