HDMI Receivers should or shouldn't?

mayhem13 · 11-25-2007, 12:03 AM

I am looking to purchase a 7.1 Receiver for my new theater and i'm a little skeptical about all the versions of hdmi and pass through,1080 and so on. My display has 2 hdmi inputs as well as 1 dvi and 2 component. My thought is to send the video direct to the display and send only the audio to the receiver. I'm afraid that my purchase may become obsolete fairly quickly the way things are progressing and all the promised features that hdmi will bring. Upgrading displays will be painfull enough, but the receiver having to go as well would be overkill! any thoughts??

Michael Reuben · 11-25-2007, 10:44 AM

If you were talking about ways to use an existing receiver, I'd agree. But since you're about to invest in a new receiver, I think you're making a mistake.

It seems clear from the various specs you're quoting that you're looking to play one or both of the hi-def disc formats. If you want to get the new lossless audio formats those discs can provide, the only way to do it is either (a) through an HDMI connection to the receiver, or (b) through a 5.1 analog connection from the player to the receiver.

For (a), both the player and the receiver must have HDMI 1.3 and the receiver must have the ability to decode the formats. Since you're buying a new receiver, you can add those items to your list of required specs. For (b), the player has to be able to decode every new format for an analog 5.1 output (very few can do that), and the receiver has to have a separate set of 5.1 inputs.

If I were about to spend the cash for a new receiver, I'd focus on (a). The trend in hi-def players seems to be to remove internal decoding, not add it. You're a lot less likely to lose out going forward if your receiver can accept and decode the new sound formats via HDMI.

M.

4321chris · 11-25-2007, 11:04 AM

just got a hdmi receiver and does not work with my ps3 blu ray player do you know any body that can help with tech ?thank you

Jeff O. · 11-26-2007, 09:49 AM

Chris,
We need a lot more information to help you out here (what receiver, how is it hooked up, monitor, etc.).

Bluzman · 11-28-2007, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Reuben

For (a), both the player and the receiver must have HDMI 1.3 and the receiver must have the ability to decode the formats.

This is simply not true. Almost all players decode high def audio into lossless PCM signals and send the digital stream out via an HDMI connection. Receivers using HDMI 1.1 and above are able to properly process those signals. Having said that, if the OP wants to decode the high def bitstream in the receiver, a player that will send it (not all do) and a receiver that will decode it (not all do) are required.

**HTF Ads**

Michael Reuben · 11-28-2007, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluzman

Almost all players decode high def audio into lossless PCM signals and send the digital stream out via an HDMI connection.

Really? Please name for me the players that can decode DTS-HD MA into lossless PCM signals that are sent via HDMI (or, for that matter, via 5.1 analog).

Moreover, as evidenced by the latest Panasonic model, the trend among player manufacturers is to remove the ability to decode hi-def formats to multi-channel PCM.

So I stand by my original statement: "If you want to get the new lossless audio formats" -- not just some of them -- you need to have HDMI 1.3 and do the decoding in the receiver.

M.

Bluzman · 12-03-2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Really? Please name for me the players that can decode DTS-HD MA into lossless PCM signals that are sent via HDMI (or, for that matter, via 5.1 analog).

None...but who really cares since it appears that DTS-MA is/will continue to be a niche codec anyway.

Quote:

Moreover, as evidenced by the latest Panasonic model, the trend among player manufacturers is to remove the ability to decode hi-def formats to multi-channel PCM.

Since when does a single model from a single manufacturer constitute a "trend"? LOL

Michael Reuben · 12-03-2007, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluzman

Since when does a single model from a single manufacturer constitute a "trend"? LOL

I'd say it's better evidence than your claim (with no evidence) that DTS-HD MA is a niche format.

But while you're busy LOL'ing, let's not lose sight of the fact that you've conceded you were wrong. Thanks!

M.

Bluzman · 12-03-2007, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Reuben

I'd say it's better evidence than your claim (with no evidence) that DTS-HD MA is a niche format.

But while you're busy LOL'ing, let's not lose sight of the fact that you've conceded you were wrong. Thanks!

M.

Lame. Get it right if you want to try to flame someone. I didn't flatly say "is"; I said "appears that DTS-MA is" - quite different. I've conceded nothing and will continue to LOL.

Michael Reuben · 12-03-2007, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluzman in 5

This is simply not true. Almost all players decode high def audio into lossless PCM signals and send the digital stream out via an HDMI connection.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluzman in 7

Quote:

Please name for me the players that can decode DTS-HD MA into lossless PCM signals that are sent via HDMI (or, for that matter, via 5.1 analog).

None

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluzman in 9

I've conceded nothing

People can read for themselves.

M.

Rogozhin · 12-09-2007, 09:41 PM

I'm in the market for a new receiver. I don't want to spend more than $800, but I want hdmi 1.3.

Nice thread op!