Is HDMI input important on a home theater system?

I am looking to buy the Philips HTS3555 home theater system and i read that it had a HDMI output but no HDMI input. this particular system has a HDDVD player that acts as a reciever. I have a few questions and would appreciate any help!

1. what is a HDMI input for and is it important to have?

2. Basically i want to be able to watch movies in HD with surround sound, will i be able to do that without an HDMI input?

Is HDMI input important on a home theater system?pacific theater

You do not need to have an input, an output from the system is all you will need to watch movies in surround sound and HD. You will also ge thte best sound through the HDMI. The input port is basically used for recording I beleive, but to watch all u need is an ouput on the system and an input on the tv.

Is HDMI input important on a home theater system?phantom of the opera opera theater

the hdmi output from the receiver to the input on the TV.you just cant add any hdmi inputs to the receiver like a satellite or cable box you can hook up the audio the video will go to your TV.good luck
2. This system WILL give you HD movies and Surround Sound. But only for movies played on the internal HD drive.

1. This system is compromised in that you cannot plug any other HDMI device into it. Forget about a PS3, HD Cable box, BluRay player. This is why I usually dont recommend these systems.