Anyone using a line of AV receivers which offer this combo?:

1) Sound Quality
2) Reliable
3) Controllable (discretes/RS232)
4) Up-conversion to component video
5) 3 component video inputs min.
6) **** On-screen display for volume control, which is active on ALL sources including HDTV and DVD via progressive scan



I have been using Denon AVR3805 as my "do-it-all" receiver and it rocks. However, it will not allow OSD over-lays for volume (etc) when the source is HDTV or progressive.

According to Denon, the OSD display can impact picture quality, and rather than have some videophile bash the product for 'allowing' their precious HDTV video to be "tainted" with an OSD circuit, they only allow OSD for non-HDTV/Progressive sources. The OSD is output over component, as long as the source isn't HD/Prog.

Am I the only one who worries about clients unwittingly maxing-out the volume during the "near-silent" passages, only to have the speakers turn into FRAPPacinos when the action starts?

Especially frustrating is the fact that Denon's RS-232 control of volume is TOO slow, and when I use my RTI T2+/RP6 combo, it seems that the IR control of volume is TOO fast....!

Any thoughts?

have a look at the marantz SR 7500. I think it will fit the bill.
Not sure about all issues in point 6 though.

I'll second the Marantz, I love 'em, but they share a lot of operation with denon, (same parent company) so may be little different from an install point of view.

I have found that no OSD is available with component inputs, but is with s-vid or composite.

Better brand in my view though

Sheerwood Newcastle R-965.

Pretty sure the SR7500 has OSD on component but other models don't.

Integra 6.5.

Rotel receivers will definetly meet all requirements. Plus you can select what inputs are progressive and interlaced.

I know it how much it sucks first hand. And I know they are trying to protect our signal... right... we just don't have the technology to overlay the information in a cost effective manner... I'd settle for more discrete codes... I'd LOVE to be able to punch a volume level that I pre selected... Some can do it.

What brands/models have the best of the best discrete code features Is what I would like to know.

best discrete code sets? My vote would be the current Denon line.

Every operation of a Marantz component is available as a discrete command, though usually not with the original handset. Wizzit software comes in nicely here.

Also, the codes are used in new models, so that remote you use for programming can be used again instead of being re-programmed every 9 months or so.

Best I've used so far are SR5500/5600 and SR7600.

simoneales; I am using a 7600 at home and for demo and the OSD works when menu is used, but volume will not appear unless the video INPUT is composite or s-video. Component inputs will not show volume bar, which I prefer, as you cannot select it on OR off.

I know that some may note that I speak very highly (almost suspiciously so) of Marantz, but I use it at home, and If I'm gonna do that, then it had better be damn good.

Also in the UK they are direct and not distributed through anyone, make dealers sign agreements and prohibit online sales and no-one seems to hack their prices to compete all the time. Yamaha, Denon and Pioneer all get discounted to the bone in the shops and online, making them a throwaway choice for me. If I ever have to use another brand, I would probably try Rotel.

Just my tuppence.

my 2 cents...ada cinama refernece mach2 or rapsidy mach3

Yamaha has codes for everything. inculding home bank and volume bank settings.
the HB is all setting on the receiver but volume.

Dave

Second the Yamaha. It overlays volume on everything except HDMI. Upconverts any or all video... Great piece, the 2600.