What is the layman's explanation of HDMI? What kinds of devices are used for the HDMI? What is the optimun distant settings for center, front and rear speakers?
_____________
Hello Eric,
The main difference between HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) and, say, component video connection is that HDMI carries HD video information in digital form. HDMI also carries as many as eight channels of digital audio, all on the same HDMI cable, and that includes the new Dolby TrueHD or dts Master Audio multichannel audio as well as older Dolby Digital 5.1 signals.
HDMI is used to connect HD video displays and HD Blu-ray players or standard DVD up-converting players equipped with HDMI outputs. In addition, new AV receivers are equipped with HDMI inputs and outputs, so the number of cables between an HD display is reduced. HDMI also carries an anti-piracy digital code to prevent illegal digital copying of copyrighted movies in HD so interconnected HDMI devices must digitally "handshake" before they will operate properly.
Component video (three separate cables, one for each of the red, blue and green parts of an HD or standard definition video signal) is an analog connection. It also does not carry any audio, so you must separately connect an optical or coaxial digital cable for 5.1-channel Dolby Digital surround sound.
Because it's digital and doesn't suffer any losses, HDMI has the potential to deliver the sharpest and clearest HD images. However, practically speaking, component video is quite capable of yielding superb HD images. Depending on how well HDMI is implemented, it may not necessarily look any better or different than component video connections.
The distance settings for center, front and side/rear surrounds will vary depending on the dimensions and shape of your room and seating arrangement as well as the speaker locations. Most AV receivers have auto-setup modes that determine the distance and adjust the individual levels of each channel so that at the listening position, each channel should have the same playback level. However, a user can vary this and may increase the center channel level for dialog clarity and possibly the subwoofer level or surround channels as well.
Kind regards,
Alan Lofft
