Receivers with HDMI video output only (1 Viewer)

[T-Show]

Guy, please help me clarify something.
The reviews for some receiver models show they have HDMI video output only and if you want to run audio to the TV (plasma in my case), you'll have to hook up an optic cable to it. I was wondering if in my case I'll have to run that optic at all, because all my audio from the PS3 and the Dish will go to the Receiver (component cables, I guess), and there is no point in sending audio to the TV. The TV is to show me only the video. All that needs to go to the TV is video.
Is that picture in my head right? If I end up buying such a Receiver, do I have to worry about an optic cable for the TV?

 

[sptrout]

Your description sounds backwards to me. The HDMI link will provide audio to your TV, but only if the AVR is turned on. However, most people do not want to pass audio from their AVR to the TV because there is no point to it (why use small TV speakers when your audio system is running?). The problem is if you want audio from the devices that are connected to your AVR without turning on your entire audio system (just want to watch the news, do not need a XXX Watts of power for that kind of thing).

The optical cable that is connected between a TV and an AVR is to provide OTA audio from your TV to the AVR, not the other way around as your post suggests. This allows you to watch TV (via an antenna) and pass the audio (and 5.1 audio if available) to your AVR. (BTW- - I highly recommend that you consider OTA because 1) it usually provides the best picture (not including Blu-ray), and 2) makes a great backup if your Dish system fails.)

New receivers now use HDMI input connections for source devices, but most still provide other types of inputs for video (component, RCA) and audio (optical/coaxial, RCA).

How a person interconnects all the devices in one's system is a matter of personal preference. You mentioned running all audio to your AVR and not directly to the TV. I took a different approach. The only thing that I connect to the AVR is my Blu-ray player, via HDMI so I can use the HD audio capability. My other devices are connected to both the TV (use TV's speakers) and to the AVR for material that has better audio (5.1 TV OTA or DirecTV, for example.)

Since most TVs have a multitude of inputs I would recommend that you carefully consider how to interconnect your system so that you will have maximum flexibility every time you want to watch something.

 

[T-Show]

Thanks. You answered my question.
See, my problem is the cable connection (in general) between any of my electronics and my TV. The TV is in the middle of the wall and I don't want any cables to be visible. That is why I have to place 25ft HDMI under the molding between the two walls, then run that cable behind the molding between the wall and ceiling, then in the middle of that molding to run it down behind the TV. That is why my aim is to have only one cable going to the TV. And yes, with this scenario I won't be able to use the floor speakers when watching antenna broadcasting, but that would be the price for me to pay for not having cables all over the place. Thanks again.