Ljh815

HDMI Receiver ?

I am setting up a new HT system and would like some advice on which direction to go concerning receivers.

I am fairly ignorant when it comes to the technicals of this subject, so please forgive me for my lack of knowledge.

First, I am trying to determine if I need a receiver with hdmi inputs or can get away with an older one with components. My DLP TV has 3 hdmi inputs, so what will I gain by using the receivers inputs? Easier switching? Will I not have to change the tv's input either way?

I will be connecting 3 HD components (Dish, DVD, and PS3) but it seems most receivers only have 2 hdmi inputs? I already have 4 hdmi cables, but I do not want to spend $300 more for a receiver, if I can just buy 4 component cables and be just as well off with a much lower cost receiver?

Can someone recommend good hdmi receivers to look for on ebay in the $500 range? Or good component receivers in the $200 range?

Any other reason to buy newer, more expensive receivers? Currently I only have 5 speakers and a sub, so I could probly get buy with 5.1 with DTS? What are the advantages of 6.1 & 7.1?

Thanks in advance......

MattH.

Re: HDMI Receiver ?

In the case of the PS3, you'll be gaining access to the PCM 5.1 tracks on Blu-ray discs which you won't be getting if you use an optical connection to your receiver. Using HDMIs for the Dish and DVD player will also help lose more audio cable clutter since those won't be needed. And, as you suggested, switching is a breeze when everything goes into one receiver.

The new Onkyo 705 has three HDMI-in jacks. That's what I'm using, and I highly recommend it.

Stephen_J_H

Re: HDMI Receiver ?

Matt, what's the 705 going for, and does it decode TrueHD and DTS HD MA? I ask because I'm just getting into HD @ this point.

\"My opinion is that (a) anyone who actually works in a video store and does not understand letterboxing has given up on life, and (b) any customer who prefers to have the sides of a movie hacked off should not be licensed to operate a video player.\"-- Roger Ebert