Is sacrificing HDMI a big deal?

C

clowe

Audiophyte
I'm building a home theater in my basement and recently purchased my main components. Here is what I've got.

Denon AVR-4306 receiver
Denon DVD-1920 dvd player
HP Pavillion md6580n television
Klipsch speakers
DirecTV HDTivo (getting installed tomorrow)

My original intention was to connect the Tivo unit and DVD player to the receiver via an HDMI cable. Then connect the reciever to the TV via HDMI. Unfortunately, when I tried to do this with the dvd player I could not get a signal consistely through the receiver. Of course the dvd worked fine connected directly to the tv. Anyway, after much troubleshooting and research, I was informed by HP that they are having some "compatibility issues with some other devices using HDMI as an input." However, the next (first) firmware update is supposed to address these issues. I have been informed this update is to be issued soon, but no date was given.

I have been able to connect the dvd player to the receiver using component video and digital coax and it works perfectly. I assume if the HD Tivo doesn't work with HDMI, I can do the same for it. I got a great deal on the TV (around $2000 off msrp) and do not have the desire to return that. I can return/exchange the receiver and dvd players.

Should I live with component video for now and hope HP can fix this problem in the future? Or should I exchange the receiver and dvd player and see if a different brand does not have the same compatibility issues with the HP?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
zipper

zipper

Full Audioholic
I am not an expert on this subject, but I've heard that issues such as the one you're describing stem from the HDMI signal not reacting real well when put through a repeater, which is apparently what the receiver acts as when used in this manner. Again, I can't say for sure..........this is just something I read somewhere.

I'm sure there are others in this forum more versed on this issue.
 
M

MDS

Audioholic Spartan
My opinion is that HDMI is not ready for prime time just yet. Far too many stories of incompatable devices and the bugs are not fully ironed out yet.

One cable 'convenience' would be great if it actually worked reliably. Given that you can get full HD using component cables, I won't be using HDMI anytime soon. After another decade when (IF!) HD DVD of whatever flavor is the norm and we are forced to use HDMI due to content protection, then we will all be forced to use it and maybe by then it will be a reliable connection method.
 
jcPanny

jcPanny

Audioholic Ninja
HDMI cables

You have a nice Denon setup and there is no reason to believe that a Yamaha receiver would not have the same problem with your TV. If you think it will, try to borrow one from a local dealer. However, you won't be able to use the Denon link from DVD to receiver.

To save on cable cost. You can probably still use an HDMI cable from DVD to receiver and satellite to receiver and the component video from receiver to TV. This way you are only out the cost of 1 component cable instead of 3.

The firware update you described is common for HDTVs and cable boxes and a fix will probably be out soon. In the mean time, the component connection will probably look just as good as HDMI.
 
D

dyna2003

Audiophyte
I have the Yami rxv4600 and denon 2910 - the hdmi switching only works if you power the denon off and back on after to switch the input on the Yamaha...I've opted to run component for the video and optical for audio until the whole hdmi thing gets sorted out
 
C

clowe

Audiophyte
Thanks, I was hoping I wouldn't be sacrificing too much by using Component vs. HDMI. Other than single cord convenience, it doesn't appear I am. Thanks for the input.

FYI - The receiver does seem to be able to send through the picture from the DirecTV Tivo unit via HDMI. I'm not getting sound through the stereo, but I imagine I just need to find the right setting. I haven't had a chance to tinker with that yet.
 
J

jfabes

Audioholic Intern
another thing to consider that wasn't mentioned here that's interesting with the denon players is that their performance was identical whether using hdmi or component. now, they don't have the upscaling feature when using component, but that didn't seem to manifest itself in the "secrets" review. if you haven't checked it out, have a read.

i have the elite 74txvi/79avi set-up and hdmi was definitely better - as secrets said with the 59avi and others have agreed.


http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=all
 

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