HDMI protocol important for audio?

[soltzt]

So, I'm wondering how important the HDMI protocol level is to the audio side of A/V setups. My source is a Cambridge CXUHD, which handles HDMI 2.0 and has an audio-only output in addition to the combined output. My TV also handles 2.0, and I'm running the combined feed to it, while running the audio to my pre/pro, which is currently a NuForce AVP-18, which I think only accommodates 1.4. I am considering replacing it with an Anthem AVM-50v, which only does 1.3. My system is only set up as 5.1, and I think the disc player can only handle 7.1 anyway. So, the question is: am I missing out on anything by running the audio through the 1.4 capacity, and will I miss out on anything more by going to 1.3? I looked at the protocols, and it seems like most of the upgrades are on the video side, but I've heard there are some copyright issues? I also am not totally sure how to interpret some of the jargon.

 

[Leemix]

It depends on sources used and how you connect.


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[soltzt]

Can you please elaborate? I described my system setup above. As for source material, right now it's CDs, BluRays, and Roku, but the player can handle SACD, and I have another streaming device, but have never set it up, and am unsure of its capabilities. I guess my primary question is: what formats are available with HDMI 2.0 that are unavailable with 1.3, and how likely am I to use them?

 

[lovinthehd]

With only 5.1 setup there's nothing that even hdmi 1.3 can't handle....more about the video than the audio.

 

[Leemix]

Can you please elaborate? I described my system setup above. As for source material, right now it's CDs, BluRays, and Roku, but the player can handle SACD, and I have another streaming device, but have never set it up, and am unsure of its capabilities. I guess my primary question is: what formats are available with HDMI 2.0 that are unavailable with 1.3, and how likely am I to use them?

I dont remember exactly what formats are supported by what but you can look at the formats the AVR you are considering support. If you connect everything to the TV and use ARC you will need eARC compatibility to play back lossless formats from blu-ray but if you connect to the AVR older gear often support the newer formats. Dont think you get 4k/HDCP 2.2 with older gear but might need at least HDMI 2.0b or something for that(you should double check, HDCP 2.2 is required for actual 4k use)

HDMI 1.3 sounds very old and is probably limited in several areas.


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[Leemix]

With only 5.1 setup there's nothing that even hdmi 1.3 can't handle....more about the video than the audio.

Does it support dolby trueHD and such?


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[lovinthehd]

Does it support dolby trueHD and such?


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That was the hardware version that included support for Dolby True HD/DTS HD-MA

 

[Trebdp83]

Understanding the Different HDMI Versions (1.0 to 2.0)

HDMI has changed over the years. This article goes through the various forms of HDMI from 1.0 all the way to the latest HDMI 2.0 specification.

www.audioholics.com

.

 

[Trebdp83]

While claims of keeping that article current were made, it is a bit dated. Somebody get Gene on the phone.

 

[soltzt]

Thanks for the responses. It sounds like it won't make much difference for my current setup and listening habits, and if I really want to get into super hi-def streaming or downloaded audio, I'll have to reevaluate.

 

[Kalkis]

More depends on which connection you use (HDMI, optical ...)