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Resolved Question

Why would it matter that a soundbar doesn't have HDMI?

Dec 14, 2011 11:10AM PST

I recently bought a new TV & blu ray and would like to get a soundbar. I'm leaning towards the JVC TH-BA1, but the biggest knock against it seems to be that it doesn't have HDMI connectivity.

What does that mean? What would I be missing out on?

I obviously have HDMI cables for the DirecTV box-to-tv and blu ray-to-tv, but don't see why the soundbar needs HDMI connectivity.

Thanks in advance for your help!

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New2homeaudio has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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HDMI is wasted on a sound bar . . .
Dec 14, 2011 11:35AM PST

HDMI, digital video and audio, carries at a minimum of 5.1 surround sound designed for 5 speakers and a sub-woofer. Since a sound bar will not perform as such, HDMI is wasted.

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Answer
Why is HDMI wasted on a sound bar? Here's my answer.
Dec 14, 2011 1:53PM PST

One of the crazy things about HDMI is it must have HDCP. Why does that matter?

Sorry but this is like peeling back an onion. Always another layer or question. Don't worry, this onion has less layers than most.

HDCP dictates that if an HDMI/HDCP signal arrives at a sound capable device, what passes onward shall be STEREO and never HD AUDIO.

There is one exception and that is for Over The Air content.

This is why an Optical link is more than enough. And the nice part about that is the optical cables are cheap.
Example at http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Digital-Optical-Audio-Toslink/dp/B001TH7GSW
Bob