Do I need an HDMI-enabled Receiver?

[netscorer]

I recently made a full upgrade of my HT: 56'' 1080P HDTV, HD-DVD player, HD cable, new generation consoles PS3, Xbox360 and new video card on my HTPC to support HDCP DVI.
To combat this onslaught of HDMI connections (4 total, since Xbox only has components) I bought a 4x1 HDMI switch from Monoprice. However, I face a shortage of digital audio inputs on my current receives (a 1.5 year old Yamaha RX-V450) since I can not process audio via HDMI and all my optical/coaxical inputs are taken.
So, do I upgrade my relatively new receiver just to gain HDMI for audio processing? Do I have to buy receiver with 4x1 HDMI switch or can I continue using Monoprice switch with new receiver? What would you suggest?

Also, from all new receivers I really like new Onkyo lineup but am struggling in choosing between 605 and 705 series (805 is way too big for my HT room). It seems, that functionally these receivers are identical and the differences mainly lie in the amplifier design. Is it worth $300 extra for THX certification and slightly more power?

Appreciate your responses.

 

[Seth=L]

What kind of speakers are we talking here? That could have a bearing on the receiver you should get.

 

[netscorer]

I have 5.0 Acoustic Research setup. My main speakers are AR 310HO (floorstanding speakers, 4 drivers including 1 x 250mm side-mounted woofer); Center is AR CS25HO and surrounds - AR 206HO. All speakers have 95dB SPL sensitivity and 8ohms nominal.

Thanks,

Netscorer.

 

[jcPanny]

Quick Fix

Many TVs have a digital audio output. If this is the case with yours, you could run all HDMI (through the switch) to the TV and connect the TV's digital audio output to one of the digital inputs on the receiver. This will work fine for the standard DD and DTS 7.1 signal from all sources.

If you want to take full advantage of the new high res audio formats provided by HD-DVD and BluRay, then you will need a receiver w/ HDMI. With your current speaker setup, the new audio formats might not make a major difference.

 

[jostenmeat]

Many TVs have a digital audio output. If this is the case with yours, you could run all HDMI (through the switch) to the TV and connect the TV's digital audio output to one of the digital inputs on the receiver. This will work fine for the standard DD and DTS 7.1 signal from all sources.
.

Careful, a few tv's will strip surround encoded material to two-channel or worse?
Rare, but does happen, check first.

 

[netscorer]

Careful, a few tv's will strip surround encoded material to two-channel or worse?
Rare, but does happen, check first.

I believe, this is the case with my TV (Samsung HL-S5687 DLP). Toslink out only contains 2.0 signal, so I lose all the surrounds.

 

[fmw]

It seems to me that since you've spent a good deal of money on some nice equipment, another $400 or $500 for an Onkyo 605 wouldn't be out of line. It will also give you 7.1 decoding if you ever decide to go that way. And, as you already know, it will process HDMI audio. I have one myself and use a Monoprice switcher to connect my two Hi Def players to one of the HDMI inputs.

 

[netscorer]

It seems to me that since you've spent a good deal of money on some nice equipment, another $400 or $500 for an Onkyo 605 wouldn't be out of line. It will also give you 7.1 decoding if you ever decide to go that way. And, as you already know, it will process HDMI audio. I have one myself and use a Monoprice switcher to connect my two Hi Def players to one of the HDMI inputs.

Thanks for sharing your experience, fmw. Did you encounter any problems (incompatibility, handshaking, out-of-sync) connecting through 2 HDMI switches?
Tell me, why did you get 605 instead of 705?

 

[Seth=L]

As efficient and even loaded as your speakers are you will be fine with the 605. The 705 doesn't have bounds more to offer, but it is better. It is unlikely you notice any difference between the two.

 

[netscorer]

It seems to me that since you've spent a good deal of money on some nice equipment, another $400 or $500 for an Onkyo 605 wouldn't be out of line. It will also give you 7.1 decoding if you ever decide to go that way. And, as you already know, it will process HDMI audio. I have one myself and use a Monoprice switcher to connect my two Hi Def players to one of the HDMI inputs.

Hi FMW,

couple of months ago you were kind enough to answer some of my questions concerning Onkyo 605 receiver. Unfortunately, I did not have money at that point to upgrade and so the thread kind of hanged. But it seems, that you have exactly the setup tha I am contamplating regarding HDMI switching: a monoprice switch (I have 4x1) connecting to one of the the Onkyo 605 HDMI inputs and passing it out to TV. I was wondering what is your experience with this setup. Did you encounter any problems (incompatibility, handshaking, out-of-sync, loss of multichannel audio) connecting through 2 HDMI switches?
How do you like your Onkyo overall?

I would appreciate your answer either through direct reply of as a post on that long-forgotten thread.

Cheers,

netscorer.