Options for improved video

[dem beats]

What I have here is a problem!!! There are too many great options out there.

What a great problem to have. I need a new receiver capable of 1.3 HDMI. I would like it to have some great processing power also, as I will be playing blue ray on it, but so many dvd's will be watched also and not just blue ray. Having the ability to clean up those lesser pictures will be pretty important to me. Right now I have an integra, and love the look and ease of use, and the fact it's not in everyones home. I'm just not sure that just getting the latest from integra is the right choice for me. I don't really have a budget, but if I were to spend the money to get top of the line seperates etc, I would rather throw that money into buying some B&W's all the way around. I accelerate toward diminishing returns as the electronics aproach the cost of the speakers... I have the energy RC system BTW in 5.1, and am making my own DIY sub. For video it will be on the epson 1080UB and a 120" focupix.

I am really interested in the Yamaha RX-V3900, or maybe the Z7. Here is why, normaly I play quite a bit of music from my computer, the ability to make my computer and my receiver best friends is appealing. I think I would rather manage the music(playlist and source) on the computer, but the ability to posibly have the remote function is nice also! The video processing on that unit sounds impressive, but I get lost in understanding it. I was referenced to check out the new options from B&K also as there was some buzz about their new video processing. I'm also completely unaware of what I will get from the other giants Pio, or dennon. I have had bad luck from Pio actualy, so I think even if it's great I will be hesitant.

The reason I haven't just purchased the Yam yet is several folds deep, I'm not sure I fully understand the 1,000 dollar price difference in the z7 and the v3900. What does my 1k really get me in my HT room? And is there anything else that can do it all? What I mean is, I guess if I can't make the received and my computer talk, I will live fine, I have for years. I just like the idea of integration so it appeals to me. I also really dislike the look of yamaha. That plays no part in my ultimate decision, but when I look at it I actualy feel it looks of less quality than the integra or some of the other options.

I am really open to any opinions you guys have, and really want to learn a bit more.
Thank all!

 

[dem beats]

Also to note, I supose I wouldn't mind having a better amplifier. At times I feel like the integra looses clarity and force when playing durring loud action scenes, or when played at low volumes, it seams to loose some depth too.

 

[Chopin_Guy]

In the price range you are looking, and for the features you are requiring, I would also look at the Denon 4308ci and the Onkyo NR905 or NR906. Both of these will have all the features you asked for---while the Onkyo will have the best video processing of the bunch if that is a priority for your SD collection. The Onkyo will probably also have the most robust amplifier as well....

I am not too familiar with the Yammy line....but I did look at the Z7 and it looks like an extremely competent AVR but I could not find any exact specs on what the video processing is. I know the Z11 uses Anchor Bay which is also very good but nothing was indicated on the Z7 specs as to its specific video processor. Given the bracket of these AVRs, none of them would be a wrong choice....

 

[dem beats]

I'll probably look like a fool, but I had a loose understanding that Onkyo was the parent of Integra, and integra was supposed to be the more robust units. Just a name for those that care about having a cooler name. Think acura and honda.

Thank you much for your tip though

I am also confused by Yam. The z7 and 3900 look to have nearly identical processing on paper and the same amplification power.

 

[zumbo]

The Z7 does employ Anchor Bay. I honestly don't think which 1080p scaling a unit employs matters. I guess it's cool to have it.

I have posted the question about Anchor Bay compared to Realta in the Z7 review thread.

I also know the Z7 has a feature to run as a full dedicated pre-pro, with the menu option to actually turn the internal amp off, or assign it to different zones.

 

[jostenmeat]

Also to note, I supose I wouldn't mind having a better amplifier. At times I feel like the integra looses clarity and force when playing durring loud action scenes, or when played at low volumes, it seams to loose some depth too.

Do you have space for multiple components? For the price of a nice receiver, you can simply add two devices instead. An outboard video processor, and an outboard amplifier.

According to some who really care about video, they say outboard is the WTG. Yeah, it can get really expensive, but I would check out the DVDO Edge, and see if that might fit the bill for you.

However, I will not be able to answer any future specific q's on VPs. I never really researched them, as I exclusively watch native hi-def since last year. Therefore, I wish you the best of luck in your research.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Oppo seems to like Anchor Bay. But I don't think Audioholics has ever given Oppo players that "perfect" HQV score. Although Oppo always seem to get very high video scores.

On ther other hand, Audioholics has given Denon components that have the Silicon Optix Realta (3930CI, 5910CI, 5308CI, AVP-A1HDCI) that "perfect" HQV score, which is 130 points.

I wonder if the REON chip also gets that perfect HQV score?

 

[dem beats]

Neat product josten. I don't knwo if it's for me as I would loose some standard audio functionality it looks like. The price is nice though!

 

[jostenmeat]

New DVDO EDGE !!

AVS Video Processor sub-forum

 

[dem beats]

I did end up with the rx-z7.

I got a verry verrry verrrrry good deal. Or what I think is a good deal at least. Especialy since I took it home that day. Rarely do B&M prices beat out online prices.