I'm awaiting shipment of a Samsung 50PNA650 plasma. It has HDMI inputs and an optical audio output.

My receiver does not switch HDMI.

Should I do all audio/video switching in the Plasma, and send optical to my receiver?

This seems strange but it's the only way I'll be able to switch HDMI audio and video with 1 remote stroke. Are others doing this?

The problem you are going to have is most likely you will not be able to pass 5.1 or 7.1 sound over the HDMI interfaces through the HDTV - you will only typically get the number of discrete audio channels as you have speakers in the HDTV. Usually this means 2.0 or 2.1 sound. The main purpose for that optical output is recording off the internal digital tuner.

Do what most of us do that have older receivers without HDMI inputs...HDMI to TV from your cable box and DVD player, and toslink optical cables from each to the receiver. This way, you'll have standard stereo from the TV when you don't want the receiver on, and you can have surround sound from the receiver when you'd prefer that. Most receivers have multiple optical inputs, but you can also transfer the surround sound with a digital coax cable...your choice!

The problem you are going to have is most likely you will not be able to pass 5.1 or 7.1 sound over the HDMI interfaces through the HDTV - you will only typically get the number of discrete audio channels as you have speakers in the HDTV. Usually this means 2.0 or 2.1 sound. The main purpose for that optical output is recording off the internal digital tuner.

thanks. that pretty much kills that idea

another option would be to not use HDMI at all and instead use component.

sending video only to the tv and audio only to the receiver is a pain because you have to switch both simultaneously and my wife always screws it up and can't recover.

thanks. that pretty much kills that idea

another option would be to not use HDMI at all and instead use component.

sending video only to the tv and audio only to the receiver is a pain because you have to switch both simultaneously and my wife always screws it up and can't recover.

To minimize cable clutter I would suggest HDMI to the TV and digital to the receiver like others suggested. You can try it both ways but if you get a Harmony remote (something I suggest every hometheater should have), you can program it to make all the switches necessary with a push of the button for whatever source you want to view. Pick up a 550 or 520 on Amazon or Ebay for about $50-$60. It's the best invention for a woman since the vi.......

:D

Second the Harmony motion....one touch to turn on the TV, set it to the rigth input, turn on receiver, set it to the right input, etc.

Though I'd recommend the Harmony 360. Its backlighting is easier to read than the the 5xx Harmony remotes, and it has four extra dedicated Jewel buttons on it that add general flexibility, and are great for use w/DVRs or cable boxes that have A/B/C buttons...the Harmony 360 has the same layout overall as the 5xx but w/the additional flexibility of the four additional jewel buttons.

Don't have to have an Xbox to use it. I don't own an Xbox, and own/use two Harmony 360s in our two rooms where we have TVs. Best home theater purchase I've made - my wife uses it w/out any problems. A friend of mine calls his Harmony remote "The marriage saver." :D

...sending video only to the tv and audio only to the receiver is a pain....
But, if you use HDMI to the TV, the internal speakers of the set will work fine in stereo. It's only the surround sound that will be exported to the receiver should you care to turn that on separately. If you use component, you won't have sound to the TV.

But, if you use HDMI to the TV, the internal speakers of the set will work fine in stereo. It's only the surround sound that will be exported to the receiver should you care to turn that on separately. If you use component, you won't have sound to the TV.

An easy solution would be to run some compostie audio cables with the component cables to the TV and when using the receiver, just turn the TV volume down. It makes for a more complicated wiring setup and a lot more wires though, but it can be done.

True, but I think the HDMI connection is a better way to get the cable box to the TV, and if you are using an upconverting DVD player.

True, but I think the HDMI connection is a better way to get the cable box to the TV, and if you are using an upconverting DVD player.

Most definitey if just for the sake of not having cable clutter you also get a possibility of a better quality picture.