How important is HDMI?

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.

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.

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---.

This thread has prompted me to expose my ignorance..

I have an older 5 channel processor (Anthem AVM-2)with of course no HDMI inputs. I would like to continue to use it.

If I purchase a BD player and plasma TV both with HDMI input/outputs how do I make best use of the older processor to get best picture and sound?

Should I run the BD directly to the plasma TV and the audio through coax or optical to the processor? What happens to the audio portion of the signal in the HDMI cable (just turn the plasm sound to mute)?

If I send the video to the processor then to the TV will it down convert?

Could an HDFury be used between the processor and the TV to get a 1080 signal to the TV?

So much I don't know! Any advice in this realm would help.

1080P is not possible without HDMI. DVI and component are limited to 1080i.