The Onkyo TX-NR636 is a popular home theater receiver that has been on the market for a while, and many users are wondering if it supports 4K resolution. With the increasing adoption of 4K TVs and media players, it’s essential to know if your receiver can handle this high-resolution format. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the Onkyo TX-NR636’s capabilities and explore whether it supports 4K resolution.
Understanding 4K Resolution
Before we dive into the specifics of the Onkyo TX-NR636, let’s take a brief look at what 4K resolution is and why it’s becoming the new standard for home entertainment.
4K resolution, also known as Ultra HD, is a digital video resolution that offers four times the resolution of Full HD (1080p). This means that 4K resolution has a whopping 3840 x 2160 pixels, resulting in a much more detailed and immersive viewing experience. 4K resolution is becoming increasingly popular, especially with the rise of 4K TVs and streaming services that offer 4K content.
Benefits of 4K Resolution
So, why is 4K resolution such a big deal? Here are some of the benefits of 4K resolution:
- Increased detail and clarity: With four times the resolution of Full HD, 4K resolution offers a much more detailed and clear picture, making it ideal for watching movies, sporting events, and playing video games.
- Wider color gamut: 4K resolution supports a wider color gamut, which means it can display more vivid and lifelike colors, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience.
Onkyo TX-NR636 Specifications
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of 4K resolution, let’s take a look at the specifications of the Onkyo TX-NR636 receiver.
The Onkyo TX-NR636 is a 7.2-channel AV receiver that was released in 2014. It’s a mid-range receiver that offers a range of features, including Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth streaming, and support for popular audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Here are some of its key specifications:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Channels | 7.2 |
| Power Output (Watts) | 100 (per channel) |
| HDMI Inputs | 8 |
| 4K Support | ? (read on to find out) |
Onkyo TX-NR636 4K Support
So, does the Onkyo TX-NR636 support 4K resolution? The answer is a bit complicated.
The Onkyo TX-NR636 does have 4K-compatible HDMI inputs, which means it can pass through 4K resolution signals from devices like 4K Blu-ray players and game consoles. However, the receiver does not support 4K resolution at 60Hz, which is the standard refresh rate for most 4K content.
Instead, the Onkyo TX-NR636 supports 4K resolution at 30Hz, which is a lower refresh rate that may not provide the same level of smoothness and clarity as 60Hz. This means that if you want to watch 4K content at 60Hz, you may need to use a different receiver or a separate 4K-capable device.
Why 4K at 30Hz Is Not Ideal
So, why is 4K at 30Hz not ideal? Here are a few reasons:
- Limited smoothness: 30Hz is a lower refresh rate than 60Hz, which means it may not provide the same level of smoothness and fluidity, especially during fast-paced content like action movies and sports.
- Potential for judder: 30Hz can also cause judder, which is a phenomenon where the image appears to stutter or jerk, especially during panning shots.
Upgrading to a 4K-Capable Receiver
If you’re planning to upgrade to a 4K TV or want to take full advantage of 4K resolution, you may need to consider upgrading to a 4K-capable receiver. Here are a few options to consider:
- Onkyo TX-NR686: This is a newer model from Onkyo that supports 4K resolution at 60Hz, making it a great option for those who want to take full advantage of 4K content.
- Denon AVR-X4500H: This receiver from Denon supports 4K resolution at 60Hz and also offers advanced features like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Onkyo TX-NR636 does have some limitations when it comes to 4K support, it’s still a great receiver that offers a range of features and good performance. If you’re planning to upgrade to a 4K TV or want to take full advantage of 4K resolution, you may need to consider upgrading to a 4K-capable receiver.
Remember, 4K resolution is the future of home entertainment, and it’s essential to choose a receiver that can handle this high-resolution format. Whether you choose to upgrade to a new receiver or stick with the Onkyo TX-NR636, make sure you do your research and choose a receiver that meets your needs and budget.
What is 4K resolution and how does it benefit home entertainment?
The 4K resolution, also known as Ultra HD, is a video resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is four times the resolution of Full HD (1080p). This higher resolution provides a more detailed and immersive viewing experience, making it ideal for home entertainment.
With 4K resolution, you’ll enjoy a more cinematic experience in the comfort of your own home. You’ll notice that the picture is much sharper, with more vivid colors and detailed textures. This is especially noticeable in scenes with fast motion, such as sports or action movies. Additionally, 4K resolution provides a more future-proof solution, as it’s likely to remain a standard for years to come.
Does the Onkyo TX-NR636 receiver support 4K resolution?
Yes, the Onkyo TX-NR636 receiver is 4K-compatible, meaning it can pass through 4K video signals from a source device such as a 4K Blu-ray player or gaming console to a 4K-compatible TV. This ensures that you can enjoy the full benefits of 4K resolution without any degradation of the signal.
The receiver’s HDMI 2.0 ports support 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second, which is essential for smooth motion and fast-paced content. Additionally, the receiver also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Wide Color Gamut, which further enhance the viewing experience by providing more vivid colors and contrast.
Do I need to upgrade my TV to a 4K TV to take advantage of 4K support on the Onkyo TX-NR636?
Yes, to take full advantage of the 4K support on the Onkyo TX-NR636 receiver, you’ll need a 4K-compatible TV. If you have a Full HD (1080p) or HD (720p) TV, you won’t be able to enjoy 4K resolution.
However, even if you don’t have a 4K TV, you can still use the receiver with your current TV. The receiver will downscale the 4K signal to a resolution that your TV can support. This means you can still use the receiver with your current TV, but you won’t be able to enjoy the full benefits of 4K resolution.
Can I use the Onkyo TX-NR636 receiver with a 4K gaming console such as the PlayStation 4 Pro or Xbox One X?
Yes, the Onkyo TX-NR636 receiver is compatible with 4K gaming consoles such as the PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X. The receiver’s HDMI 2.0 ports can pass through 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second, which is essential for smooth and responsive gaming.
In addition to 4K resolution, the receiver also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Wide Color Gamut, which can further enhance the gaming experience. The receiver’s HDMI ports also support ARC (Audio Return Channel) and CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), which allow for seamless control and communication between the receiver and your TV.
Do I need to configure the Onkyo TX-NR636 receiver to take advantage of 4K support?
Yes, to take advantage of 4K support on the Onkyo TX-NR636 receiver, you’ll need to configure the receiver’s video settings. This involves setting the receiver’s video output to 4K and ensuring that the HDMI ports are set to Version 2.0.
Fortunately, the configuration process is relatively straightforward, and the receiver’s on-screen menu provides clear and easy-to-follow instructions. Additionally, the receiver’s manual provides detailed instructions on how to configure the video settings for 4K support.
Will the Onkyo TX-NR636 receiver upscale lower resolutions to 4K?
Yes, the Onkyo TX-NR636 receiver has a built-in upscaler that can upscale lower resolutions such as 1080p and 720p to 4K resolution. This means that even if you’re watching content that’s not natively 4K, the receiver can upscale it to take advantage of your 4K TV’s capabilities.
Keep in mind that upscaling is not the same as native 4K resolution, and the resulting picture quality may not be as good as true 4K content. However, the receiver’s upscaler does a good job of improving the picture quality, making it a useful feature for those who want to get the most out of their 4K TV.
Is the Onkyo TX-NR636 receiver future-proof for emerging 4K technologies such as HDMI 2.1?
The Onkyo TX-NR636 receiver is based on HDMI 2.0 technology, which may not support some emerging 4K technologies such as HDMI 2.1. While the receiver is 4K-compatible, it may not be able to take full advantage of future 4K technologies that require HDMI 2.1.
However, it’s worth noting that the receiver’s HDMI 2.0 ports still provide excellent 4K support, and the receiver is still a solid choice for those who want to enjoy 4K resolution today. Additionally, the receiver’s firmware can be updated, which may allow it to support emerging 4K technologies in the future.