Can anyone recommend any mid-price receivers that have a signal sensing auto-on option. I know the Marantz 5200 and up models have it. They can be set up to be turned on and off by the television.

Does anyone know of any other receivers that can be controled by the television?

Why not build your own interface to power up anyhting you want from your TV. The first step is to find out where on your TVs PCB [printed circuit board] the main supply feed goes when you power out of stand by. This info is of course only suitable for those who know what they are doing. If you dont ask someone who does like your local service agent. Next step is to purchase a remote triggered mains distribution block from One Click Technologies. See www.oneclickpower.co.uk or email:ps.robertson@oneclickpower.co.uk They can sell you a 6 way mains block that is permanently connected to the mains, yet only swithces on when the remote trigger is connected to the mains as well. You should find that your TV is capable of triggering this product thus providing you with remote control over 6 pieces of equippment. WARNING DO NOT MESS WITH THE INSIDE OF YOUR TV SET WITHOUT TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE OF ASSISTANCE FROM A TRAINED ENGINEER

Radio Shack used to (may still) offer a power strip that was set up so that the device in socket one (your TV) would switch on the other sockets when powered on. I'm sure it or similar products are still out there.

How about using a macro capable remote instead?

You can get bargain basement all the way up to studio quality power strips that will turn on all other outlets when power is sensed at one of the "always on" outlets. But do you really want to feed your TV it's power through a bargain power strip ? TV's (Big ones) need juice and bottlenecking your power through a cheese-O strip just isn't treating your TV right.

I'm confused here: Do you just want to have the receiver come on when you're ready to watch ? Spiky said it best - use a macro. An entry level macro enabled remote has got to be about the same price as all that other stuff. (You could even look for purchasing tips in a forum at www.remotecentral.com.)

This message was edited by Sheik_Yerbouhti on 05/05/02 11:59.17.

The problem with switching the power to the receiver is that if it is left without power for a day or two it will lose whatever set-up you have entered (speaker settings, etc.) and revert to it's default settings.

By the way, Sears sell a load sensing switch for about $20.00
It's called the Craftsman Autoswitch
Sears part # 00924031000
Neat device!
Credit to Larry Fine for pointing it out.

The receiver's processor and the VCR's clock are two items that always need power. That's why I'd recommend a GOOD surge protector with a minimum of two "always on" outlets. Most HT receivers (worth their salt) have a standby or sleep mode, which brings us back around to the remote question.

The first thing I'd be concerned with is whether or not a particular receiver was the receiver I really wanted, not whether it had a power sensing option.

What you're actually describing IS a standby mode. If the wall outlet power to the receiver is ON, and the receiver itself is actually ON, but the receiver is waiting for some kind of notification that it's services are needed, then it's in standby mode, regardless of how that notification is is communicated to the receiver.

If the component is in standby mode then any decent remote (worth it's salt) will wake it up with one well placed macro command. In the end you will purchase a zoomie remote anyway - sounds like an extra gadget is just going to complicate a simple process that the unit will perform by itself if it has power.

Not to negate Larry's tip on the Craftsman switching device. If I had a need for it I'd march right down and get one. I just think you'll be OK without it.

If you're going to "toggle" between remotes then your receiver will be on (have power to it) and you'll just.... turn it on (wake it up from standby). My suspicion is (since you frequent this site) you'll end up with a mid to higher end remote that will handle the chores.

But the question was...
Is Marantz the only manufacturer that has receivers that have a built-in circiut that detects the presence of a video signal to switch the receiver on/off?

I've not heard of another receiver with that feature.

The new models from Marantz SR 5200 and up have a sleep timer. Very cool.