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Multiple 5.1 Zones with a Single Receiver

post #1 of 4
2/8/10 at 11:07am
Thread Starter 

I am currently in the process of upgrading my equipment.  I would like to run two 5.1 speaker setups through a single receiver with two HDMI output jacks from a single source.  Has anyone ever seen a receiver that would do this?

To give you an idea of why I am asking this, I currently run an indoor 5.1 system in our family room and an outdoor 5.1 system on our deck.  I would like to be able to put a Blu-Ray disk in and watch the video and sound outside or inside, or both if we are entertaining.  My current configuration is through multiple receivers with some switching involved, but I would really like to clean this up through a single A/V receiver.

I have seen dual HDMI output jacks, but have not seen receivers with multiple 5.1 speaker jacks.  Anyway, looking for any insight.  Thanks!

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post #2 of 4
2/8/10 at 5:45pm
You might be able to use the Pioneer/SC-09tx. It's a 10.2 receiver and you can can bi-amp all 5 main speakers. So instead of actually bi-amping them, power another set of speakers. But bring your wallet. And a hand cart.

I wonder if there's a way to use one or two 5 channel amps to accomplish your goal.
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post #3 of 4
2/9/10 at 2:03pm
Higher end Denon receivers have two simultaneously active HDMI outputs, and preamp outputs that could be connected to amps and thus to speakers. Unfortunately, they'd still have a common gain control, which I suspect would be less than ideal.

As I suspect you're aware, most receivers with two or more zones only provide composite video and stereo analog audio in the secondary zones. Composite video and stereo analog connections have to be run from the player to the receiver, too. Down-converting in the receiver from HDMI to analog video is not allowed by the HDMI licensors.

Personally, I think using two receivers gives you the most flexibility. You could connect the player to the inside receiver using HDMI and to the outside receiver using component video and digital audio.
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post #4 of 4
2/12/10 at 2:00pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the advice.... The technology just isn't quite ready for it yet, and I agree two receivers sounds like the way to go for now.  Thanks everyone!
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