What does HDMI "pass through" on a surround receiver mean?

Question

My 1080p HDTV and up-convert 1080p DVD player both have HDMI connections. For surround sound and 1080p-like TV picture all I need is ANY surround receiver with HDMI connectors on back?, using 2 HDMI cables: one connecting DVD to receiver and one connecting receiver to HDTV??

Answer 1

No need to buy a receiver with HDMI, although it does provide a convenience point.

Any receiver with s/pdif input will do. Connect video via HDMI directly to the TV. connect audio via s/pdif to the receiver.

Answer 2

I disagree. Spdif is for sound only, while HDMI does sound and video. If you run directly to the tv, you will have to change inputs on both the tv and the receiver every time you change between cable and dvd. That gets old quick, a receiver simplifies everything.

Pass thru means it will allow every input to get from the receiver to the tv via one HDMI cable. So yeah, any receiver will pass thru will work.

Answer 3

Yup.