Here is the system.

1. Sony 50" SXRD XBR1 (both have two HDMI inputs)
2. Integra 4.6 A/V Receiver (No HDMI, 3 optical & 2 coax digital inputs)
3. Onkyo Progressive DVD player (Component video out and coax digital audio out)
4. D* HR20-700 HD-DVR (HDMI and Component video capable, optical audio out.)

The TV may be replaced by either a Sony A2000 or a XBR2, both of which have multiple HDMI inputs.

Also, I am strongly thinking of an upconverting DVD, such as the Oppo DV-981HD (HDMI capable). I am not ready to go fully HD in the DVD war. I'll bide my time.


OK, currently I have both the DVD and HR20 running video component cables to the A/V receiver with the DVD sending a coax digital audio to the receiver and the HR20 sending an optical audio signal. The A/V receiver is sending a component video signal to the TV. I also have about a 92ms delay programmed into the A/V receiver due to lip synch issues.

Now, do I want to run my source video signals directly to the TV by HDMI or continue to run all signals to the A/V receiver and run video from there to the TV?

I'm looking for any and all comments about where to go with my system. I am trying to avoid upgrading the A/V receiver to a HDMI reciever, but if you think I need to really consider it say so.

Thanks...

John

Conections will depend upon how you use your system.

1) Do you turn on your AV reciever every time you use a source component?
2) Is the tv used mostly for watching movies or television and with/without the AV reciever

IF you can answer these questions, then you will know how to hook up your system.

HDMI is not really required to get audio and video out of your components yet. I would wait for the HDMI 1.3 recievers to become available and for prices to fall before purchasing.

1. always
2. TV and movies and always with the receiver.

Then I would route all of the source components through the reciever.

Thanks.

I gather there isn't any valid reason for running the video directly to the TV using HDMI?

^ If you see an improvement, why not. Otherwise with HDMI input you may have to do some additional switching to get the right input on the tv besides the reciever.

I notice subtle differences between the component and HDMI connections, but nothing jumps out at me.