Onkyo A/V Receivers clearing out at London Drugs

[VICoaster]

This appears to an unadvertised special, and each London Drugs will have different models available so you might have to shop around. The x008 models have been announced and some of the entry models are already available with the mid to high end models due out next month. These deals even beat the recently advertised specials in the flyer's.

They are clearing out the x007 models of Onkyo A/V Receivers, I saw the some of these available:

TX-NR807 $799 regularly $1299
TX-NR1007 $1499 regularly $2199
TX-NR3007 $1299 regularly $2499

Interesting how the 3007 is cheaper then the 1007, may have to do with the last sale price on the 1007 which was $1499, possibly this is to avoid price protection returns...

These units have been reviewed to be exceptional performers, and from what I can see the significant change for the new models is the upgrade of the HDMI ports to 1.4 from 1.3a

[bowmah]

These units have been reviewed to be exceptional performers, and from what I can see the significant change for the new models is the upgrade of the HDMI ports to 1.4 from 1.3a

What are the differences between HDMI 1.4 and 1.3a?

[nagasadow]

HDMI 1.4 was released on May 28, 2009, and the first HDMI 1.4 products were available in the second half of 2009.[54][108] HDMI 1.4 increases the maximum resolution to 4K × 2K (3840×2160p at 24Hz/25Hz/30Hz and 4096×2160p at 24Hz, which is a resolution used with digital theaters); an HDMI Ethernet Channel, which allows for a 100 Mb/s Ethernet connection between the two HDMI connected devices; and introduces an Audio Return Channel, 3D Over HDMI (HDMI 1.3 devices will only support this for 1080i)[109], a new Micro HDMI Connector, expanded support for color spaces, and an Automotive Connection System.[54][110] HDMI 1.4 supports several stereoscopic 3D formats including field alternative (interlaced), frame packing (a full resolution top-bottom format), line alternative full, side-by-side half, side-by-side full, 2D + depth, and 2D + depth + graphics + graphics depth (WOWvx),[51][111][112] with additional top/bottom formats added in version 1.4a . HDMI 1.4 requires that 3D displays support the frame packing 3D format at either 720p50 and 1080p24 or 720p60 and 1080p24.[112] High Speed HDMI 1.3 cables can support all HDMI 1.4 features except for the HDMI Ethernet Channel.[51][111][112]

HDMI 1.4a was released on March 4, 2010 and adds two additional mandatory 3D formats for broadcast content which was deferred with HDMI 1.4 in order to see the direction of the 3D broadcast market.[113][114] HDMI 1.4a has defined mandatory 3D formats for broadcast, game, and movie content.[113] HDMI 1.4a requires that 3D displays support the frame packing 3D format at either 720p50 and 1080p24 or 720p60 and 1080p24, side-by-side horizontal at either 1080i50 or 1080i60, and top-and-bottom at either 720p50 and 1080p24 or 720p60 and 1080p24.[114]

[superg3]

Thanks OP - picked up one at LD at 130th in Calgary. Posted price was $1899 but had manager check price and it was 1299.

Thanks!

[Fear]

gonna check this out tomorrow.

interested in the 807, anyone have it?

[VICoaster]

Thanks OP - picked up one at LD at 130th in Calgary. Posted price was $1899 but had manager check price and it was 1299.

Thanks!

Which model was this? The NR3007 I bought had a starting price of $2499

[VICoaster]

What are the differences between HDMI 1.4 and 1.3a?

Although nagasadow's post is very complete, the short answer is 'future proofing', let me explain.

The biggest advantage is "4K Support", the ability to carry increased resolution, but to use this you will need both new display and source devices as everything out there for the consumer is 2K (1920x1080) max. When will this be available?, who knows.

Rest assured, once the manufacturers get you to buy into 3D, the next wave will be 4K...

So this brings us to 3D, HDMI 1.4 is required for it, assuming you want or need it, 3D that is. Movies in this format, Avatar, Alice in Wonderland and of course Monster's vs Aliens. Don't misread my sarcasm, it works well, it's just way to expensive right now for me. For example,the difference on the 58" TV I bought last month to upgrade just the set to 3D will pay for the NR3007, and you still need glasses, new Bluray player, cables, movies etc.

The last items are:

1. HDMI Ethernet (the current receivers have Ethernet but just using the standard Cat5 cable)
2. Audio return channel (sound back from the TV for example) you can always use the audio out the TV already has.
3. Additional Color Space (digital photography and computer graphics)
4. HDMI Micro Connector for portable devices (surprisingly only 1080p)
5. Automotive Connectors (not relevant here)
6. Content Type (picture optimization based on content)

So in the end, in my opinion, there is little need to worry about HDMI 1.4 unless you are prepared to change pretty much everything that is involved with touching, sending or displaying your pictures (TV, projector, cable box, sat box, A/V receiver, cables, digital cameras, computer).

Oh yeah, and your car!

[VICoaster]

gonna check this out tomorrow.

interested in the 807, anyone have it?

I was initially going to buy the NR807, great unit too.

One reason I was swayed to the more expensive was THX Ultra 2 Plus certification. The NR807 specs for a smaller room, the NR1007/NR3007 specs for the room size I have.

To be honest with you, I still have time to change my mind, justifyling the extra $400 to move up is weighing heavy on me right now, I like the extra's but it is $400!

[superg3]

Reg. price $2499, on sale for $1899. Asked manager - he checked computer and said "Whoa - that's cheap! It's on clearance I guess!"

Which model was this? The NR3007 I bought had a starting price of $2499

[gunsmokez]

Onkyo TX-NR3007 $1299 regularly $2499
PiO SC-9540 (Elite SC-25) $1299

Hmm, this is a very hard choice.

[VICoaster]

Onkyo TX-NR3007 $1299 regularly $2499
PiO SC-9540 (Elite SC-25) $1299

Hmm, this is a very hard choice.

I guess it depends on certain aspects of your choice, they are overall a similar product.

From what I can see they use different DAC's and sound EQ programs, the power is essentially the same as is the connectivity (give or take). You can argue for certain features or qualities of both.

So it would come down to look and reputation...

[Fear]

ive been reading on avsforums, alot of owners say that onkyo recievers are not that reliable. They break/overheat easily, can anyone confirm or deny this?

[Mike71]

I know that some of them have had issues with switching HDMI sources after people have owned them for about a year or so. This was on some of the older models TX-SR606,etc. Something about a poorly made transistor. One other thing I noticed in doing research is that Onkyo customer service doesn't appear to be be very good or helpful. Even though tons of these receivers failed they wouldn't admit there was a manufacturing problem and were apparently very difficult to deal with. Great prices if they work over time though.

[dvdvideo]

906 is $999 ......amazing deal for that unit. ...even a demo

[Fear]

Onkyo TX-NR3007 $1299 regularly $2499
PiO SC-9540 (Elite SC-25) $1299

Hmm, this is a very hard choice.

Any price match opportunities with the pioneer? im going to stay away from the onkyo because of the issues it has like the clicking noise and overheating.