Home Theater Receivers...what to buy?

C

chuyler1

goes to eleven
:
2013 CX-9
I'm looking for a receiver for my parents. They just got a new HD TV and I want to pass everything through a new receiver that is easy for them to use. The receiver they currently have is only Dolby ProLogic so anything will be an upgrade but what do they realistically need? Here's what I think they need:

- 2 component video inputs (one for DVD, one for HD cable box)
- 2 optical digital audio inputs (one for DVD, one for HD cable box)
- 1 standard analog audio + composite video input/output (for VCR)
- 1 component video output (to HD tv)
- at least Dolby 5.1 surround sound (looks like 6.1 is the norm now)
- preferrably Dolby ProLogic2 for non-surround broadcasts
- an easy to use interface w/o too many buttons

They don't need 6.1 or 7.1 surround sound because that would require buying more speakers. They don't need all the bells and whistles because they will never use them. The only things they will really do with it is turn it on, change the input, and change the volume. If they have to go switching surround modes they will get confused.

I'm looking at BestBuy's website now and I'd like to keep the price under $200. This is all I found.
Sony 600W 6.1-Ch. A/V Receiver
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1077627972251&skuId=6304803&productCategoryId=cat03031&type=product

I'm not a big fan of Sony so if someone can recommend something else (I don't mind ordering online as long as they get a warrantee). Anyone have suggestions?
 
Here's what I'm going with...

Sony ES STR-DA1000ES
Home theater receiver with Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, and Pro Logic II

Front Channels: NHT SB-2
Rear Channels: NHT SB-1
Center Channel: NHT SC1
 
Be careful with how the video inputs/outputs are setup. I don't think that the receiver will convert between different types. For instance, if you put the VCR into the receiver using a composite signal, you are going to have to run a compostite OUT to the TV. the receiver will not convert composite or S-Video to component video. So you may have to switch the inputs on the TV from component to composite when you want to watch the VCR.
 
Under $200 is going to be almost impossible for something decent. Personally I would stay far away from Sony, I 've had bad personal experence with them and bad experience with selling the ES line this year. The 2000 and up with the digital amps have a way to high failure rate.

If all they are going to hook up is the DVD player and HD cable and no VCR, camcorder or other components that don't have component video outputs then there are a lot of choices to go with. If on the other hand they are going to use something that has less than a component video output you might want to consider something with video up-conversion so they don't have to change the inputs on the TV for ease of use. If you don't need up-conversion then I would recomend a Yamaha RXV-550. It has good power, all the latest processing and will last. Only problem is it's about $400. Since I seam to remember that you are in San Diego go in to a Tweeter's and have a look around( no personal affiliation as my store is a competitor but not in your area).
 
Stay as far away from Sony as you can.. Save up for an Onkyo unit! After your 3rd Sony you'll wonder why you didn't....
 
JunkPunch said:
Be careful with how the video inputs/outputs are setup. I don't think that the receiver will convert between different types. For instance, if you put the VCR into the receiver using a composite signal, you are going to have to run a compostite OUT to the TV. the receiver will not convert composite or S-Video to component video. So you may have to switch the inputs on the TV from component to composite when you want to watch the VCR.
Click to expand...
That is absolute B.S.! But that's what I'm talking about. I made the mistake in asuming that an option like that would be included. It is an absolute must for my parents because having to make changes on the TV means they need to learn another remote.

They had a melt down the other night because they couldn't figure out how to switch the TV between component1 and component2. Why? Because the TV has a poor user interface. The TV/Video button switches between Antenna-AV1-AV2-AV3-S-Video1. However, to get component video, you have to open up the hidden panel on the remote and press the TV/Component button which switches between Antenna-Comp1-Comp2. Why have two buttons that do the same thing? I couldn't talk them through it over the phone because I forgot that the button was hidden...I left written instructions months ago to press it but they thought my instructions were wrong or something was broken because they couldn't find the button.

Ok, so my original budget for them was $300, is that doable? I guess I'm looking for that video up-conversion also. I don't want to get a phone call when they want to watch a video instead of a DVD.
 
 
I don't know if it has been said yet but make sure that any Home Theater tuner you buy has output for an extra set of speakers so that you can run sound to another room.

A lot of them don't offer that option.
 
All the ones you listed wont convert the signal. I haven't seen that as an option on low to medium range receivers. Anyone else?
 
They don't need A/B outputs since they don't have speakers in another room.

So what is the cheapest receiver out there that can convert from composite to component?
 
"Unfortunately, most receivers can't convert from, say, composite to component videoUnfortunately, most receivers can't convert from, say, composite to component video." That is a direct quote from CNET.com a great source for some info that you seek. Your parents are going to just have to learn about this stuff.
 
Forget that last question...I think I found my answer...they all seem to be $1000+. I'm asuming that down-conversion doesn't come free either right?

Ok, so my parents won't get that feature, which means I could buy a $200-300 unit with all the options they need. What is the easiest way to hook up a VCR for playback and recording (my sister likes to record TV shows when she is home from school).

Should I just run an antenna cable from the hd cable box to the VCR, then composite AV cables from the VCR to the receiver, and a composite video cable from the receiver to the tv...then leave instructions on how to go from component input to composite input for the TV? Or would it be easier to bypass the receiver for the video and just send an antenna cable from the VCR to the back of the TV?

You know, the only reason Home Theater is so complicated is because the manufacterers don't have a clue when it comes to human-electronics-interface-design. People don't want to play with their electronics, they want to use them. Why do they make it so difficult to switch between input devices when that is the sole purpose of a receiver? God forbid they add an extra circuit to simplify things for the user.
 
chuyler1 said:
Forget that last question...I think I found my answer...they all seem to be $1000+. I'm asuming that down-conversion doesn't come free either right?

Ok, so my parents won't get that feature, which means I could buy a $200-300 unit with all the options they need. What is the easiest way to hook up a VCR for playback and recording (my sister likes to record TV shows when she is home from school).

Should I just run an antenna cable from the hd cable box to the VCR, then composite AV cables from the VCR to the receiver, and a composite video cable from the receiver to the tv...then leave instructions on how to go from component input to composite input for the TV? Or would it be easier to bypass the receiver for the video and just send an antenna cable from the VCR to the back of the TV?

You know, the only reason Home Theater is so complicated is because the manufacterers don't have a clue when it comes to human-electronics-interface-design. People don't want to play with their electronics, they want to use them. Why do they make it so difficult to switch between input devices when that is the sole purpose of a receiver? God forbid they add an extra circuit to simplify things for the user.
Click to expand...
Up converting from composite to component is expensive. That's why only the high end receivers have it. A stand-alone converter box is around $300. So it's considerably more than just an "extra circuit". But I agree with your sentiment, which is "why does it have to be so hard".

I think the first way you described the VCR hookup is the way to go.

Another possible solution would be to get them a good universal remote with macros. I have my universal remote setup so that when I press the DVD button, it:
1) Turns on the DVD player
2) Sets the receiver to DVD input
3) Sets the TV to component inputs

When I am done, I press the TV button and it changes it all back. The drawback to this is that you would need to program the remotes, since that is probably WAY beyond your parents.
 
How much did the remote cost?

The one that came with the HD Box can control the power and volume on the receiver (no matter what mode the remote is in). They understand switching the input on the receiver. My old Kenwood had a knob to do this which was the best way to do it IMO. So all I need to do is leave instructions on how to switch the TV...I had a 15 minute discussion about this on Sunday when I was over there so now that they know where the secret button is, they should be able to handle it.
 
My remote is a fairly cheap Radio Shack remote ($20), but it was sort of hacked so you can program it with your PC and a special cable. They don't make that remote anymore, but I think you can get a decent remote with macros for < $50.

I think the best route is just make your parents bite the bullet and learn how to switch the inputs on the TV. I just went through this with my father. I wrote the instructions on an index card and taped it to the top of the DVD player. When he goes to put the DVD in the player, he just stands there are follows the instructions. And if HE can do it, well, I hope to god your parents can too.
 
Yes...but you see...I did that...and they called me all upset because they screwed it up and couldn't get back to square 1. They pressed the wrong button because they couldn't find the right button (hidden under a sliding panel). Then I found out that the DVD player wasn't even plugged in...I let out a sigh and told them I would be over tomorrow.

They should be fine though...because they rarely rent movies (this was the first time since they got the new TV) and they know to get DVDs now so using the VCR would be a rare occasion.
 
I know Tweeter had a Denon receiver (I forget which model) for around $400 that did the up conversion to component so you only had to run one cable from teh receiver to the TV. It was also a good all around receiver. I would look into that one of you can swing the extra $100 to limit the confusion.
 
Please log in or register to reply here.

New Posts and Comments

G
From the Sith (VW) to the Jedi (Mazda). Insights Welcome
Replies
12
Views
1K
Antoine
Antoine
W
1st gen CX-9 transmission protection?
2
Replies
30
Views
12K
SparkYellow
SparkYellow
J
How to change transmission fluid in 2012 AWD CX-9?
Replies
9
Views
8K
SparkYellow
SparkYellow
SparkYellow
    • Like
Transmission pan filter change at 159K miles
2
Replies
31
Views
1K
SparkYellow
SparkYellow
sm1ke
    • Like
    • Thanks!
  • Sticky
Guide Mazda Firmware Update Information
10 11 12
Replies
238
Views
147K
Kimsa
K
W
Vague Transmission Oil Change Recs Vs Common Sense & Reality
2 3 4
Replies
75
Views
5K
cx5_2014
C
View more…

New Threads and Articles

Back