HDMI technicalities?

[parva]

Is HDMI Pass-through vrs. HDMI Switching vrs. HDMI Repeating
the technology I need to get audio to my TV w/out turning on my AVR?

And, yes, I've been reading lots & lots here on this subject -- the more I read on it, the more confused I get.

I'd like to run HDMI from my ps3 & dishTV DVR to an AVR then out to my TV.

The thing is, there will be plenty of time that the AVR isn't turned on.
My wife really prefers to watch tv w/out the AVR on.

No problem right now with my old Denon AVR-3300 as I run HDMI from the PS3 & the Dish DVR to the TV.
Also, I run optical to the AVR for audio; but this is gonna be replaced as soon as I can decide on a new AVR.

For my viewing, the AVR will be on all the time, I listen to music at least as much as watching movies.

Other parts of the system::
universal remote: Harmony One
sat receiver: Dish Network VIP-722
blu-ray player: PS3
TV: Mitsubishi WD-52631

The clincher is that I'm really limited in cash these days -- lets keep it to ~$325 delivered.
Refurb is OK?
Am looking at Yamaha, Onkyo, Marantz, Denon & Pioneer.

So, here's my 2-part question

1) What HDMI feature do I need to meet both my wife's & my desires?

2) What AVR model(s) are really good choices to deliver that, & clean loud sound that can come in at my price?

 

[markw]

Cutting to the chase

I need to get audio to my TV w/out turning on my AVR

To do this will require a direct connection from the source to the TV.

No AVR's I can think of will pass thru (or repeat, or switch) a signal while turned off.

 

[AVRat]

One that I know that does is the Yamaha 665. It passes the signal through, but doesn't do any switching. Of course it desn't, it's not powered on. It's listed as Standby Through in the manual. You won't find this feature on receivers ~$325.

Your current setup seems to work for you so why change? If you're expecting a major sonic change from the new HD codecs off of BR, you may not notice much of a difference.

 

[markw]

One that I know that does is the Yamaha 665. It passes the signal through, but doesn't do any switching. Of course it desn't, it's not powered on. It's listed as Standby Through in the manual. You won't find this feature on receivers ~$325.

That's good to know. How does it know which source to pass thru? The last one selected?

 

[AVRat]

Yep, that's correct.

 

[parva]

Your current setup seems to work for you so why change?
If you're expecting a major sonic change from the new HD codecs off of BR, you may not notice much of a difference.

Interesting point there, I was wondering the same thing as I wrote it this morning.
The Denon AVR-3300 is no slouch, in fact its a pretty solid performer.

As for not noticing the sonic improvement w/ HD codecs, I have heard the difference & way pretty impressed.
But then again, my speaker set-up prolly needs the most attention.

With that in mind, am looking to replace my 15 yr. old Boston Acoustics mains w/ a pair of Energy RC-10 or similar energy mains.
Maybe the Energy center needs an upgrade too...

What do you think, will the sonics be noticeably improved?
Suppose I should keep the Denon AVR-3300 & get new speakers?

Additional components:
Energy center speaker: eXL-C
Energy surrounds: Take 5.2 pair
Energy sub: s8.3