New to HTPC and HT in general (n00b question)

[Naked Mole Rat]

Hey all,

Just purchased a 46" Samsung HDTV and a PS3 for blu-ray and some gaming.

The setup is in my finished basement and my PC is about 20 feet away. I can't move it any closer to the TV nor do I want to.

I'm not an audiophile purist, just someone looking for decent 5.1 surround sound that is better than TV speakers. Note: i never had a surround sound setup (scary, huh? lol)

So I have but one question that's not PC related:

Can anyone recommend an HDMI receiver or HTIB for the PS3 & blu-ray? I was going to purchase either an Onkyo HTIB or Onkyo receiver, but I saw some reviews on Amazon that the Onkyo receivers (at least the 606 model) have problems with the PS3 and blu-ray. Is this true?
And more importantly, can I get away with a $400 or so HTIB that has HDMI?

If it helps in recommending a receiver or HTIB, I own only the PS3 and HD Cable (comcast).

Thanks!

[Jon]

Well, I have an Onyo HTIB that I bought a few years ago to last me until I could go native HDMI on everything (it only does passthrough, no audio decoding...TX-SR506 for me) and I love it. I was very impressed by it even though it was essentially a budget 7.1 hold-me-over.

I've seen some issues from the TX-SR606 also, but from what I've understood most all of them are due to incorrect audio output settings on the older PS3 (must be LPCM output instead of bitstream). The newer (slim style) PS3s can do bitstream.

[johnny*]

Just keep in mind, from 20' on a 46" screen, there's no benefit of Blu-ray over DVD as far as image resolution.

Perceptible resolution vs. distance chart (http://s3.carltonbale.com/resolution_chart.html)

[Neuromancer]

you can get 20+' cables and extenders from monoprice. I built my first PC to be in another room. with 25' PS/2, VGA and audio extenders to hook up speakers and Screen in the bedroom. Works great, and cheaper than building a "silent setup"

[Wicked Klown]

I'm running a Yamaha RX-V463 with Klipsch speakers and love it. One of my friends got a Rx-v665 and is using HTiB Onkyo speakers and says it sounds great. So far I have had 2 Yamaha AVRs and neither have let me down yet. Some but not all Onkyos do ahve issues with HDMI handshaking.

[Joeteck]

I have the Rx-v665 with 5.1 insiginia speakers for $150 @ best buy. The 665 kicks some major ass. 7 x 90 watts... its expensive, but worth it. Full HDMI switching with audio and 1080p upconverting.

[Neuromancer]

$150 is damn cheap

[Joeteck]

$150 is damn cheap


Dude.. they're killer awesome. I would never have thought, since I have JBL's on my upstairs setup. I was looking for small. The sub is powered and is 8" 50 watts. Just perfect! Not over bearing.


EDIT: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Insignia%26%23174%3B+-+5.1-Channel+Home+Theater+Speaker+System+-+Black/8761208.p?id=1202650703861&skuId=8761208&st=5.1%20insignia (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Insignia%26%23174%3B+-+5.1-Channel+Home+Theater+Speaker+System+-+Black/8761208.p?id=1202650703861&skuId=8761208&st=5.1%20insignia)

I bought one at best buy, and another on ebay. so I would have 7.2. The 665 supports two subs. ;) One up front, and one behind the couch.

[Naked Mole Rat]

Just keep in mind, from 20' on a 46" screen, there's no benefit of Blu-ray over DVD as far as image resolution.

Perceptible resolution vs. distance chart (http://s3.carltonbale.com/resolution_chart.html)

Sorry, I only meant that my PC is 20 feet away in terms of connetivity. We sit about 7' away from the 46" TV.

I'm just really looking for input on an HDMI receiver or HTIB for my PS3 and HDTV. Again, was thinking Onkyo, but #1 expensive and #2 the HTIB's i think only have pass through.

[Wicked Klown]

You could go with a Yamaha Rx-v465 with the Insiginia speakers. Would set you back about $450. Are you wanting bookshelf or floorstanding speakers? Do you want moster bass or just enough to let you know it's there. What about getting a AVR then saving up more for a decent set of speakers. My wife and I started with a Philips HTiB, then replaced the AVR with a Yamaha. We then replaced the speakers with pioneer bookshelves. Later we changed to the Rx-v463 and added Klipsch B2, C1 and S2s.

[Naked Mole Rat]

Thanks, I am definitely intrigued by the RX-V465.

About the Insignia speakers - do you mean these (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Insignia&%23174%3B+-+5.1-Channel+Home+Theater+Speaker+System+-+Black/8761208.p?skuId=8761208&id=1202650703861#tabbed-customerreviews) ?