Home Theater & Satellite TV

[olehippi]

For the last 18 years, I've worked in sales for a company that does custom home theater design and installation, plus Dish Network, DirecTV, Free-to-Air, and satellite internet systems.

We design and install home theater systems -- anything from your basic 5.1 clubroom system, to elaborate, custom-designed, large screen projection systems. We also do commercial televison, sound, and satellite systems.

We've designed and installed systems for a number of Ravens and Redskins players. A lot of our clientele comes as a result of referrals from prior customers, which is something we're very proud of.

[Objectivity]

Any opinions about the Onkyo TXSR-705S? I'm getting our living room set up and this is what the installer recommends. It seems like a good piece, except I'm concerned about it downsampling component to 720p.

[olehippi]

Any opinions about the Onkyo TXSR-705S? I'm getting our living room set up and this is what the installer recommends. It seems like a good piece, except I'm concerned about it downsampling component to 720p.

We don't offer Onkyo receivers, and I'm not familiar with the TXSR-705S, so I can't be truly objective. I do know someone with the Onkyo TXSR-905S, and he is delighted with it. We offer Parasound, Marantz, Bose, and Harman-Kardon A/V receivers. Personally, I have a Marantz SR7002 receiver with my home theater.

Edit 2/10/09: Happy to announce we have now added Onkyo A/V receivers to our line.

[Greg Pappas]

Hey all, you can trust olehippi, I'm sure of it... kinda... maybe. :D

Olehippi is a great guy actually, as I've been to his shop.

FWIW, I'm looking to hire someone to enter my home and rework the wiring in the whole TV/DVR/VCR/HDDVD setup... it's driving us all nuts. We have five remotes and it's gotten out of hand.

Anyone able to hook us up, we're happy to pay for the service. I live in Abingdon, a few miles south of Bel Air.

BTW, we're hoping that one remote can be used... if possible.

Email me at GregPappasJr@gmail.com if interested.

Thanks.

[Dr. FLK]

Hey all, you can trust olehippi, I'm sure of it... kinda... maybe. :D

Olehippi is a great guy actually, as I've been to his shop.

FWIW, I'm looking to hire someone to enter my home and rework the wiring in the whole TV/DVR/VCR/HDDVD setup... it's driving us all nuts. We have five remotes and it's gotten out of hand.

Anyone able to hook us up, we're happy to pay for the service. I live in Abingdon, a few miles south of Bel Air.

BTW, we're hoping that one remote can be used... if possible.

Email me at GregPappasJr@gmail.com if interested.

Thanks.

I hope I'm not too late...

For just $25 a week, I will sit next to your TV/DVR/VCR/HDDVD and control them by hand. You and the Mrs. just need to yell commands to me...and I will push the appropriate buttons...no more remotes! (For an extra $10 a week, I will learn hand signals.)

[Cokeman]

Hey all, you can trust olehippi, I'm sure of it... kinda... maybe. :D

Olehippi is a great guy actually, as I've been to his shop.

FWIW, I'm looking to hire someone to enter my home and rework the wiring in the whole TV/DVR/VCR/HDDVD setup... it's driving us all nuts. We have five remotes and it's gotten out of hand.

Anyone able to hook us up, we're happy to pay for the service. I live in Abingdon, a few miles south of Bel Air.

BTW, we're hoping that one remote can be used... if possible.

Email me at GregPappasJr@gmail.com if interested.

Thanks.

I have nothing of substance to add...but I just wanted to say that back in the day, my father had 5 remotes for one TV...me, my sister, and 3 brothers. ;)

[OsEatAlEast]

Ok olehippi, I have a question for you. I am looking to get a Hi-Def tv for the first time and was wondering in your opinion what are the best brands for watching sports and action films?

Right now I'm leaning towards the Samsung models.

[Objectivity]

Ok olehippi, I have a question for you. I am looking to get a Hi-Def tv for the first time and was wondering in your opinion what are the best brands for watching sports and action films?

Right now I'm leaning towards the Samsung models.

I'm not olehippi, but I've done research on this a couple of times. Based on most of the opinions out there, Samsung is the best for LCD.

For Plasma, Pioneer is the best, but costs a fortune. Panasonic is a hair behind, but often $1000+ less. I just got a 50" 1080p Panasonic (800u) and my wife's grandparents got a 42" 1080p (80u). Both have amazing pictures. They got their for $799 at 6th Ave last week. Can't beat that. I think they had a 720p for under $600.

Typically people think LCDs are better for gaming and Plasmas for sport because of some blurring issues on fast action on LCDs.

Go to a store and look. There are certain things that some people catch that others don't mind.

[OsEatAlEast]

I'm not olehippi, but I've done research on this a couple of times. Based on most of the opinions out there, Samsung is the best for LCD.

For Plasma, Pioneer is the best, but costs a fortune. Panasonic is a hair behind, but often $1000+ less. I just got a 50" 1080p Panasonic (800u) and my wife's grandparents got a 42" 1080p (80u). Both have amazing pictures. They got their for $799 at 6th Ave last week. Can't beat that. I think they had a 720p for under $600.

Typically people think LCDs are better for gaming and Plasmas for sport because of some blurring issues on fast action on LCDs.

Go to a store and look. There are certain things that some people catch that others don't mind.

Thanks for the reply, it is very much appreciated! I've had the money saved for a very long time for one. But with the way things are going with the economy and all. I would have severe buyers remorse if I end up with a dud. I would make Andy MacPhail seem like a throw caution to the wind big spender.

I have been looking at the 1080p LCDs at the store and it seems that everytime one catches my eye it seems to have the Samsung name on it.

[Objectivity]

I have been looking at the 1080p LCDs at the store and it seems that everytime one catches my eye it seems to have the Samsung name on it.

Go to avsforum.com and read the LCD and plasma message boards. It will overwhelm you, but you can get some good information there if you can filter the fanatics out.

Personally, I've never been a fan of LCDs. Don't know why. From what people say though, the Samsungs are great. As far as my personal opinion, again, get a Panasonic. The 80u is a great TV. If you want to spend more, the THX mode on the 800u is incredibly lifelife. I won't pay for calibration, but I'm thinking that comes pretty close.

[OsEatAlEast]

Go to avsforum.com

Great site! Lots of info to process. Thank you Objectivity you have been very helpful.

[olehippi]

Ok olehippi, I have a question for you. I am looking to get a Hi-Def tv for the first time and was wondering in your opinion what are the best brands for watching sports and action films?

Right now I'm leaning towards the Samsung models.

I'm partial to LCD's over Plasmas because the newer LCD models have caught up with the quality of the Plasma picture, and cost a lot less. For quality and price, my preference are Sharp Aquos 1080p models, with Samsung a close second. Stay away from 720p models and DLP sets as they are subject to picture fade when viewed at an angle, and/or don't handle the faster action of sports very well.

If price is a major factor, you can check out the new 1080p Vizeo models, but you will be sacrificing some quality.

[OsEatAlEast]

I'm partial to LCD's over Plasmas because the newer LCD models have caught up with the quality of the Plasma picture, and cost a lot less. For quality and price, my preference are Sharp Aquos 1080p models, with Samsung a close second. Stay away from 720p models and DLP sets as they are subject to picture fade when viewed at an angle, and/or don't handle the faster action of sports very well.

If price is a major factor, you can check out the new 1080p Vizeo models, but you will be sacrificing some quality.
Thanks olehippi! I'm just about done researching the Samsung models. I'll check out the Sharp models next.

[Art Wing]

I'm partial to LCD's over Plasmas because the newer LCD models have caught up with the quality of the Plasma picture, and cost a lot less. For quality and price, my preference are Sharp Aquos 1080p models, with Samsung a close second. Stay away from 720p models and DLP sets as they are subject to picture fade when viewed at an angle, and/or don't handle the faster action of sports very well.

If price is a major factor, you can check out the new 1080p Vizeo models, but you will be sacrificing some quality.

When you say, SOME quality with the Vizeo, would you strongly sway me against it even with the insurance-plan-thing? Obviously price is a factor with me.

[srock]

Olehippi, I have a very technical set of question regarding AV receivers.

My old one, which was free and crappy, died on me. I want a new one that does the following things:

- At least 2 HDMI inputs
- HDMI output that carries video and sound
- HDMI output must also carry non HDMI input signals. I think this is called upcasting to 1080p or something? Basically, I need the component and SVideo input pushed out the HDMI output.

I believe several Onkyo models in the $300 price range do these things but have degraded video signal from the component to HDMI transfer, which I can live with.

Here is the kicker. I want the reciever to output video and sound on the HDMI out AND the component out at the SAME time. This will allow my Slingbox and TV to work at the same time without having downgrade my TV experience to Component only. I'm not sure if any device has this feature and yes there is probrably a work around with the slingbox if the only reciever costs like $1500.

Any help is much appreciated!

[Mark Carver]

More and more Dishnetwork is really ticking me off and after being with them for almost 12 years. The latest was the removal of the Smithsonian Channel and adding the Crime and Investigation Channel. Mo real biggie but the Smithsonian was a full HD channel all the time, whereas CI is SD stuff shown in HD. Throw in some of the other changes the past 6-months and it's no longer seems worth it for me. It maybe time for me to move onto Direct TV.

I currently have the Dish ViP 722 (which is their top line HD DVR) and I absolutely think it's the best DVR on the market. I have an OTA antennae hooked up to it so I can record to 2 Sat channels as well as 1 OTA and still watch something that was previously recorded. I don't use the 2 TV function, so that would not be an issue with me.

So, a couple questions...

1) Now in order for me to have the same capabilities with DTV that I currently have I may will to order the Direct TV AM21 OTA receiver to go along with whatever HD DVR (HR 21/HR22/HR23) I get. This setup allows me to have my York/Harrisburg locals channels from Dish/DTV as well as Baltimore locals channel from my OTA antennae.

2) I also have an external hard drive connected to my Dish 722 receiver that allows someone to move a recorded program for the DVR hard drive to an external hard drive. It is my understanding that with DTV receivers. It's either the external hard drive for storage or the hard drive that is in the receiver that will be used for the DVR capabilities.

By moving onto DTV, it would allow me watch the Orioles games in HD (fat chance that is going to happen anytime soon with Dish) as well as MLB Network. Their a couple other HD channels I will get with DTV that I don't have with Dish.

[HoodGuy007]

I'm sorry Mark, I didn't really get a question in that...

:)

[Miller192]

Hey all, you can trust olehippi, I'm sure of it... kinda... maybe. :D

Olehippi is a great guy actually, as I've been to his shop.

FWIW, I'm looking to hire someone to enter my home and rework the wiring in the whole TV/DVR/VCR/HDDVD setup... it's driving us all nuts. We have five remotes and it's gotten out of hand.
Anyone able to hook us up, we're happy to pay for the service. I live in Abingdon, a few miles south of Bel Air.

BTW, we're hoping that one remote can be used... if possible.

Email me at GregPappasJr@gmail.com if interested.

Thanks.

Duct tape them all together.

You're welcome.

[Tony-OH]

I get a humming noise and a lack of sound power from my sound system when it's hooked up to my COMCAST cable box, esepcially on the HD channels. It's hooked up with a HDMI cable so I'm not sure why it's not sounding good. The XBOX 360 sounds great and has no problems. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[olehippi]

More and more Dishnetwork is really ticking me off and after being with them for almost 12 years. The latest was the removal of the Smithsonian Channel and adding the Crime and Investigation Channel. Mo real biggie but the Smithsonian was a full HD channel all the time, whereas CI is SD stuff shown in HD. Throw in some of the other changes the past 6-months and it's no longer seems worth it for me. It maybe time for me to move onto Direct TV.

I currently have the Dish ViP 722 (which is their top line HD DVR) and I absolutely think it's the best DVR on the market. I have an OTA antennae hooked up to it so I can record to 2 Sat channels as well as 1 OTA and still watch something that was previously recorded. I don't use the 2 TV function, so that would not be an issue with me.

So, a couple questions...

1) Now in order for me to have the same capabilities with DTV that I currently have I may will to order the Direct TV AM21 OTA receiver to go along with whatever HD DVR (HR 21/HR22/HR23) I get. This setup allows me to have my York/Harrisburg locals channels from Dish/DTV as well as Baltimore locals channel from my OTA antennae.

2) I also have an external hard drive connected to my Dish 722 receiver that allows someone to move a recorded program for the DVR hard drive to an external hard drive. It is my understanding that with DTV receivers. It's either the external hard drive for storage or the hard drive that is in the receiver that will be used for the DVR capabilities.

By moving onto DTV, it would allow me watch the Orioles games in HD (fat chance that is going to happen anytime soon with Dish) as well as MLB Network. Their a couple other HD channels I will get with DTV that I don't have with Dish.


Mark....thanks for the PM. I haven't checked the expert section in a while.

I hear frustration from some Dish Network customers about some of the programming decisions, the most recent being the Smithsonian Channel. And I know that understanding the reasoning for adding/removing channels -- i.e., keeping the programming costs to customers as low as possible -- doesn't necessarily soothe the frustrations. FWIW, the same programming situations regularly occur at DirecTV, too.

As for your equipment question: Right now, it's kind of a trade-off of programming vs. technology, but that will soon be changing. The Dish ViP722 is far and away the best DVR receiver available. Nothing DTV now offers is comparible in quality or capability, and no current DTV receiver allows an external hard drive to be added. Of course, technology always marches on and that may change. It sounds like you are maximizing some of the features of the ViP722 by using an external hard drive and an OTA antenna for your locals.

Dish launched several new satellites late last year, and another one is being launched this spring. This will pave the way for incredible HD capacity.... much more than DTV. Also, the country is being divided into "Eastern Arc" and "Western Arc" satellite groups to maximize satellite capacity.

And Dish will soon introduce the new ViP922 Slingbox Loaded HD DuoDVR -- the first high definition digital video recorder that incorporates “place shifting” technology. Technologically, it's a "quantum leap" receiver and it won the "Best of Show Award" at the January CES in Las Vegas. It includes 5 video sources: satellite, broadband and optional over-the-air tuners, and features a multi-tuner DVR with up to 1,000 hours of recording time. It also supports connecting external hard drives up to 1TB for even more storage capacity. It will be combined with 1080p Video on Demand and 100 percent, all-HD suite of programming packages. It will also allow TV enthusiasts to watch and control their favorite TV shows and sporting events from anywhere in the world via a broadband Internet connection on their laptop or mobile phone.

As for MASN in HD, I've been told that you will likely see it this season. The MLB package is a different matter.

IMO, I wouldn't give up on Dish Network just yet.

[olehippi]

I get a humming noise and a lack of sound power from my sound system when it's hooked up to my COMCAST cable box, esepcially on the HD channels. It's hooked up with a HDMI cable so I'm not sure why it's not sounding good. The XBOX 360 sounds great and has no problems. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Sounds like you may have a ground loop. Try disconnecting any external components -- the X-box, DVD player, VCR, etc -- one at a time and see if the hum goes away.

Whether the above does or doesn't work, it could be caused by a defective cable somewhere in the mix. My first suggestion would be to replace one or more of the HDMI cables with component cables and see if that solves the problem.

[olehippi]

Olehippi, I have a very technical set of question regarding AV receivers.

My old one, which was free and crappy, died on me. I want a new one that does the following things:

- At least 2 HDMI inputs
- HDMI output that carries video and sound
- HDMI output must also carry non HDMI input signals. I think this is called upcasting to 1080p or something? Basically, I need the component and SVideo input pushed out the HDMI output.

I believe several Onkyo models in the $300 price range do these things but have degraded video signal from the component to HDMI transfer, which I can live with.

Here is the kicker. I want the reciever to output video and sound on the HDMI out AND the component out at the SAME time. This will allow my Slingbox and TV to work at the same time without having downgrade my TV experience to Component only. I'm not sure if any device has this feature and yes there is probrably a work around with the slingbox if the only reciever costs like $1500.

Any help is much appreciated!


I am unaware of any A/V receiver that will do what you would like to do.... simultaneously using both HDMI and component outputs for A/V signals...but then, I've never had such a request before. I'll do some research.

I'm not sure what you currently have -- cable, FIOS, DirecTV, or Dish Network....or none of the above -- but you might check out my response to Mark Carver describing the new Dish ViP922 receiver with incorporates Slingbox technology. Don't know all it's capabilities at the moment, but it just might have the ability to help achieve what you desire.

[srock]

I am unaware of any A/V receiver that will do what you would like to do.... simultaneously using both HDMI and component outputs for A/V signals...but then, I've never had such a request before. I'll do some research.

I'm not sure what you currently have -- cable, FIOS, DirecTV, or Dish Network....or none of the above -- but you might check out my response to Mark Carver describing the new Dish ViP922 receiver with incorporates Slingbox technology. Don't know all it's capabilities at the moment, but it just might have the ability to help achieve what you desire.

I have Comcrap Digital Cable with a Scientific Atlantic 8300 DVR which outputs with HDMI.

That's cool that Dish is shipping something with Slingbox built in.

I think the easiest way to use a Slingbox is to get a 2nd cable box from Comcast and put the Slingbox on it. But, you don't get access to your DVR that way. Also, the expensive Slingbox has HDMI passthrough so this wouldn't be a problem had I bought the good one. Oh well...

[HoodGuy007]

Hey all, you can trust olehippi, I'm sure of it... kinda... maybe. :D

Olehippi is a great guy actually, as I've been to his shop.

FWIW, I'm looking to hire someone to enter my home and rework the wiring in the whole TV/DVR/VCR/HDDVD setup... it's driving us all nuts. We have five remotes and it's gotten out of hand.

Anyone able to hook us up, we're happy to pay for the service. I live in Abingdon, a few miles south of Bel Air.

BTW, we're hoping that one remote can be used... if possible.

Email me at GregPappasJr@gmail.com if interested.

Thanks.
Hey Greg, try a Harmony remote. Easy to setup, and they can control up to 16 devices in some cases. Everything you have should have an IR signal (because they use remotes) and so long as they aren't wacky old, Logitech has an incredible amount of codes available on their website.

[HoodGuy007]

The only receivers I can think of would be the Yamaha 3800, Denon 4308, and the Pioneer Elite SC-07, although I am sure that Onkyo has a similar setup. They both hae a second HDMI out, so instead of using the first for video output, switch it to Component. All of these receivers are on the pricey side.

[McLovin]

Sounds like you may have a ground loop. Try disconnecting any external components -- the X-box, DVD player, VCR, etc -- one at a time and see if the hum goes away.

Whether the above does or doesn't work, it could be caused by a defective cable somewhere in the mix. My first suggestion would be to replace one or more of the HDMI cables with component cables and see if that solves the problem.
He's right Tony. Try to unplug the 360, and see if it stops. The 360 is one of the few AV components with a ground plug, which can introduce a loop. Unplug it (and any other grounded components) and see if things get better. If it does, you can set about fixing it...

[Objectivity]

No current DTV receiver allows an external hard drive to be added.

This isn't entirely true. DirectTV does allow you to install an eSata drive of any size as a replacement to the internal drive. They just doesn't support it officially. Not sure if it's a beta issue or just not a path they're travelling.

Over on DBSTalk you can learn a lot about it. I think some of the hard drive manufacturers just released a note about compatibility.

I'm actually surprised at the number of undocumented/beta features DTV offers. They had "On Demand" for over a year before publicizing it and it has built in support (also undocumented) for streaming with Play Now. Not only can I stream Netflix, but also Hulu and CBS. CBS is great because it also includes tons of old shows like Family Ties, Star Trek, Beauty and the Beast, etc.

None of this should be a deciding factor. Just cool extras.

[square634]

I have Comcrap Digital Cable with a Scientific Atlantic 8300 DVR which outputs with HDMI.

That's cool that Dish is shipping something with Slingbox built in.

I think the easiest way to use a Slingbox is to get a 2nd cable box from Comcast and put the Slingbox on it. But, you don't get access to your DVR that way. Also, the expensive Slingbox has HDMI passthrough so this wouldn't be a problem had I bought the good one. Oh well...

I'm pretty sure you can connect a DVR to a slingbox, but I guess you don't want to connect it to your primary DVR (or pay for a second one)?

[olehippi]

This isn't entirely true. DirectTV does allow you to install an eSata drive of any size as a replacement to the internal drive. They just doesn't support it officially. Not sure if it's a beta issue or just not a path they're travelling.

Over on DBSTalk you can learn a lot about it. I think some of the hard drive manufacturers just released a note about compatibility.

I'm actually surprised at the number of undocumented/beta features DTV offers. They had "On Demand" for over a year before publicizing it and it has built in support (also undocumented) for streaming with Play Now. Not only can I stream Netflix, but also Hulu and CBS. CBS is great because it also includes tons of old shows like Family Ties, Star Trek, Beauty and the Beast, etc.

None of this should be a deciding factor. Just cool extras.


Yes, you can disable the internal hard drive in the DirecTV DVR and substitute an external hard drive, but you can't ADD it and utilize both interactively like you can with the Dish 722. And as you noted, DTV does not support it.

Most of the new satellite receivers from both Dish and DTV have been designed to support additional features in the near future.

[srock]

I'm pretty sure you can connect a DVR to a slingbox, but I guess you don't want to connect it to your primary DVR (or pay for a second one)?

Slingbox connects easily to a DVR box, but it uses a component pass through to the TV which means you can't use the HDMI from the DVR to the TV. This is annoying.

[Tony-OH]

Sounds like you may have a ground loop. Try disconnecting any external components -- the X-box, DVD player, VCR, etc -- one at a time and see if the hum goes away.

Whether the above does or doesn't work, it could be caused by a defective cable somewhere in the mix. My first suggestion would be to replace one or more of the HDMI cables with component cables and see if that solves the problem.

Will do, thanks.

[Goober Noodles]

You offer BOSE? :puke:

I have a pretty basic setup at home... 5.1 + my roomie's 52" Samsung LCD HDTV.

Onix (av23.com) X-MTM mains, X-CS center, X-LS surrounds + an Elemental Designs A2-300 12" sub.

I'm extremely happy with the performance.

[Mark Carver]

As some may have demised. I have been a little down on Dishnetwork lately. But have decided to hold on a little further, and hopefully MASN HD will be picked up later this year. Anyway, a new service in beta test from them is - SlingMedia (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=149656)


Sling Media, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), today introduced SlingGuide, a new web-based way to easily find, watch and record your favorite television programming from anywhere. SlingGuide allows consumers to browse, search and record programs on their DVR from any PC, Macintosh or compatible mobile phone. In addition, if the DVR is SlingLoaded™ or has a Slingbox™ connected to it, consumers can also watch live or recorded programs off their DVR through a web-based version of the SlingPlayer software that is integrated into SlingGuide. SlingGuide will be available first to DISH Network subscribers when it launches in spring of 2009.

Currently, for customers who have their ViP 622 or ViP 722 DVRs. Beta testing is available that will allow you to control you DVR via your PC, MAC or compatible mobile phone (such as the iPhone). More info can be found in the link above.

I applied for testing the other day and was accepted today. Go give it a try, the price is worth it. Its FREE!

[olehippi]

You offer BOSE? :puke:

I have a pretty basic setup at home... 5.1 + my roomie's 52" Samsung LCD HDTV.

Onix (av23.com) X-MTM mains, X-CS center, X-LS surrounds + an Elemental Designs A2-300 12" sub.

I'm extremely happy with the performance.

Sorry you don't approve of Bose. But hey, we're a business and if someone believes the hype and absolutely, positively wants Bose, we'll sell it to them.

I honestly don't know much about Onix, except that they are made in China, I think. However, I am a big fan of Elemental Designs. The key is that you are happy with the performance of your system.

I have an eD A7S-450 sub w/the LT550 amp to go along with a pair of Atlantic Technology 6200e towers, a AT6200eC center, (2) AT6.2e in-ceiling, a (2) AT S7 in-wall side speakers. All powered by a Marantz SR7002 A/V receiver. Monster sound!

[HoodGuy007]

How do you like Martin Logan? I'm running a pair of Purities bi-amped off of a VSX-94, Matinee center, and Fresco I for rears. Sub is an Abyss, soon to (hopefully) be a Grotto I. I find the set up to be bright, but the sub makes up for it. The Marantz makes me drool. :)

[McLovin]

Sorry you don't approve of Bose. But hey, we're a business and if someone believes the hype and absolutely, positively wants Bose, we'll sell it to them.
I am guessing the margin is pretty good for you too. Bose is not for me, and I steer friends and family away from it, but I would sell it too if I were in the business. They do a great job marketing their products.

I don't know how it is today, but when I sold home theater stuff in the 90's we sold Bose, and you couldn't find specs on any of those AM speakers. I'm talking about frequency response, etc. The was plenty of marketing-speak to go round, but no stats.

[RShack]

This isn't entirely true. DirectTV does allow you to install an eSata drive of any size as a replacement to the internal drive. They just doesn't support it officially. Not sure if it's a beta issue or just not a path they're travelling.

Over on DBSTalk you can learn a lot about it. I think some of the hard drive manufacturers just released a note about compatibility.

I'm actually surprised at the number of undocumented/beta features DTV offers. They had "On Demand" for over a year before publicizing it and it has built in support (also undocumented) for streaming with Play Now. Not only can I stream Netflix, but also Hulu and CBS. CBS is great because it also includes tons of old shows like Family Ties, Star Trek, Beauty and the Beast, etc.

None of this should be a deciding factor. Just cool extras.
eSATA drives work with DirecTV DVR's, but you need the right ones: some work and some don't. Lots of specific details in the first 2 posts of the eSATA FAQ here (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=142735).
I've got a 2TB RAID box connected to my DirecTV DVR.
The issue appears to be their database. Responsiveness suffers based on the amount of program info stored in the db. So, you can clog it up with a lot of short-SD programs, but not clog it up with long-HD programs that consume way more HDD space but not a lot of db space. Frequent manual restarts helps manage the responsiveness issue.

I'd be shocked if they released a model with an internal HDD greater than 500GB until after they download a db that's a complete redesign, not just a tweak. They have supposedly contracted for a new db, but God knows when it might show up. All in all, I'm happy with DirecTV but their in-house software operation is a sad joke.

[HoodGuy007]

I am guessing the margin is pretty good for you too. Bose is not for me, and I steer friends and family away from it, but I would sell it too if I were in the business. They do a great job marketing their products.

I don't know how it is today, but when I sold home theater stuff in the 90's we sold Bose, and you couldn't find specs on any of those AM speakers. I'm talking about frequency response, etc. The was plenty of marketing-speak to go round, but no stats.
It's still the same. :)

[Goober Noodles]

Sorry you don't approve of Bose. But hey, we're a business and if someone believes the hype and absolutely, positively wants Bose, we'll sell it to them.

I honestly don't know much about Onix, except that they are made in China, I think. However, I am a big fan of Elemental Designs. The key is that you are happy with the performance of your system.

I have an eD A7S-450 sub w/the LT550 amp to go along with a pair of Atlantic Technology 6200e towers, a AT6200eC center, (2) AT6.2e in-ceiling, a (2) AT S7 in-wall side speakers. All powered by a Marantz SR7002 A/V receiver. Monster sound!
Nice sub. I was drooling over that thing today, actually.

Onix is based out of Colorado. Great speakers, great service. The owner is extremely involved with the community. It's always a good feeling to get feedback about their speakers from the owner himself on A/V forums outside of his company's. Another great bang for the buck company like eD. I got the A2-300 on sale for 200-250 (i forget exactly) shipped whenever it first came out.

[olehippi]

How do you like Martin Logan? I'm running a pair of Purities bi-amped off of a VSX-94, Matinee center, and Fresco I for rears. Sub is an Abyss, soon to (hopefully) be a Grotto I. I find the set up to be bright, but the sub makes up for it. The Marantz makes me drool. :)


Very pricey speakers.....my only experience with Martin Logan was an installation we did last fall.....the customer had already purchased all the ML speakers and a subwoofer (don't remember the models), and a Denon AVR-1909 receiver.

After installing and calibrating everything, we really weren't all that happy with the sound. As you noted, the ML's are very bright...too much so for my taste...so we experimented by adding a second sub-woofer. It seemed to balance the overall sound, and definitely added another dimension to the theater effect.

We eventually also replaced the Denon receiver, mainly because the customer was struggling with the remote, which IMO, was kind of funky. We added a Marantz SR5003 and a Universal MX3000 touch screen remote.

[HoodGuy007]

Yeah, I don't know of a reason why he would be powering a set of Logan's witha 1909, as most of them are 5 ohm speakers. The Denon was probably underpowering them. What shop do you (own,work,install)? And just as a general question, it seems like Marantz is your favorite receiver, what would be your dream setup?

[olehippi]

Yeah, I don't know of a reason why he would be powering a set of Logan's witha 1909, as most of them are 5 ohm speakers. The Denon was probably underpowering them. What shop do you (own,work,install)? And just as a general question, it seems like Marantz is your favorite receiver, what would be your dream setup?

No clue on why the CX chose the setup he did....he bought the LM speakers, the Denon 1909, and some other peripherals online and tried to install everything himself. We basically came in, cleaned up his mess, re-installed it, and calibrated the room as best we could. We changed out to the Marantz receiver several months later when he also upgraded to a JVC DLA-RS1X projector.

Although I’m now (semi) retired, I still work in sales for ABC Satellite & Sound, also dba ABC Custom Home Theaters. We’re a small company, custom design and install home theaters and full house A/V systems, and rely heavily on referrals from previous clients and several custom home builders. And right now, business is really slow.

Yeah, I’m pretty high on Marantz receivers….good quality and sound, and affordably priced considering the features. I also like Harman-Kardon for the same reasons. And a little higher in the pecking order, I particularly like Parasound power amps and controller/processors.

As for my dream system…..I’ll stick with equipment I’m at least somewhat familiar with. Although I don’t have a room large enough to handle it acoustically….and couldn’t afford it anyway….what do you think about this setup?

(2) Snell THX Music & Cinema Reference Towers
(1) Snell THX Music & Cinema Reference LCR-2800 Center-Channel Speaker
(2) Snell 1800 THX Music & Cinema Reference Subwoofers
(4) Snell IW SR7 Multi-Pattern Surround In-wall Speakers
(1) Outlaw Model 7900 7x300 Balance Amplifier
(1) Parasound 7100 AV Surround Controller

But, I'm perfectly happy with what I now have. So, what about your “dream system?”

[srock]

I ended up buying a Onkyo TX SR 606 A/V Receiver. According to my research, it is the best receiver under $600 and I got it for $400 at the BrandsMart.

So far I am quite happy with it.

My primary goal for this purchase was getting everything to work together. It has 4 HDMI inputs and 2 component inputs with HDMI upscaling to the HDMI out. I was able to easily connect all my devices and set them up correctly and it works with my Comcrap 3 in 1 DVR Remote.

I have crappy old speakers (they were free) an no sub. Speakers are next on my list but not in the budget at this time.

My system:
Panasonic Viera 37" Plasma circa 2005.
Onkyo TX ST 606 A/V Receiver
Comcast DVR Scientific Atlantic 8300 (HDMI)
Wiiiiiiiii
Old Panasonic DVD player (component)
Playstation 2 (not really used anymore)
Old busted Aiwa surround speakers without a sub

As you can see, I have some work to do.

[Sanfran327]

Hey all, you can trust olehippi, I'm sure of it... kinda... maybe. :D

Olehippi is a great guy actually, as I've been to his shop.

FWIW, I'm looking to hire someone to enter my home and rework the wiring in the whole TV/DVR/VCR/HDDVD setup... it's driving us all nuts. We have five remotes and it's gotten out of hand.

Anyone able to hook us up, we're happy to pay for the service. I live in Abingdon, a few miles south of Bel Air.

BTW, we're hoping that one remote can be used... if possible.

Email me at GregPappasJr@gmail.com if interested.

Thanks.


Greg, did you ever get this figured out? I have like 7 pieces to my setup, and I got a Harmony remote to take care of this problem. I literally only use one remote now, and it works great. You set the whole thing up online, and it couldn't be easier. It's a pricey remote, but soo worth it.

[HoodGuy007]

Well, I'm starting a new setup, nothing crazy, but I'm looking for a good surround setup.

Already have the amp, sub, ad probable rears (currently using as fronts), and a center I'm looking to upgrade.

Pioneer Elite SC-05
Klipsch Sub-10 Reference
Definitive ProMonitor 1000 x 2
Definitive ProCenter 1000

I'm thinking a Polk setup to best match the DefTech 1000's, and possibly upgrading the center to either a ProCenter2000 or a CLR2002 or a Polk equivalent. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[olehippi]

Hey HoodGuy!

I've been a big Polk Audio fan and had a Polk 5.1 speaker system for years. Their mid-to-upper range speakers are excellent for the $$$. When I upgraded my Marantz receiver to a 7.1 system, I went to Atlantic Technology speakers and an eD sub.

The Polk TSi200 front speakers are excellent. For a center speaker you definitely want to look at the Polk LSi Center Channel speaker. It's superior to, and in the same price range as, the Definitive CLR2002 you mention. I was really happy with mine. I spent a lot of extra bucks for my AT6200e center and should have kept the Polk. Oh well......

If you want a price quote, PM me.

OleHippi

-------------------------------------


Well, I'm starting a new setup, nothing crazy, but I'm looking for a good surround setup.

Already have the amp, sub, ad probable rears (currently using as fronts), and a center I'm looking to upgrade.

Pioneer Elite SC-05
Klipsch Sub-10 Reference
Definitive ProMonitor 1000 x 2
Definitive ProCenter 1000

I'm thinking a Polk setup to best match the DefTech 1000's, and possibly upgrading the center to either a ProCenter2000 or a CLR2002 or a Polk equivalent. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[srock]

Anyone have experience with media streaming devices?

I just got a Popcorn Hour A110. It picks up media shares from my home network and provides up to 1080p stream over an HDMI cable. It works quite well, good video and sound quality. And it correctly displays most anything on my TV without any setup.

But, it doesn't have the best user interface. I think an AppleTV trumps it in this category. The configuration is a bit complicated to do anything fancy, but I haven't spent enough time with it.

I wish is just ran Boxee instead of its own software. That would make it a top notch device.

[HoodGuy007]

Thanks OH, I just ordered the the LSi. Also, I'm looking at the RTi A9s, as opposed to the TSi series. I like the look, but I want to listen to them before I put in that large of an investment into fronts that I really don't think will sound any better than a TSi 500.