HDMI Video Switching - Am I missing something?

mmadden28 wrote: »

I know this thread is kinda old, but still relevant....
I recently upgraded to an Onkyo SR805, and using the HDMI switching capabilities to send everything via one HDMI cable to the TV. I like that. I actually ran all the optical and dig coax cables before i realized I didn't need them anymore

The only think I can't stand about HDMI is the cables suck. The jacks just seem brittle (already broke on on a set top box) and they don't stay in the jacks well. I find I have to be very careful when I slide th TV back into the entertainment center, to avoid having the cable fall out or worse break the jack. It would be nice if they were designed with a more securely fitting connection. Like a locking connection or something.

I can't comment on the sound quality as I haven't done any comparisons-just too many changes in my setup right now. I do find the audio delay annoying when changing channels/sources, but I don't do that often, so its not too big a deal. I may reconnect my optical cable until I can take advantage of the HD audio formats or the more advanced video technologies like BlueRay might offer.

I didn't see it mentioned in this thread, but another feature of newer HDMI specs is the ability for components to 'talk' to each other. Such as when you turn on your reciever, the reciever will tell your TV to turn on (or something like that), and set the colors optimally (new in 1.3?). I don't have any devices that can take advantage of that feature but it sounds interesting.

Of course my DVD is SACD/DVD-Audio capable, and apparently those audio formats will not work via HDMI (apparently related to the DAC comments earlier in the thread) so I will also have it connected with the anolog outs anyway-maybe I can just use that? I think the Onkyo allows me to choose the audio source on the fly-so I think i'll be able to switch between the three audio connections. Its odd to me that SACD and DVD-Audio won't work over hdmi, but the newer audio formats will.

If your receiver is HDMI 1.3a you will be able to hear the new formats. If your player decodes and sends out the processed audio over HDMI via pcm then you will hear it.

If your player and or receiver is 1.3a , it can pass and decode SACD and DVD AUDIO over HDMI allday everyday. This is another benefit of HDMI. It can pass everything. It rules for this.

You cannot get 1080p over component due to players don't pass it and tv monitors don't except it over component. There are very few of each that can pass it over component.

Here's the bottom line on component vs HDMI. Where ever the better processor lives will decide on which cable will perform better at 1080i or lower. HDMI passes 1080p. Component has the bandwidth to pass 1080p but again the gear is what limits this from happening. If your monitor and or player can pass 1080p over component then video quality will only be better if there is interference on the component or the processor in the monitor is better then the one in the player.

Audio wise Dolby HD is superior to DD of any other kind. It's a pure audio format. It's basically like SACD for movies. If you can hear a difference between cd and sacd, then this is the same in DD vs DD HD. It's a increased in audio quality.

As far as HDMI cables , yes they suck the ****. I hate the design. I wish they would have used the DVI design as HDMI. It had computer screws to hold the cable in place. I loved that. HDMI does have a single screw that in some cable designs can be used to anchor the cable. All HDMI inputs have a single screw that you can remove and use as an anchor.

For putting together head ends or systems with HDMI is awesome. One cable per devise and thats it. It makes for a very clean install. I love that. One monitor out. Rules.

If you never heard Dolby HD go then your in for a treat. It's so dynamic and clear. I am basically waiting until April and May to get a New preamp. I have HDMI in HD DVD , Blu Ray , Cable and Video games(ps3 and xbox 360) So getting a HDMI 1.3a with built in processing is very important to me. After hearing it go and seeing 1080p , it is difficult to watch and listen to DVD. Blu Ray rules. HD DVD whats left of it Rules. I can't go back. HD rules.