Secrets

Monoprice sent me an email about HDMI cables with RedMere technology in them. Near as I can figure, this technology allows longer runs with thinner wire. What is RedMere technology?

- David Eckard
Durham, NC

Do the DACs (digital-to-analog converters) in mid-priced AV receivers perform as well as standalone DACs such as the Peachtree Audio DAC-iT or Musical Fidelity V-DAC II?

- Ed Wood
West Chester, PA

I have a JBL Synthesis AV2 processor with HDMI 1.1 and eight RCA analog-audio inputs. I want to buy a new Blu-ray player, but I've been told conflicting info about what outputs the player needs to send 7.1 channels of HD audio to the AVP. I have been told that HDMI 1.1 will only accept 5.1 channels from a player, and to get all 7.1 channels, I need a player with eight RCA outputs. Other sources say the AVP should be able to handle 7.1 channels via HDMI 1.1. Which true?

I am looking at the Sony BDP-S790 player, which doesn't have eight outputs, only HDMI 1.4, versus the Oppo BDP-103 and 105. Which do you like best?

- John Baldino
Orange, CT