is two HDMI input enough for anyone?

[scott911]

I'm noticing that even the $550 Yamaha RX-V663 (not a trivial dollar amount for me) only has TWO hdmi inputs...

Serious question: Am I wrong to be disqualifing all recievers that do not have at least have three inputs? I have a dvd upscaler with HDMI out and the cable box has HDMI out, so I'm already completely tapped out on the day I would get a 2 input reciever.

If I add a gaming system, or something else in the future - still a pretty basic system in my opinion - I'm already having to make compromises and down grade something to component.

opinions would be appreciated...
thanks

 

[Exit]

I bought an HDMI 4-position switcher with remove for $43 from monoprice.com and it works fine. I only have one HDMI input on my TV and none on my receiver. I run optical cable out of the sources to the receiver for surround sound.

 

[GlocksRock]

In this day and age, no, 2 HDMI isn't really enough for anyone. You can get that receiver from JR.com for $399 + free shipping if you call it in... but you can get an HDMI switcher for cheap, so that pretty much takes care of spending more on a receiver just to get more HDMI inputs. At least the HDMI on that receiver is a repeater, not just a switcher.

 

[Midcow2]

You can get HDMI switches

You can front-end with HDMI switches.

Here is a 2 in to one auto sense for $44.99
http://www.firefold.com/Products/2X1-HDMI-Switch---AutoSense__HDMI-2SWITCH.aspx

Here is a 5 to 1 with remote for $75.99
http://www.firefold.com/Products/5X1-HDMI-Switch-wRemote__HDMI-5SWITCH.aspx

This is only one vendor example, there are others.





I think HDMI would primarily be used for your DVD and SAT/cable input , so the thinking was too was enough. But i agree with you that 2 in may not be enough as game systems and other devices begin to support HDMI 1.3 or higher in the future.

 

[GlocksRock]

You can front-end with HDMI switches.

Here is a 2 in to one auto sense for $44.99
http://www.firefold.com/Products/2X1-HDMI-Switch---AutoSense__HDMI-2SWITCH.aspx

Here is a 5 to 1 with remote for $75.99
http://www.firefold.com/Products/5X1-HDMI-Switch-wRemote__HDMI-5SWITCH.aspx

This is only one vendor example, there are others.


I think HDMI would primarily be used for your DVD and SAT/cable input , so the thinking was too was enough. But i agree with you that 2 in may not be enough as game systems and other devices begin to support HDMI 1.3 or higher in the future.

That 2 in 1 autosensing HDMI switch from firefold didn't work with my RX-V1800 but it worked great with my older RX-V1600. Not sure what the deal is though, but besides that it was nice, and firefold is a great company. They are very close to me and I drive out to their store all the time... if you do order something from them, use the code otpride for 15% off your order.

 

[jcPanny]

HDMI switching

HDMI switching on the receiver is a convenience feature. It prevents you from changing the source on the TV when you change the audio source. The only reason you would "need" HDMI on the receiver is for audio processing from HD-DVD or BluRay. Event if you have both, that's only 2 inputs. The rest of the sources can connect video directly to the TV and audio (digital optical or coax) to the receiver.

Any good universal remote will change the TV source for you whenever you change the audio source.

 

[scott911]

"HDMI switching on the receiver is a convenience feature."

sure, but I also haev a $100 bluejeans HDMI cable running the thirty plus feet from my equipment center to the flatscreeen. So I really, really want to run everything in that single reciever-to-TV cable...

I think what's really happening is the manufactures are just using the additional hdmi ports as a way to drive someone upmarket within their reciever line.

 

[Zetram]

I think you exactly right. I know in your situation it's not possible, but in my case I just don't see the point of runnnig my cable box hdmi through the receiver. I just can't see watching Judge Judy in 7.1 . I'd rather just through an optical cable on in it on the rare occasions I do want it. While my ps3 and dvd are plugged into the receiver.

 

[Pyrrho]

That 2 in 1 autosensing HDMI switch from firefold didn't work with my RX-V1800 but it worked great with my older RX-V1600. Not sure what the deal is though, but besides that it was nice, and firefold is a great company. They are very close to me and I drive out to their store all the time... if you do order something from them, use the code otpride for 15% off your order.

The 3 to 1 Oppo HM-31 HDMI switch, which costs about $100, has gotten great reviews for actually working, whereas some others, as you have found, do not always work.

 

[jcPanny]

Video format conversion

Scott,
Component video would also be adequate for sources like the cable or sat box. You will get comparable video quality to an HDMI connection. More receivers are including video format conversion features to output the analog video inputs over HDMI.

I think the Yamaha RX-V663 and Onkyo 605 both include this feature.

 

[GlocksRock]

The yamaha does offer analog to digital conversion.

The 3 to 1 Oppo HM-31 HDMI switch, which costs about $100, has gotten great reviews for actually working, whereas some others, as you have found, do not always work.

I don't need one right now, the RX-V1800 has 4 HDMI inputs, and right now that's all I need.

 

[obscbyclouds]

Scott,
Component video would also be adequate for sources like the cable or sat box. You will get comparable video quality to an HDMI connection. More receivers are including video format conversion features to output the analog video inputs over HDMI.

I think the Yamaha RX-V663 and Onkyo 605 both include this feature.

I'm not exactly positive about the 605, but the 705 doesn't implement the transcoding feature very well. Anything that comes in through component video goes out HDMI @ 480p, or can be forced to 720p, where you run into the 16:9 - 4:3 aspect problem (it forces 4:3 on anything scaled to 720p this way). It's definately a bit of an inconvience. I'm not sure how it's implemented on the RV663.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

2 HDMI Inputs are NOT enough for me, and I don't even own a receiver!

But watch out for cheap HDMI switchers. I bought one from monoprice, and the thing kept on cutting in and out sometimes!

Now I have that $100 Oppo 3-HDMI Auto Switcher, and it works flawlessly.

 

[denissawyer]

I am in the same boat however instead of buying a switch I would rather buy and spend some extra $$$ to have the convenience of having it all in one box the only problem is I would rather have 4 in 2 out than 3 in 1 out so the quest is on.

 

[GlocksRock]

I think Sony makes a receiver that has 4 in two out, if not them, then I know the Yamaha RX-Z11 has it, but it's very expensive.

 

[Midcow2]

The 8002 is 4 in 2 out

Marantz 8002 is 4 in 2 out and is half the price of the Z11; even less if you shop around.

 

[Davemcc]

I have a dvd upscaler with HDMI out and the cable box has HDMI out,

If I add a gaming system...I'm already having to make compromises and down grade something to component.

If you add a gaming system, add the PS3. Then you can ditch the DVD player altogether and still have one of the finest upconverting players on the market with BD in your gaming system while still using only 2 HDMI inputs.

 

[jliedeka]

The Sony DG910 has 3 HDMI inputs for around $500. To get more, you would be looking at the Onkyo SR705 for about $899. The Sony doesn't support the newest HD audio codecs like DTS-MA.