Gerrardasnails:scene:
Gerrardasnails: ... could you connect a bluray player with the hdmi just doing audio duty?
Yes. For example, if you are using a Panasonic DMP-BDT300 3D blu-ray player -
click - as this has two HDMI outs:
"With its twin HDMI output, one output can be dedicated as an Audio signal output, thus achieving better sound quality and matching the needs of users who own customised cinema systems and legacy* audio equipment."
As it also has a component video out, you could put your picture out through this and use the "Audio" HDMI for sound.
interesting. Has anyone any experience with high end component cables on bd players?
The issue you may have is that I believe the standard BD licences prohibit anything greater than 1080i over component (or they did), even though component can support it, so you won't get such a good picture as you would over HDMI. I think this has been done at the studios' behest as an anti-piracy measure as HDCP does not work over component.