2. home-theater
  3. 1205077039

How important is HDMI?

I have purchased my LCD TV (HDMI equipped) and my revel speakers, in the process of creating my home theater. My question is just how important is HDMI? There seem to be some wonderful values on equipment form fellow members, that quite honestly I could not otherwise afford, but they all seem to lack HDMI. Would I be better off with less expensive equipment with HDMI 1.3 or should I consider some the higher end equipment that may be lacking HDMI? I realize this is somewhat a broad question, but your thoughts would be appreciated.
charlie1
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
I use Synergistic Research component cables from my HD Sat Box and DH Labs HDMI from my Blu Ray Player. These both go to a 61" DLP.
larryken
537 posts
 
with my Oppo and plasma I notice hdmi had a noticeably better picture than component video cabling
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
I have shifted over to HDMI. Since most HD discs are not yet protected you could get by with component for a while and then there is that HDFURY 'teaser' that will trick you unit into thinking is is sending a signal to another HDMI compliant device; it does not like you using component but is okay with 15-pin (computer) connection or the five-wire analog connection.

If you purchase is not a 'forever' purchase, google HDFURY and also spend some time over at AVFORUM.com in the HDMI threads.
shiva
181 posts
 
There is a simple pleasure to seeing only 1 interconnect between components. Hdmi does work well, and can pass the new higher bit rate audio on Blueray discs and from HD dvd's. The sound is quite a bit better. Plus if you take a look at monoprice.com, you will find quality hdmi cables at prices that are hard to beat.
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
My HD-dvd player forces the rez, down to 720--not 480 but the PQ suffers @720.--as compared to 1080p via hdmi._
Now when we're talking "for the audio" HDMI do rule. You just can't pass Dolby-True nor DTS-ma any other way. IF you have BD get a hdmi receiver and be amazed with these new audio codecs.---My 1/3 the price receiver sound so much better---.
More to discover