Since I've got hdtv, do I need HDMI A/V reciever?

[FoolForARadio]

I don't have a home theater sysyem now, but I do have hdtv, and I've got it hooked up to the cable reciever with HDMI cable. I just acquired some Klipsch Heresy speakers, which make me think I might have the basis for a good HT system. But I've got lots of questions:

Do I need an HDMI system to get the most out of my TV?

Which A/V reciever should I get?

Sould I use the Heresy speakers as L/R or surrounds? I've got some old EPI 100's that I'd like to use, too. Where should they go?

Is it important to match speaker efficiency? The Heresy's are way more efficient than anything else I've got in use - Spendor, EPI, Totem.

Thanks for helping.

[skippy_ps]

If you plan on setting up ht with a center channel speaker, matching the "voice" and sensitivity of the mains is important. You'll need a center that is at least the same sensitivity as the Heresys.

An hdtv with 2 hdmi inputs would handle a dvd and cable/satellite source, and then route 5.1/dts or stereo to the receiver. It's a little more complicated than this but that's basically one way to do it.

A receiver that switches hdmi would be preferrable for ht use, imo. Mine doesn't and it's a pita.

Murray

[jlindsey86]

In my opinion you are definitely going to want a receiver that supports HDMI. For optimal HT quality you are going to want your center channel to be timbre matched to your fronts at least. It is best to have the same speakers all the way around. High Definition sound will be the new standard such as DD and DTS are today and HDMI 1.3 will transmit them. I am waiting until late this year/early next until all the bugs get worked out of HDMI 1.3 and then I will buy a receiver that supports it.

[uofmtiger]

In my opinion you are definitely going to want a receiver that supports HDMI. For optimal HT quality you are going to want your center channel to be timbre matched to your fronts at least. It is best to have the same speakers all the way around. High Definition sound will be the new standard such as DD and DTS are today and HDMI 1.3 will transmit them. I am waiting until late this year/early next until all the bugs get worked out of HDMI 1.3 and then I will buy a receiver that supports it.I would agree. :thmbsp:

[jlindsey86]

If you need a receiver now check out this article.

http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/09/pioneers-elite-vsx-80txv-81txv-82txs-and-84txsi-receivers/

These new pioneers are looking really good.