Why would you run video through a processor?

Kenny is correct. In addition you only have to use one input on your TV. Which means one long cable run, you never have to change inputs on the TV(change inputs on processor and TV displays source)It makes the system much easier to use especially for wives.

If your player internally decodes the advanced codes, you can run the HDMI for video direct to the display and the decoded 5.1 LPCM stream via digital (coax or toslink) to your processor.

Thanks for the responses.

I didnt miss any point as the OP was talking about the picture and nothing more. Besides you could still go straight to monitor for video and use multi channel RCA connections if player has internal decoder for advanaced audio.........like I said, no point was missed just trying to keep it "to the point".

The answer involves more than video. HDMI is the preferred method for SACD, DVDA, DTS-HD, and all other formats if it can be used. Some processors actually improve the video depending on the source and the ability of the processor.