I have just replaced a dodgy 5.1 reviever with a spanking new 7.1 recevier that has HDMI inputs....

Currently my V+ Box and my xbox360 both have HDMI straight into the back of the TV. Then Optical cable from the TV to the receiver.

Since the new AMP can take the HDMI inputs from the v+box and the xbox360 then pass them to the TV would this be the better option?

Currently the syncing does seem a little out with the audio so was hoping it would fix that.

will this affect picture quality or anthing else?

Will probably try anyhoo...

Basically it's down to personal choice, personally I prefer connecting directly to source, saying this I have my PS3 and Sky HD connected via the processor, simply because this gives me the new HD audio formats from BluRay and saved on another HDMI lead going to the PJ from the HD box, the HD box is still connected via optical because Sky are unable to deliver DD5.1 via HDMI at present.

Should you wish to try it you should find the PQ unaffected.

You will also notice you will be required to switch the amp on every time you want to view V+/Xbox 360, mildly annoying when it comes to a time where you just want the TV's audio on when viewing something that doesn't really require the amps surround sound capabilities.

I know the V+ will give you DD5.1 via HDMI but I'm unsure whether the Xbox 360 is capable of this, does it only supply DD5.1 via optical?

Other than this there are no real downsides when connecting via the amp IMO.

I have the same Tommy, I wouldnt use the amp as a video driver purely because I prefer direct connection and wouldnt want to have to turn the amp on every time I want to watch tv.

Only pain is that you have to switch the ps3 audio settings between hdmi and optical if you want a game/blu ray in surround instead of thru the tv. Is there a way round this?

You've got me thinking now - as far as i can tell is does output the 5.1 via the HDMI - as in the amp seems to recognise it... but will have to investigate.

I am happy to have the amp playing all sound as i have the internal mute on the tv on anyway. Also I am using the samsung anynet+ thing that means that when you turn the volume up on the TV it actually turns it up on the amp

As far as I know there is now way round it, the reason being the PS3 doesn't allow audio over HDMI and optical simultaneously.

This has been mentioned quite a bit on other forums, may be Sony will solve this via an update in the future, but for now switching the audio settings is the only way round it.

Sounds like the Xbox can pass DD5.1 over HDMI if the amp recognises the signal.

Give it a go and see what you think.