Audio Features
Video Features
Convenience Features
Remote Control
Optional Add-on Devices

Audio Features

WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology): This technology uses low-negative-feedback circuit topology for accurate signal reproduction, improved dynamic signal-to-noise ratio, and better delivery of power peaks.

H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply): The Onkyo TX-SR508 is equipped with a H.C.P.S. massive high power transformer to keep your music sounding great at low and high volume levels.

Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs): This receiver is equipped with 192kHz/24-bit Burr-Brown DACs to decode and playback high-resolution recordings with less jitter and  clearer sound.

32-Bit Processing DSP: The Onkyo TX-SR508 is equipped with a powerful and highly accurate 32-bit processing DSP (Digital Signal Processor) for better surround sound reproduction.

Listening Modes: This receiver incorporates a wide variety of listening modes to bring you maximum enjoyment from your audio and video software. You can assign a default listening mode to each input source so that listening mode will be selected automatically when you select the corresponding input source. The following audio formats are supported by the receiver's Listening Mode - Mono, Stereo, 5.1-channel, 6.1ch, and 7.1-channel.

Note: Dolby Digital and DTS listening modes can only be selected if your audio source is connected to the AV receiver via a digital audio connection (HDMI, optical, or coaxial). To enjoy true 7.1ch Dolby Digital TrueHD and DTS-HD surround sound, the receiver must be connected to your Blu-ray player via HDMI.

Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music Settings: While listening in the Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music format, there are three further enhancements you can adjust:

• Panorama: Broadens the front stereo image to the surround speakers to provide a wraparound effect, especially effective when there is limited output from the surround channels, panorama can be turned on/off in the menu.
• Dimension: Allows you to move the sound field forward or backward.
• Center Width: Allows you to adjust the width of the center channel.

PLIIz Height Gain: The Height Gain Control in Dolby Pro Logic IIz enables you to select how much gain is applied to the front-height effect speakers. There are three settings - Low, Mid, and High.

Center Image: In the DTS Neo:6 Music mode, the Center Image feature adjusts the output of the left and right channels relative to the center channel, allowing you to make the center channel more or less dominant as needed. This improves the image of the center channel, especially when the listener is off-center. Adjustment varies from 5 (nothing subtracted from the L/R channels) to 0 (L/R channel output is cut in half).

Onkyo Original DSP Modes: The OnkyouTX-SR508 features its own proprietary set of DSP (Digital Signal Processing) modes to bring your movies and music more to life.

Listening Angle: While listening in the Theater Dimensional mode you can adjust the listening angle to either Wide (if listening angle is 40-degrees) or Narrow (if listening angle is 20-degrees).

Audyssey 2EQ Automatic Speaker Setup: With the supplied speaker setup microphone, Audyssey 2EQ can measure the number of speakers connected, their sizes, crossover frequencies and distances front he listening position and calculate the optimal speaker setting for you automatically. The supplied microphone is approximately 2.0" in diameter, 0.9375" tall, and has a 19.5' cable that plugs into the front of the receiver. There is a threaded insert on the bottom of the microphone so it can be mounted on a tripod for accurate listening position placement. Three listening position measurements are taken, one primary and two secondary, to optimize the surround effect for a broad area. You can also setup your speaker system manually using the receiver.

• Speaker Size: You can set Large or Small for your front speakers; Large, Small or None for your surround, surround-back/front-height, and center speakers; and Yes or No for subwoofer.
• Speaker Distance: The front speaker distance can be set from 1 to 30 feet in 1-foot increments. The center and subwoofer settings can be up to 5 feet more or 5 feet less than the distance you set for the front speakers (30 feet max). The settings for the surround and surround-back speakers are each individually adjustable, and they may be adjusted up to 5 feet more or 15 feet less than the distance you set for the front speakers (30 feet max).
• Adjustable Crossover: This receiver has a built-in high-pass crossover for any of the speakers set to Small. This setting is available when the subwoofer is set to Yes. The frequencies that you can choose from are 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, and 200 Hz. Frequencies lower than the set crossover point are output by the subwoofer.
• Speaker Levels: You can manually adjust the level of individual speakers between -12dB and +12dB; -15dB to +12dB for the subwoofer.

Audyssey Dynamic EQ: Audyssey Dynamic EQ solves the problem of deteriorating sound quality as volume is decreased by taking into account human perception and room acoustics. Dynamic EQ selects the best possible frequency response and surround levels moment-by-moment as volume is changed. The result is bass response, tonal balance and surround impression that remain constant despite changes in volume. Audyssey Dynamic EQ combines information from incoming source levels with actual output sound levels in the room, a prerequisite for delivering a loudness correction solution. Audyssey Dynamic EQ works in tandem with Audyssey 2EQ to provide well-balanced sound for every listener at any volume level.

Audyssey Dynamic Volume: Audyssey Dynamic Volume solves the problem of large variations in volume level between television programs, commercials, and between the soft and loud passages of movies. Dynamic Volume looks at the preferred volume setting by t he user and then monitors how the volume of program material is being perceived by listeners in real time to decide whether an adjustment is needed. Whenever necessary, Dynamic Volume makes the necessary rapid or gradual adjustments to maintain the desired playback volume level while optimizing the dynamic range. Audyssey Dynamic EQ is integrated in Dynamic Volume so that as the playback volume is adjusted automatically, the perceived bass response, tonal balance, surround impression, and dialog clarity remain the same whether watching movies, flipping between television channels, or changing from stereo to surround sound content.

Bass And Treble: You can independently adjust the Bass (50Hz) and Treble (20kHz) of the TX-SR508 from -10 to +10 dB.

CinemaFilter: Using the CinemaFilter you soften overly bright movie soundtracks. Movie soundtracks are typically mixed for a large theater (relative to your home theater) with lots of soft seats and thick curtains on the walls. Home theater settings often lack these high frequency absorbing wall treatments, making the soundtrack sound too bright. CinemaFilter accounts for this and for many movies sounds more natural at home.

Music Optimizer: The Music Optimizer function enhances the sound quality of compressed music files. The Music Optimizer function only works with PCM digital audio input signals with a sampling rate below 48kHz and analog input signals.

Late Night Feature: The Late Night feature limits the dynamic range of Dolby Digital recordings. Limiting the dynamic range makes it easier to find a volume that ensures the quiet sounds are not too quiet and the loud sounds are not too loud for night time listening. This allows you to comfortably listen to without the need to constantly adjust the volume to keep from waking family/neighbors. The choices are: Off, Low, and High.

Note: This feature only works with Dolby Digital Encoded software and the depth of the feature will vary based on the individual software package.

Audio Sync: Occasionally the audio and video signals are not properly synchronized, typically when using a progressive scanning DVD player. You can correct this by delaying the audio; options are 0 (no delay) to 100 milliseconds, in 10 millisecond steps.

ARC (Audio Return Channel): This feature allows audio to be sent from your compatible HDTV to your receiver through the same HDMI cable already being used to send audio and video to your HDTV. This eliminates the need for extra cables connected to your television.

Zone 2: In addition to the main listening room, you can also enjoy audio playback from a different source in another room of your home using the receiver's Zone 2 capabilities. Using the receiver's supplied remote control, you can adjust the volume of Zone 2 independently from the main zone. The receiver features Zone 2 speaker terminals as well as Zone 2 pre-outs.

• Line Out: By using the line-level outputs on the TX-SR508 you can connect an external receiver or integrated amplifier in a second room, allowing you to listen to 7.1 surround in the main room and play a different audio source in another room of your home. The volume of Zone 2 is controlled by your optional integrated amp.
• Speaker Out: By using the speaker-level outputs on the TX-SR508 you can directly connect a secondary pair of speakers in another room of your home, allowing you to listen to 5.1 surround sound in your main room and play a different audio source in the other room. The volume of Zone 2 is controlled by the TX-SR508 receiver.

Note: By using the Zone 2 Line-Level output, you can use the receiver's Zone 2 speaker terminal outputs to power a pair of Front-Height speakers for Dolby Pro Logic IIz, while also having Surround-Back speakers connected to the AV receiver in your home theater system.

Bi-Amping Front Speakers: The Front and Surround-Back/Front-Height speaker terminal posts can be used independently to power a pair of front speakers and a pair of surround-back or front-height speakers. You can also use these speaker terminals together to provide separate tweeter and woofer feeds for the front speaker (bi-amping), providing improved bass and treble performance. When bi-amping the front speakers with the Surround-Back/Front-Height speaker terminals, the AV receiver is able to drive up to 5.1 speakers in the main room.

Assignable Digital Inputs: The Onkyo receiver is equipped with two optical digital inputs and two coaxial digital inputs. All four digital inputs are assignable. You can choose auto decoding , PCM, or DTS for the digital audio inputs. Auto will decode the signal in its original form (Dolby Digital, DTS, PCM, etc), PCM decodes the signal to 2-channel, while DTS decodes only DTS formatted sources.

Binding Post Speaker Outputs: There are color-coded binding post connectors for the left front, right front, center, left surround, right surround, left surround back, and right surround back speakers. The binding posts are not 5-way because a plastic collar prevents their use with spade lugs. There are spring terminals for the Zone 2/Front-Height speakers.

Front-Panel AUX Input: The AV receiver features a front-panel 3.5mm auxiliary input for connecting a portable audio device such as your MP3 player.

Headphones: When headphones are plugged into the full-size 1/4" jack on the front panel, all the speakers are automatically muted.

AM/FM Tuner: With the built-in tuner you can enjoy AM and FM radio station. You can store your favorite stations as presets for quick selection. You can store a combination of up to 40 of your favorite FM/AM radio stations as presets.

Video Features

HDMI (v1.4): The TX-SR508 has four assignable HDMI v1.4 inputs and one HDMI v1.4 output for connecting DVD players, HDTV set-top boxes, and other video components to your TV or projector. The receiver's HDMI circuitry allows the receiver to output an HDMI audio signal from its speaker outputs, headphone out, and HDMI out so you don't have to run and additional analog or digital cable. The receiver uses HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), so only HDCP-compatible components can display the picture. The HDMI inputs can accept and switch 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p video signals to a HDTV. The HDMI inputs will support uncompressed standard or high definition digital video along with the following audio signals: 2-channel linear PCM, Multichannel linear PCM, and Bitstream. Each of the HDMI inputs can be assigned to any of the four rear panel A/V inputs (BD/DVD, VCR/DVR, CBL/SAT, Game).

3D-Compatible: The TX-SR508's HDMI v.1.4 connections will accept 3D video from your 3D-ready Blu-ray player and output the video signal in 3D to your 3D-ready HDTV.

x.v.Color: The AV receiver supports x.v.Color, offering a wider color range than the current broadcast standard. For the x.v.Color feature to be useful, the entire video production chain must be compatible (camera-editing-format-player-display).

Deep Color: The Onkyo receiver also supports Deep Color which allows the color depth of video signals passing through HDMI to be raised. The number of colors that could be expressed by 1 pixel was 24 bits (16,777,216 colors) with a standard HDMI jack. However, the number of colors which can be expressed by 1 pixel is 36 bits with a Deep Color enabled HDMI jack. Since the gradation of the depth of a color can be expressed more finely with more bits, continuous color changes can be more smoothly expressed.  For the Deep Color feature to be useful, the entire video production chain must be compatible (camera-editing-format-player-display).

Note: x.v. Color and Deep Color technology are supported only when source product, HDMI cable, media and HDTV all support those features.

Auto Lip Sync: The Lip Sync function can automatically synchronize HDMI audio and video that has gotten out of sync due to the complex digital video processing being performed by your HDMI-compatible TV. With HDMI Lip Sync, the audio delay required to synchronize the audio and video is calculated and applied automatically by the AV receiver.

Component Video: There are 2 component video inputs and 1 component video output. The component video inputs and outputs have a bandwidth of 5Hz to 100MHz.

Convenience Features

On-Screen Display (via HDMI): The Onkyo AV receiver offers an on-screen setup menu through its HDMI output. If your TV is connected to the composite video or component video monitor output, you will need to use the AV receiver's front-panel display when changing settings.

Sleep Timer: From the remote, you can set the unit to automatically turn off after as much as 90 minutes or as little as 10 minutes; choices are presented in 10 minute increments.

Display Dimmer: The display brightness has three settings; Dim, Dimmer, and Normal.

Remote Control

Multi-brand Remote: The supplied RC-764M wireless remote is a multi-brand remote. The remote is pre-programmed to operate Onkyo components, as well as other popular brands of equipment, including DVD players, satellite receivers, cable boxes, VCRs, and televisions. The IR wireless remote control will operate up to 16-feet away from the receiver at an angle of 30-degrees left or right of the receiver as long as the remote is within the line of sight of the TX-SR508.

HDMI Control: This function allows CEC-compatible components or RIHD-compatible components connected via HDMI to be controlled with the TX-SR508. The AV receiver offers the following CEC HDMI controls.

• Power Control: This feature allows you to link the power functions of CEC-compatible components or RIHD-compatible components connected via HDMI.
• TV Control: This function enables you to control this AV receiver from an RIHD-compatible TV connected via HDMI.

RI Remote Control Jack: The 1/8" RI remote control jack allows you to connect this receiver to other compatible Onkyo components.

Optional Add-on Devices

iPod/iPhone Compatible: With the Onkyo UP-A1 series Dock (580UPA1, sold separately), you can play music, photo, and video stored on select Apple iPods/iPhones through the AV receiver. The UP-A1 offers charging capability and remote operability via your A/V receiver's remote controller. The UP-A1 connects to the receiver's proprietary "Universal" port.

Note: The TX-SR508 will only display iPod video from the receiver composite monitor output (480i only). It also supports Onkyo's RI-compatible DS-A3 iPod dock (580DSA3, sold separately).

HD Radio Ready: The Onkyo UP-HT1 HD Radio Module (580UPHT1, sold separately) sends high-quality digital AM/FM audio via a single proprietary cable to the Onkyo receiver's Universal Port. The same convenient cable also powers the tuner unit, saving on cable clutter. The tuner features 40 random presets for FM and AM stations. A rear-side Universal Port input gives you the option of "daisy chaining" a second compatible device, such as the UP-A1 Onkyo Dock for the iPod.

Sirius Satellite Radio Ready: The TX-SR508 can be connected to the optional SiriusConnect Home Tuner kit (607SCH1, sold separately) or SiriusConnect Home Tuner Receiver (220SCH2P, sold separately), which allows you to receive Sirius Satellite Radio through the receiver. You can search Sirius radio stations by Channel, Category or Direct Tuning. You can also choose to display the following Sirius information on the receiver's display - Channel Name, Channel Number, Category Name, Artist Name or Song Title. You can store a combination of 40 of your favorite Sirius, AM, and FM radio stations.