Yesterday I replied to a thread with home theater (surround sound processor) questions. I was also hoping to have a few questions of my own answered. Sadly, the thread seems to have died (maybe this will revive it) and I’m looking to purchase a new system ASAP.
Mostly, I just need one question answered. Is having and using HDMI noticeably better than using component video along with digital sound?
My quandary is a little more involved. I’m looking to spend somewhere in the $500 range on this. I’ll go a few hundred more if there are good reasons. Less is fine too as long as the quality is good. I need one video input on the system for my DVR. I would also like a very high quality output to my TV. Unfortunately, I’ve found exactly one home theater solution in this price range with a HDMI input and output. I’m not really happen with the look or the brand of this system, but I’m still considering it if HDMI is that good. Otherwise, I’ll probably look at a Yamaha system that has multiple component video inputs along with optical digital audio inputs.
As a note, I’ve only found two others on the market with HDMI inputs. They were higher end Yamaha systems that are pretty much out of my price range. It does create another question. Why do DVD players and DVR’s have HDMI outputs and TV’s have HDMI inputs, but the current crop of home theater systems are mostly still using composite video and RCA jacks? It seems the technology is lagging in the surround processors, which is strange since they are made by the same companies that make the TV’s and DVD players.
So, does anyone have any knowledge or experience to share in this area?