Onkyo's NR1000 "future proof" home theater receiver

Not that we have $4,000 to spend on a home-theater receiver (why do you think we're studying up on how to turn a Mac mini into a media center?), but if we did, Onkyo's 7.1 channel TX-NR1000 would be a tempting option. The company calls it "future-proof," a marketing term that basically means "we've thrown in every feature, connector, and port we can think of, including some nobody is ever going to use." The really useful thing about this unit, though, is its modular nature. If it turns out that they really didn't think of everything, you can pop a new module into the back of the box and be on your way.

[Whydrive @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

The problem with upgrade modules is that it's up to the Manufacturer to build one. In most cases, they'll charge exorbitant prices and go through hoops just to get one. The best method for "future-proofing" is eBay.

[dawggpie @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

HDMI switching, that's a nice feature I haven't seen around before.

[gt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

i hope they have dolby digital "EXtreme Super" 200.19 in that piece.

[Scott Canoni @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

And what was the last thing to claim "future proof" status?

Let me guess, it's no longer compatible.

[James @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Lots of nice big photos here:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-dVsep5jtJI4/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&id=morephotos&i=580TXNR1K

I really wish someone would make a fully modular system that was cheap to start with but had the ability to add modules as you need them. That's not really in the interest of any of the electronics manufacturers though.

[Chris Heinonen @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Actually, this is a version of their Integra receiver that also has the upgrade cards, and the prices aren't horrible when you consider how well built it is. I believe the HDMI card was in the $300-500 range, and when you consider that buying a new receiver that was as good as this one, with HDMI, will run you $3,500 or so right now (Probably the Denon 4806), being able to upgrade later isn't a bad option. I know I'd happily pay $300 to upgrade my receiver with HDMI now, or Dolby Digital Plus, but I'll wind up buying a whole new one in a year or two.

[Frank @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I don't know about you guys, but seeing a piece of electronics with all those wonderful ports is like watching porn... Did I type that or think that.. DOH

[Josh Fruhlinger @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

James: You can always do a pre-pro system with block amps to keep everything modular, if you have the cash.

[Josh McCormick @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

The future called.
They want their proof back.

[vaylen @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

HDMI is nice and all, but no DVI?

No thanks!

[Chris Heinonen @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

vaylen: Why would you possibly want DVI on your receiver? If you have a DVI source you can spend $30 for a DVI->HDMI adapter, but I'd much rather have HDMI so that I could just deal with 1 cable for audio and video on everything that I can, since that's the route everything is going to go in the future.

[Terrence @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

In Response to #10: HDMI is cool with it's one cable and all, but right now, on the marktet the HDMI connectors only sends 2.0 sound not 5.1

[josh @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

"HDMI is nice and all, but no DVI?

No thanks!"

you sir, need to do some research on hdmi

[Brian @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I am with you Frank, when I go to the store I'm as interested in looking at the backs of TV's and receivers as I am the front. We may be weird, but at least we're not alone.

[illdefined @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

in terms of futureproof, it won't even get you through 2005.

the kind of person who buys this will be an all HD/digital freak. with only two HDMIs you have enough inputs for an HD cable box and a high-end DVD player or whatever HD-DVD comes next.

if you wanna add an xbox2 at the end of this year, or a ps3 the next, you'll have to go analog.

[illdefined @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

HDMI sends out Dolby Digital (5.1) if i'm not mistaken?

[roo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

If the future has that many freaking wires I'll scream.

[Scott Canoni @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Yeah, the future is wireless. Duh!

[Brady @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I think you may need an electrical engineer to help you get this set up in your living room.

[Chris Heinonen @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

There are currently two HDMI specs: 1.0 and 1.1, with 1.2 on the horizon. Currently, if I'm correct, 1.0 can send all the video you want, but not all the audio. 1.1 can send DVD-Audio as well, which is a nice addition. 1.2 should finally add support for SACD audio over HDMI. I do believe, however, that 1.0 can send DD and DTS over HDMI just fine, but if someone wants to correct me, they can.

As far as already being out of date, you can already add another HDMI card to it for $300 or so, which will give as you many HDMI inputs as the Denon 5805 or 4806, for less money than the 5805, and still able to upgrade in the future. I could personally drop all the composite and S-Video jacks from it, as I have component or HDMI/DVI on everything at this point, and that would give me more than enough digital inputs to last for a while.

It's a very nice receiver, not perfect, but very nice.

[Joey Geraci @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I am sure you are not the only getting ... excited

[C. B. @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

No USB? I know it has FireWire but how many DSCs use that?

[gopi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

It's great, but...I don't think I can afford the _cables_ to hook that thing up.

[Phill @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

"The Future-Proof Anchor to Your Entertainment Needs"
maybe that's why i can picture it attatched to a chain and tossed over the side of a boat.
actually, these modern electronics wouldn't really hold a boat in place. that's why i use my spare sansui 9090db when i need a boat anchor. (sansui 9090db > 60lbs)
(me = geek)

[TC @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

With no RGB-capable SCART sockets, it's not even present-proof for the European market...

[Steven @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

It'll still sound like an Onkyo, which from their previous efforts isn't saying much.