HDMI Questions and Denon

[Dorfineer]

Hey guys, I'm a bit of a noob here, but I have a few questions about HDMI audio connectivity.

I used to have a Denon AVR 688, and I just switched all my component and optical audio inputs out in favor of HDMI. Unbeknown to me, the audio can't be processed by this receiver and is just passed along to the TV. Is there a way to make this not so (without hooking up a separate audio cable)?

Next, I'm looking into buying a Denon AVR 590 which has more HDMI inputs and up conversion from component, so I can just have one HDMI monitor cable. That said, does anyone know if this receiver will output the audio from the HDMI connection? I think it will because it's a repeater/switcher, but I'm not sure. (That said, what's the difference between a repeater/swticher/passthrough?)

thanks!

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

Is there a way to make this not so (without hooking up a separate audio cable)?

Not that I know of.

Next, I'm looking into buying a Denon AVR 590...does anyone know if this receiver will output the audio from the HDMI connection?

Yep, it sure will.

 

[Dorfineer]

Thanks! I think I have it all sorted out now. It's sort of frustrating right now with the speed with witch A/V technology is advancing at lately! Two years after you buy something it's already woefully obsolete!

Anyway, I appreciate your help!

 

[Adam]

You're welcome!

Yeah, technology advances pretty quickly. I try to stick with mid-level receivers around $500 that aren't cutting edge but do what I want. That way, I can upgrade more often for the same cost compared to spending $1000+ on the latest and greatest. I blew that idea this summer when I bought the Pioneer VSX-23 for $900 (retail from Best Buy...I know, I know ), but to be honest, the 2009 crop of receivers (that I looked at) seem to be a step down from what was offered back in 2008.

 

[Davemcc]

When looking at the specs for a receiver, you want to make sure it says HDMI repeating. That's how you know that it will decode the audio from HDMI. If the spec says HDMI switching, then it will not decode the audio and you will need separate audio cables. With the advance of technology, most budget receivers are now HDMI repeating.