I don't think the 7.1 feature is truely 7.1. It more for DVD 6.1 encoded sources like Dolby Digital EX or DTS-ES (don't think this is common) or for upmix of 5.1 sources.

Harvey Norman outlets got a mini showroom for Pioneer products (except Sunway Pyramid).

If you choose upmix, you will get 7.1 sound from 5.1 sources , but the surround and back sound will be the same sound from the surround channel.

Besides, even Desa HT advertises it as 5.1 Receiver

This post has been edited by Ngto: Nov 9 2009, 06:42 PM

I suspect with true 7.1 HD sources , you will get both the surround and back channel sound output from both the surround and back speakers and not separately.

Please update your testing results

Thanks for the info

You input AV cables from Astro unit to your Pioneer Amp. After that did you plug another set of RCA cables out from the Amp to the TV?

RCA (Composite) cables are your Yellow,Red,White.

Your 819 Amp probably doesn't convert your Analog video (RCA) to Digital HDMI output to TV. So how you expect to get pic or sound to your TV when you input Analog RCA but no corresponding output to TV .

Maybe buy a higher end AVR, then it might have that feature.

In the meantime get an extra set of analog RCA cable and connect from the Amp to TV . Also select the correct source from the amp (e.g AV1, or AV2 etc). Don't expect the video to be good

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Added on November 16, 2009, 10:53 pmAnother suggestion is don't use the yellow cable to/from the amp. Instead connect an S-Video cable (or Component Cable, if your Decoder has them) directly from the Astro decoder to the TV. Bypass the Amp completely.


This post has been edited by Ngto: Nov 16 2009, 10:53 PM

Better first find out whether Pioneer Malaysia will repair or not if got problem.

Why the increase? Pioneer getting too popular ?

This post has been edited by Ngto: Dec 1 2009, 09:48 PM

I think they must be bluffing you.

About 3 mths back Harvey Norman was selling the exact same set for RM3,299/- (1 yr Warranty ) and RM3,499/- (5 Yr extended warranty) . Now Kiran (refer above 2 post) managed to buy for RM3,199/-. That means the price has come down not gone up)

This post has been edited by Ngto: Dec 2 2009, 09:45 PM

I didn't realise he's from Ipoh

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Added on December 3, 2009, 8:18 amI think computer HDMI a bit more tricky to channel sound from it. Your Laptop HDMI connection could be only meant for Video, not sure. Check your details about your Laptop specs. Or are you just using one of those DVI to HDMI converters?

This post has been edited by Ngto: Dec 3 2009, 08:18 AM

Those HDMI Media players (like AC Ryan, WD TV Live etc) wont have any problems with normal 5.1 sound. Only HD audio have problem and currently being fixed.

You said HDMI indicator in AVR blinks, shouldn't it be constantly on instead of blinking. There is an option in the Pioneer that can set HDMI audio to passthrough (bypass the Amp) maybe you could check that it is not set to passthrough.

Could ask Soulquarinz about that, he is using 819 and AC Ryan POHD.

In the meantime , did you look for updated drivers at Sony Website?

This post has been edited by Ngto: Dec 3 2009, 10:58 AM

Oimeng that's a great link

btw, When did you buy your Onkyo 607 and how much did it cost?

This post has been edited by Ngto: Dec 3 2009, 11:28 AM

Where did you buy it?

Did you try connecting 2 subwoofers (if you have 2). If you have tried, does the Audyssey system calibrate them separately or only together as one unit?

What about the heat. Is it as HOT as they say, where you can't even place your fingers on the top for more than a few seconds?

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Added on December 3, 2009, 11:17 pmGlad you got it sorted out. I think you must buy oimeng a drink

This post has been edited by Ngto: Dec 3 2009, 11:18 PM

Thanks for the info.

Surround sound will make the sound spread out wider, so your bass also will be subdued or drowned out a bit,

This post has been edited by Ngto: Dec 4 2009, 01:35 PM

PC Fair price someone mentioned RM560/- in AC Ryan POHD thread).

Everyone is still waiting for Dolby True-HD and DTS-MA bitstream . Downmix (in above mentioned case) means convert the source to stereo. Passthrough means bitstream to the AVR to decode. Note that this is only regular Dolby and DTS passthrough not HD Audio.

Currently when you select a True-HD source you will get a 'Unknown Audio Format' error. If you select DTS-MA you will only get the Core DTS 5.1 and not the HD format. This is more applicable to m2ts files which are direct rips from Blu-ray.

For MKV files (can be compressed from blu-ray rips as well) they can't support True-HD and DTS-MA so they include only the converted normal DD or DTS 5.1 sound. You shouldn't have problem getting normal 5.1 sound from these files on your 819.

This post has been edited by Ngto: Dec 5 2009, 12:40 PM

You know that 519 can't support bitstream HD Audio , don't you? It can support lossless LPCM though.

Can just connect both AC Ryan and PS3 to 519 HDMI inputs. Then just one cable from 519 out to Panny.

AC Ryan promises of HD Audio still unfulfilled. Don't know whether they will deliver or not.

My post just to suggest an easier connection for his PS3 and AC Ryan to his TV. Not related to HD audio bitstream or LPCM

But if want to LPCM HD audio from PS3 to 519AVR no problem. If want HD Audio LPCM from AC Ryan POHD to 519AVR have to pray and wait . If just want regular 5.1 DD and DTS then both no problem.

This post has been edited by Ngto: Dec 7 2009, 01:15 PM