I read an article on Designtechnica's website and learned that todays HDMI does NOT pass a 5.1 signal. It's said to send a digital video and audio signal BUT the audio is only 2.0 for now. The cable has the ability but for some reason the equipment using this connection today only is capable of sending and receiving 2.0. The writer who was relaying information gathered at C.E.D.I.A. says it may be years before HDMI is in place to do 5.1 in the capacity as Toslink or coaxial in a wide variety of equipment. Denon and Pioneer are supposed to have HDMI in 2005 top of line receivers but no mention if these will handle 5.1 from HDMI. So buyer beware.