I'm getting a Tivo HD and wondering if I'll see any video qualty difference etween using HDMI and component?

I have a free componet plug available but if I go HDMI I would need to get a switcher. Is it worth it for me to do that?

If you already have an HDMI cable and input on your set, experiment between the two and see what looks better to you. Depending on the type of set and the equipment being used, you may or may not see a difference.

Frankly it is very rare that I can see any difference.

I had a Panasonic plasma where the component was slightly sharper, but on the Pio that I have now, I can detect no difference whatsoever.

So you just have to experiment.

On my set:

HDMI = sharper
Component = less clayface

I prefer the look of component.

However, my data points are few, and I may not be comparing like with like.

Thanks all for the input. I guess I'll have to just do the test and see if I notice any difference.

That's the only way to do it. Each display (and video source) is different, so no one can tell you which is better, in your case.

In my case, it makes no observable difference. FWIW, I have a DirecTV H20-100 satellite STB and both a LG 32LC2D LCD 16:9 TV set and a projector with a 106" screen.

I usually can't tell the difference either, but I use the HDMI if I can just because it's newer technology.........

HD I can't really tell a difference.

SD I think component is slightly better. But that's all just offhand impressions on my setup.

I had a Panasonic plasma where the component was slightly sharper, but on the Pio that I have now, I can detect no difference whatsoever.

So you just have to experiment.
Same here.