The HDMI signal goes from the source, DVD, BLU Ray, whatever, through the receiver, then out to the TV set. If receiver is off then the sound and video goes to the TV, unaltered. My amp has 5 HDMI inputs. I just switch between inputs on Receiver. It also up converts analog signal, like from VCR, to digital, HDMI. There is no over the air TV here anymore. I use directV