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Shopping for 1st home theatre receiver

742 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Lhasa-lover, Jul 27, 2009

krdell

Discussion Starter · Jul 27, 2009

So I have a question as I am shopping for a 5.1 or 7.1 system. I have 3 HDMI devices (XBOX, PS3, and HD Satellite) so when I was looking I wanted to make sure that the receiver I chose had at least 3 HDMI ports that could pass 1080p to my TV and found one that fit my price range but it would only pass video but not sound through HDMI. What I want to know now would be is it better to run HDMI directly to your receiver than it would be to run my components to my TV via HDMI then just run the optical out from my TV to my receiver. I guess i don't know whether having that extra pass through would saturate the sound at all. Does is there better sound quality through HDMI or digital optical? Thanks in advance

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phantom52

· #2 · Jul 27, 2009

Quote:
Originally Posted by krdell /forum/post/16896375

So I have a question as I am shopping for a 5.1 or 7.1 system. I have 3 HDMI devices (XBOX, PS3, and HD Satellite) so when I was looking I wanted to make sure that the receiver I chose had at least 3 HDMI ports that could pass 1080p to my TV and found one that fit my price range but it would only pass video but not sound through HDMI. What I want to know now would be is it better to run HDMI directly to your receiver than it would be to run my components to my TV via HDMI then just run the optical out from my TV to my receiver. I guess i don't know whether having that extra pass through would saturate the sound at all. Does is there better sound quality through HDMI or digital optical? Thanks in advance

More info will get more responses. Speakers, room size, what other than the # of HDMI inputs are you wanting. In order to be able to use all the new codecs for your PS3 you will need more than either optical or coax. Need more info please.

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krdell

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jul 27, 2009

I am starting with the receiver so I haven't gotten speakers yet. the room is roughly 20 x 15. All I am asking is whether it is better spend the extra money to get one with 3 HDMI that pass 1080p or just to run my 3 devices to my TV then have the optical out going to the new receiver

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QGGeneric

· #4 · Jul 27, 2009

Quote:
Originally Posted by krdell /forum/post/16896519

I am starting with the receiver so I haven't gotten speakers yet. the room is roughly 20 x 15. All I am asking is whether it is better spend the extra money to get one with 3 HDMI that pass 1080p or just to run my 3 devices to my TV then have the optical out going to the new receiver

If you want to enjoy the lossless audio (to include Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master) that your PS3 blu-ray provides, you won't get them through optical.....It's up to you and your ears (and budget) whether or not you think the difference is worth it.

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mbyrnes

· #5 · Jul 27, 2009

Quote:
Originally Posted by krdell /forum/post/16896519

I am starting with the receiver so I haven't gotten speakers yet. the room is roughly 20 x 15. All I am asking is whether it is better spend the extra money to get one with 3 HDMI that pass 1080p or just to run my 3 devices to my TV then have the optical out going to the new receiver

This could be the wrong approach. Buy the speakers first (or know exactly what you are buying) before your AVR purchase. If you bought 4 ohm speakers the majority of AVRs would be out. You want to make sure you have the power you need.

Your 360 and Cable/Sat will look/sound the same with Component or HDMI for video and HDMI or Fiber Optic for audio. You gain nothing with HDMI except 1 cable conectivity.

In my setup I have my Fios DVR hooked up with HDMI to my AVR. I also have My Fios DVR hooked up component directly to my HDTV. This allows me to watch TV with sound and leave my AVR off. All other sources go through my AVR since I always use the Surround Sound.

DO NOT use the HDTV as a source to your AVR. Most HDTVs can only do 2 channel from the fiber optic out. Also all HDMI AVRs will pass 1080p, you just want to make sure it doesn't clip the signal in any way.

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krdell

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jul 27, 2009

Very helpful information. Thanks guys

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Lhasa-lover

· #7 · Jul 27, 2009

Quote:
Originally Posted by mbyrnes /forum/post/16896732

...Your 360 and Cable/Sat will look/sound the same with Component or HDMI for video and HDMI or Fiber Optic for audio. You gain nothing with HDMI except 1 cable conectivity...

While true this is misleading. A newer member (which the op is) might interpret this as any HDMI solution offers nothing but a single cable solution. In fact, with HDMI from his PS3 to the proper AVR he also gains the newer lossless codecs. You were careful to only mention his 360 and cable/sat but you might consider the audience.

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