The $1K set up question

[Sonda]

New guy here. Just bought the speaker package from Athena and am about to make the purchase of the Pioneer a/v system. This is where the confusion begins. I have a Panasonic 50 inch plasma with only one HDMI input. I was told that I should get a DVD with the up conversion ability and HDMI. Since I only have one input in the TV I was told that I should get an a/v receiver with multiple inputs to accomodate both the Cable bos and the DVD player. I understand that only the high end a/v receivers have this capacity. SO here is my question. Will it matter to not have the multiple inputs and am I really sacrificing a lot of DVD picture quality by not having an upconverting system?

Any input will be appreciated and please excuse my ignorance in advance.

Thanks

 

[jcPanny]

Video connections

You can still take advantage of the HDMI port on your HDTV to directly connect 1 HDMI source (DVD or HD satelite box). You can utilize component video for all of the remaining connections which offers comparable video quality to HDMI. Any low or mid range receiver will offer switching of component video with 2 or 3 inputs and 1 output. Some will also convert an s-video or composite video signal (from VCR, etc.) and output it over the component video cable. In this senerio, you will have a maximum of 2 video cables connected to the TV, 1 component video from receiver, and 1 HDMI from an HD source.

If you are really sold on HDMI, you can get an external switch box starting around $200.

Give us a budget for the receiver and we will post recommendations.

 

[Sonda]

Was actually thinkin of getting the same a/v system that is recommended. Its the Pioneer VSX 815K. I dont belive that system has any HDMI inputs on it.