I've maxed out my old receiver. It's old enough that it doesn't have enough inputs and won't support S-video and digital optical. My receiver was the first part of my setup, but my TV and components have advanced over the years. I figured the folks here would be more objective than my local salesperson.

I'm not an audiophile, so I don't need a reference system but I don't want a piece of junk either. I wish to use it as a glorified remote switcher with HT capabilities. I'm looking for the best VALUE with the following minimum capabilities:


3 S-video inputs
2 optical digital inputs
Dolby Digital


A receiver likely to have universal remote support would be preferred.
Thanks.

Six, I've always liked Pioneer receivers. I consider them to be a quality, bang-for-the-buck company, and their equipment has always had the features of higher-end stuff.

Larry

Six: I agree with Larry on Pioneer. A bit more technical info:

Since you want a unit that does video switching, the field is narrowed quite a bit, making your choices easier. Because you'll need a unit that can pass signals with no degradation. Thus, you'll need to check the specs for Component Video Inputs and Outputs with a rated bandwidth of 40 MHz; this will ensure HDTV throughput of both analog formats and progressive-scan DVD. ... Mike

sixt7gt350,

You might want to look at the new line of Onkyo recievers. They might have just what you're looking for, plus PL2. Good luck in your quest

p.s. sweet ride(67 GT 350)

The good DR

I checked on the Pioneer units. They don't seem to have enough video inputs. It appears they don't expect someone to have a PVR and VCR together.

VCR: RCA in/out (A+V)
Replay: S-video in/out, RCA in/out Audio
DirecTiVo: S-video in, optical audio in
Sony 300 DVD/CD: S-video in, digital audio in (optical or coax)

There is a Sony 945 model on closeout at the local Sears. It seems to have all the bases covered. A friend who is a salesman at another store doesn't recommend Sony Receivers, even when he can get me a bargain. Any thoughts on Sony receivers?

Thanks.

I've never been a big Sony receiver fan. Nothing in particular other than the sound quality doesn't seem to compare to others in class.

If I may offer a shameless plug, I've got a pretty good deal available on my used Marantz SR780. It's over on ebay at [Link: cgi.ebay.com]

It would fit your needs. I has 6 s-video ins, 6 composite ins, and 1 optical and 1 coax digital in.

Six,

I don't know how much you can spend in the receiver, but I can recommend you a Sony STR-DB940, recently discontinued model, but excelent! - $499 at crutchfield's, lower price at ebay's - or the new 2001 model Sony STR-DB1070 with true 6.1 DD/DTS decoding, Component video switching, a lot of inputs/outputs and more... but the price raise to $799 at crutchfield's. I bought the 940 a year ago and I am very happy with the performance of this receiver for the price.

Good luck!

Rodrigo.

I bit on the Sony STR-DE945 for $289. (Much to my wife's dismay and orders to return it.)

I've found that the remote is really a pain. (As others have also expressed.) I'll be adding its control to my 1994. I still would like to program the remote, though.

When I got the thing, some of the function labels had been "customized." In other words, instead of saying "VIDEO1" on the screen, it said "L." Does anybody have ANY idea how the labels could have been customized? I've searched high and low on the Sony Remote forum, the manual and elsewhere. Nothing mentions being able to customize button or function names.

Thanks.

Thanks.

Can't remember off the top of my head, since I don't have my DB930 anymore, but there was a separate remote controller manual included.

I customized all my display names. I think you can do it from the front panel, too. Just a question of finding the right key; then using the up/down to change letters. ... Mike