S-video vs. component

Thanks everyone.

For me, it comes down to the fact that the TV has component/S-video inputs (not HDMI), so I think I can live without HDMI outputs on the receiver. At least for now until we upgrade the TV (not likely soon).

The convinience of switching audio and video simultaneously is a factor to steamline everything, so I thought I should hold out for a receiver with component outputs which I thought provided a better picture than S-video.

I found two used receivers that I'm looking at today:

Yamaha RX-V657
Denon AVR 3803

I seem to prefer the Denon unit, but the Yamaha has the microphone / auto setup feature that might be nice. I was going to go with an Arcam AVR200, but it didn't have the component outputs.

Thanks for all of your advice, keep it coming if you have more!!!!

Doug
Home Theatre in the works....
NHT ST-4 tower speakers
B&W DM310s (oldies - maybe I'll use for the rear speakers?)
Receiver (not sure yet)
Center channel (not sure yet - prob an NHT to match the ST-4s)
Sub (not sure yet - maybe an HSU?)

Doug,

If you want component video switching and/or upconversion, many recent HT receivers will do the trick. I'm currently using a Sony STR-DA5000ES and have a single component video cable connected from it to my Plasma TV. Coming into the receiver I have cable TV STB (component video), VCR (composite cable), DVD player (component video) and I have an additional s-video cable from the cable TV STB. The video switching and component video upconversion works perfectly.

If you have any interest, I'm currently planning to sell off nearly all of my stuff in an effort to downsize before moving. If you are interested in my Sony ES receiver, let me know. It is a killer IMHO. I've owned about 10 HT receivers in the last 5-6 years and this one lasted the longest in my system and was the first one that did perfect video switching without issues. It autoselects the appropriate video and audio connection every time.

Sorry for the unsolicited offer. Feel free to ignore.

Regards,

TIC

Thanks, Reubent.

I picked up a used Denon AVR3803 that I found on craigslist here locally. I figure it's a good starter receiver for me and the price was right!

So, I get the receiver home, wire up everything and pop in a DVD. The TV picture is PINK! I then have this dread that the receiver has a problem with the component outputs. Further troubleshooting shows that the DVD player is trashed! Fwew. At least is was a cheapo DVD player and not my new (to me) receiver!

DrG,

I'll bet your heart really sank when the picture came up pink! Glad the receiver is working out. The Denons are well respected in their price category and being able to pick one up locally is icing on the cake.

Enjoy,

TIC

Ckorody, very nice explanation. If you need a HDMI 2-1 swithcher Accell has a nice one, here's a review:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_13_4/accell-ultraav-ultrarun-cables-10-2006.html