component vs HDMI?

[rkjunior303]

Advantages to either? Disavantages?

I just got a new HD.. I spent all night let down because I thought I'd have to wait for Comcast to get me a new cable box for the living room but I just discovered the box in my room is HD (the comcast box w/ the DVR).. Sooo, I moved it to the living room.. I currently have the video connected with component wires, with the audio going through the optical port for digital sound.. Will this give me the same quality as the HDMI?

[magman007]

there is actually a huge difference in component and hdmi, and if you ever see a display, of two of the same dvd player and the same tv, like at some sears will do, and compare the hdmi feed to the component feed, you will notice the difference, and realize the potential in going the hdmi route.

[Hexis]

It actually depends a lot on the display device. There are situations where the component may end up giving you a better result. Try it, see what you like.

In theroy the HDMI signal is a much cleaner source, and it is fully digital. It's just not a given that it will actually look better.

[rkjunior303]

well, my tv is full 1080i.. while i'm not going to need the onboard audio, since i have my digital cable sound going through an optical via my receiver.. i will pick up a cable and see how it looks.

[Kai]

You see, the difference between component and HDMI is that I don't know what HDMI is.

There you have it!

[RapidTransit]

Digital dosn't always mean better

HDMI is a standard that was created with the sole purpose and design to A. Combine DVI and Audio into one making it one simple connection. Since when is DVI superior to other high bandwidth analog video? B. To control so called 'rampant' piracy, I have a problem with this with a list a mile long on why I can't stand these stupid protection/DRM schemes.

Your best choice? Go with the component Video, they are the same quality, and if your TV is a CRT tube, its probably converting the signal back to analog anyways. Just go for a high quality cable, one thats not made by Mon$ter Cable. Don't buy into the hype its like saying Autocockers shoot father than mags.

[Hexis]

Digital dosn't always mean better

HDMI is a standard that was created with the sole purpose and design to A. Combine DVI and Audio into one making it one simple connection. Since when is DVI superior to other high bandwidth analog video? B. To control so called 'rampant' piracy, I have a problem with this with a list a mile long on why I can't stand these stupid protection/DRM schemes.

Your best choice? Go with the component Video, they are the same quality, and if your TV is a CRT tube, its probably converting the signal back to analog anyways. Just go for a high quality cable, one thats not made by Mon$ter Cable. Don't buy into the hype its like saying Autocockers shoot father than mags.

I think you are confusing HDMI and HDCP. HDMI is pretty much DVI + Audio, but a better electricial standard (longer cables are possible). HDCP is the content protection/DRM that most folks feel is evil and/or abusable.

The best choice is what looks best to him. It really depends on a large number of factors, most importantly personal preferance. Some people love the super crisp pixels and low noise that DVI/HDMI can provide. Others like the more film-like quality over component.



rkjunior303, try both, pick which one you like. Remember that some TVs will maintain seperate settings for contrast/brightness/color/etc... for each input. Keep that in mind when comparing. You may want to start with the same settings and tweak to get the best picture then switch between the inputs from the same source to do a real head-up comparison.

[rkjunior303]

I'm going to pick up a DVI->HDMI cable to try out my box, so I can compare the picture with the Component.

[Kevmaster]

i've been dealing with this in great detail over the past two months. we've got 4 60" plasma screens and they have their DVI inputs taken by G5 computers. We just added 4 HD DirecTV systems to them. our debate was whether to go DVI->HDMI or just go component BNC cables.

After talking to many people in house and at the manufacturers, their opinion was that we would NOT see a noticable differnce between HDMI and component. As a result, yesterday, we installed all of the DirecTV systems via component and they look magnificent.

[Kevmaster]

i've been dealing with this in great detail over the past two months. we've got 4 60" plasma screens and they have their DVI inputs taken by G5 computers. We just added 4 HD DirecTV systems to them. our debate was whether to go DVI->HDMI or just go component BNC cables.

After talking to many people in house and at the manufacturers, their opinion was that we would NOT see a noticable differnce between HDMI and component. As a result, yesterday, we installed all of the DirecTV systems via component and they look magnificent.

[Resurection]

Well I got my 51" HD set in time for the SB and picked up my theatre system morning of. With that, I was strapped to setup and config in time for the party and game. Since then I have been upgrading my cables, etc... I've spent a ton of money on cables already and the best price I can find local for HDMI is $80 for a 1m cable. That's too friggin much to 'test and compare' at home.

So I am hoping either my local Best Buy or Sound Advice might have the side by side comparison. I would like to know if its worth the extra costs. (ie my gold plated component cables cost me $20 + digital coax for $15)

PS - Anyone using a recevier with HDMI ports?

[RapidTransit]

I think you are confusing HDMI and HDCP. HDMI is pretty much DVI + Audio, but a better electricial standard (longer cables are possible). HDCP is the content protection/DRM that most folks feel is evil and/or abusable.

The best choice is what looks best to him. It really depends on a large number of factors, most importantly personal preferance. Some people love the super crisp pixels and low noise that DVI/HDMI can provide. Others like the more film-like quality over component.



rkjunior303, try both, pick which one you like. Remember that some TVs will maintain seperate settings for contrast/brightness/color/etc... for each input. Keep that in mind when comparing. You may want to start with the same settings and tweak to get the best picture then switch between the inputs from the same source to do a real head-up comparison.

HDMI quality degrades alot worse than component as the lengths get longer, in theory it should have been better quality at longer distance but its not the case. Especially when you amplify the signal.