Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - Why run VIDEO through surround receiver?

I am getting ready to set up my surround sound in my basement. I have a Onkyo 5.1 system. The manual shows examples of running video connections from the STB or DVD player, through the surround receiver, to the TV.

I can see running AUDIO cables through the receiver so I can get the surround sound, but why run the VIDEO signals this way? Is this essential?

Thanks.

Possibly just so you could use the surround sound receiver as a remote control video switch? In case your TV didn't have enough inputs for all the video signals you might have.

Sure wish my surround receiver did that. I have to get up and push buttons on a switch if I want to fire up the ol' Nintendo.

I am getting ready to set up my surround sound in my basement. I have a Onkyo 5.1 system. The manual shows examples of running video connections from the STB or DVD player, through the surround receiver, to the TV.

I can see running AUDIO cables through the receiver so I can get the surround sound, but why run the VIDEO signals this way? Is this essential?

Thanks.

Pointless, in my opinion!!!!!!
fred

Depending on your TV and your setup its really a matter of preference.

As Core stated it acts like a switch if your TV doesnt have enough inputs. If your running HD you will want to make sure your receiver supports the HD video cables. If not you should just run straight to the TV. Another thing is do you want to have your receiver on at all times.

FWIW there are some newer receivers (Yamaha) that have deinterlacing and upconversion built into them so you can push a higher quality video signal to your set from Standard Definition devices.

When I go HD I will be getting one of their receivers.
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/avreceivers.html?adid=avreceivers