HDMI 1.2 vs. 1.3

[mikebw]

So my search for a new receiver continues.

I have received some advice here on a previous thread that I should really consider getting a receiver with HDMI spec version 1.3 (or 1.3a). I agree that is probably a good investment for the future, but I am wondering how useful that will really be. I don't plan on buying a new receiver for at least 5 years, maybe 10, who knows since I keep things running forever. 1.3 supports "deep color" which doesn't even exist in the real world yet, and I don't really know what else but shouldn't 1.2 be good enough for the next 5-10 years? I don't even have a blu-ray player yet, but would probably get the PS3.

Here are my major requirements, on a $400 budget:

HDMI v1.2 or higher
3 HDMI inputs
2 Component inputs (3 is better)
All analog video inputs get routed to HDMI video output, 1080i or 1080p is better.
7.1 channel output
Banana speaker posts (no spring terminals, at least not on the main output)
A nice OSD (on screen display) would be nice, but not mandatory

I am really considering the Sony STR-DG910 which is being discontinued, but for the price (about $350) I think it really suits my needs right now. My 2 concerns are that it is only HDMI v1.2 and that many people seem to think the sound quality is not on par with other brands like Yamaha and Onkyo in that price range.

My opinion is that since the other brands don't even have a model that meets my needs it doesn't even matter. For serious high-quality music listening I probably wouldn't even use this receiver. I've got a Pioneer SPEC stereo setup that will probably be the best piece of audio equipment I ever own.

Any more suggestions? This whole process of figuring everything out is quite a challenge.

[deckeda]

Can't recommend what you "should" do but here are some resources:

http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%201.3.htm

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/853 (I like this writer)

http://www.hdmi.org/learningcenter/faq.aspx

[beerman]

On a $400 budget I wouldn't be too picky on versions of a video connection. Your going to get alot of enjoyment out of that $400.

[deckeda]

However, I won't be getting anything that doesn't support Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio, because lossy audio is for losers. Losers, I said! Be a lion! (sorry, I just saw School for Scoundrels.)

"[1.3] Supports output of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio streams for external decoding by AV receivers."

[Chupa Chupa]

1) Non-ES Sony is pure Crap. With a capital "C." Plenty of better receivers in that price range (maybe less features, but you get what you pay for). I say this a a general fan of Sony products. I would never buy a non-ES receiver. Of course I'd never buy an ES receiver either b/c Denon and Onkyo offer more at the same or better quality for the same money.

2) As mentioned HDMI 1.2 doesn't handle the HD audio codecs supported by BD, so there is no way it's going to hold up for 5 years.

You say you don't own a BD player now. When you buy one are you planning on buying a new receiver too? BD's pic is great, but audio is half the experience. Just as there is a big difference between watching a 480i picture and a 1080p picture, there is a similar difference is listening to a soundtrack in DD 5.1 and Dolby TrueHD, especially if you are looking for true 7.1 and not a simulated mode.

[Gareth]

I'd either try to scrape up a little more money for a Onkyo TX-SR606, or find a vendor that sells the Onkyo in your price range (it's $500 from Crutchfield), since this is the receiver that seems to meet all your specs, except price (which is close).

[BernDog]

Gareth's suggestion looks good. Here's a fleabay if you're comfortable:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-ONKYO-TX-SR606-H...dZViewItem

BIN $385 plus shipping ($35 to my zip in Iowa). What's another $20?

[artie67]

Ok, 2 hdmi in, 1 out,THX rated, Ipod input(cable included), Sirius,XM,mic for set up and 120w x 7. Good display, loaded with inputs and screw terminals. Note: not spaced for a dual banana plug, but easy to wire if you "tin solder" the speaker wire. I got mine 6 months ago from Amazon for $380. I see Abes of Maine has it for $324. Pioneer VSX-1017TXV-K. Check it out.

[Bo]

I was in a very similar quandary about 6 months ago and wound up with an Onkyo TX-SR605 and have been very happy. I think it meets all of your requirements including (HDMI 1.3) but only has two HDMI inputs. Price is $260 for a refurb at eCost right now (1 yr warranty). I bought mine there and it all went smoothly. I have not second guessed my purchase once and the whole home theater runs smoothly.

Hope this helps.

-Bo

[mikebw]

I have been looking closely at Onkyo as well. I like the 605, but like you say the 2 HDMI is a minus, and the 606 is better but more money.

Maybe I should just give up on the idea of 3 HDMI inputs in favor of getting a receiver with HDMI v1.3 instead. Would you agree that makes more sense? I just know that in the next few years I will be getting a BluRay player, and I already have a digital cable box, so that's 2 HDMI sources already, that would leave none for future use. I just didn't want to buy something that I know would be maxed out in terms of inputs, but there are always component inputs I guess.

Thanks.