HDTV Gurus: Big difference between component cables and HDMI?

[cubby1223]

Originally posted by: yowolabi
I just switched from component cables to a hdmi cable. I watched the same scene multiple times with each, even paused it and zoomed in.... i couldn't notice a difference once i made the settings for each input identical (contrast, brightness, etc.). So i'm using the hdmi cable since it takes the place of 4 or 5 cables, and since the hdmi slot would go unused otherwise.

That's pretty much the benefit, less cable space. And better audio input if you make use of that.

*However*, with my dlp set, having my tv upscale from 480i to 1080p from an hdmi cable looks much better than the same upscaling from component cables. Pretty much the same deal with vga & dvi connections to monitors, native resolutions are difficult to tell any difference, but non-native resolutions and the digital connection looks better.

 

[cheapherk]

The dumb asses at Comcast hooked my HDTV box with "composite" cables- dumb, dumb, dumb

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: cubby1223

Originally posted by: yowolabi
I just switched from component cables to a hdmi cable. I watched the same scene multiple times with each, even paused it and zoomed in.... i couldn't notice a difference once i made the settings for each input identical (contrast, brightness, etc.). So i'm using the hdmi cable since it takes the place of 4 or 5 cables, and since the hdmi slot would go unused otherwise.

That's pretty much the benefit, less cable space. And better audio input if you make use of that.

*However*, with my dlp set, having my tv upscale from 480i to 1080p from an hdmi cable looks much better than the same upscaling from component cables. Pretty much the same deal with vga & dvi connections to monitors, native resolutions are difficult to tell any difference, but non-native resolutions and the digital connection looks better.

That's probably because poor analog to digital conversion inside your TV or the quality of your de-interlacer/scaler. Analog and digital signals are frequently routed differently and even sometimes use different de-interlacers/scalers. It all depends on the TV and how it is designed.

Many times TVs skimp on this stage. In fact MOST times. That's why you can't make a blanket statement on which one is better. it depends

 

[mercanucaribe]

Originally posted by: cheapherk
The dumb asses at Comcast hooked my HDTV box with "composite" cables- dumb, dumb, dumb

You can't hook up your own TV?

 

[Number1]

Originally posted by: paulxcook

Originally posted by: Linflas
I really haven't noticed any difference for anything other than my DVD player. The only reason it made a difference with the DVD is bcause the upscale only works over HDMI.

There are component upscalers out there. Zenith has one, I think Oppo does too. They've been discontinued, but can be found on ebay. Upscaling + no DRM = win.

I don't understand why DRM would be a factor at all in this decision. It's a cable between a TV and a DVD.

 

[NaOH]

Originally posted by: Number1

Originally posted by: paulxcook

Originally posted by: Linflas
I really haven't noticed any difference for anything other than my DVD player. The only reason it made a difference with the DVD is bcause the upscale only works over HDMI.

There are component upscalers out there. Zenith has one, I think Oppo does too. They've been discontinued, but can be found on ebay. Upscaling + no DRM = win.

I don't understand why DRM would be a factor at all in this decision. It's a cable between a TV and a DVD.

Treu

 

[abracadabra1]

I spent a great deal of time probing for answers to the same question. I found that those with the most experience/knowledge at avsforums and audioholics agreed that both cables should provide near identical video output when properly configured. In my own experience, I found HDMI to work better than component with my plasma setup. Your best bet is to try both cables and decide which looks best.

 

[funboy6942]

I never noticed a diff, just an extra hd input if you ask me, only plus side is it holds audio, but then my cables have the red and whit audio cables attached to them anyway so no real big deal.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: MrDudeMan
I'd prefer an optical cable for sound.

I'm pretty sure that HDMI has more "bandwith" than optical and passes uncompressed audio with the new HD/Blue ray movies. The optical cable does some compressing.

Now if most people can actually tell the difference on their low/mid end sound equipment...I have no idea. I just pretty sure that from a technical standpoint, HDMI passes better sound.

As for the question, HDMI is nice in that it's just a single cable instead of 5 seperate ones. Easier to use if you have a hard to work with entertainment center.

 

[cheapherk]

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe

Originally posted by: cheapherk
The dumb asses at Comcast hooked my HDTV box with "composite" cables- dumb, dumb, dumb

You can't hook up your own TV?

I was told there was no self-install kit for HDTV, otherwise I would have.

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: cheapherk

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe

Originally posted by: cheapherk
The dumb asses at Comcast hooked my HDTV box with "composite" cables- dumb, dumb, dumb

You can't hook up your own TV?

I was told there was no self-install kit for HDTV, otherwise I would have.

Bizarre. I went to the local Comcast office here and they handed me the DVR, and a sealed bag containing the cables and a new remote control when I got their Digital HD service. I guess it all depends on the local operating company for stuff like this.