Component cable help

[Dad]

I need to purchase some Component cables for a new LCD TV. My current receiver will only accommodate s-video and my dvd player will do both s-vid and component video. I understand component cables are a little better so that where I need help. I would prefer to go to a store and just purchase them to have my system operational this weekend. I looked at a store with a large selection and discovered that prices range from 20-200 dollars. I will upgrade my receiver/dvd later this year to HDMI so these cables won't be around forever. Any reccomendations? I did read a rather techinical article on this site but it was rather advanced for me.

 

[j_garcia]

If your player is capable of progressive scan, then you will want a half decent set of cables, but you don't really need to spend $200. What I might suggest is just get a cheap s-video or component cable (think Radio Shack) for the meantime and order a component cable from www.bluejeanscable.com For about $50-60 you will get something that is better than probably all of the cables you looked at, including the $200 ones. Even if your player isn't progressive capable at this time, you would do well to go with a quality cable and eventually upgrade to a progressive player in the near future to really see what your TV is capable of.

 

[Dad]

My current set up on my old tv/dvd/vcr/receiver is all s-video. The new tv and my existing dvd will accomodate the three component video cables. I have read on this forum that component is better that s-vid so I wanted the best picture I could get for now with my existing equipment. I read 75ohm shielded coax component video cables???Sorry its all new.

 

[j_garcia]

75 Ohm is the spec for RCA video cables, so you don't have to worry about that. Shielding is a different story, but if the cable looks thin and cheap, it probably is. Yes, for the best picture quality you want component over s-video, as you cannot get progressive scan via s-video.

Component separates the signal into two color aspects and the image itself, so while s-video may give you about the same resolution as an intenterlaced (standard, non-progressive) image, the color should still be superior. When you get to progressive scan, the overall picture quality should be improved beyond that.

This page explains about progressive scan, though it is lengthy.

 

[Dad]

Thanks. I still do not understand. My receiver is 5.1/dvd with progressive scan and the new tv 45"LCD with every connection known to man. The best set up I can muster with my equipment is Component Video. When shopping for cables I am confused by all the claims on some of the packaging. In other words THX rated exceeds my systems capabilities. What exactly should I look for on the packaging/ratings. When I upgrade system components everything will go to HDMI, but that may not be for 6-8 months. I would like to maximize what I can get picture wise with my systems current limitations. I would like to go to a store and physically purchase a set in the next few days.

 

[j_garcia]

You don't need THX spec'ed video cables. If you're going to a big name store, I'd avoid Monster unless they are on sale, because their prices are ridiculous. Acoustic Research are good. I wouldn't read too much into the claims of the big name cables, they all do the same thing. If your plan is to go HDMI in that time frame, then I wouldn't spend much on a component cable right now, but you DO want a component cable so you will get the benefit of progressive scan. Pick a comfortable price point, say about $20-30 or so, and see what you can find.

I actually compared the Bluejeans cable to Monster, Audioquest, and Acoustic Research. The AR was the least expensive by a big margin ($9 on clearance) but it performed similar to the Monster and AQ. They were all outclassed by the second lowest cost cable, the Bluejeans one at $40. The Monster and AQ were both over 2x that price.

 

[Dad]

Thanks again for the input. I am Bay Area as well and happend to be in Fry's and was confused by 30 choices. I do have a lot of Monster cables currently but that was long before discovering this site. Long term I will go online and purchase the bulk of what I need. Funny when I was in Fry's looking at their cables I also took a peek at how they had their tv's hooked up for the floor demo's. Everything was component hookups from Monster brand to 20 dollar no name. I guess they don't see any difference in picture quality otherwise they would use the more expensive cables on all the tv's. I don't see anyone advertising anything off on any cables.

 

[Dad]

Given my situation if I were to call Blue Jeans Cable which would you order. I understand I need to figure the length. How long do orders take to ship and receive? Any idea. Are all 30,40,50 dollars cables about the same?

 

[j_garcia]

Where are you located? I have one AR left, new in the package that I'll sell you for $10 (shipping was as much as the cables themselves) if you like. I bought a few sets because I never know what I'm going to need for an install. It should do until you go HDMI.

I would say most ~$40 cables will all be pretty similar except the Bluejeans. I went for their "standard" 3ft, and I was really surprised at the quality of the construction. I didn't expect an improvement in performance, but it was noticable to my eyes (after calibration).

 

[Dad]

Thanks for the offer. I purchased an OMNI Mount for the 45" LCD. It is all massive. I am going to run the cables in the mount bracket and wall so cable length will come into play. I'll end up with something around 12 ft. for the component cable length.

 

[j_garcia]

D'oh. The one I have is only 6ft.

When I ordered from Bluejeans, I got the cable in about 3 days; it was relatively quick. They say all orders are shipped USPS priority, so 2-3 days for anywhere in the US.

 

[JeffD2.]

Dad, Go to RS and get their Gold Series cables. You're right, you won't see any difference in PQ unless you shop K-mart brands.