HDMI Vs. Component

[psbfan9]

I'm considering switching from HDMI to component, then using toslink or coax to carry the audio. I have read that component cables can carry 1080i which is what my STB outputs. I know HDMI also carries audio. My concern is that I think I would get better connections using component and that would improve PQ and SQ. I don't seem to get good connections with HDMI. The cables always seem like they are not connected well and loose. I always have to check the connection and re connect them.
With component, It seems to me that the the connection is always good.

Any thoughts?

 

[MDS]

Component video cables can carry 1080p and beyond but some devices will limit the connections to 1080i.

You are not likely to get a 'better' picture using component instead of HDMI. They do make a more secure connection and you don't have to worry about HDCP handshake issues which cause problems with some combinations of cable boxes and TVs.

One downside of switching to component video and then using optical or coax digital connections for audio is that the audio connections will be limited to DD/DTS 5.1 and are not spec'ed to carry the bandwidth required for the newer lossless codecs or multi-channel PCM. If you don't use those codecs then it will be a non-issue.

It's probably better to just try a few low price HDMI cables until you find one that makes a secure connection. I bought an Amazon Basics HDMI cable for $6 and it does fit a bit looser than the other no-name HDMI cable I have but it hasn't fallen out yet and the picture is perfect.

 

[psbfan9]

It's probably better to just try a few low price HDMI cables until you find one that makes a secure connection. I bought an Amazon Basics HDMI cable for $6 and it does fit a bit looser than the other no-name HDMI cable I have but it hasn't fallen out yet and the picture is perfect.

Thanks MDS!

I'll try other HDMI cables first. My tv, an LG 47ld650, does not have an HDMI out. So when I hooked up directly to the tv from the STB, I had to use toslink, so I switched back to going through the receiver.

 

[TommyTom83]

Try Parts Express for cables. I use dayton Audio Hdmi Cables, they are cheap and reliable. Also You didn't mention this, but if the connection is loose because of an angle you have to accommodate to actually hook the cable into the component, parts express/ dayton audio sells angled adapters to put less stress on cables / connectors /component ports, and they are cheap!

Hope this helps!

Tommy

 

[psbfan9]

It's probably better to just try a few low price HDMI cables until you find one that makes a secure connection. I bought an Amazon Basics HDMI cable for $6 and it does fit a bit looser than the other no-name HDMI cable I have but it hasn't fallen out yet and the picture is perfect.

At my local Bestbuy, they had AudioQuest 'Forrest' HDMI cables on sale for $15.00, reg. price $48.00. I picked up two pair to try. I was using BJC's Tartan brand before.

Also You didn't mention this, but if the connection is loose because of an angle you have to accommodate to actually hook the cable into the component, parts express/ dayton audio sells angled adapters to put less stress on cables / connectors /component ports, and they are cheap!

Hope this helps!

Tommy

Yes, this helps thank you.
I have changed the angle and have them going in as straight as I could get them.

HDMI cables directional?

Reading the package on the back of the AudioQuest cables it says, "For audio signal, all HDMI cable is directional. Please use cable with arrows pointing from source to receiver, such as STB to receiver or monitor." I have the arrows pointing from the STB to the receiver, then the arrows pointing from the receiver to the tv, since I'm using my system for sound and not the tv's speakers.

 

[Pyrrho]

At my local Bestbuy, they had AudioQuest 'Forrest' HDMI cables on sale for $15.00, reg. price $48.00. I picked up two pair to try. I was using BJC's Tartan brand before.


Yes, this helps thank you.
I have changed the angle and have them going in as straight as I could get them.

HDMI cables directional?

Reading the package on the back of the AudioQuest cables it says, "For audio signal, all HDMI cable is directional. Please use cable with arrows pointing from source to receiver, such as STB to receiver or monitor." I have the arrows pointing from the STB to the receiver, then the arrows pointing from the receiver to the tv, since I'm using my system for sound and not the tv's speakers.

They are just liars. HDMI cables are not directional. I recommend that you never buy anything from such people ever again, as you cannot trust anything they say.

 

[Pyrrho]

Component video cables can carry 1080p and beyond but some devices will limit the connections to 1080i.

You are not likely to get a 'better' picture using component instead of HDMI. They do make a more secure connection and you don't have to worry about HDCP handshake issues which cause problems with some combinations of cable boxes and TVs.

One downside of switching to component video and then using optical or coax digital connections for audio is that the audio connections will be limited to DD/DTS 5.1 and are not spec'ed to carry the bandwidth required for the newer lossless codecs or multi-channel PCM. If you don't use those codecs then it will be a non-issue.

It's probably better to just try a few low price HDMI cables until you find one that makes a secure connection. I bought an Amazon Basics HDMI cable for $6 and it does fit a bit looser than the other no-name HDMI cable I have but it hasn't fallen out yet and the picture is perfect.

Yes, this is right.

And you want to make sure your wires are long enough that they are not being pulled on, though you don't want to get them crazy long either.

 

[jostenmeat]

I'm considering switching from HDMI to component, then using toslink or coax to carry the audio. I have read that component cables can carry 1080i which is what my STB outputs. I know HDMI also carries audio. My concern is that I think I would get better connections using component and that would improve PQ and SQ. I don't seem to get good connections with HDMI. The cables always seem like they are not connected well and loose. I always have to check the connection and re connect them.
With component, It seems to me that the the connection is always good.

Any thoughts?

Check out right angle port savers for the HDMI cables, and even those with hinges. Well, I dunno if that's what you need.

http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1680&bih=869&q=hdmi+port+saver&btnG=Google+Search#q=hdmi+port+saver&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=5nh&sa=G&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&prmd=ivns&source=univ&tbs=shop:1&tbo=u&ei=LZSCTazfFYissAPk9-XtAQ&ved=0CEIQrQQ&biw=1680&bih=869&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=1d91d20f517c34e6

I'm not sure how locking HDMI cables work, but I'd look into that I suppose.

If this if for TV, component/SPDIF is just as good, or at least should be just as good (might have variation depending on performance of STB hardware).

If dvd, it can be fine as long as 1) doesn't have to go all the way to 1080p at player, 2) that you might be ok with a hack to player and voiding warranty.

If bluray, it's been covered above, but it should be noted that the lossy codecs still do benefit from an increase in bitrate compared to DVD. (Technically DVD can be on par with BD at 1509kbps, but the fact of the matter is that those discs are super duper rare).