Home theater receiver question, regarding HDMI inputs and outputs?

Question

I'd like to buy a new home theater receiver, probably Yamaha or Denon. I want 7.1 channels.

How many HDMI inputs and outputs should I be looking for?

Eventually, I will use the receiver hooked up to an HD-DVD player, and a large screen 1080p television.

I plan to spend between 400-500 dollars for it. Anything else I should know?

Answer 1

For that budget, get any of these receivers;

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Receivers...

Answer 2

You are headed in the right direction. Just make sure you buy a receiver with HDMI audio. Just because a receiver switch's HDMI does not mean it process the audio. You may need to raise your budget a little.

The cool part is your thinking for the future. When you buy a new TV you can look at how many HDMI inputs it has. Many TV come with 3 and 4 HDMI inputs. If you use them and send the digital audio from the TV back to your Receiver you can have 5 or 6 devices hooked up to one system (including the input on the receiver).

Answer 3

I would look for AT LEAST 2 inputs, but it really depends on your needs. Keeping in mind that most anything uses them anymore. (HD DVD, Cable/Sat box, Xbox, PS3)

As far as outputs though, 1 should be enough, and is probably all you can buy actually.