This is my first post on teamspeed and I'm happy to have found the site. BTW, I'm also a defector...

This subject has got to be one of the most confusing and difficult subjects I've encountered in regards to what to technology. I've done lots of research, read previous 6 speed threads on the subject, read info on avsforums, etc. and I'm still extremely confused. Here's my setup and it's pretty simple. I have a 1080p TV, a PS3 (HDMI), an XBOX360 (Component) and my DVR/Cable Box (HDMI). I would connect all this to a receiver with 5 surround sound speakers. Pretty basic set-up.

First question is which brand to buy...people seem to love their receivers like we love our cars. I've read threads where people swear by Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer, Onkyo, Sony, etc. My second question is the whole 1080p thing. Some receivers, upconvert the 1080p signal, some pass-through the 1080p signal, some down-convert the signal to 720p. This is extremely confusing to me. I simply want the best damn signal possible with regards to my HDMI...meaning I want a 1080p signal which would take advantage of the Blu Ray and 1080p. So what's the difference between all these? I know I'll need 2 incoming HDMI ports and 1 outgoing. And from what I've read HDMI 1.3 is the way to go now. I just don't understand all this upconvert / pass-through thing.

I'm looking to not spend more than $600.

CNET recommends the Onkyo TX-SR605:

http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers...?tag=pdtl-list

But it also states that it "Downconverts 1080i component video signals to 720p when outputting over HDMI; HDMI video quality converted from analog sources may not satisfy videophiles". What gives???

Anyway, sorry about the ranting and raving but this is extremely confusing to me. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

If you want to spend less than $600, i strongly suggest that you buy used. I would implore you to look at the classifieds on audiogon.com.

I dont think you're going to get a good reciever that does proper HD switching for $600. If you're on a budget, leave that to your TV.

Also, what is your primary source/use? PS3, Music, Movies, OATV, Satellite? Etc...