I bought a video processor for a very reasonable price. I have to output from the VP to an older model Denon receiver and to my projector. The Denon does not support the latest audio formats, but my Oppo Bluray player is supposed to convert to LPCM (linear pulse code modulation) data, which the Denon will accept.
The problem is that when I play a Bluray with the latest audio formats, sometimes I get 5+ channels of audio, but most times I get only 2 channels. For some reason, I think the Oppo gets a report that there is only a two channel output device (even though the projector is really a zero channel output device). If I bypass the video processor, I get all the channels for the latest audio format (but the processor makes the video look great). So, I have to buy a $100 device whose sole purpose is to trick the Bluray player into thinking there's a receiver attached at all times:
http://www.amazon.com/Gefen-EXT-HDMI-EDIDP-HDmi-Detective-Plus/dp/B001RIMZUW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1301241698&sr=8-1The same occurred with my cable box. I tried to use my cable box's HDMI output to my TV. However, if you don't turn the TV on before the cable box, the cable box loses its info indicating the TV is attached, and then the cable box blanks the HDMI output. I leave the cable box on all the time because it's still hooked up to my ReplayTV DVR. The box above, for $100, would fix this issue, but I can't see spending that much when I can output via component cables.
Anyway, I think that HDMI is a good idea, but its been hampered with copy restrictions to the point where it's a pain in the rear at times. It's taken me hours to figure out what's going on with both of my systems.
