Big Thread With Lots of Questions

IkickPigeons · 11-21-2006, 02:08 PM

Hello all,

First I would like to thank everyone for making this forum a very helpful place. Learned a lot in the past week just from lurking around. I'm new to the world of A/V electronics so be easy with me with my n00b questions. With the introduction of HD gaming that can compete with PC graphics, I'm getting obssesive with my home theater just like how I do with my computers. So let the questioning begin.

Question #1

I'm getting confused about telling composite cables from componet cables. I took some pictures so maybe some of you guys can help me.

Here is a monster cable shown from the side:
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/664/dsidewg0.jpg

Here is the same cable shown from above:
http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/9373/dupmb1.jpg

Are these componet cables? How do I tell the difference? Can I use three componet cables for a composite connection? Could I use composite cables for a componet connection?

Question #2

Is this correct in terms of picture quality:

HDMI > DVI > Componet > S-Video > Composite > VHF or the cable thingy that you get out of the wall that plugs into your cable box (not sure what its called)

Question #3

My TV (Sony Wega 37" CRT 16:9) doesn't have a HDMI connection because we bought it a while back but it does have a DVI connection. Does this mean I could hook up my computers to it? (TV can support 480i / 480p / 720p / 1080i) Also I know that DVI connections are digital does this mean I could get an adapter to go from HDMI to DVI? So its like a digital to digital connection? But DVI doesnt carry sound but would that matter if I have a reciever?

Question #4

What is the best way to hook up the following componets:

A/V componet - connections available
TV - DVI / Componet
Cable Box - HDMI / Componet
Reciever - 2 HDMI in / 1 HDMI out / 3 componet in / 1 componet out
DVD player - componet / composite
VCR - composite / VHF
PS3 - HDMI / componet
Xbox 360 - componet

This is my guess:
Cable Box --> HDMI in reciever
DVD --> componet in reciever
VCR --> composite in reciever
PS3 --> HDMI in reciever
Xbox 360 --> componet in reciever
Reciever --> HDMI --> HDMI to DVI adapter --> DVI in TV

Question #5

What are the rules with cables? Does cable quality affect picture quality? Does cable length affect picture quality? If you have bends or tangles do you get interferences?

Question #6

I noticed that the speaker wire I have for the system is pretty thin and the shielding doesn't look like high quality stuff. If I were to replace the speaker wires would that improve sound?

Question #7

What are some tip/tricks to get the maximum quality out of your systems? Cables? Wiring? I read somewhere that power conditioners help improve picture quality. Is this true? What are they? How much are they? Are there any tricks that only veterans know?

Question #8

Does an upscaling DVD player improve picture quality? If so, by how much?

Question #9

Is there such a thing as an upscaler for cable? So you could turn the SD into 1080i for instance? If so, would it help? By how much?

Question #10

What is ISF Calibration? Does it apply to CRTs?

360kid · 11-21-2006, 02:32 PM

1. Composite is the kind that screws in, Component splits the video into three separate cables, red, blue, and green. Component will say component on the box. Component is HDTV.

2. Yes that is about right, except HDMI and DVI are about the same, both are digital HDTV cables. HDMI is slightly newer.

3. If your TV has a DVI instead, than simply buy a "HDMI to DVI" cable. This will allow you to connect components with HDMI to the DVI on your TV with little or no difference in Picture Quality.

4. Since the best is HDMI/DVI, then Component, then S-video, then you have to decide which item is more important to you. For me my video games are the most important so I use the better connections for that and use the lower quality connections for tv. If DVD's are the most important to you, then use your better connection for your DVD player, just prioritize your components.

5. Yes, cable quality does matter a little. I would't dwell on it though. You will only notice a slight, miniscule difference. Buy what is affordable but avoid bargain basement, Avoid the super expensive as well.

6. Yes, it would. Speaker wire is the simplest of cables and often the most affected by thickness. Thicker cable is much much better. The reason why cables in Question 5 don't matter as much is because they are almost all the same thickness regardless of the brand. Most have the same shielding as well. Just buy thicker wire, get the cheapest you can find, as long as it's thicker and the rubber shileding is adequate.

7. Just use the best possible connections with decent wires and cables. After that simply calibrate your video and audio, i.e. make sure you adjust the brightness and contrast etc on the tv. Do the same for your Surround System.

8. Upscaling DVD players have mixed reactions. It cannot really upscale anything, the player just adjusts the PQ a little and makes you think it does, sometimes it looks better, sometimes not. I would just go and buy a good quality Progressive Scan player. People say the regualr Denon DVD player is better than any upscale player.

9. I don't know, I don't think so. Upscaling is not that great. just get the HD package and box from your satellite or cable provider and be happy with that.

10. ISF calibration is where a service technition comes to your house and professionally adjusts your tv. It is only availible mostly in metropolitan areas. It prob costs over a $100 easily. I don't know, but some people swear buy it. If it was availble in my area and I had the money to blow I would do it. If your well to do or are rich, i say get it done.

Bigloww · 11-21-2006, 02:54 PM

1. Component and composite are basically the same type of cable and you can use them fo both, not sure why you would. Just make sure you connect them all to the same red to red, blue to blie and green to green.

2. HD HDMI/DVI, component and VGA (RGB). SD S-Video, composite and coax RF.
HDMI and DVI are digital all the way with HDMI both D audio and video. Component and RGB both support HD but are analog connections.

3.Yes you can hook up your computer via DVI as long as the DVI connections are compatable (DVI-D DVI-I) and the DVI cable is correct. You can also use VGA for HD if you TV has 1 and S-Video. S-video does not support HD and the higher resolutions associated with it. This all depends on what types of Video outs you card has. Just run the audio out from the sound card to your SS reciever. You can get a HDMI to DVI cable (or adapter if you already have a DVI cable) to connect a HDMI device. Some bug issues are still out there.

4. Looks good to me. You can use S-video for the VCR if it has it.

5. Just get decent cables. Don't waste your money on that Monster stuff. Usually the stuff that comes free in the box are a little cheapo, but a good midrange cable like AR is great. Also monoprice and places like that sell good cables for chaep. Not really. You can have some drop out issues with HDMI/DVI over 15-20 ft or so. But better shielded HDMI cable or cables with built in extenders help this quite a bit for 25 + ft runs.

6. Depends on how thin. The tiny car speaker wire that comes with HTIB's is definately too thin. Especially if you crank up the volume allot. I notice a definate difference going to 16 g, especially at high volumes.

7. Sure depending on you enviroment.

8. That depends on the player. Usually you TV will do as good or close to upscalling as most players on the market (as long as you have a progressive scan dvd player). Better more expensives ones will show a marginal improvement. The HD DVD player for 1 does an excellent job of upscalling.

9. Yes, there are SD upscallers,but the are quite expensive. Here is a good 1 for example.
http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com/p...4&cat=0&page=1

10.Yes it definately applies to CRT's. Do a search on this forum for more info or post a question in ISF.

Dam my fingers hurt.

IkickPigeons · 11-21-2006, 05:19 PM

Wow guys. Thanks a million for the help. Thanks Bigloww for the link to monoprice.

Just three more questions and I can begin my HD project.

1)Would you guys recommend I use the HDMI / DVI adapter? You mentioned there are bugs. Is it worth the extra money and the possibility of being buggy for the improved PQ?

2) How do I know if my TV can upscale? Could my reciever upscale also? My TV was bought almost four years ago but still supports 1080i and 720p resolutions. My reciever is a Yamaha RX-V1600.

3) When I bought my video card (X1900xtx 512) it came with an s-video cable. Is this the same kind as the ones I could buy at a store? How do you use an s-video cable? Is it s-video plus two audio or s-video plus yelllow and two audio?

Once again guys. Thanks so much. Its really helping me out understand this stuff.

Bigloww · 11-21-2006, 07:32 PM

A few bugs. I mostly heard of this issue with some older versions of STB's (cable box) and video cards. Most of them have been fixed or firmwared up. I doubt you will run into it, but it is just a heads up. I had my computer hooked up to my plasma via HDMI/DVI cable andit worked great.

If it is a HD TV it will upscale a 480p DVD signal for example to it's native resolution. If you have a CRT, that would be 1080i. Like UC DVD players, some do better than others. You can always grab a UC DVD player and see if it makes a signifigant difference. If not, return it.

Yes it is the same. It only is for video. S-video out from the video card to Svideo in on the TV and audio (red and white) out from your sound card to you reciever if you SC has 1. If not, you can just use you PC speakers attached to you PC. FYI, S-video will work, but it does not support HD or it's higher resolutions. VGA or DVI would be better.

IkickPigeons · 11-21-2006, 08:00 PM

Ok thanks once again Bigloww. Now I can really get crackin.

Last question... I promise.

Is a power conditioner worth it? Will it improve PQ?

Bigloww · 11-21-2006, 08:20 PM

I don't use one. I am no Power and Enviroment specialist (although I work with a few), so I would not be the best person to ask. If you have clean power and good ground, I would not think it would be necessary. If not, probably. I do use ferrite cores on the ends of my power and A/V cables, but that is more for noise and interferrence. They came with my TV, but are not a big deal.

But a good surge protector is a must.

Are you getting a new HD TV or just adding on to your CRT?

IkickPigeons · 11-21-2006, 08:40 PM

Ok thx. Well, I'm going off to college in 2008 and my parents dont have trained eyes when it comes to electronics or trained ears. So it wouldnt do much to buy a new HDTV now and ill need the money for college. So yeah, im adding to my CRT. It is still a damn nice tv and Im happy with it. Plus from what ive read SED flat panels are going to be kick ass but wont come out for a long time.

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11-21-2006, 02:08 PM	#1
IkickPigeons My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 8	Big Thread With Lots of Questions Hello all, First I would like to thank everyone for making this forum a very helpful place. Learned a lot in the past week just from lurking around. I'm new to the world of A/V electronics so be easy with me with my n00b questions. With the introduction of HD gaming that can compete with PC graphics, I'm getting obssesive with my home theater just like how I do with my computers. So let the questioning begin. Question #1 I'm getting confused about telling composite cables from componet cables. I took some pictures so maybe some of you guys can help me. Here is a monster cable shown from the side: http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/664/dsidewg0.jpg Here is the same cable shown from above: http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/9373/dupmb1.jpg Are these componet cables? How do I tell the difference? Can I use three componet cables for a composite connection? Could I use composite cables for a componet connection? Question #2 Is this correct in terms of picture quality: HDMI > DVI > Componet > S-Video > Composite > VHF or the cable thingy that you get out of the wall that plugs into your cable box (not sure what its called) Question #3 My TV (Sony Wega 37" CRT 16:9) doesn't have a HDMI connection because we bought it a while back but it does have a DVI connection. Does this mean I could hook up my computers to it? (TV can support 480i / 480p / 720p / 1080i) Also I know that DVI connections are digital does this mean I could get an adapter to go from HDMI to DVI? So its like a digital to digital connection? But DVI doesnt carry sound but would that matter if I have a reciever? Question #4 What is the best way to hook up the following componets: A/V componet - connections available TV - DVI / Componet Cable Box - HDMI / Componet Reciever - 2 HDMI in / 1 HDMI out / 3 componet in / 1 componet out DVD player - componet / composite VCR - composite / VHF PS3 - HDMI / componet Xbox 360 - componet This is my guess: Cable Box --> HDMI in reciever DVD --> componet in reciever VCR --> composite in reciever PS3 --> HDMI in reciever Xbox 360 --> componet in reciever Reciever --> HDMI --> HDMI to DVI adapter --> DVI in TV Question #5 What are the rules with cables? Does cable quality affect picture quality? Does cable length affect picture quality? If you have bends or tangles do you get interferences? Question #6 I noticed that the speaker wire I have for the system is pretty thin and the shielding doesn't look like high quality stuff. If I were to replace the speaker wires would that improve sound? Question #7 What are some tip/tricks to get the maximum quality out of your systems? Cables? Wiring? I read somewhere that power conditioners help improve picture quality. Is this true? What are they? How much are they? Are there any tricks that only veterans know? Question #8 Does an upscaling DVD player improve picture quality? If so, by how much? Question #9 Is there such a thing as an upscaler for cable? So you could turn the SD into 1080i for instance? If so, would it help? By how much? Question #10 What is ISF Calibration? Does it apply to CRTs?

11-21-2006, 02:32 PM	#2
360kid Life Is Expensive Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 838	1. Composite is the kind that screws in, Component splits the video into three separate cables, red, blue, and green. Component will say component on the box. Component is HDTV. 2. Yes that is about right, except HDMI and DVI are about the same, both are digital HDTV cables. HDMI is slightly newer. 3. If your TV has a DVI instead, than simply buy a "HDMI to DVI" cable. This will allow you to connect components with HDMI to the DVI on your TV with little or no difference in Picture Quality. 4. Since the best is HDMI/DVI, then Component, then S-video, then you have to decide which item is more important to you. For me my video games are the most important so I use the better connections for that and use the lower quality connections for tv. If DVD's are the most important to you, then use your better connection for your DVD player, just prioritize your components. 5. Yes, cable quality does matter a little. I would't dwell on it though. You will only notice a slight, miniscule difference. Buy what is affordable but avoid bargain basement, Avoid the super expensive as well. 6. Yes, it would. Speaker wire is the simplest of cables and often the most affected by thickness. Thicker cable is much much better. The reason why cables in Question 5 don't matter as much is because they are almost all the same thickness regardless of the brand. Most have the same shielding as well. Just buy thicker wire, get the cheapest you can find, as long as it's thicker and the rubber shileding is adequate. 7. Just use the best possible connections with decent wires and cables. After that simply calibrate your video and audio, i.e. make sure you adjust the brightness and contrast etc on the tv. Do the same for your Surround System. 8. Upscaling DVD players have mixed reactions. It cannot really upscale anything, the player just adjusts the PQ a little and makes you think it does, sometimes it looks better, sometimes not. I would just go and buy a good quality Progressive Scan player. People say the regualr Denon DVD player is better than any upscale player. 9. I don't know, I don't think so. Upscaling is not that great. just get the HD package and box from your satellite or cable provider and be happy with that. 10. ISF calibration is where a service technition comes to your house and professionally adjusts your tv. It is only availible mostly in metropolitan areas. It prob costs over a $100 easily. I don't know, but some people swear buy it. If it was availble in my area and I had the money to blow I would do it. If your well to do or are rich, i say get it done.

11-21-2006, 02:54 PM	#3
Bigloww Shitter was full. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In a van, down by the river. Posts: 5,135	1. Component and composite are basically the same type of cable and you can use them fo both, not sure why you would. Just make sure you connect them all to the same red to red, blue to blie and green to green. 2. HD HDMI/DVI, component and VGA (RGB). SD S-Video, composite and coax RF. HDMI and DVI are digital all the way with HDMI both D audio and video. Component and RGB both support HD but are analog connections. 3.Yes you can hook up your computer via DVI as long as the DVI connections are compatable (DVI-D DVI-I) and the DVI cable is correct. You can also use VGA for HD if you TV has 1 and S-Video. S-video does not support HD and the higher resolutions associated with it. This all depends on what types of Video outs you card has. Just run the audio out from the sound card to your SS reciever. You can get a HDMI to DVI cable (or adapter if you already have a DVI cable) to connect a HDMI device. Some bug issues are still out there. 4. Looks good to me. You can use S-video for the VCR if it has it. 5. Just get decent cables. Don't waste your money on that Monster stuff. Usually the stuff that comes free in the box are a little cheapo, but a good midrange cable like AR is great. Also monoprice and places like that sell good cables for chaep. Not really. You can have some drop out issues with HDMI/DVI over 15-20 ft or so. But better shielded HDMI cable or cables with built in extenders help this quite a bit for 25 + ft runs. 6. Depends on how thin. The tiny car speaker wire that comes with HTIB's is definately too thin. Especially if you crank up the volume allot. I notice a definate difference going to 16 g, especially at high volumes. 7. Sure depending on you enviroment. 8. That depends on the player. Usually you TV will do as good or close to upscalling as most players on the market (as long as you have a progressive scan dvd player). Better more expensives ones will show a marginal improvement. The HD DVD player for 1 does an excellent job of upscalling. 9. Yes, there are SD upscallers,but the are quite expensive. Here is a good 1 for example. http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com/p...4&cat=0&page=1 10.Yes it definately applies to CRT's. Do a search on this forum for more info or post a question in ISF. Dam my fingers hurt. Last edited by Bigloww; 11-21-2006 at 03:11 PM.

11-21-2006, 05:19 PM	#4
IkickPigeons My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 8	Wow guys. Thanks a million for the help. Thanks Bigloww for the link to monoprice. Just three more questions and I can begin my HD project. 1)Would you guys recommend I use the HDMI / DVI adapter? You mentioned there are bugs. Is it worth the extra money and the possibility of being buggy for the improved PQ? 2) How do I know if my TV can upscale? Could my reciever upscale also? My TV was bought almost four years ago but still supports 1080i and 720p resolutions. My reciever is a Yamaha RX-V1600. 3) When I bought my video card (X1900xtx 512) it came with an s-video cable. Is this the same kind as the ones I could buy at a store? How do you use an s-video cable? Is it s-video plus two audio or s-video plus yelllow and two audio? Once again guys. Thanks so much. Its really helping me out understand this stuff. Last edited by IkickPigeons; 11-21-2006 at 05:41 PM.

11-21-2006, 07:32 PM	#5
Bigloww Shitter was full. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In a van, down by the river. Posts: 5,135	A few bugs. I mostly heard of this issue with some older versions of STB's (cable box) and video cards. Most of them have been fixed or firmwared up. I doubt you will run into it, but it is just a heads up. I had my computer hooked up to my plasma via HDMI/DVI cable andit worked great. If it is a HD TV it will upscale a 480p DVD signal for example to it's native resolution. If you have a CRT, that would be 1080i. Like UC DVD players, some do better than others. You can always grab a UC DVD player and see if it makes a signifigant difference. If not, return it. Yes it is the same. It only is for video. S-video out from the video card to Svideo in on the TV and audio (red and white) out from your sound card to you reciever if you SC has 1. If not, you can just use you PC speakers attached to you PC. FYI, S-video will work, but it does not support HD or it's higher resolutions. VGA or DVI would be better.

11-21-2006, 08:00 PM	#6
IkickPigeons My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 8	Ok thanks once again Bigloww. Now I can really get crackin. Last question... I promise. Is a power conditioner worth it? Will it improve PQ?

11-21-2006, 08:20 PM	#7
Bigloww Shitter was full. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In a van, down by the river. Posts: 5,135	I don't use one. I am no Power and Enviroment specialist (although I work with a few), so I would not be the best person to ask. If you have clean power and good ground, I would not think it would be necessary. If not, probably. I do use ferrite cores on the ends of my power and A/V cables, but that is more for noise and interferrence. They came with my TV, but are not a big deal. But a good surge protector is a must. Are you getting a new HD TV or just adding on to your CRT?

11-21-2006, 08:40 PM	#8
IkickPigeons My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 8	Ok thx. Well, I'm going off to college in 2008 and my parents dont have trained eyes when it comes to electronics or trained ears. So it wouldnt do much to buy a new HDTV now and ill need the money for college. So yeah, im adding to my CRT. It is still a damn nice tv and Im happy with it. Plus from what ive read SED flat panels are going to be kick ass but wont come out for a long time.