No, the receiver must be plugged in for the video to pass through. I believe all new pass through receivers are the same. However, depending on the type of TV you are using you may be able to go from media source ie cable box, directv to the TV first and then output the sound via HDMI out or optical cable to your receiver. Then you would be able to unplug the receiver and get normal video but using your TV speakers. I hope this info will help.