How many HDMI ports would be sufficient on an A/V receiver?

Question

I am considering buying Denon AVR-988, which is quite sufficient for an audio newbie like me and it is on great sale out there.

My only concern is the number of the HDMI input ports on it because I would like to make a future-proof investment.

There are some models already and some new models are coming out soon that have 4 or more HDMI ports. You may say buy or wait for them, but they cost a lot. You may also recommend another brand, but I guess I wanna stick with Denon-- Pionneers are expensive and for some reason I am reluctant to Onkyo.

So my question is, I am considering to connect my PS3 and cable box to the Denon AVR-988, so;

1) Currently, for what type of other devices I may require additional ports?

2) For future, do you have an estimation as to what type of devices can adopt HDMI?

Answer 1

You might decide to buy another game console that uses HDMI like the 360, but really there's no need to fret.  You can buy an HDMI splitter to expand your options if you're set on buying a receiver with two HDMI inputs.  Monoprice.com sells a reputable splitter although there are others.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/produc...

See CNET.com for reviews on splitters.

As far as what other devices might adopt HDMI, well that's hard to say because the audio video world moves so quickly.  I have seen some camcorders that now use HDMI versus firewire.  Also HDMI is beginning to show up on computers  more frequently.    Overall any audio video device that you connect to a TV can and likely will move to HDMI eventually.

Hope that helps.

Edit:  The PS3 is not the holy grail of entertainment but don't tell the guy below. Can you say fan boy?  I guess that explains the 4% best answer rating he's sporting.

Answer 2

You got your bases covered pretty well.  As far as future proof...  

Well since you can run blu ray movies through your ps3, you won't need a different player.  You can change a few settings on your PS3 to make it jam.  You should be good for a while.

Unless you were going to add another player of some sort, (XBOX360) you don't "need" another HDMI port.  I personally am getting 3, but my setup is a little different.

The differences in the higher end receivers are better codec's, inputs, outputs and power on each channel.  You ps3 has more capability than this receiver.  It can push DTS master, Dolby true HD and PCM uncompressed.   This receiver won't decode it.  

BTW HDMI only makes a difference if you are pushing 1080p signal to your tv.  Your tv also needs to handle 1080p.

Tough choice I know......

Answer 3

"You might decide to buy another game console that uses HDMI like the 360"

WTF? The PS3 comes with HDMI and plays Blu-ray, it wasn't until recently that the 360 was HDMI capable.

Stick with the PS3, its a far superior console.

When it comes to cables for your setup try not to overspend on the HDMI cables, they're all pretty much the same. I bought some at great prices here http://www.inspiretech.com/c-31-hdmi-cab...