Why so much Video in Audio Equipment?

The ability to run audio and video digitally as one HDMI wire from a source to the preamp/amplifier, then one wire out to the monitor/projector.

Also, the ability to press one button (on the receiver) and both audio and video changes at the same time.

Many people do prefer NOT to pass-through.

Those who DO pass-through appreciate the added convenience that using the receiver for unified switching provides as well as the reduced wiring that is usually involved. As mentioned, with HDMI, pass-through is particularly enticing.

I wouldn't build my "system" around a remote control. If you want the best picture, (1080p) and the best sound, (lossless multi-channel), it's time to upgrade.

Once you upgrade to the latest "best" video resolutions and the "best" audio formats, the advantage of the combination of video and audio in an AV receiver or pre/pro over HDMI will become obvious.

Craig

Say what you will but there is negligible difference at best between 1080i analog and 1080p HDMI, PQ wise. Negligible differences between DOLBY HD and regular Dolby and DTS...etc.
The minimal differences between the older digital audio and the newer lossless digital format is hardly worth the expense of an upgrade. Same for the video differences. Upgrading for the sake of pushing one less button...lol.

These opinions were formed from years with multiple HDTVs and lots of side by side comparison. What's it worth to you ? Do you really see or hear a difference or did you buy and convince yourself you do hear or see some difference to justify the expense.

Let your eyes and ears make your decision and I guess your index finger too as it may get a cramp pushing that extra button all those times...LOL

I have similar questions about new digital audio and video formats. My question is --What is best for audio and video quality? Running HDMI directly from source BR player and cable to projector or running them through a newer receiver with video processing? Is there a big difference in quality or is it just for convenience? Must I have HDMI 1.3 for newer formats--both audio and video?

There is no one answer here. You need to look at each video and audio source and determine the best device setup and cable path to use for each one. Running everything through the AVR is simple. But, a good remote allows you to make all of your cabling/setup decisions based on quality without sacrificing ease of use.


No. Bitstreaming the new audio codecs requires HDMI 1.3 and the proper decoders in the receiver. But, most everything else is fine with HDMI 1.1.

The blending of video in audio receivers first started showing up in the early 80's. As others have pointed out, the idea is one-stop shopping. However, some of us old 'audiophile' types have the notion that you should never run signals through unecessary components. Thus, shuning all of the video section in their audio equipment and silently cursing how all of this useless circuitry does nothing but drive up the cost and drives down the quality of much of todays audio gear.