HDMI or Coax to Receiver

[Nakattk]

Just got my Yamaha A1000 today and I have a question. Is it better to use just the HDMI cable through the receiver for video and audio or is it better to use a coax or optical to the receiver for audio and plug the hdmi into my samsung un55d6900 55in tv? I have always had to do the latter, so I don't know which is better sound and video wise.

 

[jonnythan]

For most things, the optical and hdmi will be passing the exact same data. HDMI supports lossless formats, such as from Blu-ray. No reason not to use HDMI for both - HDMI is more capable and is lacking nothing compared to SPDIF (coax and optical).

 

[Adam]

I'm betting that you won't be able to tell a video improvement with the direct connection to the TV versus running it through the receiver, plus running the HDMI through your receiver gives you access to the newer audio codecs and is convenient.

That said...if I were you, I'd connect the HDMI directly to the TV, and then run it through the receiver to compare them. Hey, it's new gear with new capabilities. Try it out for yourself - that's half the fun!