Component Video and Up Conversion to 720p/1080i

[ssrini]

I wanted to seek your expert opinion about Component Video connection and its implication for watching 720p/1080i programs on HD and up-conversion from DVD player to 720p/1080i.

My present set up: I have a 3 or 4 year old Denon receiver (AVR-3803) with no HDMI input/output, an inexpensive progressive-scan Panasonic DVD player that I bought 3 years ago and I have Cambridge Sound surround speakers (5.1). I subscribe to TW cable for TV programming.

I am considering purchasing a HDTV (720p or 1080i). I am reluctant to spend > US $1000 to upgrade to a AV receiver with HDMI output. I also want to continue to use my surround speakers and not use TV speakers. Looks like my best option is to use component video cables for routing video from DVD player and cable box either directly to TV monitor or through my current AV receiver and use audio cables to AV receiver.
What happens to TV programs that are broadcast in 720p/1080i with Component Video connection from cable box to TV monitor - does Component Video preserve resolution of 720p/1080i without degradation (you can assume a normal set up with < 3ft between TV and Cable Box)?
Similarly, I am assuming that I am not going to benefit from up-conversion capability of DVD player on Component Video (the only DVD player that seems to allow upconversion on Component Video is a Helios that has got mixed reviews for signal processing and I am reluctant to buy it). Does it make sense to replace my run off the mill DVD player that is 3 years old with a better DVD player such as Panasonic S97 and then pipe video through a component video with no upconversion?

Thanks,
ssrini

[BMXTRIX]

If you are upgrading your display device then you most definitely want one with DVI or HDMI inputs on it. You don't have to connect anything that way right away, but you want that upgrade path for whatever you end up with down the line.

Component video is, currently, the only way I feed all my displays. 1080i and 720p, and to some extent, even 1080p really have no issues sending their signal over component video. Likewise, 480p, and 480i signals are possible. Jumping up to HDMI/DVI (digital) connections do not necessarily even improve the image at all, but many times, keeping the video entirely in the digital domain helps to improve overall image quality.

Now, IMO, if you are thinking about going to something like the Panasonic S97, then I would hook that up via HDMI directly to the display, then run digital audio out of the DVD player into the receiver. That way you get the upconverted digital video signal as well as the best possible audio signal out of that DVD player.

Outboard HDMI switchers are also available for under $150 if you want to add additional HDMI devices down the road. Not to expensive, and no reason to upgrade your AV receiver if you don't have to. To many people think that the ONLY way to switch HDMI is to go out and buy a $1,000+ receiver instead of buying, say a $500 receiver, and a $150 HDMI switcher. If you have a decent universal remote, it all ends up working the same way when you are done.

Also: Check out the Oppo 971 - I believe it may upconvert over component video.

[goodman]

My opinion is not expert but is based upon extensive experience and experimentation with my own system. Video connections from my cable box and DVD player to my receiver are via component cables. Component video cabling runs 30 feet from my receiver to a 720p native resolution display projecting an 8 foot wide image.

The best HD and SD channels look excellent. I have switched my cable box between 720p and 1080i and cannot say which is better. I know 720p should be superior on my display, but they look about the same to me.

The 480p signal from my inexpensive ($250 in 2004) Sony DVD player looks great, much better than 480i. Earlier this year, I experimented with upconversion. I bought an inexpensive Neo Neu DVD player and hacked it to output 1080i through the component outputs. The upconverted signal looked no better than 480p from the same player, and not as good as 480p from the Sony.

In conclusion, run your video through component cables to your present receiver. If your old display will accept component cables, try that just for fun before purchasing a new display. Upgrade your DVD player to 480p, but don't worry too much about upconversion. And upgrade your TW cable box to an 8300HD.