HDMI vs Component cable

What's better?

What's better?


HDMI is better. You won't notice a difference in SD picture quality. You will see a slight difference when it comes to HD though.

Don't spend more than $20 for a HDMI cable. Many people WAY over charge for them.

You can good ones at monoprice.com or even on ebay.

Agreed. It will depend a bit on the set, but HDMI is certainly better "in theory."

I have both set up, and I don't think you will see a "clearer" picture with HDMI (they're both transmitting a digital signal), but on mine, the HDMI connection looks brighter, I'm guessing because it's not doing the analog conversion.

There's nothing wrong with a component connection (i.e., it's not worth a huge hassle to upgrade to HDMI), but all other things being equal... go with HDMI.

And as pretty much everyone else here will say... don't overpay for the cable.

Monoprice is definitely the way to go, got a 6 footer for $13.

When the HDMI port went out on my box I had to use component, did not notice a difference. Some say there is, some say there isnt.

Here's the way I look at it, in theory HDMI should be the best possible quality so use it if you have it, if not comp is fine so use it and dont sweat it.

When I had the cable HDDVR and my old plasma with only 1 hdmi port, I had the HDDVR connected component and my Blu Ray on the HDMI.

I have Dish Network DVR and I have a connection to HDMI and to Component and cannot tell the difference.
Whether it's HD or SD programming I am watching they look the same with either connection.

Agreed. It will depend a bit on the set, but HDMI is certainly better "in theory."

I have both set up, and I don't think you will see a "clearer" picture with HDMI (they're both transmitting a digital signal), but on mine, the HDMI connection looks brighter, I'm guessing because it's not doing the analog conversion.

There's nothing wrong with a component connection (i.e., it's not worth a huge hassle to upgrade to HDMI), but all other things being equal... go with HDMI.

And as pretty much everyone else here will say... don't overpay for the cable.

One thing to consider when you have both HDMI and Component options is to discern whether your display allows for full user controls over basic picture settings.

Since analog to digital converters are far superior today compared to just 5 years ago, the "difference" between PQ using either source is minimal. The ability to compensate for variations in broadcast sources is a major factor in datapath selection although. I still run into displays that omit saturation and phase controls (color/tint) with digital datapaths. An unaceptable situation since broadcasts are not "standardized" to a specific degree.

Doug k

What's better?
on my pioneer plasma, the hdmi is a little sharper & the sound is louder & clearer:2cents

I have had a problem with HDMI connections from both DTV and Dish High-Def receivers (connected to Mitsi HC5000). When the satellite receiver is set for either 720p or 1080p the color gets a green tint as if it's losing the red pixels. Set at 460p it's fine. When I use the component cabling connection the problem goes away and everything is fine at all resolutions. HDMI connection from my DVD player (Oppo 981) has no problem. The problem that shows up with the satellite receivers occurs when I'm wired direct to the projector; or, via the Onkyo receiver. I had the DTV tech check the signal strength to the receiver (thought maybe I was losing something due to length of cable run) and he said that signal was "strong".

I've tried three different HDMI cables, all with the same result.

Since I have a workaround via the component cables it's not preventing use at the 1080p level but it's one of those mysteries that I'd like to get solved.

Any ideas?

Many HDTV's and DVR's have a HDMI handshake problem. My Comcast DVR I had would flash a snow screen every now and then. Just one of those things.

Usually D* and E* are good about updating HDMI issues with tv's. Id say with your issue though that there could be a hdmi port problem either on the tv or the box.

So, HDMI from DVD works fine, right? (That means that at least one HDMI port works...)
And you've tried 3 cables, right? So cables aren't the problem.
Try your satellite HDMI, plugged into the HDMI connection that the DVD is using with no problem. I think that is the last troubleshooting option.
If it works with using the other HDMI port, the problem is a bad HDMI input on your TV. (If you have used Monster cables, they have been known to damage this connection...)
If you get the same results, then it is the HDMI output on the 622 (which is what I suspect...). Some of the 622's I have installed have had defective HDMI outputs while component cables worked just fine.
Hope this helps solve the mystery...
Hi Def Jeff
http://www.wowvision.tv