Why would component look better than HDMI on my HDTV?

[networkwontwork]

I have a hannspree xV 37 inch lcd tv with comcast and a motorola DCT6412 / DCT3412 DVR. The component looks better even though I changed HDMI inputs (the tv has 3) to make sure that wasn't a factor. It is a standard meritline gold plated 6 foot HDMI cable...what gives???

 

[cubeless]

sure u were looking at the same resolutions?

 

[secretanchitman]

hdmi is digital that can pass HD resolutions and a digital sound signal.

component is analog that can also pass HD resolutions...but i think only can pass analog (white and red plugs) audio.

 

[Modelworks]

There are a couple different revisions of HDMI.
Your TV may have problems handling some of them that would make the picture slightly different.
Older hardware that sends out HDMI can cause problems on newer hdtv sets.