How do I connect a dvd home system to a receiver?

Can I use a new DVD player with my old home theatre system?

• I have a low end Philips home theatre system that came with a DVD player. The DVD player is neither an upconverting player nor does it have HDMI output. The result is I am not able to watch the output in 720p resolution. I want to know if I purchase a new DVD player with HDMI and upconvert feature, will I be able to connect it to my home theatre or do I have to sell my home theatre with the player and get a new one with the features available in the player? Since the player and the audio system are from the same vendor, it uses its own custom cable to connect the player and the audio system (No receiver).

• Answer:

  The easiest way to answer this is that: yes you will need a new sound system if you want to take full advantage of the HDMI connectivity. However, if your receiver has an additional optical input on it you will be OK. The HDMI connection is most important for Video at this stage of its life anyway. Most receivers now that accept HDMI are having issues with the digital audio, so the HDMI will go directly to the TV, and then an audio or fiber optic/coaxial cable is then run to the stereo system. If you're in the market for just an upconverting DVD player and not a Blu-Ray or HD DVD player then take a look at the Sony HT-7000DH for $500 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7728701&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat40200050002&id=1140392173057). It's an HTIB system with an upconverting DVD player and receiver with HDMI capabilities. Great buy for what you get. I hope this helps.