How important to have 2 HDMI inputs on TV??

[atsu888]

I have very little knowledge of AV..............

I have been looking at the Sony XS955 55 inch for months now, mainly becasuse it has the 2 HDMI inputs. I would assume I would use one for my Scientific ATL 8300 cable box and a HDMI DVD I plan to purchase.

I am also considering the Panasonic PT61LCX65 which has only 1 HDMI input. This TV gives me a PC input and 6 more inches of screen for a cheaper price!! If I use the HDMI input for the cable box, will I not be able to hook up a DVD player with a digital connection (HDMI, DVI) on this TV? I would obviously like the best PQ for my cable and DVD. That being said, is the Sony the only choice for me?



Thanks in advance.

[Ratman]

If inputs/features take precedence of size/quality. Correct.

I'd personally prefer to use HDMI/DVI for preparation for HD-DVD/Blu-Ray.

With cable... garbage in/garbage out. Use components.

[57U]

If you hook up an upconverting DVD player to the sole HDMI input (the only way the DVD upconversion typically works), then you'll need to connect the STB to the component video input. Or you can buy an HDMI switch for about $200.

[gparris]

Some folks like the Panasonic models, some like the Sonys.
Tonight I looked at the Panasonic model next to the Sony and the Panasonic looked a little darker, somewhat washed out, even when I tried different settings...side by side these were, maybe it was me.
When I bought Sony set I have now I knew it would have only one HDMI input and so I would use the DVD upconverting player first.
If I DID have a second input, like the 2 found on the Sony model you are looking at, I would connect my HD DVR to it as it has HDMI and it IS enabled where I live. The difference in price from the 60" with two and the one without on a "special sale" the store had last December was over $700 for either 60".I just hate spending more money on the HDMI cabling, no matter what the price, so I use component for that.
But sometimes you really DO need two...your preference/needs.
If the size is more inportant to you, you like the 61" set, go with it.

[smark1958]

Hi Ratman and 57U,

Because you both recently answered another of my posts and because I read your replies here, I want ask if you guys agree that for a single DVI input and HD-DVD player that "upconverts" DVDs that it's better to connect the HD-DVD player to the the DVI and the STB via Component?

[57U]

I would agree with that scenario.