Introduction to the Surround Sound Receiver

I've just been reading the above article having invested in my first av receiver and speakers. I'm confused by the wiring diagram which shows both HDMI and audio outputs from the DVD player and Cable Box.

If HDMI carries both audio and video signals why do you need a separate audio out cable?

---

Hi

Great point! Go to the top of the class.

Firstly, you are right, ideally you will be able to send both video and audio via HDMI and so you will only need one cable.

However, there are some circumstances where you may have to have both. For example, I have come across some cable TV boxes which only send stereo audio over HDMI - and 5.1 surround is restricted to a digital optical output. Therefore, in this case you would need both (assuming you wanted 5.1 surround sound.

The important thing to remember is that there isn't necessarily a 'right' way to connect an AV system. However, there are often different ways of doing it and you should choose the way that suits your equipment the best.

Why did I put it like this on the diagram? Can't remember - I'm sure I had a good reason at the time! You're the first person to point this out and it's been there for a year.

Now you have drawn my attention to it, I agree that it isn't very well explained and it will be confusing for some people. I'll re-work the page in the next few weeks (sigh, as if I didn't have enough to do).

Enjoy your new AV receiver.

All the best.

Paul (Site Editor)

Feel free to join in this discussion by adding your own comments below...