Let the hive mind of Engadget get that for you.
"I've found myself using my PC for a lot of conversations lately, and I'm also considering recording a podcast to share with anyone who will listen. There are tons of USB headset / microphones out there, and I'm hoping someone has some solid recommendations based on experience. I'll consider both headsets and standalone mics, by the way, but I'd like to keep the bill under $100 if possible. Help!"
Joseph, I'm using all six of my HDMI inputs right now:
1) PS/3 [gaming, Blueray]
2) DVR/Satellite receiver
3) OTA HD television receiver
4) XBox 360 [gaming, HD DVD - yes, I bought quite a few]
5) Mac mini [media librarian)
6) Upconverting DVD player
I'm also using several component inputs, and even SVHS for the house security system's aux output. Here's the system:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fyngyrz/2531688467/
...In the future, I expect to add a standalone Blueray player, for one, and I'd also like a front panel input for an HD camcorder on any system I upgrade to.
Zargon, I own plenty of Marantz gear:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fyngyrz/sets/72157600798126397/
...so I'm quite familiar with the fidelity; but frankly, if I have to go to fooling with switchers, I'm not interested. The job of audio gear is *both* to make the experience pleasant and provide good fidelity. And while Sony doesn't have the high-end cache' that Marantz does, the fidelity is nothing to sneer at.
By the way, I also own a Denon from the previous generation, it has 3 component inputs, and if you want to talk about frustrating, try dealing with not *one* component switcher, but two. It brings inconvenience to entirely new levels; no one in the house could run the system but me. That's no good. Fidelity or not, I chucked that into the family room where it handles 720p for the kids.
What the both of you need to understand is that your view of how audio gear is used is not definitive of how everyone uses it. When someone says four inputs is not enough, derision is a poor response; if you don't understand why they might want them, just ask.