I know very little about home theater these days (forgot half and the other half changed), but if the feedback on Newegg is at all accurate, this unit can't pipe out to the speakers from an HDMI input. It can only pass through (HDMI output) from the HDMI inputs. That it a show stopper for people like me, who want to go from my receiver/amp out to my speakers.

If I got it wrong, please correct me as I like the brand and LOVE the price.

optimist20901 said:I know very little about home theater these days (forgot half and the other half changed), but if the feedback on Newegg is at all accurate, this unit can't pipe out to the speakers from an HDMI input. It can only pass through (HDMI output) from the HDMI inputs. That it a show stopper for people like me, who want to go from my receiver/amp out to my speakers.

If I got it wrong, please correct me as I like the brand and LOVE the price.

The 506 does not pass through the audio. You need to step up to the 606 model for that feature. I've been keeping my eye on a 606 myself at my local Circuit City that keeps dropping in price since my local store is closing...

606/706/806 have junki dcdi on them. you will have issues with some hdmi inputs too. prob why there are so many refurbs.

go for the 905/906

VenkatAtWallet said:Or, can we use the optical/digital/coaxial cable? Are they not better than the audio coming out from the HDMI?

No. The new audio format is TrueHD. Optical and digital coax will not handle the extra data of TrueHD surround, which means it is only a matter of time before older Dolby digital 5.1 and THX digital will disappear, that is if you are going to watch the new HD format, blu-ray.

I've already noticed that quite a few blu-ray disks don't even have English Dolby 5.1 or THX audio tracks, just TrueHD (although many times they have foreign language versions of these old formats on the same disk.) So you are stuck with two channel stereo, that is unless you have the ability to decode the TrueHD sound.

I probably got some of this wrong, but the gist is that there is a new sound format coming and you don't want to spend a lot of money on the old format.

506 pass-through analogy: mechanical switch that routes hdmi in (3) and out one

606-806: upsampling sucks in all inputs, processes sound and sends outputs (model dependent) through one hdmi out. some are 1080i only some do 1080p. some only upsample hdmi and pass thru the component. problems with some devices (ps3) maybe not dts truhd(blu-ray). read up on AVS forums before buying.

905/906: really nice dcdi that has no issues and can take anything and poop a 1080p signal without any reason of doubt.

i mean that is harsh but it is true those $999+ units will do all you dream of.

then again a toslink switch $9 and hdmi switch ($40) will work for many folks who dream of $999 refurb receiver but get let down by a $149-599 receiver that just doesn't quite cut it.

know what i mean?

go buy a mono price hdmi switch. that is pass through.

tape that on to a standard receiver (without any hdmi input/outputs). you have a 506.

Can anyone answer whether most TVs will support the HDMI with separate audio functionality without a delay between the sound and the video?

Is this receiver good at the basics?

Does it sound okay?

Does the AM/FM radio work as it should?

I am looking for a new sound system for my garage. Would this fit the bill?

psxzombie said:Linked

Cheaper than the refurb at Club Onkyo!

Refurb is 159 - 16 (10%) - 10 (new member) = $133 (shipping free)