So I've been trying to edumacate myself about this subject in general and need some clarification (please correct me on any statements I make if they are incorrect). I've read the following threads (sorry didn't know how to link multiple URLs):

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=789994
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=738511

I realize you don't have to have HDMI v1.3 to get Dolby True HD, DD plus, DTS-HD Master Audio as long as the source transmits the data in those formats you can use can use the 7 channel analog connections through the receiver to get that sound. So, for example, most of the TV that is watched in my house is DVD's. If I upgraded to a good HD DVD player with decoding for all the formats listed above, I would not need to have one of the new receivers that decodes those formats, but rather just one that has 7 analog inputs. Furthermore, since most good flat panel TVs have decent scalers and deinterlacers (Sony LCD XBR2 or SXRD XBR, etc...), I would not necessarily need a AV receiver to handle those tasks either. More than anything, I'm looking for confirmation that these are accurate statements.

So to give a specific example of what I'm comparing as far as AV receivers for the above statements, I'm looking at the Onkyo TX-SR805 vs. the Emotiva Ultra Theater combo with the separate free HDMI switcher. I'll get into the screen at a later date. I just want to make sure it has at least the ability to pass HDMI and have 7 analog inputs - both do. I would think the Emotiva would sound better, but obviously the Onkyo has more bells and whistles.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the above statements as well as the specific comparison.

TIA.

You'll save a bunch of money on interconnects and have a much cleaner installation at the same time.

I don't see any reason to buy an A/V receiver at the moment unless you simply don't have any equipment. And the addition of HDMI 1.3 and decoding for all the new audio formats should be a good buying point, beyond which, everything will be bells and whistles for a while.

Has anybody here A/B-ed Dolby True HD, DD plus, DTS-HD Master Audio etc. vs. good old-fashioned Dolby and DTS, or whatever?

For example, so long as I'm hearing big explosions from the surrounds I haven't bothered trying to tell if I prefer Dolby or DTS. I guess when I'm watching a movie I'm still mainly visual, and less fussy about sound. If others are like me, and can't tell any diff between Dolby and DTS, would we hear an improvement in the newer formats?

Also, do the new formats require X amounts of speakers? Some of us are still 5.1 or less, not 7.1. What types of soundtracks show off the new formats?

Thanks

that was kinda one of the major points of my original post. Is it worth spending money on a receiver with all that stuff, if the source component decodes those audio formats? The onkyo is available right now.

not as necessary.

have been in anything better than 5.1 True D

...matter to me? I plan on an HD-DVD player if that matters.

<ul><li><a href="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=789994">Why you don't need HDMI 1.3</a></li></ul>

The issue is - if you can get it do it!

Is it necessary, if the majority of stuff I watch is DVD's, and I get an HD DVD player that has a decoder for all the new audio formats, to get an AV receiver that also decodes all the new audio formats? Seems kinda redundant to me. If a program on TV, isn't broadcast in Dolby Digital Plus or one of the other new formats, the fact that the receiver can decode that stuff isn't going to make it sound any better than just having a decoder for regular Dolby, is it?

I doubt that HDMI will give you a great advantage over regular inputs as far as audio goes, and you can simply hook up your DVD player to your TV via HDMI for video only, and to receiver for audio.

with excellent audio DACs....using the analogue outputs could be superior to instead using a given receiver's DACs.

What I wanted to imply was that technology is always changing - and costs keep dropping. Buying a receiver with 1.3 will allow you to stay current with future upgrades to your system w/o having to upgrade more components.

Once you see Blu-Ray or HD-DVD and 1080i/1080p material you will want it. Upscaling DVDs though nice - and looks better than standard 480p - it is no comparison to real 1080p watching. Also 1.3 does some nice things with color that newer sets (that you will be buying) can take advantage of with 1.3.

BTW you really want the receiver to decode the audio - as you want the best decoder doing all your souces (DVD/Blu-ray/HD-DVD players, CD, SACD, Sat receiver/Cable receiver,TV OTA, etc) - and having just a single cable carrying the signal (the HDMI cable)- rather than two (optical and HDMI) or six (5 coax, and HDMI) makes more sense.