1068 questions

[Joneser]

I have had a 1068/1075 combo for about 6 months now. Love the product but have a couple of quick questions.

First Question: When turning on my system, I turn on the tv, 1068, and HD DSS receiver. I have not yet programmed my pronto so I am not doing it any particular order. What I have been unable to figure out is why I do not get a picture on the tv until I switch to another video source and then back to the DTV input on the 1068. It makes no sense to me and would make it a little difficult to program a remote.

Second Question: How many of you are using programmable remotes such as prontos, or MX-850s, or MX-3000s. What seems to work the best with the Rotel gear?

Last question: While I love the 1068, I have really loved the 1098. I originally was not going to spend what I did so the 1098 was not an option. Not to mention, I thought the screen was a gimmick. Recently I had to reprogram everything and did not have fun.....was wishing for the screen. I now have been offered to upgrade to the 1098 for a very reasonable price. Any reasons not to do this? Worth the extra money? Any opinions are welcome.

Thanks

Eric

[eelco74]

I run my 1068 with a Pront, actually a Rc2000i from Marantz. I controll all the rotel gear and have some macro's for switching all on and off.

I think the Pronto is still one of the best solutions for controlling. Apart from a $$$ home automation stuff...

[soundhound]

Joneser, in response to your'e 1st question, depending on your'e tv type, some prefer to be on before bringing the video source in. I run a Toshiba hdtv, Samsung hdtv dtv/ ota reciever, and 1068. A time or two I had issues such as youre's, wich would require a reset of the samsung, but now bring stuff up sequentially, 1st pre/pro, 2nd monitor, 3rd hdtv reciever, and it never fails. I had read in one of the owners manuals that the monitor should be brought up 1st (b-4 video source) and powered down last. So long as doing it as such, never a problem.

[DJDREW]

What type of video cable are you running into the you processor (composite, S-video, Component).

The only negative which is really a positive is you have a few more option, and also you will need the the space in your rack for the RSP 1098(it is a bigger piece)

[Ezgoin]

I recall having a similar problem with my 1068 and the DTV input of my Mitsubishi RPTV. Make sure you're using the the latest firmware version (1.17?) in the 1068. I recall this solving my problem (I also turn the TV on first in the power-up sequence).
-Eric

[CWD]

I use the Harmony 659 with my system that includes a 1068, Denon DVD-2200, Toshiba HD-RPTV, and a Sony DSS receiver. It knows exactly what order to turn things up and down with. All you do is configure for the activity (e.g., Watch a Movie) and it selects the correct commands in the correct order to be sent to the devices required for the activity. It's nice and easy and not too expensive. Check it out.

[Bostonears]

why I do not get a picture on the tv until I switch to another video source and then back to the DTV input on the 1068.?

If you're using component video inputs routed through the 1068, the software version 1.1.7 fixes this problem.

How many of you are using programmable remotes such as prontos, or MX-850s, or MX-3000s. What seems to work the best with the Rotel gear?

I'm using the MX-800 and love the combination of lots of hard buttons plus fully programmability via PC.

[markmaple]

Joneser, what sat receiver are you using? I have been experiencing this problem recently myself. I'm sure that it use to work fine, but I recently had my sat receiver upgraded to a RCA DTC210. I have it connected to the 1068 with component cables. I'm sure that I had my old Samsung receiver using component for a while with no problems.

[Andrew Pratt]

I leave me video sources on 24/7 so it hasn't been an issue for me but for your other questions if you can get the 1098 do so its amazing and as a LONG time pronto user it gets my vote too

[Joneser]

Thanks

Thanks for the opinions so far....let me answer a few of the questions. I currently have a Mits high def TV and the mits DSS receiver (hughes). The mits receiver is currently having major issues which is forcing me to re-evaluate the Direct TV. I have been a customer since the beginning but am seriously disappointed with their HD programming and hate the fact that I have had a number of equipment failures over the years. Now, back to the topic. I have not updated the software and will probably wait until I decide on upgrading to the 1098.

I really would like to go to the 1098 but I am not sure if its because of the coolness factor of the screen or something else. I know its a little more flexible as far as the rear panel goes but what else does it have over the 1068? I am probably going to do it....I just am making sure its the right thing to do for a change....rarely do I show this kind of restraint :P

As far as remotes go, I have a color pronto pro sitting waiting for attention. I had the original pronto for years and went with the 7000 but have been busy. Thought I would check on how its working with Rotel gear before I use it because I could always sell it and go in another direction. One good thing I learned by doing some reading here today is that the press and hold function to switch sources is only because of the rotel remote and will work differently when using another remote. :T

Well...keep the info coming....I probably should also make up my mind about silver vs black. I have all black but I am getting the rotel tuner as well as the 1098 (if I do it) so now would be a good time to switch. I love the rotel silver but have the denon 2900 dvd in all black.

Thanks again

Eric

Andrew.....which pronto are you currently using?

[basementjack]

Joneser - I assume you're getting the RT-1080 Tuner? How much have you found that for?

[markmaple]

I just checked my firmware version. It has version 1.1.4. I thought that I had previously verified that it was the latest, but maybe that was on my defective 1068 that was returned. I guess I need to figure out how to do the upgrade.

BTW, I am using a Pronto TSU-3000. It works just fine with the Rotel gear.

I had all black gear before getting my Rotel RMB-1075. The silver just looked soooo nice. I then bought the RSP-1068 in silver. I bought a used RB-1080 in black. When I found a good deal on a used silver 1080, I sold the black one. I love the way those three pieces look on the rack. They also go well with my Monster 3600 power center. My new digital camera should be delivered tomorrow so I will have to get pics posted.

[Joneser]

Joneser - I assume you're getting the RT-1080 Tuner? How much have you found that for?

Sent you a PM on that question.

[markmaple]

Well, my problem is definitely the firmware. I read the software update notes. I turned "On" the OSD, powered off the 1068, and then powered it back on. This time, my sat picture was there. One question though, I assumed that having the OSD on would display the volume as I changed it. It doesn't. So what does the setting do other than display the current info when you turn the 1068 on?

[basementjack]

If you're running component video, the onscreen won't super-impose and those features are disabled. The internal scaler circuit is used to display the OSD via component out at 480i**

In fact if you plug in a composite or Svideo source you'll notice all on screen functions work for that input

It is a bummer not to get overlaid on screen, but not uncommon - I have not seen any product do this (the 1098 does not either)

The solution they came up with works well for me.

** There is a setup in the OSD to tell it which of the 3 component video in's you are expecting Progressive scan on - if you are expecting 480i (like on a PS2 with the Component video cable) then you should be able to get full on screen with that input.

Hope this helps.