[95se]

Recently purchased the Sony wf55 and I'm pleased with the set. I then got the SA8300 DVR set top box. Now I'm in the market for a new DVD player. I'm eventually also going to hook a computer up to this thing.


So, if I have one, and only one HDMI input on the set, which should I put into it? Most viewing would be cable, followed by DVD, then PC. So initially my thought was that I'd be best served by using the HDMI for the cable box. But now I'm wondering if the DVD would stand to gain more in PQ than the STB DVR would by the improved connection.


Also, since I'm on a Sony and all inputs go through a digital to analog conversion anyways, I'm not sure how much gain I would get with HDMI regardless. Opinions seam to be evenly split on the forum.

 

[BillP]

You could get a switcher to alleviate the problem. I agree with you that there is greater potential for an upscaling DVD player to gain than the cable box, but you should compare all your choices, component vs HDMI, and then see for yourself for which unit the HDMI gives the most benefit (or again, get an HDMI switcher).

 

[Squawks]

When Blu-Ray/HD-DVD players come out, you will obviously let one of those units take over the HDMI slot. And, like Bill said, a switcher helps as well (if the difference in quality is more than subtle for your DVR).

 

[walford]

The HDMI video signal and a DVI video signal are identical.

So it only makes sense to use a HDMI input since it includes both video and Dolby 5.1 audio if you have a source that has a HDMI output and you intend to use the audio in the TV instead of a separate audio amplifier.

Other wise you can use the DVI inputs(if you have any) on your TV or since you say it is CRT technology (analog video) unit then I doubt that you will get a gain in PQ (in fact you may even get a loss in PQ) by using HDMI or DVI instead of using Component.

 

[BillP]

walford, maybe I'm wrong, but I assume he does not have a DVI input, just 1 HDMI input (plus component inputs).

 

[95se]

Yep, just one HDMI. When I bought it I figured I'd be happy with the one, especially since the Sony does D/A conversions on everything anyways; so didn't spend what was at the time an extra $400 to step up to the XS model Sony with 2 HDMI.


I figure I'll try it out with my next DVD player and see if I can note a difference, if not substantial I'll go HDMI with the cable box until HD DVD/Blu-ray takes precedance. I'm also figuring that by the time HD DVD/Blu-ray becomes more standard, there will probably be some options for HDMI switching AV amplifiers; giving me ample reason for updating that end of my system.


Since the sony is doing the D/A conversions and not keeping a pure digital path where I would expect a noticable difference, I figure component is 'good enough' for now.

 

[cyberbri]

You can get a DVI/HDMI adapter and hook a PC up to your computer. This will let you upconvert and filter (sharpen, etc.) DVDs, as well as do other PC stuff on your computer.


When I first got my DLP, I wasn't concerned with that at all. Then I got a new computer and decided to hook it up to the DLP rather than pay more for a monitor (this let me keep the computer in the living room anyway - we have a laptop on wireless anyway). After having the PC hooked up for a while, I decided to try using it for my DVDs. And I haven't turned back since.


Here's the last page of a guide on the subject, showing before/after examples of what kind of results are possible:
http://htpcnews.com/main.php?id=ffdshowdvd_5

 

[tucson_bill]

Quote:

Originally posted by 95se Recently purchased the Sony wf55 and I'm pleased with the set. I then got the SA8300 DVR set top box. Now I'm in the market for a new DVD player. I'm eventually also going to hook a computer up to this thing. So, if I have one, and only one HDMI input on the set, which should I put into it?

Since you've only got one thing that you can plug into it why not do that. If you get something else try them both and see what looks best to you. It's not really that likely that you're going to see a big difference between component and HDMI. If you're primary concern is copy protection on HD, then plug in the HD source (i.e. not the dvd player). WRT your PC, if you wanted a PC monitor, why did you buy a TV? If this is going to be a primary use then you bought the wrong set.

 

[MC27405]

Cyberbri...curious as to what type of video card you have in your PC?

I'm looking to hook up a PC to my Sony XS955.

Also, I'm just learning about many of these HD issues and was also wondering why I would hook up a DVD player to the TV with HDMI.

If I want the audio to come through my HT speakers and not the TV wouldn't I just use component connections to the TV and a separate digital connection from the DVD player to the receiver?

 

[95se]

cranky_bill-

Guess you missed the very next line "Most viewing would be cable, followed by DVD, then PC." Whatever.


PC is low on my list of priorities right now, but given that these microdisplays have the ability to be used as large monitors which opens a world of options, it's surely something that I'll explore more in the future.

 

[tucson_bill]

Quote:

Originally posted by 95se cranky_bill- Guess you missed the very next line "Most viewing would be cable, followed by DVD, then PC." Whatever. PC is low on my list of priorities right now, but given that these microdisplays have the ability to be used as large monitors which opens a world of options, it's surely something that I'll explore more in the future.

Nope, read it all. So let me try again with the seriousness that seems to be required. If your cable box has an HDMI output, by all means use it. If you're going to choose a DVD player on the basis of getting one with an HDMI output, I'd encourage you to consider a number of criteria far more important than that. It's not an HD device after all. Maybe the PC crack wasn't really called for, but the point is that although this set may "have the ability to be used a a large monitor", it wan't designed for this use and isn't nearly as "able" as some other sets. I honestly don't think this issue is worth the amount of worrying that people do. I sincerely don't believe that you'll see a difference between good component signals and HDMI. I guess I should change my user profile; I'm really not all that cranky since I bought my Sony.

 

[cyberbri]

Quote:

Originally posted by MC27405 Cyberbri...curious as to what type of video card you have in your PC? I'm looking to hook up a PC to my Sony XS955.

I have an nVidia 5200 Ultra, using DVI (VGA also works well). The nVidia drivers are also great, so there's no need to use Powerstrip to make custom resolutions or timings.