I'm looking at a new receiver for the living room, something that can switch HDMI video sources, and I've got it down to 2 choices, the Onkyo 575 or the 506.

Biggest functional difference for me would be that one has 3 HDMI inputs and 2 component (the 506), while the other (the 575) has 2 HDMI inputs and 3 component. Price is about the same, other specs are about the same. The 575 can up convert all composite and S-video inputs to one component video output, but that's about it.

So I am trying to decide which one to get based on how many HDMI sources I may have in the near future. Right now I have only 1 HDMI device- my FiOS TV box. I have 2 component devices- DVD player and the Wii.

My next DVD player will be HDMI, whenever that happens. What else is there? AppleTV is component right? I don't know if I will ever get one.

I guess I already know the answer to my question, I should probably get the one with more HDMI inputs for future use, I just don't know if I will ever need more than 2 component inputs in the future.

I'd go for the 605, or wait for the new 606. They have actual HDMI 1.3 repeaters, not just pass-through. (The 606 will have a 1.3a repeater). They also have built-in Faroudja upscaling. It's not enough to just have HDMI inputs, they have to be right kind and version if you want to "future proof" as much as possible. I don't know of any receiver that comes with an adequate amount of HDMI ports though. I have a fairly expensive Denon 4308Ci and it only has 4 in and 2 out. I'll have to get a switcher if I add any more HDMI components.

As for the HDMI components I have:

1) DirecTV DVR
2) PS3
3) DVD-R

4) Later this year, maybe early next year I will add a Profile 2 Blu-Ray player. I was planing on getting the new Panny BD50, but they just announced pricing at a ridiculous MSRP of $700. I guess it will street for $500. Samsung has a similar featured model coming out for $400 so maybe that will put some pressure on.

the ATV is component, but also HDMI as well. I have four HDMI devices- a macmini as entertainment box, a PS3, an Xbox 360, and my cable box. That said, all but the macmini can be used with component.

I second the 605/606- it's a very sweet solution to HDMI and component/composite devices...

I would go for three. You'll need one for your cable/dish TV system, one for your BluRay player, and that leaves one left for future use. I only wish HDMI would make it's way into pre amp processors.

Oh, also, the ability to take any video input and send it out via HDMI is important. No input switching and no multiple cables running to your TV

Thanks for the advice. Perhaps you misread? The 605/606 was not originally an option for me.

I can get the 506 or 575 for around $211 shipped from Amazon. The 605 is at least $100 more, and the 606 another chunk of change.

Do you guys think the 605/606 is really worth that much more? I was trying to pick out a receiver for under $300.

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Mr645
I would go for three. You'll need one for your cable/dish TV system, one for your BluRay player, and that leaves one left for future use. I only wish HDMI would make it's way into pre amp processors.

Oh, also, the ability to take any video input and send it out via HDMI is important. No input switching and no multiple cables running to your TV

Since my current TV is technically an analog CRT (it's still HD, and it has a DVI input) I don't really see the value in HDMI upscaling from all sources. Yes, it is a convenience, but anytime you convert analog to digital you are losing quality, and then to ultimately convert back to analog for my TV to display the picture is just another step.

I guess I am trying to stay analog as much as I can since that's mostly what I have now, but still leave myself the ability to go digital (HDMI) in a few years when we finally do get a new TV, and PS3 / BluRay, and whatever else.

I can get a cheaper Yamaha 5940 with no HDMI at all instead, and then just upgrade the whole thing later, but I thought the Onkyo was a good compromise.

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mikebw
Do you guys think the 605/606 is really worth that much more? I was trying to pick out a receiver for under $300.

Depends. If you are just buying a temp rec'vr that you plan on replacing in a couple years then sure. But if you intend to keep the rec'vr for a few years then the lower models do not have "staying power." It would be penny-wise but pound foolish. The 575 and 506 can't even decode DTS-HD or Dolby TrueHD. For the extra $100 you are getting a lot more receiver in the 605, and one that will be technologically relevant for a few more years. There is no doubt in my mine that the 605 is superior to the ones you are looking at, but ask at AVS Forums [www.avsforum.com]. I think they will tell you the same.

thanks

Hmm, so it appears that the 605 only has 2 HDMI and 3 component inputs.

I can get the 605 in silver for $320, which is acceptable, but the 606 is more like $480. Of course the 606 has 4 HDMI inputs, and also 2 component, which is what I want. arrgh.....

Mikebw, I'd honestly go for the 606. It's $160 more, yes, but think of the investment over the years. You'll never have to worry about buying another one, at least for a really long time, and that's worth $160. That money over however many years it'll take until you need to replace it is nothing. It's an investment just like a stock, only you know this one's not going to crash. (Well, unless you drop it and it literally crashes, but at the point, I don't think I can help anyway.)

You can also pick up a 5x1 HDMI switch with remote from Monoprice for under $40. This allows you some wiggle room. I use it in conjunction with Panasonic receiver that has 1 HDMI port and a Lgitech Harmony One remote, and everything switches perfectly...

Cary

Some of the switches are finicky, but in general newer ones work fine. I bought two at MonoPrice, one (2X1 manual) was useless for 1080p with Oppo, the other one (4X1) works fine. I have BR, HD-DVD, DVD, and the cable box on HDMI.

Independent of availability of switches, I would also strongly recommend buying a receiver with HDMI 1.3 specs.