Denon AVR 2808 - Confirmation of Zone 2 video output

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Tankguy

20 posts

Geek

#31382 16-Mar-2009 11:08

I am seeking confirmation on the video output capabilities of the 2808 to Zone 2.

I currently have multiple sources (DVD, VCR, Sky, HTPC) hooked up to the AVR and output to Zone 1 display (42" PDP) via HDMI. I have a second TV (37" LCD) in the bedroom and I would like to output the same multiple sources to this display. If I understand the manual of the 2808 correctly, I can output video to Zone 2 but only via a composite signal.

Is someone able to confirm this is the case?

The issue with this option is the relatively poor picture quality of the composite signal. One altenative I am considering may be for me to utilise an HDMI splitter and split the HDMI output from the AVR and send to both TV's. However, I would be limited to watching the same source on both displays, rather than being able to watch different sources at the same time if I utilise the Zone 2 functionality.

Any comments or suggestions. Thanks.

Peter

Dingbatt

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#201499 16-Mar-2009 21:34

Tankguy: .......

The issue with this option is the relatively poor picture quality of the composite signal. One altenative I am considering may be for me to utilise an HDMI splitter and split the HDMI output from the AVR and send to both TV's. However, I would be limited to watching the same source on both displays, rather than being able to watch different sources at the same time if I utilise the Zone 2 functionality.

Any comments or suggestions. Thanks.

Peter

Hi Peter, I quite liked the 2809 when I was in the market recently but the $$$$ required stopped me. You are right composite will be a little disappointing on the second TV.

I have tried a set-up using an hdmi matrix switch (4x2) to get the video/audio signal to 2 TVs, and then to get audio from the receiver room1/room2 to the speakers in the two rooms. It was complicated and you couldn't watch the same source on both TVs with the particular swtch I used (and it crapped out on 1080p). I understand RapolloAV have a better quality one that doesn't have those problems, it may be worth a look for you.

In the end it was way too complicated for family members to get their heads around, so with WAF plummeting I bought an extra Blu-Ray player and a cheap(-ish) receiver for the second room. Using the WYSIWYG principle the family can now operate everything without having to have a PhD. Although might wife has to occasionally enlist the help of the 12 year old.

“We’ve arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science technology. Carl Sagan 1996

Tankguy

20 posts

Geek

#203179 25-Mar-2009 07:54

Thanks Dingbat. I totally understand how WAF is inversly proportional to technical complexity. My wife is a technical desert and given the problems you describe I am inclined to go with the multiple receiver/source option.