Comcast Customer in Atlanta

VFA203 · 08-30-2009, 11:41 PM

Hi All,

Longtime Comcast customer in Atlanta and just recently bought my first HDTV. Plan on giving Comcast a call tomorrow for a box for it, But typically, If not provided, Is it best to hook an HDMI cable up to the box or just use the cable(s) provided by Comcast?

Thanks!

Sooner Al · 08-31-2009, 05:43 AM

Personally I have used both and don't see any difference in picture quality on our Panasonic HDTV when we use HDMI or component cables. I originally used an HDMI cable because I wanted to minimize the cables going to the wall mounted HDTV through the wiremold I use as cable runs. With that said I recently switched back to component cables because of HDMI handshake issues between the HDTV and the Cox supplied SA 8240HDC set-top-box and the fact I want to use an HDMI link between my laptop and the HDTV. I still use HDMI between the HDTV and our Blu-Ray DVD player.

So IMHO if you have not purchased an HDMI cable yet try the supplied component cables first. If the picture looks good save yourself some $$$$. Otherwise purchase an inexpensive HDMI cable, ie. stay away from the pricey Monster cables for example.

VFA203 · 08-31-2009, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sooner Al

Personally I have used both and don't see any difference in picture quality on our Panasonic HDTV when we use HDMI or component cables. I originally used an HDMI cable because I wanted to minimize the cables going to the wall mounted HDTV through the wiremold I use as cable runs. With that said I recently switched back to component cables because of HDMI handshake issues between the HDTV and the Cox supplied SA 8240HDC set-top-box and the fact I want to use an HDMI link between my laptop and the HDTV. I still use HDMI between the HDTV and our Blu-Ray DVD player.

So IMHO if you have not purchased an HDMI cable yet try the supplied component cables first. If the picture looks good save yourself some $$$$. Otherwise purchase an inexpensive HDMI cable, ie. stay away from the pricey Monster cables for example.

Thanks for the reply..Got the box today..It's a Motorola DCT6200/2005..Should the cables provided (Looks like a/v cables..I can upload a photo if it'll help) give me HD quality or do I need to go out and purchase HDMI and/or DVI cable(s)?

Huge Thanks!

robertva · 09-01-2009, 02:39 AM

For HD you would want:

HDMI cable (handles video AND audio). Make sure your cable provider has enabled the HDMI output on your converter, that function may be dependent on software the converter downloads when it's powered up or "hit" with a command from the provider's head end.

or

Stereo cable (red and white RCA cables) for audio. Some higher end equipment may have optical audio connections.

With your choice of these video cables (depending on connections available on BOTH devices)

VGA cable (primarily use for PC video output)

DVI cable

Component video (three RCA plugs on each end) These cables typically have different color codes than the red/white/yellow combined stereo/composite cables as an aid sorting out which cables are which at installation time, but are essentially the same cables except for the plastic color markings.

Retailers may offer cables combining stereo and component cables.

Many converters will be equipped with HDMI and component outputs for HD video.

VFA203 · 09-01-2009, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertva

For HD you would want:

HDMI cable (handles video AND audio). Make sure your cable provider has enabled the HDMI output on your converter, that function may be dependent on software the converter downloads when it's powered up or "hit" with a command from the provider's head end.

or

Stereo cable (red and white RCA cables) for audio. Some higher end equipment may have optical audio connections.

With your choice of these video cables (depending on connections available on BOTH devices)

VGA cable (primarily use for PC video output)

DVI cable

Component video (three RCA plugs on each end) These cables typically have different color codes than the red/white/yellow combined stereo/composite cables as an aid sorting out which cables are which at installation time, but are essentially the same cables except for the plastic color markings.

Retailers may offer cables combining stereo and component cables.

Many converters will be equipped with HDMI and component outputs for HD video.

Got the TV and Box hooked up..Have a full line-up of HD channels..TV looks great. However, As mentioned, I'm on composite cables..For you audio/video fanatics..Do most of you find little no to no difference between using an HDMI cable and the composite cables or does one have at least a slight edge over the other? I see there is no clear winner via a google search..What's some of your thoughts?

oblioman · 09-01-2009, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VFA203

Got the TV and Box hooked up..Have a full line-up of HD channels..TV looks great. However, As mentioned, I'm on composite cables..For you audio/video fanatics..Do most of you find little no to no difference between using an HDMI cable and the composite cables or does one have at least a slight edge over the other? I see there is no clear winner via a google search..What's some of your thoughts?

me thinks you meant to say "component" cables. As for pic quality between component and HDMI,,let your eyes be the judge. Me preference is component only because HDMI still has some issues with compatability.

VFA203 · 09-02-2009, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oblioman

me thinks you meant to say "component" cables. As for pic quality between component and HDMI,,let your eyes be the judge. Me preference is component only because HDMI still has some issues with compatability.

Yep, Meant component cables! Sorry 'bout that.

Thanks for the reply..Would love to hear others thoughts!

Sooner Al · 09-02-2009, 06:45 AM

So everyone is clear...

Examples of Component Cables, ie. five cables (three video and two audio) that may or may not be bundled together...

http://cableorganizer.com/images/hom...cable-5RCA.jpg

Example of a HDMI cable...

http://www.gamestuff.ca/images/HDMI_Cable.jpg

Portus1227 · 09-02-2009, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VFA203

Yep, Meant component cables! Sorry 'bout that.

Thanks for the reply..Would love to hear others thoughts!

I didn't notice any difference between HDMI and component on my DLP set while viewing HD channels. Standard Def channels looked slightly better with component.

biggscoda · 09-06-2009, 12:11 PM

I use component cables with my comcast box and am very happy with the picture quality. My cables are actually just high quality homemade rca cables. On a side note, never pay more than $20 for an HDMI cable. There is no difference in the performace of a $15 cable bought on the 'net (or wally world, yuk) and an $80 Monster cable from Best Buy. The cables at BB are huge money makers. Sure they look fancy but what does that matter, it's behind your rack!

08-30-2009, 11:41 PM	#1
VFA203 My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5	Comcast Customer in Atlanta Hi All, Longtime Comcast customer in Atlanta and just recently bought my first HDTV. Plan on giving Comcast a call tomorrow for a box for it, But typically, If not provided, Is it best to hook an HDMI cable up to the box or just use the cable(s) provided by Comcast? Thanks!

08-31-2009, 05:43 AM	#2
Sooner Al Old Enough to Know Better Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 187	Personally I have used both and don't see any difference in picture quality on our Panasonic HDTV when we use HDMI or component cables. I originally used an HDMI cable because I wanted to minimize the cables going to the wall mounted HDTV through the wiremold I use as cable runs. With that said I recently switched back to component cables because of HDMI handshake issues between the HDTV and the Cox supplied SA 8240HDC set-top-box and the fact I want to use an HDMI link between my laptop and the HDTV. I still use HDMI between the HDTV and our Blu-Ray DVD player. So IMHO if you have not purchased an HDMI cable yet try the supplied component cables first. If the picture looks good save yourself some $$$$. Otherwise purchase an inexpensive HDMI cable, ie. stay away from the pricey Monster cables for example. __________________ "When all else fails, read the instructions..."

09-02-2009, 06:45 AM	#8
Sooner Al Old Enough to Know Better Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 187	So everyone is clear... Examples of Component Cables, ie. five cables (three video and two audio) that may or may not be bundled together... http://cableorganizer.com/images/hom...cable-5RCA.jpg Example of a HDMI cable... http://www.gamestuff.ca/images/HDMI_Cable.jpg __________________ "When all else fails, read the instructions..."

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09-01-2009, 02:39 AM	#4
robertva Saving my pennies for HD Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 92	For HD you would want: HDMI cable (handles video AND audio). Make sure your cable provider has enabled the HDMI output on your converter, that function may be dependent on software the converter downloads when it's powered up or "hit" with a command from the provider's head end. or Stereo cable (red and white RCA cables) for audio. Some higher end equipment may have optical audio connections. With your choice of these video cables (depending on connections available on BOTH devices) VGA cable (primarily use for PC video output) DVI cable Component video (three RCA plugs on each end) These cables typically have different color codes than the red/white/yellow combined stereo/composite cables as an aid sorting out which cables are which at installation time, but are essentially the same cables except for the plastic color markings. Retailers may offer cables combining stereo and component cables. Many converters will be equipped with HDMI and component outputs for HD video.

09-06-2009, 12:11 PM	#10
biggscoda Drum Beats Louder! Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 13	I use component cables with my comcast box and am very happy with the picture quality. My cables are actually just high quality homemade rca cables. On a side note, never pay more than $20 for an HDMI cable. There is no difference in the performace of a $15 cable bought on the 'net (or wally world, yuk) and an $80 Monster cable from Best Buy. The cables at BB are huge money makers. Sure they look fancy but what does that matter, it's behind your rack!