[49Merc]

Due a design fault in my Directv HR20-700 DVR my HDMI cable does not maintain contact with the HDMI input. Directv HD Tech Support suggested that I switch from HDMI to Component.


Since I ran the HDMI directly to the television to maximize the video signal, audio is handled with an Optical cable so HDMI audio is not an issue. Neither is cable availability. I have both type of cables on hand. The HDMI is a Monster Cable - 4' HDMI U2 V1000. The Components are Monster Cable - Ultra Series 4' THX-Certified Component Video Cable Model: U2 V1000 C.


After converting over to Component cables late last night neither my wife nor I could see any difference in Directv SD or HD picture quality.


My questions. "Will the video signal become degraded or some other feature found only in the HDMI be lost by the use of Component instead of HDMI?" "Is there any hidden advantage IN the use of Component instead of HDMI?"


Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Louisp

In case it helps here is a complete list of our setup.


U]Video Display[/u]

Sony KDF-46E2000 46" Grand WEGA 3LCD Rear Projection HDTV

Audio Video Receiver

Onkyo TX-SR804 THX Select2 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver

DVD/CD/SACD Players

Sony DVP-NC85H/B 5-Disc DVD/CD Progressive Scan Up-Scaling Changer

&

Denon 2200 Progressive Scan DVD-Audio/Video Super Audio CD (SACD) Player

VCR Player

Mitsubishi HS-U748 Super VHS VCR

Satellite Video Source

Directv HR20-700 HD DVR Satellite Receiver

Speakers

Infinity Alpha 50 - 3-Way Dual 8" Floorstanding Front L/R Loudspeakers

Infinity Alpha 37C - 3-Way Dual 6-1/2" Center Channel Loudspeaker

Infinity Alpha 20 - 2-Way 6-1/2" Bookshelf Surround L/R Loudspeakers

Infinity Alpha 10 - 2-Way 5-1/4" Bookshelf Surround Back L/R Loudspeakers

Valodyne VRP-1000 10" Subwoofer

Power

Monster Home Theatre Reference HTS 3600 MKII PowerCenter with Clean Power State 3v2.1 Circuitry

Cabling

Monster THX Ultra Series THX 1000 HDMI Interconnect (2)

Monster THX Ultra Series THX 1000 Fiber Optic Digital Interconnect

Monster THX Ultra Series THX 1000 Digital Coaxial Interconnect

Monster THX Ultra Series THX 1000 Subwoofer Interconnect

Monster THX Ultra Series THX 1000 Analog Audio Interconnects

Monster Video 3 Double Shielded S-Video Cable

Radio Shack Ultra Gold Series Analog Audio Interconnects (8)(SACD)

Monster Z1 Audiophile Speaker Cable (Front L/R, Center Channel)

Monster New Monster Cable Clear Jacket Speaker Cable (Surround L/R, Surround Back L/R)

Remote Control

Harmon Kardon TC-30 15-Device Web-Programmable Remote

 

[aydu]

You've pretty much given the best answer for your particular equipment. Output quality can differ within a device and inputs can handle incoming signals differently, depending on the particular unit involved.


Looks like, with your particular setup, component is as good as digital. It won't change over time and you're not giving up anything by not using a digital connection with Direct TV.


If you were using one of the new HD dvd formats, using the component connection would prohibit you from upscaling regular DVDs. This is only done via digital connection.


Also, there is a possibility that full resolution on the high def dvds could be restricted to a digital connection, but it is not today.


I'd say if the pq of your setup looks equal, use the connection that provides the most stability.

 

[49Merc]



Quote:
Originally Posted by aydu /forum/post/0


You've pretty much given the best answer for your particular equipment. Output quality can differ within a device and inputs can handle incoming signals differently, depending on the particular unit involved.


Looks like, with your particular setup, component is as good as digital. It won't change over time and you're not giving up anything by not using a digital connection with Direct TV.


If you were using one of the new HD dvd formats, using the component connection would prohibit you from upscaling regular DVDs. This is only done via digital connection.


Also, there is a possibility that full resolution on the high def dvds could be restricted to a digital connection, but it is not today.


I'd say if the pq of your setup looks equal, use the connection that provides the most stability.

----------------------------------------------

Thanks for the prompt reply "aydu".


I am considering changing over from my Sony up-scaling DVD to a Toshiba A2. If that occurs I would run HDMI from the A2 to the AVR the HDMI from the AVR to the HD Televison. With this connection I should be able to take advantage of both the HD video and True HD audio. Does this cabling scheme sound correct to you?


Since I have quite a number of SD DVD's would the A2 provide better up-scaling than my current Sony?


Thanks again,

Louisp

 

[Jake Sm]

 http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messa...79/122868.html

 

[HDMI_Org]

The quality of the upscaling for standard definition DVDs will be influenced primarily by the quality of the video processor, such as the upscaling processor in your various brands of player, or your TV itself. I recommend that you try to do some comparison tests by using a test disc (a number of manufacturers make such discs with specific types of video patterns that tend to bring out a processor's ability to handle de-interlacing, frame rate conversion, etc) or a DVD you know well, and comparing the quality between your various players.


One other note: there have been reports of a high definition optical disc players where the video quality of the HDMI output is actually lower than the visual quality of the analog component outputs due to different video processing being applied to the two outputs. This is not typical and has nothing to do with the HDMI specification, and I believe that this has already been addressed by a manufacturer through a firmware update.