To start with, connections are getting simpler.  Paul Wasek of Onkyo notes that the ability to send audio in both the upstream and downstream means there’s no need for a separate S/PDIF connection. “We are very supportive of the new standard because of the added capabilities and the simplification of system connections,” he says.

The other function that Onkyo will be supporting is probably a bit more obvious.  Like many new products, Onkyo’s 2010 lineup of A/V receivers will all offer support for 3D programming through HDMI 1.4. Onkyo’s new receivers are set to start shipping this Spring.