Nick and Jason,

HDMI, by definition, is a digital connection, so it cannot "send analog out through the HDMI connection". Some AV receivers, not entry-level models, will do the conversion from analog video inputs (composite, S-video, component video) to an HDMI digital output. Others will offer an analog pass-through.

If an AV receiver offers HDMI output of any incoming video signals whatever their nature, you can assume the receiver has done an up-conversion to a digital HDMI output.

Regards,
Alan

Alan Lofft,
Axiom Resident Expert (Retired)