another newbie with lots of questions

[tsatterca]

I am trying to upgrade my receiver and am confused about some things.

1. HDMI connections for the receivers..

Currently I have a Playstation 3 and HD Satellite receiver connected via 2 HDMI's into the back of my tv which supports 1080i, then go out of tv to receiver audio input via 2 RCA cables.

with a new receiver that supports HDMI inputs.. what woud be best set up.. would it be connecting playstation and satellite into receiver with HDMI cables, then go out of receiver with HDMI into TV? If so, see question 2

2. Not sure how the HDMI receiver works.. if I connected into receiver first, do I loose picture quality vs. connecting HDMI directly into back of TV?

also, looking to spend around $700-$1000. I was looking at Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXH. Can get on Ebay for around $700..

But after reading some reviews. I see other suggestions.. So what else would you suggest.

thanks all for your help!

[Robinson_A]

You're going to want to buy a receiver that can switch between and upsample via its HDMI inputs. Most new receivers will do this no problems up to 1080p. You'll want to plug all your sources directly into the receiver via HDMI then send a single HDMI cable to your TV. Most receivers have better video chipsets in them than your TV so you'll only help your video quality by passing the video (and audio) through the receiver. All cables go into the receiver with a single HDMI cable going from the receiver to the TV for a cleaner installation.

[TheMoose]

You absolutely want to go through the receiver first then to the TV, as Andrew said depending on which receiver you get it may do a better job with the video than the TV will but also since you are using the RCA cables from the TV to the receiver you are only getting stereo, with HDMI going to the receiver you are getting much better audio, Dolby Digital 5.1 for the cable, Sat or off air HD stuff & if your receiver is HDMI 1.3 you can get lossless audio from Blu-Ray or HD-DVD.

[tsatterca]

Thanks.. You mentioned receivers that switch and upscale.. do you all have any reccomendations.. I was looking at the Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXH, but don't know if it will upscale and switch like mentioned below. so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

thanks
Travis

[Robinson_A]

The Onkyo 805 receiver is my receiver of choice at the moment. I don't have a lot of insight as to the Pioneer gear but I am waiting for their cost no object receiver to hit after CES. But for $800 or less (if you shop smart) the Onkyo 805 will do everything you need and more. Plus it sounds amazing. Check out the review here:

http://www.avrev.com/equip/onkyo_txsr805_receiver/

[deacongreg]

You must do what Andrew says,and read his review. This is a great receiver, in your price range that really has everything and is not missing anything. The only other receiver I can think of, that Andrew reviewed also, which is in your price range too, is the Yamaha RX-V861. The Yamaha, has its on DSP features, so if you are into different sounds and playing with the sound field, I would also read Andrew`s review on the Yamaha RX-V861 as well.

Either one, you should be quite satisfied with.