home theaer- component jacks versus S-Video

[h linamen]

Buying a new home theater system (HTIB) and have found one I really like Onkyo HT-S680 but it does not have component connections. Just has, optical, coaxial, composite and S-video inputs. Should I be concerned about no component video inputs?

[Stavs]

All depends on what you are hooking up. In my system I have HDTV, DVR, DVD, and Playstation II. I have all my components hooked up through Component Video. It simplifies connections for me by hooking it all up through the receiver and letting it to do the switching. If you dont have any equipment that uses component video, then its a moot point. If you will be buying stuff in the future, it may be worth it to have that or even HDMI. It all depends on what other pieces are in the puzzle. I have a Denon that I am real happy with. Bought it as a refurb and have had no problems with it. Onkyo is good stuff too.

I hope this helps.

[macphanatic]

If you are going the route of DVI or HDMI (which is DVI plus audio with a different connector) make sure that it is HDCP (high def copy protection) compliant. If it isn't, it probably won't work with dvi/hdmi equipment in the future.

There are several reasons that you may want to have these connections on your receiver. First, you would only need one or two connections from the receiver to the tv/monitor, resulting in fewer wires to hide. Second, the receiver may have more input connections than the tv/monitor.

[Maddog]

I wouldn't recommend any new purchases now that don't have an HDMI option, or you may well be shut out of some hi-def technologies in the future.