Receiver video output - What to look for?

boxxkar

When looking at receivers, I am confused by the term component switching. Below is a quote from the forms discussing a HK 7300 receiver:

"The only real drawback is that it only has component switching."

What does this mean? If I am hooking a new HD television set (I don't have one yet, but I'm looking) to a receiver what type of "switching" should I look for in a A/V receiver?

Currently I have an old CRT tv and I am looking to upgrade my receiver and TV, but do not want to end up with a reciever that does not have the correct output to generate the best picture for the new TV.

PhantomOG

The post probably refers to the fact that it does component video switching, and doesn't have HDMI switching.

It all depends on your components and what you are feeding your TV with. In general, HDMI is considered better than component for carrying HD signal. But, if you don't have any components that output over HDMI, having a receiver which switches HDMI is pretty much useless.

Newer HD-DVR set-top boxes output over HDMI. HD-DVD and Blu-Ray players will definitely have HDMI outputs, as well as a lot of upconverting DVD players. I'm not sure about Xbox360 and PS3, but I think they might have HDMI outputs as well.

Sherardp

You will definitely want an AVR with HDMI inputs/outputs. HK, Sony, Denon, and the new Yamahas are all both nice products with great prices

boxxkar

While I have been looking at recievers and getting educated on my various options, I have come across some receievers that only have component and not DVI or HDMI.

I have looked at the Outlaw 1070, which has DVI. I have also started to look at the NAD T763 or the T753, both of which do not seem to have either DVI or HDMI. I will have one system so this will have to do double duty between music and HT. Probably 70% HT and 30% music, but if I had to compromise I think I would lean towards music eventhough I will listen to music less than HT.

So, if a receiver does not have either DVI or HDMI should I stop looking at it or will component in/out be close enough in picture quality?

danger boy

video displays with different connections always lead the consumer market before they appear on things like receivers/pre amps. The audio world seems to be a little behind usually.

dorokusai

Component video should be the benchmark for any video source...if it comes with DVI and/or HDMI great. When the war ends over video interface, I'll start giving a ****...kinda like SACD vs DVD-A.

The chances are that current gear usually comes with at least one of those options.

ahorvitz

Just my $.02...

Many new HDTVs have multiple HMDI inputs. If you're comfortable doing the video switching through the TV (which I like, so I can listen to music while watching baseball or playing games), then don't worry about the receiver offering HDMI switching. In all likelyhood, the HD set you buy will be all you need.