Re: Is component video and HD audio over HDMI possible?
He’s talking about getting an HDMI equipped sound card. THAT would be obsolete. A good analog soundcard is not obsolete as long as you have a need for analog output. If he wants to go the analog route, then a good ANALOG soundcard would be a good choice, but I would surely skip the extra expense in getting an HDMI soundcard.
The only reason I upgraded my receiver is because I ran out of inputs. I have a lot of equipment because I like to play with new gear and my old receiver could only support 3 spdif inputs and 1 analog input. That’s not enough surround inputs for me. The addition of HD audio was also a small factor, but I’ve since realized I can’t hear a difference on actual source material. That’s why I’m the resident troll when it comes to HD audio upgrades. I’m so bad that I convert all my HD audio to lossy Dolby Digital at 640K so I can play it on any TV in my house. I can tell no difference in quality of the audio.