Coponent or HDMI with DTV HD DVR?

[Tubby]

I got a 720 res plasma, HD TV for xmas so I'm upgrading from a standard DTV DVR to a High Def one next week. My Yamaha receiver doesn't have HDMI so I'm debating on running HDMI from the DTV receiver direct to the TV or just running component into the receiver in which I already have component from the receiver to TV. I don't care about differences in functionality, just quality of image. Bottom line is it worth buying an HDMI cable to go from the Directv HD DVR to the TV or will the quality be the same just going via component? Two reasons I'm considering not using HDMI is possible issues with the HD Directv box and the $80 cable as I'll need for at least a 12' run.

What would you do?

Thanks in advance.

T

 

[markw]

There's no reason that HDMI would provide a better picture than component.

But, some components (not cables) only output certain resolutions to certain types of cables. See what they offer. All else bveing equal, I'd select component over HDMI. HDMI is a biitch to work with.

 

[Jeffd398]

i use HDMI and wouldnt go back ever...my HD receivers HDMI port went out once and had to be replaced, while i waited i used componet cables, and it wasnt even close, the color was off picture wasnt as clear, IMHO hdmi is you best bet

 

[Tubby]

Wow. Two completely different views. That makes my decision easier. Do either one of you use a Directv HD DVR?

 

[Jeffd398]

i have cable, but my parents just got the DTV HD plus DVR, they use the HDMI cable, i didnt see the picture with component cables, but it looks really sharp

 

[Tubby]

I downloaded and was reading Directv's HD DVR manual and the explanation of the connections on the HR-20 box. The description of the Component connectors:

"COMPONENT OUT/ YPbPr (G, R, B) – Provides good HD picture quality, but not as good as HDMI."

The HDMI description: "HDMI – Provides the best quality HD picture (better than YPbPr/component video)."

I wonder if that's just opinion or specific to this model. Interesting none-the-less.

 

[audiorookie]

Since you have a 720p tv it really dosent matter i have a 1080p 50 inch and cant tell the difference between the component and HDMI picture.
HD transmits in 1080i anyways so you can use component cables because thats what theyre rated for, but like i said you only need 720p on your tv.
THe only thing i noticed is that you get better sound from HDMI because you need a composit connector with the component video unless you go with optical cable for audio.

 

[Tubby]

Since you have a 720p tv it really dosent matter i have a 1080p 50 inch and cant tell the difference between the component and HDMI picture.
HD transmits in 1080i anyways so you can use component cables because thats what theyre rated for, but like i said you only need 720p on your tv.
THe only thing i noticed is that you get better sound from HDMI because you need a composit connector with the component video unless you go with optical cable for audio.

That makes sense. I have the Panasonic 42" 720 Plasma. I will be running an optical cable through my A/V receiver. Since my TV is not 1080p, the HDMI cable might not make any difference. What I might do is buy the component cable and try to borrow an HDMI cable after the installer hooks it up. I'll see what he says about it if he's that knowledgeable. I just want to pre-order a cable online before DTV comes next week to hook up the HD receiver. I hate to go to the local stores to buy cables as they are much more expensive.

 

[stratman]

Hey T,

Before you spend 80.00 on an hdmi cable shop around. Also, the HD Direct Tv receiver (if it's going to be used through a sorround receiver using the hdmi interface) will require the use of rca audio cables to sorround receiver, see manual. I think if you run straight to the tv you'll only need the hdmi cable. This happened in my case.

 

[Tubby]

Hey T,

Before you spend 80.00 on an hdmi cable shop around. Also, the HD Direct Tv receiver (if it's going to be used through a sorround receiver using the hdmi interface) will require the use of rca audio cables to sorround receiver, see manual. I think if you run straight to the tv you'll only need the hdmi cable. This happened in my case.

I'll be running an optical cable from the HD receiver box to the A/V receiver so I'm not concerned with sound.

Where is a good place to buy cables? I usually buy most of my computer/electronics from newegg.com when I can for price and the fact that they are a great reseller. Is there a better place for cables?

 

[stratman]

Bluejeans.com, ************.com. monoPrice.com

 

[Tubby]

Bluejeans.com, ************.com. monoPrice.com

 

[Tubby]

An interesting description from Blue Jeans Cable about HDMI....

"HDMI is a digital signal format, developed primarily as a platform for the implementation of HDCP (High Definition Content Protection) to prevent consumers from having complete access to the contents of high-definition digital recordings. As one might expect from a standard that was developed to serve the content provider industries, rather than the best interests of the consumer, HDMI is something of a mess. The signal is not robust over distance because it was designed to run balanced when it should have been run unbalanced (SDI, the commercial digital video standard, can be run hundreds of feet over a single coax without any performance issues); the HDMI cable is an unnecessarily-complicated rat's-nest arrangement involving nineteen conductors; switches, repeaters and distribution amplifiers, by virtue of this complicated scheme, are made unnecessarily expensive; and the HDMI plug is prone to falling out of the jack with little more than a light tug. As more and more manufacturers move to implement HDMI on more home theater devices, however, it falls to the consumer to try to make the best of this dubious and poorly-thought-out standard."

 

[ST8FAN]

So let me get this straight...if I own a 720P Panasonic plasma tv, I will or I will not see a difference in picture quality from my DTV HD Receiver if I use HDMI instead of Component Video cables?

 

[stratman]

I believe that's about correct.

 

[ST8FAN]

So, is that yes, HDMI will give me a better picture or no, HDMI will not be better than component video?

 

[jonnythan]

There's no reason HDMI would give a better picture than component.

An HDMI cable will take up less physical space than 3 RCA cables if that matters.

My TV does this annoying auto-adjust thing that makes dark scenes a little brighter... but only over component. So, I use HDMI.

Try both. $20 will get you both cables.

 

[ST8FAN]

Thanks for the info.

 

[Jeffd398]

you could always just buy both and decide for yourself, and return the one you dont use.

 

[jcPanny]

Component video resolution

Component video is definately capable of 480p, 720p, and 1080i video formats, however, that doesn't mean that the component connection from a perticular source (cable box, DVD, etc.) is better or worse than an HDMI connections. Detailed reviews of DVD players by Secrets of HT reveal the difference in capabilities of the component and HDMI outputs on some players.

This might justify some experimentation with an HDMI connection. Just keep in mind that the $80 HDMI cable will not look better than the inexpensive one from Monoprice.