Should I wait to purchase a A/V receiver after HDMI 1.3 capabilities start appearing? I can only find 1.1 now?

Question

HDMI 1.3 will offer enhanced capabilities such as ability to pass soon to be released Dolby HD sound, etc.

Answer 1

First, recognize that A/V receivers are ALWAYS evolving to incorporate new decoders, signal processing, interconnects and switching capability. I have upgraded my receiver at least twice because I wanted some feature not available on my old model. BUT, unless money is no object, before jumping it is worth considering a) whether the new features are worthwhile, and b) whether you can take advantage of them.

Since HDMI 1.3 offers all sorts of advantages (at least in theory. See the link) it might be tempting to wait. But the answer to your question should consider such factors as:

- how old / inadequate is your existing receiver (if it is broken there is reason to buy soon, but if it works fine and just lacks a few features consider waiting)?

- Does the rest of your equipment (DVD player, TV, etc) have to be replaced to take advantage of the features in HDMI 1.3 (remember, the interconnected pieces form a system that is only as good as the weakest piece)?

- Are you planning upgrades for one or more components (e.g. to a 1080p capable display) which will allow you to take advantage of HDMI 1.3?

- Can you really expect to notice the improvement of DTS HD, Dolby HD, 30, 36 or 48 bit colour depth, etc. (e.g. if you don't have an excellent display device, even if you can pass the signal will you see any difference? Or can your ears and/or speakers benefit from lossless audio formats?)?

- How soon will there be an affordable collection of HDMI 1.3 compatible devices actually be available that interface seamlessly (I suspect at least 1-2 years)

In my case I upgraded my home theatre system (Pioneer Elite A/V receiver, Elite universal (SACD, CD, DVD, DVD-A, etc) DVD player, upconverting OPPO DVD player for video, Canon projector, Totem surround speaker setup, etc.) last year, and I see no benefit in even considering HDMI 1.3 for at least 2 years ... and I consider myself, if not an early adopter ("bleeding edge"), not too far behind it.

But only you know your budget, priorities and needs.

Hope that helps at least frame some of the issues for you.

Answer 2

I would wait. I'm guessing we will see HDMI 1.3 receivers in early 2007.