Do you need multiple HDMI inputs on a TV?

Question

Do you need to use multiple HDMI inputs on a TV if you have a receiver with multiple HDMI inputs? Is it possible to run everything (dvd palyer, tivo, videogame systems etc...) into the HDMI inputs on the receiver and then have one cable from the receiver to the TV? Will this set up work?

Answer 1

Yeah that's what the receiver is for. There is multiple HDMI inputs on the TV because some people like myself have older receivers with no HDMI inputs but still need to connect more than one HDMI capable device to their TV.

Answer 2

The more the better: 1 for HD satellite/cable, 1 for HD gaming system, and 1 for an HDDVD/BluRay player.

Answer 3

Yup, that's why you use a receiver and do the HDMI switching of all your sources from there.

Answer 4

Yes, go straight to your receiver. That way your audio doesn't have to route through your TV.

Answer 5

Many of us don't want additional receivers or home theater set ups.  Just a great TV that can display video from multiple sources.  For us, multiple HDMI inputs are indeed necessary.

Given current conditions, 2 at the least and preferably 3 for growth.  Right now I need one for my cable box and another for my DVD player.  If I add a game system, that's 3.  

Who knows what else will be out there soon.  I hear Netflix is working on a box to hook to the TV to display movies piped in over the internet.  That would be input number 4.

Answer 6

Yes. But you need to make sure your receiver supports the HDMI switching AND if so, that the switching supports both video and audio.

For example, Pioneer had a model (vsx-1015 I think). It could handle switching for the video portion only. You then had to run separate audio cables for each components. Very messy. If your receiver is newer...and supports HDMI 1.3, you are most likely okay.

Best to reference your manual.