I have 2 clients now asking for headphones for their systems. Problem? Everything is HDMI. Sure, some devices still have analog outputs ( that could change with a set top box change, etc.)...others still have digital (not new Apple TV though)....a lot have HDMI only. What are others using for headphones in systems where most of the source devices are HDMI?

My first solution is the most simple. Get a set of headphones and plug them into the headphone output on the AVR/Pre-pro. Done. Until they ask if they can have the speakers on as well? In this case, both want that option of course.

Sony built a set of headphones recently, the MDR-DS7500 (MDR-HW700DS in UK looks to be still in production), but seemingly discontinued. They came with a switcher with 3 HDMI ins and 1 out. Then I thought that most receivers have an option to send audio over HDMI to the display. I am not sure if this is an either/or option, or if it will send audio to the TV as well as play it through the speakers. If it worked, either split the HDMI out, or use a second HDMI out if available. Seems like a recipe for disaster to me.

Any other ideas? Or have headphones for modern AV systems gone the way of the dodo bird?