Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have owned multiple Yamaha AVR's in the past and this one replaces one of them. This is the first time I've actually used an AVR for switching video. I previously ran all video inputs directly to the TV until now. Since most of my gear is HDMI capable I figured it was time to simplify things and run a single output to the TV and I'm glad I did.
SYSTEM
I wouldn't say I have a complex system but it's probably more complex than most. My system includes a PS3, Wii, XBox 360, Yamaha AVR, HD DVR from direcTV, Mitusbishi 73" DLP, and a Mitsubishi 3D converter. One reason I chose this AVR is it's 3D capable.
SETUP
Setup took awhile (several hours) since I had to configure not only the AVR but re-configure the other gear and the Harmony remote as well. I did find one bad input on component 1 but chose to move to a different input instead of returning it. I don't plan on using component if possible and have eliminated component so far. Well, at least until I get a component cable for the Wii. I had to configure and test 3D as well which added to the time.
The AVR comes with a mic for auto-calibrating the speaker levels which I used successfully. I also renamed all the inputs so the AVR reflects my component names when in use. There's a nice feature that allows me to set a specific volume level whenever I activate the AVR. I set the composite input (Wii) to upconvert to 720p to HDMI output but honestly I'm not happy with the results hence the need to change the Wii to component. Although I'm not using it, the AVR has the capability of selecting any audio input for matching with a component input so you aren't stuck using optical when you need or want RCA or something other.
Setting up the Harmony One remote was a bit of a challenge, although not due to the AVR. In fact the AVR was the easiest part to program on the thing. The receiver model was already part of the Harmony choices and works perfectly. Getting 3D configured was a bit more challenging but I got it going. I verified on the Yamaha web site that the AVR serial number was already HDMI 1.4 compliant and needed no firmware upgrade and indeed I was able to switch 3D from direcTV through the AVR to my Mitsu TV just fine.
PERFORMANCE
I am very happy with the choice, the performance and the setup options of this AVR. I'm not using all surround options (only 5.1) though. I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 stars because of the bad component jack, and the inability of switching component input to the single HDMI output. Otherwise, it's a solid AVR that has drastically simplified my HDMI switching and given me 3D in the process. Good job Yamaha.
Big Red12/1/10 UPDATE!
After using this AVR for awhile I thought I needed to come back and update this review. I still like it and would still recommend it but there is one little pain I should relay.
During Directv program changes (stop watching DVR program, start watching another) I get a blue screen quite often. A blue screen from the TV's pov means no signal. However, to be fair I don't know if this is the fault of the receiver or the TV since both are new. The pain, the program will be playing while I can't see it, it takes a few seconds to sync up. The way I deal with it is to simply pause the program until the picture is onscreen.
The firmware is upgradeable on the AVR so hopefully they will fix this issue if indeed it is the AVR causing it.
Big Red
1/18/11 UPDATE!
This is a critical update since it affects the functionality of the AVR. When I turn the volume up in the area of 10-13 and the source (usually DVD) gets to a particularly LOUD part, mostly action scenes...the receiver will sometimes simply shut off. To be honest it hasn't happened alot so I'm a little forgiving but I was watching Inception and I needed the volume loud because the center channel is a bit quiet. When the scene with the bunker explosions in the 3rd level dream hit, the receiver shut off. So, I have to pause the movie an turn the receiver back on which means the volume is reset to the default level. I haven't researched this issue yet and can only assume some sort of power overload protection is kicking in. I don't know why it would kick in at this level since it's not extremely loud. I will post more after I research it.
Big Red
3/5/11 UPDATE!
Ok, I opened a trouble ticket with Yamaha explaining the shutdown problem during high volumes. The response was that I likely had some strands of speaker wire crossing over and touching between positive and negative polarity. He said this would not show up during the speaker test and I need to check all speaker connections. However, when investigating, no speaker wires were touching but the problem was still happening around -12.0 during a loud action scene in "Unstoppable" when the train hits the horse trailer. One by one I disconnected the speakers and the problem only cleared with the front speakers disconnected. I verified the impedance was set correctly as well. Only after I lowered the levels of the front speakers below mid-point in the AVR setup menu was I able to stop the problem from occurring. The front's are plenty loud at -12.0 in comparison to the other speakers and the AVR is no longer shutting itself down during the loud spots. So, I'm happy.
Big Red
3/8/11 UPDATE!
Ok, I think my conclusions from 3/5/11 were a bit premature. A few days later I popped in "Predators" and the AVR turned itself off again in the opening scene when Adrian Brody was falling through the jungle canopy. Back to troubleshooting. This time it seemed to be the center speaker causing the problem, again no speaker wire touching. In the setup I adjusted the center speaker down and got it to stop. I THINK I've established a pattern. If the setup levels are above mid-point it seems to cause the auto shut down with high volume sections. I will go back to Yamaha on this to see if this is design intent or a bug.
Big Red
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