Receiver Recommendations - 3 HDMI

[bdoxtdator]

Hi! I have a purchased a set of speakers and a subwoofer in the last couple months. I picked up the Polk RTi4 bookshelf speakers and Polk PSW303 sub from futureshop on sale, now I need a receiver to power them. My setup is as follows.

Sharp LCD
Motorola PVR
XBOX 360
PS3
Harmony 550 Remote

The Moto PVR is connected to the TV via DVI->HDMI cable, the 360 is connected to the TV via Component cable, and the PS3 connected via HDMI. I will probably be upgrading to a new 360 with HDMI soon, so at least 3 hdmi inputs is a must.

I'm looking for a receiver that can take all 3 inputs into it, and back to the TV with only 1 cable (is possible). I've read that some of the receivers that do HDMI don't pass the audio, and would like to avoid these. This system will be used for the usual tv/dvd/bluray/gaming/music. One of the other requirements is iPod integration. It would be nice to just be able to plug the ipod in, and not spend ~$100 on a silly dock.

I'm looking in the price range of 300-650. Also, is most of the 2009 equipment out already? I'd like to get something so that in 2 months, I don't see an updated version of it in a flyer for the same price.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
bdox

[mark]

I would recommend the Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K based on your requirements of three HDMI inputs, iPOD integration without a dock and the $300 - $650 price range. The list price is $699 but many of us have gotten the receiver for less.

[Tom.F.1]

I'll second that recommendation.

I'm pretty happy with mine.

I only use 3 sources, Samsung BD and Bell Sat PVR are hooked up HDMI.
I have an additional optical from BD to CD input for CD sound only, that way i don't have to change from movie surround settings to music, its already set.
And I have optical in from TV tuner for OTA DTV.

The reciver has inputs for all analog siht, Ipod, XM, Sirius and more.

The only thing it's missing is an HD Radio tuner, but thats probably just so they can sell us all a new one next year..

[magnetbox]

The Sony DG720 has 3 hdmi inputs, and as far as I can tell one of the cheapest receiver that passes audio via hdmi. It can be had for around $300, plus $20 or so for an ipod dock that uses the sony digital media port in the 720. It doesnt do everything the more expensive receivers do, but its easy to setup and if you are watching dvd's from the PS3 (which you have), great value

[Tezster]

Originally Posted by Tom.F.1

I'll second that recommendation.

I'm pretty happy with mine.

I only use 3 sources, Samsung BD and Bell Sat PVR are hooked up HDMI.
I have an additional optical from BD to CD input for CD sound only, that way i don't have to change from movie surround settings to music, its already set.
And I have optical in from TV tuner for OTA DTV.

The reciver has inputs for all analog siht, Ipod, XM, Sirius and more.

The only thing it's missing is an HD Radio tuner, but thats probably just so they can sell us all a new one next year..

Does your BD player automatically switch between optical and HDMI depending on the media inserted? My assumption would be it would always try to use HDMI first if it was available. Just got myself a new AVR yesterday and I would like to set it up the same way as you've described.

[Tom.F.1]

The BD doesn't need to switch, it puts out hdmi and optical at the same time, all the time.
I switch the AVR to CD to listen to music. I don't need to watch the TV tell me with track i'm on.

[bdoxtdator]

I ordered the Pioneer VSX-1018TXV-K. It looks to have the same specs as the 1018AH-K, but if you know otherwise, let me know.

[kev604]

I ordered the Pioneer VSX-1018TXV-K. It looks to have the same specs as the 1018AH-K, but if you know otherwise, let me know.

When Pioneer first released info on the model it was known as 1018TXV-K, when the unit finally hit the market the official model number is what's shown on the box 1018AH-K.