Can you use regular composite cables as component video cables?

[cjchaps]

I have a bunch of audio plus video cables around, like these. I am actually using that type of cable right now with my DVD player. Should I go out and buy component cables? Will it make a difference?

 

[Kalvin00]

There might be a difference...but probably not what you would really be able to notice.

 

[spidey07]

no you cannot. -edit- well you can you'll just lose a lot of detail and color.

Most likely the red/white cables are audio cables and you can't tell if they are 75 ohm coaxial or not. Video absolutely requires 75 ohm coax.

Get some AR component cables and you're all set. Cheap and well made.

 

[cjchaps]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Get some AR component cables and you're all set. Cheap and well made.

"AR"?? After rebate? Or is that a brand?

 

[TheToOTaLL]

Or better yet, use svideo!

 

[KingNothing]

I think he's talking about Acoustic Research.

Edit: Also, Composite < S-video < Component, assuming you have good enough equipment to be able to tell the difference.

 

[rh71]

1) AR = Acoustic Research brand

2) Yes, you can use composites as component. I went out and bought AR branded component cables and saw NO difference in picture quality. I promptly returned them and used my composites for the component connectors again... no difference to me.

 

[amnesiac]

Originally posted by: TheToOTaLL
Or better yet, use svideo!

Uh, what? Component video is superior to S-Video. You lose, sir. Good day.

 

[TheToOTaLL]

Originally posted by: amnesiac

Originally posted by: TheToOTaLL
Or better yet, use svideo!

Uh, what? Component video is superior to S-Video. You lose, sir. Good day.

Better than using an RCA cable???

 

[spidey07]

brand. Best buy carries them.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: TheToOTaLL

Originally posted by: amnesiac

Originally posted by: TheToOTaLL
Or better yet, use svideo!

Uh, what? Component video is superior to S-Video. You lose, sir. Good day.

Better than using an RCA cable???

Haha... confusion sets in. The question was asked whether composite cables (same as RCA cables) can be used as component.

I attest that RCA cables are fine for component connections.

Component connections, are better than S-video connections, then comes RCA (composite) connections. Got it ?

 

[LikeLinus]

Originally posted by: TheToOTaLL

Originally posted by: amnesiac

Originally posted by: TheToOTaLL
Or better yet, use svideo!

Uh, what? Component video is superior to S-Video. You lose, sir. Good day.

Better than using an RCA cable???

Please don't talk anymore, only digging your own hole.

Component cables are far superior to s-video. Component cables split the RGB over 3 cables and can support HD resolutions without losing any definition or color. We're not talking about RCA cables, but they are made alike, but it's the quality of cable and the ohms it supports that differ.

 

[TheToOTaLL]

Originally posted by: rh71

Haha... confusion sets in. The question was asked whether composite cables (same as RCA cables) can be used as component.

I attest that RCA cables are fine for component connections.

Component connections, are better than S-video connections, then comes RCA (composite) connections.

Got it ?

At least you understood the point I was trying to make....

Originally posted by: LikeLinus

Please don't talk anymore, only digging your own hole.

Component cables are far superior to s-video. Component cables split the RGB over 3 cables and can support HD resolutions without losing any definition or color. We're not talking about RCA cables, but they are made alike, but it's the quality of cable and the ohms it supports that differ.

Yes, we were talking about about RCA cables....

Originally posted by: cjchaps

I have a bunch of audio plus video cables around, like these. I am actually using that type of cable right now with my DVD player. Should I go out and buy component cables? Will it make a difference?

 

[spidey07]

the trouble with combination audio/video cables (red, white, yellow) is that one cannot be sure the red and white cables are 75 ohm coax and capable of progressive video frequencies. Many times the audio is 50 ohm twisted pair with no shielding. Forget about it for HD frequencies.

RCA is a connector. Component video is a specification that calls for a 75 ohm coax cable. The connector can be a RCA connector or BNC.

 

[CT2TXtech]

AR stuff is great. Its what i use. The employee discount for AR at Best buy is great. Next to nothing

 

[Vincent]

You should just use three yellow cables.

 

[Ness]

Your Theater setup will love you if you stop being a cheapass and just buy the cables

 

[cjchaps]

Parts Express has 6 foot 75 ohm video cables for .99 cents each. I guess I will just make myself a component cable for 3 bucks and use that

 

[Maverick]

no you can't...they aren't 75 ohm. I spent 20 minutes trying to convince my dad of this. After I gave up, he plugged them from his projector to his progressive scan DVD player. I laughed pretty hard when he got total garbage for a picture.

 

[cjchaps]

The three cable does actually work... I was just wondering if using real cables I would get a better picture. Since some folks seem to think it makes a difference, I am going to make my own 75 ohm component cable(See a few posts above), and see how it looks. I guess I can't go wrong for a few bucks. Here is the cable if the link works.

Originally posted by: Maverick
no you can't...they aren't 75 ohm. I spent 20 minutes trying to convince my dad of this. After I gave up, he plugged them from his projector to his progressive scan DVD player. I laughed pretty hard when he got total garbage for a picture.