First we needed to determine how the DVD player was connected to the AVR-1612 receiver. After reviewing the connections and cables the customer explained he was using the analog audio and composite video connections. No, using the yellow, red and white analog connections is not the best quality connection you can use with this receiver but they will work.

Once I knew how the equipment was connected I reviewed the connection and setup details outlined in the owner’s manual and found there were a couple of quick input assignment changes that needed to be made. The AVR-1612 receiver is set from the factory to look for the video signal from HDMI 2 input when you select the DVD source input. Using the composite or yellow video cable from his DVD player he needed to access the setup menu of the receiver and select ‘Input Assign’ and then choose ‘HDMI’. Next he chose DVD source settings and switched it from ‘HDMI 2′ to ‘NONE’ and wala! He can now see the picture from the DVD player on his TV.

The Denon AVR-1612 receiver is factory default set to auto detect the audio signal source which explains why he could hear the sound from the DVD player even without being able to see the video image on his TV screen. For more complete details this information is also available on page 68 of the Denon AVR-1612 owner’s manual.

Chad G

How long have you been working with OneCall? 5 yrs What do you think has been the greatest consumer electronic advancement that has come in your lifetime? Wireless internet What is your favorite thing about working at OneCall? Learning about new technologies.

Upon opening the box, I pulled out both of the supplied remotes (the main remote control and a simplified secondary remote control), power cable, FM antenna and an AM loop antenna. Although; on a personal note, I recommend definitely upgrade the antennas to something that can receive and boost lower strength radio signals. I hastily made all my connections with HDMI, and connected my speakers. In a flash, I was ready to run the receiver through the Audyssey MultEQ XT speaker setup process. Like most Audessy equipped receivers the process takes roughly 5 to 10 minutes of having the room sound like giant bats are invading your living space.

The Denon AVR-4310CI 7.1 channel receiver boasts an impressive 130 watts of power output per channel and features 6 HDMI 1.3a inputs (5 rear, 1 front), dual HDMI video output, 3 component video inputs, 1 component output, dual USB, Ethernet, Denon link, 3 optical, 3 digital coax and a host of analog connections. In short you will not be want of a place to plug in your gear. The receiver is also equipped generously with decoding for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIz decoding, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, DTS ES 6.1 Discrete, DTS ES 6.1 Matrix, and DTS Neo:6 decoding. The AVR-4310CI also makes use of Audessy’s speaker calibration and set up system, with supplied microphone.

Now, I have been very happy with my current receiver for the last three years, going on a fourth. The first thing I noticed with the Denon AVR-4310CI, however, was that it really liked my subwoofer. I mean really liked my subwoofer, almost as if they had been long lost friends getting back together after many years apart. My speakers also reacted similarly, taking on a new life. With Denon’s processor amazing high and mid-range frequencies were rendered superbly from a Dolby TruHD music sampler blu-ray disc. Next up was to watch a couple of movies using both of the main HD audio codecs. How to Train Your Dragon, was first on the list. I like the disc for all of the fast motion, and an incredible sound track that offers a lot of sound effects and great orchestral score. The Denon AVR-4310CI deftly handled the challenging opening sequence with the pounding drums and explosions. Next into the PS3 was Master and Commander, another movie with great score and tons of sound effects. Once again, the AVR-4310CI delivered all of the explosions of canon fire and orders barked with ease.

Next up on my testing was to see if the video upconversion was up to par. It did not fail to impress. Every source that I threw at the receiver looked better in some way. Increases in image clarity were clearly visible in all of my non HD sources. My Nintendo Wii, which normally looks fairly soft when stretched to its limits to fill my 1080p screen, was noticeably more detailed.

My overall impression of the receiver is nothing short of astounding. The receivers performance matched with its aggressive price point makes this a must have for an audio enthusiast looking for a huge amount of sound. Anyone looking for a fantastic deal on an amazing piece of audio gear; grab your hip waders and harpoon as the barrel of fish is now before you.

Lee R

Lee is one of our resident camera experts! Lee joined the retail division of Huppin’s Hi-Fi Photo & Video in 1999 and transferred to the OneCall mail order division in 2006. While Lee is well versed in all the products we carry, he favors cameras and home theater. He uses a Marantz receiver and a Canon SLR. Lee loves to talk to customers, so give him a call!

This is a great question, and with the available configurations and setup options on the Onkyo TX-SR508 home theater receiver not an uncommon question.

7.1 Channel Speaker Setup
If you have 7 speakers and a subwoofer available to connect with your Onkyo TXSR508 receiver you can choose from the following home theater configurations.

5.1 channel plus Front Height speakers – front left, center, front right, surround right, surround left and powered subwoofer plus front left height and front right height speakers.

or

7.1 channel – front left, center, front right, surround right, surround-back right, surround-back left, surround left and powered subwoofer.

Once your speakers and audio/video components are connected as outlined in your Onkyo TX-SR508 owner’s manual you’re ready to start the setup process. Although the Audyssey 2EQ®room correction and speaker setup process is very intuitive and makes the process of calibrating your speaker system a breeze you still need to tell the receiver how your speakers are positioned in your room before running the Audyssey 2EQ process. The first steps in the Audyssey 2EQ® process will help you accomplish exactly that.

The first step in speaker configuration will be making sure the “Speaker Type” is set to “Normal” and not “Bi-AMP”. Since the Bi-AMP, Front High Speaker and powered Zone 2 modes all share the same amplifiers as the Surround Back speakers you’re not able to use more than one of these options at a time. After the “Speaker Type” is set as “Normal” you’ll move on to the “Speaker Terminal Assignment” where you can tell the receiver which function the speakers connected to the “Surround Back or Front High Speakers” terminals as well as the “Front High or Zone 2 Speakers” terminals. After telling the receiver how your home theater speaker system is configured you can run the Audyssey 2EQ®process which will allow the receiver to efficiently calibrate the speaker system for optimum performance in your room. Now the only thing missing are your favorite movie and snacks to start enjoying your home theater system.

During the Audyssey process you should have heard sound from each of the 7 speakers and powered subwoofer connected to your receiver and it’s important to note that your most likely will not hear sound from all 7 speakers all of the time. Depending on the audio format of the movie you’re watching you may only hear sound from each speaker when sound is intended to be heard from each speaker. By referring to pages 30-33 of the owner’s manual for your Onkyo TX-SR508 receiver and the different listening modes available you’ll have a much better idea of when and from which speakers you should be hearing sound depending on the listening mode the receiver is in.

Zone 2
With the Powered Zone 2 function of your Onkyo TX-SR508 receiver you can listen to music or audio from the source components connected to your receiver through speakers in a different room or even outside without the necessity of adding more stereo equipment; including the freedom to listen to a different analog audio source in each room or Zone. That’s right; as is common with most Powered Zone 2 capable receivers, the TX-SR508 receiver will allow you to listen to only those analog audio sources connected to your receiver so it’s important to plan ahead and connect not only the digital audio or HDMI cables as well as the Left/Right analog audio cables as well. I would also point out you won’t hear any sound from the Surround Back speakers in your home theater system while the Power Zone 2 is in use. Once you have the analog connections in place and the speakers from the other room connected all you need to do is press the “Zone 2” button on the front panel of your receiver and make your input selection within 8 seconds (reference pages 47-48 of your owner’s manual for complete details on Zone 2 operation).

If you have any comments or questions please post them here on the OneCallBlog.

Matt P

Home audio/video enthusiast and merchandising specialist at OneCall.com

The enhanced network capability includes Internet Radio and network audio/photo streaming via Ethernet connection to your home network. As well as Pandora, Rhapsody, flicker, Napster and FLAC HD – High-resolution audio format.

This receiver will also come with a great multi room section with an 11 channel Pre Amp Mode which can be used in combination with external Power Amplifiers. A generous 140 watts per channel with seven HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs ensures exceptional performance even without a separate power amplifier. And, for all you home theater warriors with 4 ohm speakers, no problem!

As an added touch this special edition receiver includes a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty, a certificate of authenticity and a Denon “Brand Book” that details the prestigious 100 year history of Denon.

Upon the decent of the AVR-A100, man kind’s life will change in how we access our photos and music through our home theater system.

Learn more about the Denon 100th Anniversary special edition products.

Accept this  gift from the Gods and be the king of your Castle
“Domitor Sonos”

Domitor Sonus

Defender of truth, Slayer of Misinformation, a champion in the arena of Home Theater. For I am Domitor Sonus.

What are the benefits of HD Radio?

• It is free, there’s no subscription required unlike XM or Sirius Satellite Radio.
• CD quality sound from a radio broadcast.
• Multicast Programming, radio stations can broadcast two different programs (Light Rock & Smooth Jazz, or NPR News and Classical Music)

HD Radio is now available in 84% of the US and here are the benefits.
Check for stations broadcasting HD Radio in your area.

How do you get HD Radio?
Although there is no subscription required to tune in and receive HD Radio broadcasts you do need a radio or receiver with an HD Radio tuner. There are a number of different products now available with HD Radio tuners built-in including stereo and home theater receivers as well as stand-alone or add-on HD Radio tuners.

OneCall currently has more than 12 models of stereo and home theater receivers that either have a built-in HD Radio tuner or models that are HD Radio Ready including the Denon AVR-3311CI and the Yamaha RX-A2000BL home theater receivers. If you’re looking to upgrade your existing home audio system to add HD Radio check out the Sony XDR-F1HD HD Radio tuner for an easy upgrade solution.

However, you do not need a receiver or complete home audio system to enjoy HD Radio. There are excellent stand alone desktop radios for the home/office, dorm and bedroom available including the Sony XDR-S10HDiP HD Radio with iPod Dock

HD Radio provides superior sound and a new realm of possibilities for radio–and its free. Start enjoying the future of radio today.

Rob N

Hi this is Paige with OneCall.com; I’m going to be talking to you about the Yamaha RX-V367 and Yamaha RX-V467 home theater receivers. The RX-V367 gives you 100 watts per channel, while the 467 provides you with 105 watts per channel. Each receiver has four (4) HDMI 1.4 3D capable inputs; however you may need to download a firmware update from Yamaha’s website. The Yamaha 467 supports an HDMI audio return channel. Both of these Yamaha receivers have 192 kilohertz, 24-bit Burr Brown digital to analog converters; this will allow you to have the best audio quality on every channel and a more detailed sound. One of the things I really like about both of these Yamaha receivers is the compressed music enhancer; this will take any music files that you have stored on your Mp3 player, iPod or iPhone and increase the dynamic range and overall sound quality. Basically it makes your Mp3 files sound really really good. There’s also a mini jack on the front of each receiver to connect your Mp3 player, iPod, iPhone or other portable device. Another great feature are the 4 scene buttons with just a press of one button it will take you to the source you’ve selected and you can either listen to the preprogramed sound settings that Yamaha has selected, or you can customize each button to choose the sound setting that sound best for your needs. The Yamaha RX-V367 offers Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and dts Digital Surround Modes. The Yamaha RX-V467 offers Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital True HD, and dts HD Master Audio. One of the features I really like is Yamaha’s Silent Cinema. This allows you to plug your stereo headphones into the receiver and enjoy cinema quality sound without disturbing anyone around you. The RX-V467 also offers YPAO, by simply using a small microphone it will calibrate each of your speakers for better sound quality. With the RX-V467 you can upgrade from 5.1 to 7.1 by using your surround back channeled pre-amp outputs. Both receivers are compatible with optional Yamaha accessories such as the YD-S12 iPod, or iPhone dock or the YB-A10 Bluetooth wireless receiver. This is Paige from OneCall, if you want to learn more about this item give us a call, we love to talk to our customers. For the latest deals and updates from OneCall you can follow us on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Thanks for watching.

Learn more about the Yamaha RX-V367 and RX-V467 home theater receivers at OneCall.

Matt P

Home audio/video enthusiast and merchandising specialist at OneCall.com

I was amazed by how well everything was designed on the unit. The fold-out doors have wire runs to allow you to plug in your equipment from the front such as the USB/iPod connection and then close the door. The HDMI output to the television also supports version 1.4a with the new audio return channel. This feature allows the audio to pass back from your television to the receiver…providing that the television supports the function.

p.s. As a side note, OneCall also has a killer package right now with the Klipsch HD Theater 1000 package.

Lee R

Lee is one of our resident camera experts! Lee joined the retail division of Huppin’s Hi-Fi Photo & Video in 1999 and transferred to the OneCall mail order division in 2006. While Lee is well versed in all the products we carry, he favors cameras and home theater. He uses a Marantz receiver and a Canon SLR. Lee loves to talk to customers, so give him a call!

For the vast majority of our clients, the Denon AVR2310ci fits like a glove. It is feature packed and reasonably priced. With features such as Audyssey Dynamic Volume and EQ, Auto speaker set up, multi-room/multi-source, Sirius Satellite radio ready and 5 HDMI inputs, this model combines advanced technologies and user friendly set up. For optimum video quality, the AVR-2310CI features state-of-the-art video processing via Anchor Bay VRS ABT-2010, which provides analog to digital video upconversion as well as HDMI to HDMI upconversion, outputting at up to full 1080p HD (24p/60p). It also offers several of the most coveted surround formats to get the very best audio performance from your movies and shows. Warm, detailed and accurate sound is standard for Denon. If you are looking for the best combination of features, fantastic sound and video processing, and reliability then I strongly suggest taking a very close look at the Denon AVR2310ci.

Holley E

Subjects include:

• Speaker Bar Buying Guide
• Digital SLR Guide
• HDMI Questions Answered
• Binocular Selection Guide
• Receiver Buying Guide
• DVD Camcorder Guide
• 1080p Info Guide
• What is Blu-ray?

Michael C

Audyssey attributes include:

MultEQ overcomes acoustical problems using information captured at multiple locations throughout your listening area to correct for both time and frequency response problems. The result is clear, well-balanced sound.

Dynamic EQ enables rich, full sound at any volume level by taking into account human perception. It makes moment-by-moment adjustments to make sure that the bass response, tonal balance and soundstage remain constant despite changes in volume.

Dynamic Volume solves the problem of variations in level when switching from channel to channel, between the soft and loud passages within a movie, or during a loud commercial. It allows you to set the dialog level you prefer and then it maintains a consistent level for all content.

Dynamic Surround Expansion (Audyssey DSX) is a scalable system that adds new speakers to improve surround impression. Audyssey DSX first adds Wide channels for the biggest impact on envelopment and then creates Height channels to reproduce the next most important acoustical and perceptual cues. Surround Envelopment Processing is used to enhance the blend between the front and surround channels.

Rachel Plut