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HDMI Terms and Troubles...

Having been lured in and taken the bait from a sales person that assured me I would be able to "grow" with a particular Sony unit...I now refuse to buy anything Sony as it.'s build out is simply stupid, therefore all things Sony must be the same. Besides, I am not a fan of having any one particular format forced into my home (ie BlueRay).
In all honesty though, the Sony does everything it's "supposed" to do...and it does it well...I made an error in trusting a particular sales person.

My questions start with HDMI terms...in respect to "pass-through" and "decoding".
Am I correct in presuming that the term pass-though is exactly that and nothing more? No processing of any kind happens to the signal and whatever your source is, that's also what comes out to your display?
Whereas decoding actually takes the signal and enhances or corrects it according to your setup?

My problem is this...my Sony has 3 HDMI inputs and NONE of them will allow me to get the audio from that signal and go to the surrounds. I have to install additional audio cables from each source and essentially double my cable mess. I just want a simple clean look.
My home is modest by most standards (under 1K sqft) and my wife and I almost never go to theaters anymore, so we try to enjoy our movies the best we can. I am seeking guidance in selecting a new center-piece for my setup. I do not need DSPs or separates, or any of the like... Just a simple tuner/receiver 5.1 unit with about 100WPC+/-, perhaps with THX and at least 4 HDMI inputs that WILL allow audio extraction to the surrounds.
I have seen the ONKYO TXSR806 suggested here and there. Then someone said the "805" is/was a better unit???
Perhaps the 706 unit?
I would like to keep the budget right about 500.00 for this as my sister-inlaw owes me a bit less than that from last year...so I am x-mas shopping a little for myself.

Any and all suggestions in the right direction will be appreciated.

TIA,
Hillard
deaf_one

Showing 1 response by deaf_one

deaf_one OP
3 posts
 
OK...here are all the details about my pieces in ensemble.

These items have HDMI output for which I need an input on the new reciever.
HD-DVR Cable Box (1080i)
HD-A2 Toshiba DVD Player (1080i /p with firmware upgrade)
SD-5000 Toshiba DVD Player (which I use for DIVX & WMA Discs from my PC) (1080i)
XBOX 360 Elite (1080i/p)?
Next, the TV is a Toshiba 51H84 (HD 1080i max) which has a single HDMI input.
Front speakers are a pair of Paradigm Monitors and the Center is also Paradigm.
The sub is a Mirage Omni12.
Rear Speakers are some misc JVCs I have had for many years that work well for my ears.
I will presume the HD-A2 player and Xbox mght have v1.3 HDMI but everything else may be too old.
The receiver is an STR-DG510

Typically I will use the AFD button to scroll through the different environments to find what sounds best based on the disc or input device selected.

ATTN:Blindjim
Do not all devices with HDMI output include the audio signal in that cable?...as well as other optional outputs...?

It appears as though my answers would be solved by getting the ONKYO TXSR806 or similar... at 650.00 that number is something the wife can NEVER know...lol
Some side work will have to be done first ;)
So, Onkyo or step up to a base Integra that meets my input/power needs?

I know that I cannot compare with what most of you put into your homes...but I am trying to make the best of what is available to me.
Any further inputs?
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