HDMI Audio Pass Receiver

[ParkerAudio]

Do all current receivers now pass audio and video through HDMI?? I need for the output of a reciever I am buying to pass both audio and video through the HDMI. I have seen that Onkyo does this, but I was looking at a Pioneer. Upon visiting the Pioneer site I didn't see where any of their receivers specified this.

This is not going to be used as a full blown receiver, mostly an expensive switch, with a couple of bells and whistles I will use. Staying around $300-$400.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/PioneerReceivers/ci.VSX-919AH-K.Kuro

Thanks

 

[Adam]

Hi. I don't think that all receivers process HDMI audio, but the VSX-919 does. The way that I verify it is by looking at the owner's manual for the receiver, which is what I did for the 919.

 

[ParkerAudio]

Thanks for verifying that Adam. I had done a search through the manual, and I wasn't sure that I knew what I was looking for.
I knew that not many of the old ones did this, but I wasn't sure if all the new ones did it or not. Very helpful option if you are looking to minimize cables, and don't always want your surround sound on.
Thanks again.

 

[Adam]

My pleasure. I agree that HDMI audio processing is a nice feature - I bought a new receiver (a Pioneer VSX-23) last month just to get it!

My approach to finding that info in the manuals is to search the PDF files for "HDMI". It generally isn't stated up front if a receiver can process the HDMI audio, so it takes a bit of patience, but there has always been (in the ones that I've searched) a very clear statement somewhere in the manual. The ones that can't do it will say that another audio connection must be made, while the ones that can do will say which formats the receiver will support over HDMI.

 

[ParkerAudio]

I have one more question about this, is the audio processed by the reciever and made better, or is the audio only passed through from the source, and not able to be manipulated by the receiver?

 

[avliner]

Another rule of thumb is:

* HDMI SWITCHER AVR = carries only video signals;
* HDMI REPEATER AVR = carries both, audio & video signals.

Keep in mind that without audio thru HDMI, it's not possible to get the benefit of the new HD lossless codecs, though.

 

[Adam]

I have one more question about this, is the audio processed by the reciever and made better, or is the audio only passed through from the source, and not able to be manipulated by the receiver?

With the VSX-919, audio coming over an HDMI connection can be manipulated, and it will be unless you choose the Pure Direct listening mode. The biggest benefit that I can think of is that the 919 will apply the MCACC adjustments to it (equalizer settings and such).

 

[ParkerAudio]

Thanks for all the great input. There doesn't seem to be a lot of information out about this, so I really appreciate the input here. Trying to eliminate cables and get the highest quality video/audio that I possibly can, in keeping with the small foot print I have to work with. Makes me appreciate my large home theater setup, where you have all the room you want, no need to hide everything, and not limited by space.