Q What is the highest fidelity connection I can use with my new HDTV? I have an Onkyo TX-SR603 receiver without HDMI connections. Is HDMI strictly a video connection? I have a Dish satellite box and an up-scaling DVD player, but no Blu-ray yet. I might be willing to upgrade components if necessary.
A HDMI carries audio and video signals. You'll get the best picture using HDMI.
The audio signal of your DVD player and satellite box is Dolby Digital. The coaxial or optical digital connections on your components will provide 100 percent of Dolby Digital's sound quality, so you could connect HDMI cables to your TV and separate digital audio connections to the receiver and not lose any video or sound quality. The downside is that with multiple connections, you have to switch inputs on the TV and the receiver, rather than just the receiver.
Given this, and the likelihood that your next disc player will be a Blu-ray player, you should upgrade to an HDMI audio-video receiver. With Blu-ray, HDMI is required to enjoy the full sound quality, which is dramatically better than broadcast or DVD sound. An HDMI receiver will allow you to use a single connection from each component to the receiver, which will then route the chosen signal to a single input on your TV. Just select the source on your receiver and enjoy.
You'll be pleased with how much receiver you can get for the dollar these days. For $185 online, you can get an Onkyo TX-SR309. The Pioneer VSX-1021, at $399, is a good option if you want many connectivity features and 7.1 channels.
Another great choice at $399 is the Marantz NR1402, which I like for its sound quality and ease of use. Many modern receivers come with a bewildering array of features and controls that look great on paper, but often aren't used and ultimately make the system harder to set up and operate.
The Marantz NR1402 gives you everything you need for a home theater -- no more, no less -- and delivers it with quality all the way around. Few people have 7.1 channels, so the 5.1 channels are enough. The solid amplifier section provides a clean, low-distortion 50 watts per channel, providing more real-world power than many receivers with higher advertised power ratings. The inputs are clearly labeled to make it easy to identify your components with the source selector, and it has HDMI pass-through so you can watch TV without turning on the receiver if you are so inclined.
The unit is only 4 inches high and looks and feels expensive. The Marantz NR1402 might cost the same as competitors that have more features, but less is more in this case.
