Will a Canon HD camcorder be able to play video directly to a Toshiba 26DF56 TV, through the TVs component input?

BACKGROUND

We have a new Toshiba 480i wide (26") TV that can convert/play hd
(only at 480i) and receive component. Picture of non-encrypted hd
broadcasts is so incredibly sharp that we are happy to stay with it.

We are trying to choose a Canon hd camcorder to best match and get
most out of the TVs (limited) ability.

We plan to use the "component in" on the TV for the camcorder (using a
VisionFC4 HDMI to Component converter) and so are choosing between one
of the new Canon Vixia camcorders with "hdmi out."

Canon lists these 2 specs:

HDMI Terminal Type A (19 pins) 480i/480p/1080I Format Supported


Supported Playback Modes 1080/60i, 1080/24p, 1080/30F, 1080/24F,
1080/30p


The TV states: Component input supports only 480i playback.

Thanks for any help with this. Can't get this info from Canon's site or from the local stores.

I don't know why you'd want to use a HDMI to component converter. The Canon HV20 will output HDMI, HDV/DV, component, and video (composite). HDMI and component give the highest resolution, according to the manual and personal test, with no noticeable difference between component and HDMI except for a slight color shift, using a 32" Polaroid HDTV. Note that with HDMI cable connected, the component and composite video are disabled, but the audio is still available. With component, you'll need 5 cables, 3 for the video and 2 for audio. For what it is worth, for our component test, we used some existing coax, RG6Q (quad-shielded RG6 cable), 100 ft long.

Thanks for your help. I didn't realize the canon hd camcorders had component out on them.

Skipping the converter then, will the tv be able to show the component signal if it only accepts 480i? The canon playback modes do not seem to match its HDMI (and component I suppose) supported formats.

The HV20 HDMI will match the resolution of the device to which it is connected, so turn on the TV before turning on the camcorder. That's for HDMI, but I would expect the component output would play on the tv (else why would the tv have component input?) and it shouldn't matter which device gets turned on first. I've never heard of "grades" of component.

If I'm steering you wrong, I hope someone will speak up!

Richard

Here is a quote from the Toshiba 26DF56 manual:

The ColorStream inputs on this TV are for use with devices that output 480i interlaced signals only. This TV will not accept or display 480p or 720p progressive scan signals or 1080i interlaced high-definition signals. If you connect a high-definition set-top receiver, 480p progressive scan DVD player, or other similar device to the TV's ColorStream inputs, YOU MUST SWITCH THE DEVICE'S OUTPUT TO 480i INTERLACED SIGNAL MODE FIRST. Failure to do this will display "NO SIGNAL OR NOT SUPPORTED VIDEO RESOLUTION" on a black screen.

Any thoughts on this? Based on the Toshiba manual, 480i component input is required. How can I be certain that the Canon hd camcorders will 'playback' at 480i from the component out?

Seems insane to risk $800 on an internet purchase just to find out. Anyone?

Well these cams are inherently interlaced cams so I wouldn't be too concerned about Canon leaving out a 480i output option over component vid. I've got the HG10 and it will not put out 1080P over HDMI because it is an interlaced cam (although it will shoot 24PF - in 60i).

I don't have the component cable so I have never connected the cam to a display using component. If the cam permits, I'll check tonight to see what output options are available over component. You could always use composite going out of the cam if all else fails until you replace your display with a more modern set...

OK, on the HG10, there are only two options for component out: 480i & 1080i.

Nick, I don't get it: why not using HDMI?