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HDMI or Component-Is one better than the other?
I keep reading horror stories about HDMI switching and handshaking issues. I'm more confused than ever after reading these forums for a couple weeks.
I'm searching for a new receiver to replace a dying one. I currently have no HD sources and an old standard def TV that only accepts S-video or composite.
TV source: SD Dish Network via S-video
DVD Player: older Sony 5 disc changer(480i?) w/ component, S-video
DVD-R: w/ component, S-video
Laserdisc: composite out only
VCR: composite only
In the near future, I will be getting an HDTV. Haven't decided which yet. Also haven't decided on whether to go with a 1080p either or save a few bucks on a 720p/1080i TV.
After TV is purchased, will upgrade to HD Dish Network.
The Dish ViP 622 will let me use component or HDMI.
My only game system is my son's PS2.
Question: Is there any video quality difference between component and HDMI for an HD source?
I want a single video connection to the TV. I don't really care if it's 3 component cables or 1 HDMI cable. Just no video source switching on the TV end. If all of my video sources, current or planned, can can be done over component, is there any visible quality improvement with an HDMI connection?
Thanks,
Andy
I'm searching for a new receiver to replace a dying one. I currently have no HD sources and an old standard def TV that only accepts S-video or composite.
TV source: SD Dish Network via S-video
DVD Player: older Sony 5 disc changer(480i?) w/ component, S-video
DVD-R: w/ component, S-video
Laserdisc: composite out only
VCR: composite only
In the near future, I will be getting an HDTV. Haven't decided which yet. Also haven't decided on whether to go with a 1080p either or save a few bucks on a 720p/1080i TV.
After TV is purchased, will upgrade to HD Dish Network.
The Dish ViP 622 will let me use component or HDMI.
My only game system is my son's PS2.
Question: Is there any video quality difference between component and HDMI for an HD source?
I want a single video connection to the TV. I don't really care if it's 3 component cables or 1 HDMI cable. Just no video source switching on the TV end. If all of my video sources, current or planned, can can be done over component, is there any visible quality improvement with an HDMI connection?
Thanks,
Andy
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
Seconded. Most people can't tell the difference between picture quality between component and HDMI; if they do, it's pretty small, and certainly nothing you couldn't get over.
The one case where you'll definitely want HDMI is if you intend to get an upscaling DVD player. DVD forum rules prohibit outputting DVD video at a resolution greater than 480p via component. There are a couple off-brands (Momitsu comes to mind) that are noncompliant and can output 1080 via component, but they are few and far between. Oddly enough, this limitation is NOT shared by either HD DVD or Blu-Ray.
I dont know of any sources that send 1080p over component nor any TVs that accept 1080p over component. If you plan on buying an HD DVD or Bluray player in the future you will want to use HDMI to get optimal sound and picture. If those things are not important to you and will not be in the future, just go component.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ThisOneKidMongo /forum/post/0
Seconded. Most people can't tell the difference between picture quality between component and HDMI; if they do, it's pretty small, and certainly nothing you couldn't get over.
I dont know of any sources that send 1080p over component nor any TVs that accept 1080p over component. If you plan on buying an HD DVD or Bluray player in the future you will want to use HDMI to get optimal sound and picture. If those things are not important to you and will not be in the future, just go component.
xbox 360, not like you have an option for HDMI... but does send it.
I could name a couple displays that accept 1080p over component.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bjibber /forum/post/0
I dont know of any sources that send 1080p over component nor any TVs that accept 1080p over component. If you plan on buying an HD DVD or Bluray player in the future you will want to use HDMI to get optimal sound and picture. If those things are not important to you and will not be in the future, just go component.
xbox 360, not like you have an option for HDMI... but does send it.
I could name a couple displays that accept 1080p over component.
Yes indeed. Up to 1080p/60. Plus the Elite does have HDMI, if one cares.
I could at least name the Fujitsu PDS-5004 I'm currently using.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rockokma /forum/post/0
xbox 360, not like you have an option for HDMI... but does send it.
Yes indeed. Up to 1080p/60. Plus the Elite does have HDMI, if one cares.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rockokma /forum/post/0
I could name a couple displays that accept 1080p over component.
I could at least name the Fujitsu PDS-5004 I'm currently using.
I run everything including all 3 component inputs through my Denon 2807's HDMI out, and though the convenience is great, it sucks that I turn on the plasma and for 3-5 seconds see a "Verifying HDMI" message. There is a similar delay when switching source on the avr.
Just complaining for the sake of it I suppose
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Just complaining for the sake of it I suppose
I soured on HDMI after getting tired of having to reset my cable box every time my girlfriend accidentally turned on the TV before the cable box, instead of vice-versa, as required for the handshake. She couldn't understand why this seemingly trivial flow of events would result in a handshake error message that wouldn't go away until I either hooked the box up via component or reset it -- and eventually, neither could I. I realize much of the problem is Time Warner Cable's overall crappy service, but I'm fine sitting out the "benefits" of HDMI until it all gets sorted out. Then again, I'm one of those people who can't see a darn bit of difference between 720p/1080i/1080p, so that helps.
My 360 is delivering 1080p via component to my Westinghouse 37" LCD. Works like a champ. You'll find that most newer sets will accept 1080p over component, even if the specs say they won't. Manufacturers don't claim it because they don't want to put a big target on their back for accepting "upscaled" video on an analog connection.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bjibber /forum/post/0
I dont know of any sources that send 1080p over component nor any TVs that accept 1080p over component. If you plan on buying an HD DVD or Bluray player in the future you will want to use HDMI to get optimal sound and picture. If those things are not important to you and will not be in the future, just go component.
My 360 is delivering 1080p via component to my Westinghouse 37" LCD. Works like a champ. You'll find that most newer sets will accept 1080p over component, even if the specs say they won't. Manufacturers don't claim it because they don't want to put a big target on their back for accepting "upscaled" video on an analog connection.
HDMI is the darling of those who want digital rights management enforced, so there is a push to get that adopted as the "standard".
Personally, I don't care, as long as the darned thing works. I have experienced all sorts of odd behavior with my HDMI connections. None with component. In theory, HDMI "should" give a better picture. However, if there is indeed a difference in PQ, I don't see it.
Personally, I don't care, as long as the darned thing works. I have experienced all sorts of odd behavior with my HDMI connections. None with component. In theory, HDMI "should" give a better picture. However, if there is indeed a difference in PQ, I don't see it.
Up until recently I have been a component fan boy because of the horror stories I kept hearing about HDMI. I was using a Mac MX119 that did not have HDMI and I felt that I was ok but I eventually dove head first into HD DVD and Blu-ray. I just purchased and installed a Denon 5805ci which gave me all the inputs for all my sources via HDMI. I ran a high end HDMI cable to my Sony Pearl Projector and immediately saw a huge difference in picture quality but the thing I like more is the fact of getting multi channel audio via HDMI.
By the way, I have had the HDMI cable hooked up for over a week and knock on wood but I have had absolutely zero issues with it and my HDMI cable is 40 ft. long. HDMI is the future and therefore I would at least recommend you give it a try.
By the way, I have had the HDMI cable hooked up for over a week and knock on wood but I have had absolutely zero issues with it and my HDMI cable is 40 ft. long. HDMI is the future and therefore I would at least recommend you give it a try.
Sorry, going to disagree and say with a digital device HDMI is the preferred connection. It generally will result in a slightly sharper image.
Thanks for the info and opinions.
That may very well be true about the slight improvement in image quality. The real question is then: is that slight improvement in image quality (which not everyone can always see, anyway) worth the potential hassles of HDMI? It's not worth it to me, but it may be to others. Of course, if someone sees a massive improvement from an HDMI connection between two specific pieces of equipment, that's definitely worth noting, as some people already have in this thread.
Quote:
Originally Posted by madpoet /forum/post/0
Sorry, going to disagree and say with a digital device HDMI is the preferred connection. It generally will result in a slightly sharper image.
That may very well be true about the slight improvement in image quality. The real question is then: is that slight improvement in image quality (which not everyone can always see, anyway) worth the potential hassles of HDMI? It's not worth it to me, but it may be to others. Of course, if someone sees a massive improvement from an HDMI connection between two specific pieces of equipment, that's definitely worth noting, as some people already have in this thread.
To me, HDMI and component look the same running on my 50" Fujitsu plasma (no-one I've A/B'd could notice the difference either), but I must say 3-4 games consoles using component out results in lots of cabling. HDMI is neat but the handshake delay sucks a bit.
Can't beat a single HDMI out cable for all those input sources
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Can't beat a single HDMI out cable for all those input sources
You mention getting multi channel audio via HDMI. Do you not get that with component also? If not, what is the difference?
Quote:
Originally Posted by VTGOLFER /forum/post/0
Up until recently I have been a component fan boy because of the horror stories I kept hearing about HDMI. I was using a Mac MX119 that did not have HDMI and I felt that I was ok but I eventually dove head first into HD DVD and Blu-ray. I just purchased and installed a Denon 5805ci which gave me all the inputs for all my sources via HDMI. I ran a high end HDMI cable to my Sony Pearl Projector and immediately saw a huge difference in picture quality but the thing I like more is the fact of getting multi channel audio via HDMI.
By the way, I have had the HDMI cable hooked up for over a week and knock on wood but I have had absolutely zero issues with it and my HDMI cable is 40 ft. long. HDMI is the future and therefore I would at least recommend you give it a try.
You mention getting multi channel audio via HDMI. Do you not get that with component also? If not, what is the difference?
The advantage of HDMI is that it can pass video and audio over the same cable.
Component is video only. To get 5.1, you need a separate optical connection from your source to the receiver.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jojos960 /forum/post/0
You mention getting multi channel audio via HDMI. Do you not get that with component also? If not, what is the difference?
The advantage of HDMI is that it can pass video and audio over the same cable.
Component is video only. To get 5.1, you need a separate optical connection from your source to the receiver.
Right...I should have been clearer. For HD-DVD, is there any difference in the quality of audio via HDMI connection versus audio via a Toslink optical connection?
Quote:
Originally Posted by petergaryr /forum/post/0
The advantage of HDMI is that it can pass video and audio over the same cable.
Component is video only. To get 5.1, you need a separate optical connection from your source to the receiver.
Right...I should have been clearer. For HD-DVD, is there any difference in the quality of audio via HDMI connection versus audio via a Toslink optical connection?
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
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