A Newbie Question about HDMI

luanzi · 09-02-2006, 04:07 PM

Hi all,

I just got Time Warner cable with an "Explorer 3250HD" box given to me by Time Warner. I currently connect to my Phillips HDTV via component video (my TV supports HDMI input).

Now, I look at the back of my 3250HD box and it has a DVI output as well as two "1394" outputs (those look similar to USB connectors). So now my question is

1) Are those 1394 outputs HDMI outputs? If so, should I go get an HDMI cable and connect using HDMI instead of my current component video connections?

2) If those are not HDMI outputs, should I then buy a DVI cable + DVI-to-HDMI conversion cable, and hook it to my TV that way?

Either of the above two options replaces component video connections. My question is, will there a signficant changed in image quality? (I assume DVI and HDMI have the same quality for video, but DVI needs sound connections separately).

All answers/suggestions appreciated! Thanks!

Bigloww · 09-02-2006, 04:24 PM

I don't have that STB so I am not 100 % sure, but I believe those are just firewire ports (not HDMI). It is that "reserved for future use " port I like to call them.. If you have DVI out from your STB (and it appears you do) you can use a DVI to HDMI cable. This would transmit video only and you will still need to run your audio seperate. You can just continue using your component if you like. I did not see a big difference when I switched from component to HDMI, but it was nice to have digital audio and video with 1 cord.

http://www.cox.com/support/digitalcable/hdtv/pdf/sa_3250.pdf#search='3250HD'

http://www.optimization-world.com/products/catid/4.html

luanzi · 09-02-2006, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigloww

I don't have that STB so I am not 100 % sure, but I believe those are just firewire ports (not HDMI). It is that "reserved for future use " port I like to call them.. If you have DVI out from your STB (and it appears you do) you can use a DVI to HDMI cable. This would transmit video only and you will still need to run your audio seperate. You can just continue using your component if you like. I did not see a big difference when I switched from component to HDMI, but it was nice to have digital audio and video with 1 cord.

http://www.cox.com/support/digitalcable/hdtv/pdf/sa_3250.pdf#search='3250HD'

http://www.optimization-world.com/products/catid/4.html

You didn't notice a difference? hmm, maybe its not worth getting

paulc · 09-03-2006, 10:26 AM

There's a lot for very different experience in this; many claim no PQ difference, some do see a difference (I DO see a difference and it is noticeable enough for me to stay with HDMI). Some say no difference in HD, but do see differences in SD content. Only good advice is to check for yourself... long as you don't think you have to spend over a hundred bucks for a HDMI cable! While they can be had for under 10 bucks, I'd stick to the 15-25 dollar range.

09-02-2006, 04:07 PM	#1
luanzi My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 5	A Newbie Question about HDMI Hi all, I just got Time Warner cable with an "Explorer 3250HD" box given to me by Time Warner. I currently connect to my Phillips HDTV via component video (my TV supports HDMI input). Now, I look at the back of my 3250HD box and it has a DVI output as well as two "1394" outputs (those look similar to USB connectors). So now my question is 1) Are those 1394 outputs HDMI outputs? If so, should I go get an HDMI cable and connect using HDMI instead of my current component video connections? 2) If those are not HDMI outputs, should I then buy a DVI cable + DVI-to-HDMI conversion cable, and hook it to my TV that way? Either of the above two options replaces component video connections. My question is, will there a signficant changed in image quality? (I assume DVI and HDMI have the same quality for video, but DVI needs sound connections separately). All answers/suggestions appreciated! Thanks!

09-02-2006, 04:24 PM	#2
Bigloww Shitter was full. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In a van, down by the river. Posts: 5,135	I don't have that STB so I am not 100 % sure, but I believe those are just firewire ports (not HDMI). It is that "reserved for future use " port I like to call them.. If you have DVI out from your STB (and it appears you do) you can use a DVI to HDMI cable. This would transmit video only and you will still need to run your audio seperate. You can just continue using your component if you like. I did not see a big difference when I switched from component to HDMI, but it was nice to have digital audio and video with 1 cord. http://www.cox.com/support/digitalcable/hdtv/pdf/sa_3250.pdf#search='3250HD' http://www.optimization-world.com/products/catid/4.html Last edited by Bigloww; 09-02-2006 at 04:27 PM.

09-03-2006, 10:26 AM	#4
paulc Very Grizzled Vet of 1 yr Join Date: May 2006 Location: New York City Posts: 1,764	There's a lot for very different experience in this; many claim no PQ difference, some do see a difference (I DO see a difference and it is noticeable enough for me to stay with HDMI). Some say no difference in HD, but do see differences in SD content. Only good advice is to check for yourself... long as you don't think you have to spend over a hundred bucks for a HDMI cable! While they can be had for under 10 bucks, I'd stick to the 15-25 dollar range.