wow thank you for this.

The HDMI cable does indeed carry the 7.1 sound so yes you are correct. As for component versus HDMI, HDMI keeps the signal in the digital domain and thus produces a significantly superior picture and the highest quality audio. Due to copyright issues many if not most BluRay tittles only give you 1080P if you use an HDMI cable, so not only is digital superior but in most cases you cannot get 1080P from analog component it is limited to 1080i. As for heavier gauge wires that really only applies to analog signals. With a digital signal either you have a perfect signal or no signal at all - the gauge of the wire really only comes into play with really long lengths and even then it is not a major factor. So bottom line going completely digital is the way to go if you can.

I noticed that you did not mention that a HDMI cable also carries 7.1 audio.
My question is a component video signal better than HDMI because the component cables seem to be of heavier gauge wires.

My questions have been answered. I will be disposing of my conglomeration of cables in favor of the HDMI. Thank you.

Answer man, thanks! I have the 'clutter cables', so off to somewhere to grab the HDMI. Now I love easy explanations.

I agree with the others. An explanation that one can understand! Thanks so much:)

Excellent video! Many people have asked me about HDMI, and now, I will be able to explain it better!

Finally a simple explanation! Thanks so much.