Next step for HT upgrade? (1 Viewer)

[Bo-Cephus]

My question concerns upgrading my current setup to take more advantage of current technology. My current stuff is:
Speakers - LCR60, DM602S3's front, 3 DM600S3's in back (L/R/C), Yamaha sub
Receiver - Kenwood VR6070 Receiver
DVD - Kenwood Soveriegn DV5900
TV - Mitsubishi 55809 (55" rear projection)

My TV is almost 6 years old, and while it still performs great for its age I know it's a matter of time. This will like be my next upgrade, going to a 1080p (model tbd). Currently the highest input I have on any all of my equipment is component video and digital audio through using the optical inputs/outputs.

I know I will have to move to using HDMI inputs/outputs to take full advantage of the increased audio/video quality. I know my new TV will already have this, but none of my current components do. So logically, what should my first upgrade be to be able to take the most advantage of the higher vieo/audio quality? I'm thinking an upconverting receiver, but that's only based on what I know, which is not much. After the new TV, is a receiver that can upconvert from my existing equipment the next logical step, or am I missing something. Thanks!

 

[Shawn Perron]

Assuming you are happy with your current sound quality, a video upgrade is usually the most obvious and enjoyable. Video technology has come a long way in the last 6 years. Not that a sound upgrade wouldn't be enjoyable, but it'd probably be more subtle then the literally "in your face" new video impact.

Also receivers are about to transition to HDMI 1.3 and the ability to decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA. If you buy now you'll only get HDMI 1.2 and the ability to use PCM, but not directly decode the 2 big new sound formats. It'd probably be best to hold off on a receiver upgrade until later next year.

 

[Marty M]

I just bought a Sony SXRD with HDMI and have an older Yamaha that does not have HDMI. I just run everything directly to the TV. My TV has two HDMI inputs, so it's not really an issue for me at this time.

 

[ppltd]

After spending 1000.00's on upgrades to my HT this year, I think the addition on HDMI 1.3 will be a requirement on any new hardware I buy.

Which means I will probably buy no new hardware until sometime in 07. What a shame, as the new Panny 1000 1080p front projector looked sweet. But it only supports 1.2.:frowning:. Guess I will hang on to my Panny 900U a little while longer.

From the reciever point of view, I talked to Pioneer last week and they are looking at 2nd quarter 07 for their 1.3 enabled recievers, and June/July for the Elite line of 1.3 enabled recievers. It seems like such a long time to wait. They did state on both the elite, and their higher dollar standard line recievers, both DTS-MA and Dolby-HD will be supported. At least that is something to look forward to.