Finally getting home theater, couple of beginner ?'s

[Steverhcp02]

So i have my PS3 and my HD TV, ive never been huge into audio as far as surround sound goes, but im thinking of finally taking the plunge.

My question is, to take full advantage of HDMI, my TV has a single HDMI port, as does the PS3.....to get the full advantage, do i need to find a reciever that has both an HDMI input and output.....to run HDMI from my PS3 to receiver to TV? Or can i substitute Component somewhere along the lines and still experience the advantage of HDMI?

My TV has 3 component inputs, so there will be no worries.

Basically, if i run component from my PS3 to receiver and then HDMI to my TV will i gain any quality over only using component, or will i need to run everything through HDMI?

Thanks in advance.

[Filterlab]

HDMI is always better than component as it carries the full unmolested digital signal. As far as HDMI goes, it would be best to run your into the receiver via HDMI then out from the receiver into the TV. I'm not aware of a unit on the market that enables several HDMI sources to be run into one output.

Go for a receiver with HDMI's in and one out, you'll keep the quality and get the full uncompressed sound (if the receiver allows).

[Zaphod]

Originally Posted by Filterlab

I'm not aware of a unit on the market that enables several HDMI sources to be run into one output.

They have powered HDMI switchers/repeaters, however the cost of these are well above the price of an HDMI capable receiver. Also most of these are used for commercial purposes and do not look pretty with all of your other high tech gear on your AV rack. Plus most are HDMI v1.0.

[Steverhcp02]

Originally Posted by Filterlab

HDMI is always better than component as it carries the full unmolested digital signal. As far as HDMI goes, it would be best to run your into the receiver via HDMI then out from the receiver into the TV. I'm not aware of a unit on the market that enables several HDMI sources to be run into one output.

Go for a receiver with HDMI's in and one out, you'll keep the quality and get the full uncompressed sound (if the receiver allows).

Thanks, too bad the receivers that have HDMI in and out as opposed to just out are considerably more expensive Looks like ill have to save up a bit more

[Zaphod]

Originally Posted by Steverhcp02

...too bad the receivers that have HDMI in and out as opposed to just out are considerably more expensive Looks like ill have to save up a bit more

You can't have a receiver with just a HDMI out, there has to be something to come in in order to have an output...I don't know of any receivers that can take an analog signal and convert it to a digital signal and re-broadcast it on an entirely different medium, like component to HDMI.

How about posting what you were looking to spend and what country you live in and the posters on this forum can shoot some ideas your way for decent receivers in you price range.

[rmatt]

Marantz SR7001 Receiver is what I use and it is awesome

[Footloose301]

I don't believe you can make component and analogs to be converted to HDMI at all.... perhaps I'm wrong.

[ra1024]

There are a number of receivers that have several HDMI inputs and will act as a switcher. I'm going off memory here but I think the new Sony SDRG line all have this capability. There are also some receivers that do upconversion so the analog conversion may be possible. I've never looked into that feature much but I would guess that includes inputs other than just a 720P hdmi input.

[ProvenFlipper]

Originally Posted by Footloose301

I don't believe you can make component and analogs to be converted to HDMI at all.... perhaps I'm wrong.

Yes you can. I have all sources running into my Denon receiver and just one HDMI cable running to my TV. The reciever converts all analog signals to be passed over HDMI.

[Footloose301]

Originally Posted by ProvenFlipper

Yes you can. I have all sources running into my Denon receiver and just one HDMI cable running to my TV. The reciever converts all analog signals to be passed over HDMI.

Yep, you're right. I read about the new Onkyo TX-SR805 that I'm getting and it has this feature to use a single HDMI to tv while connecting your sources any way you want(Analog,etc..)