i have 6 polk speakers connected to a pioneer 810 receiver. typically, playing dvd, cd or regular tv, do all 6 speakers work, or only the front 3 ?
thank you in advance
debbie

It depends on what "sound mode" you are listening in. I am not familiar with your 810 receiver, but if you are listening in 2 ch stereo, then only the front 2 will work.

If you are listening in Dolby Pro Logic, then it will sound like only your center channel speaker is working on certain material. Your surrounds are probably playing something, just very limited.

If you are listening in Dolby Digital (or DTS), then all speakers can have a signal, but again it depends on the source. Some movies have a lot of sound in the surrounds (action movies for instance) and others don't (usually more dialogue type movies).

Why do you ask - are you having a problem with your speakers - or were you just curious?

Bryan

bryan:
thanks for your replay. i hardly hear the rear speakers. pioneer has the worst customer service... ever... especially if you are a female, they think you are just dumb.
can you recommend a remote ?
thanks
debbie

I use the remote that came with my Denon 3802 receiver - but if I had to buy a universal remote - to me the ultimate button remote is the Home Theater Master MX-500. It is about $180, but is a great remote.

Another great remote that is all button, but a bit harder to program is the Radio Shack 15-1994. It is usually on sale for like $30, and can do things that most remotes can (like accept advanced codes that aren't in the remote or on the original remote). There is a guy here named Rob that has a site (hifi-remote.com I believe) that has all kinds of programming info for this remote.

For touchscreens - definitely a Pronto - don't even go near the Harman Kardon Take Control - I had that remote and hated it.

Hope this helps.

Bryan

There is

Bryan:
someone recommended the sony remote?
what do you think?
another problem i have.. my speakers hum when i play dvd..
can you help?
thanks
debbie

Which Sony remote - the 2100 touchscreen? It is a pretty cool remote - not as customizable as the pronto, but would probably do everything you need it to. You can check out some reviews on this site by Daniel, or even other user reviews of different remotes. It's hard to say which remote is the best, as everyone has different needs. Some people like touchscreens and some people (like me) like all hard buttons.

I don't know why there would be a hum only on DVD's. Could be a ground loop. Are you using the analog (regular RCA connects) or a digital cable between your receiver and DVD player? Maybe your DVD player is picking up some noise and sending it your receiver.

Could be a lot of things - but I would need more info from you. How they are connected, exactly when and what speakers do you get the hum, etc.

Bryan

bryan:
the dvd is connected by digital cable. it just started to hum.
debbie

Check your video cable

Art

Also disconnect the catv see if it goes away.