Does RGB to YUV converter degrade the signal?

[dotVIBE]

Hey guys,

I am currently in the process of setting up my HT system. One of the items I wanted to connect to my Yamaha RX-V559 is PVR satellite box (not HD - no HD in South Africa ). Up till now i've made do with a composite connection, but during the rewiring, I noticed the PVR has a SCART out!

The problem is, the SCART output is only for S-Video or RGB. As my receiver only has inputs for Y Pr Pb, this screws up my plans. I suppose I could just use the S-Video, but it seems like sacrilege to degrade the signal even further. It's bad enough with the compression they use on our signals.

So. I could probably get one of these , but would the conversion not affect the quality of the signal? Plus my my funds are low after taking the hit on my new speakers, and i'm saving for a sub. Another option would be to take it directly to the SCART connection on my 720p TV, but then what about my receiver's OSD?

What do you guys think? Which way would you go if it was you?

 

[Johnd]

Firstly: s-video would be a huge improvement over the composite cable that you have been using.

Secondly: You can use this cable:
http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/vga-rgb-component.html#hd15rgb
and eliminate the converter (2 cable ends vs. 4 cable ends).

I see no other options with the setup you have. In order of least to best performance:
1) composite
2) s-video
3) rgb-component cable

Cheers.

 

[dotVIBE]

Thanx Johnd,

But the cable your link points to has a D-SUB VGA connector, not SCART, and would that convert the satelite box's RGB signal to a a signal suitable for the A/V receiver's YUV component inputs?

 

[Johnd]

Oh, Sorry dot (I saw it as vga). We don't use that connection here in the US.

There are cables made for this:
http://www.hometheatre.net.au/scart_component_cable.htm

I realize that you don't live in AU, but I am sure there are a number of sources available.

Realize that without a drop down menu in your box (which you may or may not have) the YPbPr output through those pins that are officially reserved for RGB color components will be disllowed (some kind of SCART thing). If you can direct YPbPr through the SCART connection via some menu on your box, you will then have true component signals. So it is box dependent.

 

[badahab]

I believe that cable only works with boxes that can output component through the scart connector. I don't have a ton of experience with scart, but I don't believe most boxes can output normal component over scart... only rgb.

I would run the scart straight to the tv. I would run component from the Yamaha and just switch back and forth. I don't know how much you plan on accessing the menu on the receiver anyway. I almost never look at mine after I get things set up.

-Sean

 

[dotVIBE]

Very true. Thanks for the input.

Just for interest sake. Those video converter box transcoder thingies that convert RGB to Y Pr Pb, does conversion affect the signal quality do you think?

 

[badahab]

I usually look at rgb as a step above component. I doubt it would be a dramatic loss in quality though. You're talking about DTV so I would imagine that would be the weak link in the chain. If you have a few bucks to spare I would try it out both ways; straight to the tv and through the converter. On the other hand I'm cheap and would just go scart straight to the tv.

-Sean