Hdmi

[TRIX808]

I just got a new dvd player. The DVD will go to the amp then to the TV. Is it better to use the hdmi audio or should I still run the optical for the audio.
thx

[em2ab]

Do you have a HDMI input on your receiver? It really doesn't matter, both are digital audio, HDMI just incorporates video into the same cable. If you have a HDMI pass through on your receiver then I would suggest that simply to make a neater install but it really does not matter.

For audio, HDMI == optical == coaxial

[TRIX808]

Hey
Yep it's a harmon kardon HDMI receiver

[em2ab]

Okay, technically you'll get better quality by routing video and audio separately and using that fiber optic cable but nothing you would notice unless you're an extreme audiophile. So for a cleaner install I would run HDMI to the receiver and then HDMI from the receiver to the TV. This will allow you video switching in case you have any gaming systems.

EDIT - And don't, under any circumstances, buy Monster cable or anything similar for your audio/video needs in your install. There's a company called Alberta Computer Cable (ACC) in Calgary that will make the cable for you with better quality at half the price. The service there is terrible if you order it for delivery but if you go pick it up you shouldn't have problems. They can make you the cable and deliver it same day so they say. It took me a month which I think is stupid but only because I was working and couldn't make it over there to go get it myself.

[dragonone]

isn't there something about the hdmi version that matters about audio?
http://www.hdmi.org/learningcenter/faq.aspx#hdmi_specification

[megavolt]

Definately use the HDMI cable if your receiver supports the advanced formats like TrueHD audio. Can't get that over optical.


Q. What is the advantage of using HDMI over existing audio interfaces such as analog RCA connectors and digital SPDIF (coax and optical connectors)?

Quality: HDMI maintains the audio in its pure digital form all the way to the amplifier. Analog audio connections are more prone to losses depending on the cabling and other electronics of the audio rendering device. Compared to SPDIF connections, HDMI has significantly more bandwidth, allowing it to support the latest lossless audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HS Master Audio. These formats can not be supported over SPDIF connections due to their very high data rate requirements that exceed the capabilities of SPDIF. Please also see section on HDMI 1.3 for further details on Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats.

Ease of Use: HDMI combines video and multi-channel audio into a single cable, eliminating the cost, complexity, and confusion of multiple cables currently used in A/V systems. This is particularly beneficial when equipment is being upgraded or added.

Intelligence: HDMI supports two-way communication between the audio source (such as a DVD player) and the audio rendering device (such as an A/V receiver), enabling new functionality such as automatic configuration and one-touch play. By using HDMI, devices automatically deliver the most effective format (e.g Dolby Digital vs. 2 channel PCM) for the A/V receiver that it is connected to - eliminating the need for the consumer to scroll through all the audio format options to guess what is best and properly supported.

[em2ab]

Post the model numbers of your equipment without leaving out anything.