Benefits of HDMI?

[Rossww]

I've been doing a ton of research on my upcoming dream system purchase, and one of the many things I can't figure out is; What is the benefit if getting a receiver with HDMI interface? I've read that a lot of people on this site think the Yamaha 4600 is great, and one big reason is the HDMI switching..can someone please explain why? Is it just superior sound, or are there more benefits? Also, do you run the dvd and cable box into the receiver with an HDMI interface (assuming they're both HDMI caompatable, then the receiver into the TV? Thanks in advance.

 

[Spiffyfast]

I've been doing a ton of research on my upcoming dream system purchase, and one of the many things I can't figure out is; What is the benefit if getting a receiver with HDMI interface? I've read that a lot of people on this site think the Yamaha 4600 is great, and one big reason is the HDMI switching..can someone please explain why? Is it just superior sound, or are there more benefits? Also, do you run the dvd and cable box into the receiver with an HDMI interface (assuming they're both HDMI caompatable, then the receiver into the TV? Thanks in advance.

I don't know about the superior sound, but one of the advantages I know of is that you can transfer your surround sound audio and hdtv video in one cable cutting down on costs, the savings being seperate audio/video cables. Also with HDMI/DVI (DVI just doen't contain the audio signal) you are ready for HD-DVD or Blu-Ray which ever comes out. Component video doesn't contain HDCP (High definition copy protection) so with upconverting dvd players, and I believe some HDTV sattelite and cable boxes now, you are unable to output a resolution greater than 480p with anything other than HDMI or DVI. I also believe you can have longer cable runs with less degredation of the signal (but don't quote me on that one). And yes you would run your dvd and cable box into the receiver and then to the tv, the advantage of that is that you wouldn't have to keep changing inputs on your tv when you wanted to watch a movie vs cable, or the other way around.

 

[Eric Apple]

It's expensive otherwise

I don't have the amp you mention. But my point of view is that dvi and hdmi switching is expensive if you need to use an extra box to do it. Around $300 for a two way HDCP compliant switch.

So it's a big bonus to have it built in if you need it. Might want to verify the amp is HDCP compliant before deciding how much it tips the scales in the amps favor. Of course equipment like Bravo DVD players tip the scales back.

 

[Audioholics]

For me, it is the combination of HDMI and a digital audio interface like IEEE 1394 or DenonLink that makes is a slam dunk... 2 cables instead of 9 for all of my audio and video connections from the DVD player to the receiver. My cable box also has HDMI out - so it's a nice way to quickly eliminate over 10 cables from ythe back of your rack and allow the DVD player to really control picture quality going to the display.

 

[Sounds Simple]

Clint-

I am curious if the lack of jitter control over HDMI is audible. This seems to be one of the very few advantages of i.Link.

Bob

 

[Audioholics]

What's really interesting is that we keep hearing about issues of jitter when IEEE 1394 is used (HDMI does not yet support all digital audio formats - notably SACD isn't in version 1.1 - so we're not really thinking along the lines of using it as a one-cable solution just yet). We're actively looking into it now to see what's up and if it is audible. What's nice is there are units that have HDMI, IEEE 1394, and a proprietary connection so they can be tested together to see.

 

[AFJumper03]

When you say that I wont have to switch inputs on the TV anymore when going from DVD to Cable and such, wont I just have to do it on the receiver now? Is that really saving me that much effort or am I missing something. I really am having a hard time making a choice between the 2500 and 4600 and this seems to be the only factor. All my video components are currently using HDMI right now so if I use a receiver that DOESNT use HDMI what would be my disadvantage.

 

[Thunder18]

When you say that I wont have to switch inputs on the TV anymore when going from DVD to Cable and such, wont I just have to do it on the receiver now? Is that really saving me that much effort or am I missing something. I really am having a hard time making a choice between the 2500 and 4600 and this seems to be the only factor. All my video components are currently using HDMI right now so if I use a receiver that DOESNT use HDMI what would be my disadvantage.

Right now when you switch components I bet you have to switch the source on not only the TV, but also the receiver. What if all you had to do was leave the TV on whatever source it's on and just change inputs on the receiver? One less action to go through.