Suggestions on Multi-Room Video Receiver

[Dolomike]

Hey Everyone,

Been lurking for a while now and figured I'd finally register and post a question. I'm hoping some of you guys can give me some advice on receivers that will fit my requirements. I did some searching but didn't seem to find what I was looking for.

I have a basic Sony 5.1 receiver that I would like to upgrade to something that can handle multi-room video. We have our "main" viewing area on our TV upstairs in the living room, a TV downstairs for the kids, and another in our bedroom. What I would like to have is a receiver that can do the following:

• A second zone that can output HDMI with audio for the downstairs TV
• The second zone can be controlled independently of the main zone (I/R, Ipad App, etc)
• Ideally a second HDMI output for the main zone to run the TV in the bedroom (again with audio)

We don't have cable/sat right now so everything is from media players, BluRay, OTA, Netflix etc which is all located in the living room. With everything in one place, I can minimize equipment, keep watch on what the kids are doing, and buy a single kick-ass receiver to boot!

I've found a few receivers but it seems you either need to run analog audio or run speakers to the second zone. I have no issues buying a HDMI splitter for the TV in the bedroom but it would be nice if it was built into the receiver.

Anything info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Mike

 

[crossedover]

Do you have a budget and how would you like to control the video selection? Is audio needed other than the TV speakers?

 

[Dolomike]

Controlling video selection can be I/R, IPad app, RF etc. In fact, I wouldn't have an issue even if the second zone was just controlled from the main remote or the receiver itself but remote operation would be best. I can always add a remote I/R repeater later.

As for audio, the second zone and bedroom TV would only need basic stereo audio. At this point there is no plan to install 5.1+ audio downstairs so just TV speakers is sufficient.

As for budget, I would like to keep it around $1k but not sure if I can get everything I want at that price. I could probably go to $1500.

 

[nm2285]

Great deals on the Denon AVR-X4000 right now. 4000, 4100, 5200 should all do what you need. Also, Marantz SR7008 and 7009. If 2 zones is all you need, they'll all serve your purposes. If you might want 3 zones, Marantz is the way to go.

 

[Dolomike]

Thanks for the reply. I definitely like Denon and based on the manuals and other forum posts, they do exactly what I wanted.

I managed to grab an X4000 from one of the few places in Canada that still carried them since this model is being replaced with the 4100. The 4000 will keep me going for several years until the kids grow up and I can take over and finally get my long awaited "theater room" going. I'll splurge for the really good stuff then