Understanding HDMI cables
 

In my old setup I had my TV running as a monitor and only had to run one S-Video cable to it. Now that I have my plasma on a brick wall I really don't want to hide multiple cables if I can help it.

So...... can I run an analog VCR via component cables(for instance) and a DVD player via HDMI into a receiver and then send the signal out from the receiver to the TV using only HDMI or do I need to run both types to the TV?

If the receiver has the inputs, then yeah. . . that ought to work fine.

The newer AV boxes will convert Composite, S-Video and component analog signals to the HDMI digital format. Older ("1st gen") AV receivers may not have this capability.

Thanks guys! Seems I need a newer receiver though:(

len,

You can run the composite, it won't upconvert though. You also do not neccesarily need to run HDMI. Depending on your equipment you may get the same or better result using component.

I recommend picking up both HDMI and component cables. Try them and see if one is better, the same or worse. If they are equal run them both.

HDMI (and firewire) both pass encryption preventing you from running a PC as a DVR. However some content will only give you the best possible signal if it the encryption gets a valid handshake.

Not a simple topic.

Damn, I guess not:D