Hello Obie_fl, viable = capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are. Capable of success or continuing effectiveness; practicable: Both Audio and Video products currently on the market that utilize HDMI only passes 2.0 digital audio, and not full-blown 5.1 surround sound audio. These products include A/V Receivers, DVD players/recorders, and HDTV’ Clearly, it will take time for the audio companies to include full-blown HDMI switching capability as it took several years for component video switching to become commonplace. A handful of DVD players include HDMI output. Sending both digital audio and video signals directly to the TV via HDMI does simplify matters up converting those already pristine DVD images to near HD quality. Audio, on the other hand, from that DVD player will only be sent at Dolby Digital 2.0 quality. for the time being if you are passing digital audio from your DVD Player or Satellite Receiver, I suggest that you use either the digital coax or digital optical output found on the back of the unit. The bottom line, It could very well be years before true 5.1 HDMI reaches the masses. Digital audio and 1394 are here today, and are proven technologies that can pass all types of digital audio signals.These are the connectors of choice to pass all types of stereo and surround sound.