Marantz AV8003 Processor


I've just received my new processor for 4 days now. After reading previous reviews, the Michael Fremer one really scared me away from the processor because of the perceived difficulties in switching inputs and a difficult remote.
I can assure everyone that inputs are easy to switch. every input is linked directly to a number. The remote's backlight can be set up to a minute. Setting personal input names and links to hdmi, coax etc can b e a little confounding but I figured everything out under an hour and half. Sound quality is good but I have yet to set the EQ with the mic. Sound is not quite as transparent as my Simaudio Attraction 7.1 but blue ray playback with the new sound formats are fantastic. Hope this will help.
anwill
what was thread about again?

I think its about why its taking Andy Pettitte so long to decide if he is pitching or retired .
Hi, I have an issue with playing 5.1 content from an HDMI input when there is no HDMI output connected. My av8003 only plays left and right channels when no OUTPUT HDMI is connected to my tv, but when the TV is connected via the HDMI OUTPUT then it recognizes the 5.1 properly.

Is this the way it works or can it be changed??

Thank you,
Carlos
I suspect that this has to do with HDMI hand-shaking and display determination.  Whenever the source (i.e. bluray / satellite) is connected, it sends a display question all the way through the HDMI cable chain.  The display/TV then reports back it's display type and the resolutions/rates it can display.  The source device then will send acceptable audio and video.  When your TV is off, there is no display device.  In this situation, the source may be defaulting to the lowest acceptable rate for audio, which is typically 2-channel PCM.