Do I need HDMI?

[jayfremont]

I am setting up a home theater system for the first time. I have read and read reviews and would like to buy a Rotel [RSX-1067] AVR. It offers great sound, but NOT HDMI.

Question 1: Would HDMI provide a better picture than component video? (Note: The video signal will travel over a 50-foot cable. I mention this because I have read that HDMI sometimes fails over distances greater than 30 or 50 feet.)

Question 2: Assuming we use a well-programmed universal remote, would HDMI somehow make it easier for my wife to use the TV?

I would really appreciate your advice

System:

50" Pioneer Elite HD plasma
RBH MC series speakers
50 foot HDMI or component video cable (both are installed in the sheetrock)
12 AWG copper wires for speakers (not the HDMI cable)

 

[birdcage]

the owner's manual of new yamaha 1600, recomends not using an htmi cable over 15 feet... and at times I am experiencing black out, while video continues to play.
Then as well, I found an htmi dvi cable wouldn't work with my notebook. So compatibility issues arise as well.
I will soon order a component video cable...personally, I think HDMI needs some work.... my system is only three weeks old...
I don't see how HDMI would improve ease of use. My projector searches for inputs.....both hdmi and composite

 

[jayfremont]

Thanks, Birdcage

 

[jayfremont]

Anyone else?

 

[mike c]

unless you have two or more HDMI sources, it might not be necessary to have a receiver that has HDMI switching (even upscaling).

I only have one ... the player (which already upscales) so I don't need a "high tech" receiver. I connected the player directly to the TV.

if you really want to wait for a Rotel upscaling receiver ... there are plans for the RSX-1068 to come out 2007 (not sure when in 2007)


wives and remotes do not belong in the same sentence.