Multi-zone Receiver & HDMI Audio/Video Splitting

[Riari]

Hello

I'm compiling a list of equipment to buy for a basic little home cinema setup. Initially there will be 4 games consoles, a projector, a 5.1 speaker system and an A/V receiver, but I need a receiver that meets these requirements:

• At least 4 HDMI inputs
• At least 2 HDMI outputs
• Simultaneous output of 2 separate sources to the outputs (e.g. HDMI 1 to output 1, HDMI 4 to output 2)
• Splitting the audio and video: the HDMI output of a given console needs to be split such that the audio goes into the speaker system and the video goes into the projector

Any recommendations? Am I over-thinking it? Do receivers with these exact features even exist for less than £200?

Thanks

 

[dante01]

There are AV receivers that will facilitate some of your needs. The cheapest is probably the Pioneer VSX923 with its dual HDMI output and HDZone second HDMI zone capabilities. This is if you can still find one in stock anywhere because this receiver is about to be replaced by the VSX924. This would be the closest you'll get to your proposed £200 budget.

The next affordable option would be Denon's AVRX3000 which also included dual HDMI outputs and has second HDMI zone capabilities. There's also the AVRX4000 that has three HDMI outputs, one of which is a dedicated second HDMI zone output.

The issue is that the audio associated with the second HDMI zone isn't dealt with by the AV receiver and only the audio associated with the source being dealt with by the main zone will be processed via the receiver. The HDMI sources you select for output to the second HDMI zone are basically being passed through the receiver to the second zone.

Both audio and video are conveyed via HDMI so the audio would go into the receiver along with the video. The receiver processes the HDMI sourced audio while passing the associated video out via its HDMI output. There's no need tosplit your source's audio and video if the sources have HDMI outputs.

 

[Riari]

Thank you, that's just what I'm looking for. I've found the VSX923 and may well just go for that if there are no cheaper alternatives. However, I'm starting to wonder if an AVR is overkill for what I need - I know my requirements are very specific but I literally don't need any of the other features receivers tend to have.

On that basis, would I be able to get away with using an HDMI switch such as this: HDMI Matrix Switch 4 x 2 - 4 Input 2 Output HDMI 1.3 Only £60.00 at TVCables coupled with something else to send the audio to the speaker system and the video to the projector?

 

[Joe Fernand]

What speaker system are you considering?

Whilst AVR do tend to be laden with often useless 'extra' features they do cater for the basic requirement of a 'Cinema' system in that they decode multi channel audio, power your Front LCR and Surround speakers and direct line level audio to a powered Sub.

Joe

 

[Riari]

Good question, I'm nowhere near deciding on that yet despite looking around a fair amount. I'm not even sure which brands of speaker system are considered best. What difference does it make in terms of the receiver? And on that note, are there any speaker systems you would recommend for under £200?

EDIT: I will say I'm looking for tall speakers, or ones that come with stands for the satellite ones. I'm in a rented property and basically can't mount anything. 5.1 preferable, but if quality ones of that type aren't going for less than £200 then I'd consider 2.1 instead.

 

[Joe Fernand]

You mentioned an AVR being overkill for your needs - that may be true but without an AVR your not going to achieve a 5.1 system.

With your indicated budget I'd be sticking with a 2.0 or 2.1 system - which would also seem to make more sense in terms of keeping wires to a minimum.

Joe

 

[Riari]

OK, thanks Joe. In that case I'll probably get the Pioneer VSX923. Leaves room for upgrading in the future I suppose.

Thanks both

 

[Riari]

OK, I could do with a little more advice on this actually. I am now looking at getting a pair of floorstanders and trying to decide whether to get an HDMI switch and a stereo amp, or an AVR - bearing in mind all outputs from the consoles are HDMI. I'm prepared to completely omit surround sound support if it means spending considerably less.

So, can anyone tell me if this is feasible, and what exactly I would need to get the setup working (in addition to the HDMI switch and stereo amp)?

P.S. Yes I am a total speaker/amp/AVR noob if it wasn't already obvious

 

[Joe Fernand]

Can you list the Consoles you are planning to use and any plans to add/replace any of them in the near future?

Joe

 

[Riari]

Sure. We have an Xbox 360, PS3, PS4 and a Wii U. No plans to add anything in the near future - possibly replace, but in that event it would probably just be an Xbone in place of the 360.

 

[Joe Fernand]

You mentioned Dual HDMI Out earlier and requiring two simultaneous Sources but not why you required that Feature - can't see why you require it unless there is a TV in addition to the Projector?

Joe

 

[Riari]

My mistake, I thought I explained that in my original post but must have missed it. There is a TV in the adjacent room and I'd like the option to use an HDMI transmitter to use the consoles with it in the future (but it's not an immediate requirement).

 

[Riari]

Looking at getting these: Beng Pair Floorstanding LB4707 4 Way Speakers 960 Watts - Black at the Best Price!

Would I be able to use them with the Pioneer VSX 923 or am I venturing into amp territory?

 

[Joe Fernand]

No prob to use them - though not convinced they aren't more show than anything of real substance sound wise.

I'd try finding a local shop and demo some speakers - buy local and you have the option of a home trial/ simple return if they don't sound good in your home.

Joe

 

[Riari]

Very true - although buying locally would be very impractical for me unless I can find someone willing to transport the kit, but at the very least I could demo some speakers in store and buy online.

Right now though I'm just trying to wrap my head around what I actually need, and those speakers I linked to are just a consideration at this point. Whatever I get, I'm pretty much settled on the idea of getting some floorstanding hifi speakers and I assume the only thing I need to be wary of, aside from price and quality, is impedance and wattage.

Is there anything else I should be looking out for?

I do have one more question - it looks like I'll need to buy speaker cables separately. How are they typically connected to AVRs or amps?

(Sorry for the amateurish questions, I'm learning a lot here!)

 

[Joe Fernand]

'but at the very least I could demo some speakers in store and buy online' - hopefully from the same business! Most shops I deal with have a van or two so 'local' delivery is not an issue.

'I assume the only thing I need to be wary of, aside from price and quality, is impedance and wattage' - none of the above How they sound to you in your room is all you really need to worry about. The rest of it has been hijacked by the marketing team and generally means not a lot!

Speaker cable - for a typical 'domestic' cable run with the level of Amp you are considering a 2x2.5m cable costing no more than £2/m will be more than sufficient, most shops should bundle some in a deal (AVR, Spks, Cable). Connectivity wise bare-wire or 4mm 'Banana' plugs.

Joe

 

[Riari]

So glad I posted here

That's very good to know, thank you Joe. And yes of course, if I find something locally I'll buy from the same business if possible.

I think that answers everything. Much appreciated.