Basic HDMI question

I've search the forums and cant find an answer to this question. I'm very new to the HDMI connections. When looking at receivers (Onkyo) some are HDMI "Passthough" and some have a "Repeater" with them. I had one fry's guy tell me that some only pass video through while some units pass audio/video though so you don't have to use a separate audio cable. Could someone please explain this. Do all HDMI connections pass audio? Was the fry's guy full of it?

Thanks.

I've search the forums and cant find an answer to this question. I'm very new to the HDMI connections. When looking at receivers (Onkyo) some are HDMI "Passthough" and some have a "Repeater" with them. I had one fry's guy tell me that some only pass video through while some units pass audio/video though so you don't have to use a separate audio cable. Could someone please explain this. Do all HDMI connections pass audio? Was the fry's guy full of it?All HDMI connections carry video and audio. The issue is what the receiver does with the signals. Some of the lower end AVRs merely pass-through video and audio to a display, but they do not extract and process audio themselves. With a receiver like that, you will get audio to your TV using HDMI, but you will need a separate audio connection to get audio to the receiver itself.

Thanks for the reply. What is the terminology for the receivers that process both audio and video? I dont want to use a seperalte audio cable for my system.

Thanks.

Thanks for the reply. What is the terminology for the receivers that process both audio and video? I dont want to use a seperalte audio cable for my system. Look in the manual. It won't say things like pass-through or video switching and it won't say a separate audio connection is required. Also, the manual will describe how to configure the HDMI inputs for audio.

I'm just trying to figure out what it needs to say on the box so I know it can process both the audio and the video. Sorry if I'm not explaining myself very well.

I'm just trying to figure out what it needs to say on the box so I know it can process both the audio and the video. Sorry if I'm not explaining myself very well.The box won't tell you what you need to know. Go the manufacturer's website, look up the online manual, and read it. It'll just take a few minutes and you'll get all the information you need.

Good Idea. Thanks for the help.

Thanks for the reply. What is the terminology for the receivers that process both audio and video? I dont want to use a seperalte audio cable for my system.

Thanks.

That is called a HDMI repeater. Pass through means it does not process video or audio. Repeater IS what you want.

thanks for the clarification. That's what I was looking for.

Does anyone know if it matters if I use a cheap DVI cable?

I always use cheap cables, including DVI. I have done a side by side comparison and have not noticed anything different between a discount DVI or a premium. Make sure to shop online, save a lot of money that way.