I am trying to advise my brother on purchase of a home theater receiver in the $400-500 range. I really like the Pioneer VSX-1016TXV-K -- seems like a lot of bang for the buck, but its one drawback is that it only picks up video on its HDMI inputs, not audio.

Running additional digital audio lines for a cable box or upsampling DVD player is no big deal, but I'm thinking ahead and wondering about HD DVD. I know most of these players have the 5.1 analog outs (and some have LFE issues with those), but is it not possible to run a digital audio out of HD DVD players and just get standard DD/DTS, instead of the "Hi-Res Audio" ?

Thanks.

I am trying to advise my brother on purchase of a home theater receiver in the $400-500 range. I really like the Pioneer VSX-1016TXV-K -- seems like a lot of bang for the buck, but its one drawback is that it only picks up video on its HDMI inputs, not audio.

Running additional digital audio lines for a cable box or upsampling DVD player is no big deal, but I'm thinking ahead and wondering about HD DVD. I know most of these players have the 5.1 analog outs (and some have LFE issues with those), but is it not possible to run a digital audio out of HD DVD players and just get standard DD/DTS, instead of the "Hi-Res Audio" ?

Thanks.

If what I read,

You could just use the optical out via Toslink and use the standard sound DD5.1/DTS etc.

But for the $400-500 range I am sure you can enjoy DTS-HD or DOLBY HD, although you didnt ask that :)

But for the $400-500 range I am sure you can enjoy DTS-HD or DOLBY HD, although you didnt ask that :)

So, if I understood you correctly, HD DVD players offer standard DD/DTS output, even if (and while) you are outputing HD video?

What receivers would you recommend in that range over the Pioneer? (The Onkyo's have the hum problem, I have personal experience with HK's build quality, The Yamaha's are brighter than the others, and the Denon's seem to cost more).

Check out the current 2007 Sony receivers. I was on Sony's website today and Sony has three 2007 receivers under $500 that all have at least 2-3 1080p capable HDMI inputs that also accept uncompressed PCM audio. The cheapest one was only $299 (model STR-DG710). Even if you're not a Sony fan, you have to admit thats a great price for an HDMI capable receiver.

So, if I understood you correctly, HD DVD players offer standard DD/DTS output, even if (and while) you are outputing HD video?



Yes, they usually have the same DD/DTS digital outs (coaxial, optical or both) that standard def DVD players have.

Considering there isn't a whole lot of home theater systems that can handle the lossless HD audio formats yet, I can't imagine the would do away with the legacy audio connections for those who want the old standbys. :)