The very fact that you can turn the pass through feature on/off means it is not a direct connection. The processor allows an electronic bypass around its video capabilities but the circuitry may still be playing a part. I understand your need to conserve electricity and/or the life of your processor but...the Marantz has much better DACs and video circuits than either your TV or your cable box. It was specifically designed for high end processing whereas the other two are likely designed for high end profit, more than performance. When it was designed, I will bet it was thought that it would be on all the time in the stream and the pass through feature was a throw in.