HDMI/DVI matched with Home Theater

pbc74

I'm getting ready to buy an HDTV and I want to make sure I get a set with all the connections that I will need for the next few years. I read that HDMI is going to be the new standard kind of like when televisions began to have s-video connections.

How will this change the way we hook up our televisions to our receivers? Will we need a receiver with multiple HDMI inputs/outputs?

okiepolkie

Eventually, I hope, everything will be as you have gathered. You will need multipe HDMI inputs on your receiver.
Each video source(DSS,Cable,DVD,Digital VHS, etc), that has audio as well, will have the video and audio sent together in the digital domain through the HDMI cable.
This simplifies hookup and tries to ensure signal quality by keeping everything digital from source to display.
I can't wait for it all to become available.

Toxis

Just to bad HDMI isn't doing audio yet...

Frank Z

For those that are not familiar with HDMI.
http://www.hdmi.org/consumer/why_hdmi.asp

pbc74

...thanks for the responses and the info.

madmax

I wouldn't worry too much so long as it has component video input. There seems to be some debate which looks better anyway.
madmax

danger boy

it seems to me that the TV industry is leading the way in terms of being at the cutting edge of digital connectors. DVD players and receivers follow their leads.

so to me it appears that it'll be a few years down the road till receivers have HDMI connectors in them.. by which time.. the next generation of digital connector will be out. of course. they won't be compatible with each other. Can't the manufacturers make it so their products alll communicate with each other easily?

Why is this?

jrausch

HDMI will be the standard, but unless you plan on buying all new components in the near future it's a waste of money. Only the top receivers in the $4500-6000 range have the ability to switch it. The picture quality is immediately noticeable when you switch between component and HDMI. The new up-scaling HD DVD players benefit the most from this pure digital transfer to your set. By keeping the scaled video pure you benefit from what it’s trying to accomplish. As far as a true HD signal it’s only a marginal improvement. So if you are only benefiting from one source why switch it? Even the new Denon 5805 will not up convert component to HDMI. I say if you need a switcher use the Gefen remote HDMI switcher for $249 and save your money for the future.

-Jer

pbc74

I'm just worried as far as murphy's law. If I buy an hdmi set then it might end up being something that I don't really need. If I don't buy hdmi, then all of sudden in a few years it will be critical. I think it's probably better to be safe and buy a set with hdmi.

Bonham

Well, when I bought my set DVI was the best thing... and it was new enough that no one was REALLY using it yet. But I got it anyhow cause I knew eventually I would.

Put it this way, I was going to be paying $1800 for a tv without it and maybe $2000 for one with it... something I plan on keeping a damn long time... so I might as well spend a bit extra to make sure it lasts as long as possible with the technology.