Component video switching via Receiver??

[theice]

I don't belong to an AV forum, so I'm posting this here.

I just got a Yamaha HTR-5760 and I'm running my XBOX & GAMECUBE via the receiver's component video inputs then on to the TV. For whatver reason, the menus of the systems, NOT THE GAME MENUS, won't show up. So, I can't adjust the system settings nor do the logos come up when they power on like normal. Other than that, the games seem to show fine while playing. I am running the Cube in progressive (when available) and the Xbox @ 1080i.

This just semed weird to me, and I was curious if anyone else had experienced anything similar or had any ideas on what could be the cause???(dunno)

 

[Greg S]

Unfortunately the HTR series is Yamaha's cut rate line made for the big box stores so it doesn't have a lot of the feaures that their RXV line has, like the ability to use the menus through component video. You'll need to hook up the S-video or composite video monitor out to see the on-screen menu.

 

[hazeXban]

Yeah same with my Onkyo SR-600 I need to use S-video for OSD. Luckily there is a nice LED display on the front of the receiver so I don't need to OSD.

 

[theice]

Yeah, I know about the s-video or composite for the OSD of the receiver, but I'm referring to the menus of the GAME CONSOLES.

Also, I'd hardly call a $500 (at Best Buy) receiver cut-rate, as the HTR-5760 is essentially the same as the rx-v650, except I got it for $50 less, $335.

From Yamaha.com:

What Is The Difference Between The RX-V Line And The HTR Line?


There are many similarities between these two product lines. The RX-V line and the HTR line are produced in the same Yamaha factory using the same high quality parts throughout. The RX-V and equivalent HTR models have the same warranty periods, the same manufacturer's suggested retail price, the same features, and the same remote control units.

There is a cosmetic difference found on the front panels of these two lines. The RX-V line maintains the traditional white colored lettering normally found on most Yamaha components, while the HTR line provides a slightly different approach. Yamaha has created a new look by using gold colored lettering in selected areas on the HTR receiver series. However, both the RX-V line and the HTR line feature the same high quality front panel construction.

The amplifiers in the HTR and RX-V units are identical but rated differently to comply with the accepted measurement standards of their respective channels of distribution. Both ratings are FTC approved and are designed to handle the dynamics of today's audio and video sources. The RX-V line has the power amplifiers rated from 20-20000 Hz. The HTR line has the power amplifiers rated at 1000 Hz. Both lines can reproduce the full frequency response of 20-20000 Hz.

The RX-V line is typically sold through Yamaha authorized audio/video specialty retailers, and is not available for mail order sales, phone sales, or internet sales.

The HTR line is sold through mass merchants, catalog retailers, and department stores. You may also purchase the HTR line through the mail, by phone, or at authorized internet retailers.

so, the differences are essentially cosmetic.

Thanks for the input so far though.....

 

[CommieSpeed]

The game systems do not display the startup menus in progressive/HD. Your TV is set up to only recieve this type of signal from them now. I have seen this before on my buddy's brand new plasma. I have a '01 WEGA XBR 400 and it auto detects HD signal and switched to it on the fly. Oh well! Also, certain games will just not work with your TV's brand of HD/progressive. For no reason at all Fable wont work in progressive on my TV.

 

[I_Vtec]

Well certain TVs will only display certain qualities of HD. For example, my TV has no issue displaying 480p or 1080i, but it will not display 720p. But my TV has no issues displaying the menus for my X-box using the component video. That's strange.

 

[theice]

But this was not the case when I had the consoles plugged directly into the TV using component video????
The menus and such displayed fine.

There isn't a setting on the TV to only accept certain formats. It's a Samsung HD-ready projection TV. I know the TV won't accept 720p, so I have that turned off on the BOX, but I think, don't quote me, that the Cube will display in 480p at best.

This has only been an issue since going through the receiver.

 

[I_Vtec]

Not that this is of relevance, but my X-box is routed thru my reciever's component video switching.

If it's a big deal, would returning the Yamaha and gettting a different receiver be an option?

 

[theice]

Returning may suck as I got it from an internet site, Hypeaudio, due to saving $170 on the price, so I prefer not to return it, considering I'll prob have to pay shipping, and replacing will cost more as well.

Although, I'm not above purchasing a new one (same model) someplace else and then returning the one I have already, if it was the problem. The one I have was sealed and was brand new as far I can tell, and this is the only issue I'm having. So, I'm attempting to avoid any returns if possible.

 

[I_Vtec]

Well I was gonna say that this is the 3rd Pioneer I've had with component video switching and have had no issues.

 

[Micah]

Interesting Thread. I've been looking at the Yamaha recievers - and I have multiple progressive sources (Xbox, PS2, Gamecube, HDTV digital cable reciever, Phillips 642 DVD player [xvid, divx - and progressive dvd playback]). Which Pioneer reciever should I be looking at? I won't be purchasing until later this year. More pressing matters are paying off my car, and buying the Merkur XR4Ti from MPNick.

 

[I_Vtec]

I'm at work right now and don't know off the top of my head. But I'm a real electronics nut and like to have the newest stuff. Right now the receiver I have is a Pioneer Elite unit. It supports 7.1 dolby digital, although I'm only running it in 6.1.

 

[I_Vtec]

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4155_123728223,00.html

I think that is essentially what I have but the newer model. I've had mine for about a year now.

 

[Micah]

Yeah, I have 5.1 in my bedroom - and I like it. I've done some reading on 6.1 and 7.1 and there isn't any source media available in those formats (ok, there are some ultra rare show off media - but not much else). The other reason I'll likely stick with 5.1 is because I don't want to have to mount any rear center channels. I'm in an apartment - so space is limited.

 

[I_Vtec]

Well I own about 10 or so movies in 6.1.

 

[I_Vtec]

I see what you're saying about the apartment. I also live in an apartment, but I just have the rear center on a long speaker wire. I shove it under my end table when not in use and pull it out when I need it.

Also just for info sake, certain receivers can basically turn a DTS signal into 6.1.

Yeah, I have 5.1 in my bedroom - and I like it. I've done some reading on 6.1 and 7.1 and there isn't any source media available in those formats (ok, there are some ultra rare show off media - but not much else). The other reason I'll likely stick with 5.1 is because I don't want to have to mount any rear center channels. I'm in an apartment - so space is limited.

 

[Micah]

I'll likely stick with Yahama. The screen mode thing can be avoided by creative use of switching. Basically, I would run the HDTV cable in the first input, and my dvd player in the second input. The reciever can switch the two of those via remote. Since they are the ones that I will use the most. From the component out, I will go to the 4 port component switch I have (cheap one, slight degradation minimized by use of better cables) - and then from the swiches output to the projector. The Switch will also have the consoles connected via component (just the (modded) xbox really, the ps2 & gamecube are usually in my bedroom along with the second (modded) xbox - occasionally swapped to the living room). The audio out of the switch will be inputted on the reciever through an alternate audio input.

 

[theice]

Micah: To get anything worthwhile these days, it seems that you'll at least be getting a 6.1. From what I saw, 5.1 was only available in the lowest models available. Although, you can always run a 5.1 setup with any of the higher channel receivers.

This just sux, because one of the big selling points in upgrading my receiver was component video switching. I was considering the Pelican Universal System Selector Pro http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?j=1&CategoryID=cat08132&id=1064000347511&skuId=6033758&type=product, before I upgraded my receiver for this, but that's another $80. Now, maybe I'll try the this one which isn't powered nor supports optical audio http://hardware.gamespot.com/Story-ST-13904-1247-4-7-x, I think it can be had for around $25 @ wally world.

 

[Micah]

Yeah, I have been looking at receivers for quite a while. And though I realize most are now switching to 6.1 and 7.1 (there are 8.1 and 15.1 setups already if you wanna get crazy) the dvd authoring is still for the most part 5.1.

I'm using a $25 switchbox that I picked up at Gamestop. Not powered, and very basic - but it gets the job done. I'm no audiophile or videophile - though I can see the difference at many times from one setup to another; it doesn't bother me too much yet. I see the difference, I see what I would need to spend to upgrade, and then I look at the other stuff I would rather buy.

 

[Greg S]

Yeah, I know about the s-video or composite for the OSD of the receiver, but I'm referring to the menus of the GAME CONSOLES.

Also, I'd hardly call a $500 (at Best Buy) receiver cut-rate, as the HTR-5760 is essentially the same as the rx-v650, except I got it for $50 less, $335.

From Yamaha.com:


so, the differences are essentially cosmetic.

Thanks for the input so far though.....


The RX-V line has the power amplifiers rated from 20-20000 Hz. The HTR line has the power amplifiers rated at 1000 Hz.

Sorry, I thought that you were having problems with the OSD menu.

BTW the last line above shows the real difference between the HTR and RXV lines, rating at 1000 Hz is the easiest fequency to power so while they state the same power levels the power supply in the HTR is much smaller than the RXV line and it is always a year behind on features. I'm not saying that the HTR line is bad it just is designed for the mass market stores to carry and is not their most current equipment. You'll actually start to see some of the 450-750 features in the HTR line pretty soon and they just were discontinued as of this week for the new relacement to be produced. Upgrade time again. If you want to stay with the Yamaha line you should be able to get a pretty god deal on some of the RXV stuff right now as dealers will be clearing out their stock. I know that we are pretty much going to be out of product within a few days.

Now back to the real question. You'll find that the component video switching in many receivers isn't just a straight pass-through adn sometimes they actually change the signal slightly. This could be you problem, but in reallity I think you have a unit with a problem. The game systems usually output at 480p and the receiver definately does not have up-conversion to 720p or 1080i so the only thing I can think of is that you have a bad unit. You might want to call the company you bought it from and ask them about changing the unit, though I'm not sure how bad you'll be hit with shipping charges. As for buying a local unit and swapping it out please don't, most places track receiver serial numbers and check them when doing returns. There is also the moral issue but that's none of my concern. You might just buy a local unit and return the one you got to the on-line seller, but check their return policies. HTH