Sony STRDG910 7.1 AV receiver - any thoughts?

[TheRob]

I was looking for replacement for my very old Yamaha stereo amp. I was really just looking for a straight out stereo solution, but I have the opportunity to pick up a new Sony STRDG910 receiver very cheap. It's a superceded model and I don't need anything other then stereo ATM, but for $270 is it worth getting this receiver. It seems pretty well specced.

Anyone know this unit?

Also, just a general question. With AV receivers like this, if you connect HDMI from HTPC to receiver, then HDMI out to TV, do you always need the receiver on when you're watching tele. Or does the HDMI act like a passive pass through when the amp is in standby?

[logifuse]

Originally Posted by TheRob

Also, just a general question. With AV receivers like this, if you connect HDMI from HTPC to receiver, then HDMI out to TV, do you always need the receiver on when you're watching tele. Or does the HDMI act like a passive pass through when the amp is in standby?

Don't know the specific unit, sorry.

My Denon needs to be on, but it upconverts (although when I run 720p in to it, I've set it to pass through) so it's not a passive connection - maybe that makes a difference?

Justin

[ExtremePC]

Yes it needs to be on. HDMI is an active point to point protocol so every time you connect into something it needs to handshake AND do all the HDCP "stuff", even a simple HDMI switcher has a least 1 chip in it to do the handshaking.