Help with HD receiver

[newaudiofan]

I'm new to the HD world and need some advices re home theater system.

I'm building a complete system for a 42" HD plasma, 5.1 speaker system (likely the B&W FPM series). I'm looking for a good receiver for the set-up. Now, how important is direct DVI/HDMI switching in a receiver? Is this critical to have this - if so, any recommendation on a good receiver for the money?

Thanks for all the helps and inputs.

 

[mcwilson]

What is your price range for the receiver? Do you already have the plasma TV?

Here's my experience with DVI. I have none with HDMI, but I know a little about it. I have two DVD players and a HD cable box in my setup. One DVD player and the HD box are connected thru component video and the other DVD player is connect via DVI. I can honestly say that its hard to tell a difference in video quality.

The benefit of using HDMI or DVI is there is no signal conversion. It's just straight digital. For now, though the quality differences are minimal and I don't know how many receivers you'll find with DVI and/or HDMI interfaces. However, when the next generation of DVDs and players come out, there will most likely be a need for HDMI or DVI or both.

I wouldn't base my decision solely on whether or not your receiver has DVI/HDMI. Do your research. There are some excellent reviews here by both readers and administrators. Check them out. Then go listen to them at your local a/v store.

 

[newaudiofan]

What is your price range for the receiver? Do you already have the plasma TV?

I'm buying the whole set-up at once. Still doing some research into the best plasma to get. As for the components, I was thinking of about $8000 for speakers, receiver, and DVD player.

I have looked at the Denon 3805, Rotel RSX-1067 and RSP-1068 - honestly, they both sound the same in the store.

 

[mfabien]

You can use a Component connection to switch Video from STB to receiver to TV and that is good enough for your receiver's menu display on the TV.

No need to have DVI switching by the receiver. Make a digital connection (optical or coax) from the STB or the DVD player and the receiver.

As for HDMI, reports are that if you connect the STB to the TV via HDMI, the audio output associated with HDMI, in the back panel of the TV, is good only for DD2.0 Stereo and not 5.1 surround. To shop for a receiver with HDMI for switching is to spend money without proper return on investment. If you need switching with HDMI for a number of Components, use an HDMI switch box, see http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/hdmi-2x1-switch.htm