How important is HDMI?

My experience tells me that componet provides the exact same picture quality. The only advantage that I can see is that HDMI provides audio and video. If you are using component and have a digital cable or are running two L/R channels as audio you won't gain anything other than less cable clutter. I use my HDMI only for the SAT receiver to TV and the DVD to TV if I am not listening to my Revels.
All just one mans opinion of course, other more intelligent
members may disagree.

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.

with my Oppo and plasma I notice hdmi had a noticeably better picture than component video cabling

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.

Component can be nearly as good, differences will be HDMI distance, and quality cable can be had easier and in most cases much cheaper...

Its Easier to route than Component, Can eliminate the Need for SEPARATE AUdio cables, and almost especially in todays world most of the components you will buy in the future will have better upscalling and or format options passing over the HDMI vs. Component.

So is it important, well its WAY easier, and yes in the end due to other availability and ergonomic issues will be better quality minimally 95% of the time.

Oh, one rather nasty problem with HDMI: If you keep plugging it in-out-in-out-in, etc, the contacts at your port(never in the cord...) wear out really easy and you will be 'up the creek....'

Also, N-E-V-E-R use an HDMI/DVI adaptor: it is too heavy for HDMI port and you can kiss the port...G'Bye!

If you must, use a HDMI/DVI cord without the heavy adaptor.

Hi Unclejeff, what do you think about using the type of HDMI to DVI adapter with a screw on each side included to lock it into the DVI port?

Rxlarry99, unless things have changed, DVI connections, pass the video signal only. They don't do the audio.

Larry;

You will be okay if the extra weight is on the DVI end, not the HDMI.

You would still be better off using a cable with HDMI at one end and DVI at the other.

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

I have the same pre/pro and love with no intentions of abandoning it any time soon.

For us to get the best of both worlds we need to send the video directly to the display via hdmi from the BD player and use the analog outs from a player that decodes the new codecs internally. Use the Direct inputs we have on the left rear of the AVM 2.

The trick is finding a player that can do ALL the new codecs AND has analog outs.

From my limited research there are only four nad two of them aren't on the market yet.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=980672

hope this helps.

Brewed-

That helps- thanks

Ralph