Dumb soundbar connectivity question

[Participant]

Hi all

If I buy a soundbar with HDMI inputs AND outputs, will it act like an AV receiver, switching between my Virgin box, HTPC, console etc. and playing the sound from them, passing the video through to my TV?

I.e.:

Cheers.

 

[Participant]

Thanks for that. What are the downsides of using the ARC vs. the HDMI option then? As if ARC is preferable then I won't shell out loads for HDMI connectivity.

I have a universal remote so not too bothered about using the TV remote for everything.

Could I still get full decoding of HD audio etc. with the ARC method?

 

[Participant]

Looking at Yamaha YSP-2500 or that sort of level, fed mainly with Blu-ray rips by an Intel NUC (or similar) . I've got 5.1 in the snug and don't want it to sound terrible compared to that.

Cheers for the help guys.