Streaming video from PC to AVR

Hi Jim,

I changed the thread name for you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimzcatz 

Hi, I have an Onkyo TX-SR605 which I love. I am thinking of upgrading. What I need a receiver to do is have at least 4 or more HDMI inputs, and output all inputs to a single HDMI. I believe that is up-scaling? My current receiver does this.The component out jacks on my current receiver have quit, hence the reason for the upgrade. I was thinking of the Onkyo TX-NR609 but according to Onkyo, none of their receivers will allow me to stream video content from a pc through the receiver to a tv. Is this option even available in the home theater world? I know you get what you pay for, but price is really an issue here. I would like something less than 400$. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Jim, 

Upscaling is taking a lower resolution source and converting it to a higher resolution output.  It is also referred to as "upconverting".  Most DVD players and AVR's (audio video receiver) sold today do this today by taking the 720X480 resolution of most DVDs' and upconverting it to 1920X1080.  This is done from a variety of techniques, but even though a DVD player or AVR upconverts to a higher resolution, the add resolution isn't from the actual source, thus the picture will never look as good as coming from an original HD source (i.e. blu-ray). 

In regards to the second part of your question, I went and looked at the specifications for the Onkyo TX-NR609 and I could not find any reason why you would not be able to hook up your PC to the Onkyo and stream video content to it assuming you have either a DVI or HDMI output on your PC's graphics card.  If you only have a VGA output on your PC, then the Onkyo does not appear to have a VGA input, thus the reason there is probably some confusion as some people might believe that a PC only has a VGA output. 

So, if you PC's graphic card has either a DVI or HDMI output, I am pretty sure you won't have any issues.  The only problems you might experience might be with your TV.  I don't know the make/model of your TV but some problems you might have would be that the TV doesn't allow for disabling overscan, thus your screen of your PC would be cropped ~5% on all edges.  Assuming you are using Windows, this would prevent you from getting to the "start" button that is usually on the bottom of your screen. 

In regards to the Onkyo, that is a brand that has been around for many years and should suit your needs fine.  You might consider buying from a local dealer so that that if you have some compatibility issues with your TV, that you can take the AVR back.  At that point, it will most likely be an issue with your TV that isn't going to be resolved by a different brand of AVR.

I hook my PC up to my pre/pro (Lexicon MC-12 HD EQ) all the time with no issues and have watched streaming media this way (though I prefer doing it through a set top box, like Tivo or XBox 360, because of easier navigation).

Hope this helps.