HDMI vs Component Video connection-is there a difference

[htprojsea]

All,

I recently purchased an Optoma H31 projector. I connect a Toshiba SD3960 to it via componet video. Would there be a noticeable improvement if I were to purchase - say the OPPO and connect via HDMI?

Consider the H31 is a 854x480

 

[BMXTRIX]

Since nobody has responded...

There is always a chance for an improvement by using HDMI or upconverting DVD players. Here's the kicker though: There is almost NO way to tell beforehand if there will be any noticable improvment.

There are three ways things could go...
1. HDMI looks significantly better than component video
2. HDMI looks almost exactly the same as component video
3. HDMI looks worse than component video

In about 95% (or more) of the cases HDMI looks the same or better than component video. In some, very rare instances, HDMI looks worse than component. I would say it is about a 50/50 split between it looking the same or better with HDMI.

Now, upconverting players - NOT ALL ARE CREATED EQUAL - may be a much bigger performance enhancer to your system. Many people think that it is the HDMI connection when it in fact a better DVD player that is giving them an increase in overall system performance. This is always a good thing for your system, but results are simply impossible to put a number on.

SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT? No, but odds are good for some level of improvement. I personally have a 2+ year old Sony DVD player that I have no intention of replacing with a HDMI counterpart right now. I think the real money is on one of the HD disc formats and that, for me, means saving my money for a PS3 & Blu-ray which WILL be a significant quality jump over DVD.

 

[BostonMark]

HD CP issues

It is my understanding that if you choose to go with the HD DVD route, that DVD makers will only allow the new 1080i signal to go over HDMI cables, and not component cables, because component cables don't support the HDCP standards. (ie hi def copyright protection.) I don't know the plans for Blue Ray yet, but it seems to take advantage of the newest and emerging technologies, an HDMI input is necessary.

 

[BMXTRIX]

It is my understanding that if you choose to go with the HD DVD route, that DVD makers will only allow the new 1080i signal to go over HDMI cables, and not component cables, because component cables don't support the HDCP standards. (ie hi def copyright protection.) I don't know the plans for Blue Ray yet, but it seems to take advantage of the newest and emerging technologies, an HDMI input is necessary.

This is not correct... exactly.

HD disc players both follow the same copyright protocols and that enables what is called the Image Constraint Token (ICT). When a movie maker decides to enable this token, then all video coming over component MUST be downconverted to 540p before being sent out over component.

If the ICT is not enabled, then full HD resolution can be output over the component connection. This leaves the decision entirely in the hands of the movie studios - and not at all in the player. I would guess that at some point there will be some hack for this allowing HD over component all of the time. But, right now it isn't necessary as every studio that I am aware of has said that they currently do not plan to enable the ICT.

HD for everyone over component!

Also note: DVI w/HDCP (most recent televisions w/DVI) are also compatible with HDMI. Just use a HDMI to DVI cable available at monoprice and other online vendors as well as your locally overcharging BB/CC stores.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Just use a HDMI to DVI cable available at monoprice

The more I read them the better I like their products and prices

 

[BostonMark]

I belive that is what I said

This is not correct... exactly.

HD disc players both follow the same copyright protocols and that enables what is called the Image Constraint Token (ICT). When a movie maker decides to enable this token, then all video coming over component MUST be downconverted to 540p before being sent out over component.

If the ICT is not enabled, then full HD resolution can be output over the component connection. This leaves the decision entirely in the hands of the movie studios - and not at all in the player. I would guess that at some point there will be some hack for this allowing HD over component all of the time. But, right now it isn't necessary as every studio that I am aware of has said that they currently do not plan to enable the ICT.

HD for everyone over component!

Also note: DVI w/HDCP (most recent televisions w/DVI) are also compatible with HDMI. Just use a HDMI to DVI cable available at monoprice and other online vendors as well as your locally overcharging BB/CC stores.

although you clarify and further explain why I said it. I have read a lot about these ICT flags. I know that they are NOT on the first few movies released in HD-DVD. I HOPE that you are correct and the studios decide NOT to place ICT flags that downsample over component cable. If you read what I said though, I did say the DVD makers, not the DVD Player makers, meaning the companies that make and release DVDs. Frankly I hope I am wrong and you are right about the whole ICT flag issue and downsampling over component cable.

 

[spider_duggan]

I recently read that ICT will be enabled on all HD DVD formats by the studios in the coming years. It was in another forum that I read this, so there is no way of knowing it's validity.

My next purchase will be an HDTV and I want it to accept 1080p or 1080i over DVI/HDMI with HDCP enabled and also 1080i over component for my HDTV STB. Would that about cover all bases with copyright protection?

 

[ian1386]

I recently read that ICT will be enabled on all HD DVD formats by the studios in the coming years. It was in another forum that I read this, so there is no way of knowing it's validity.

My next purchase will be an HDTV and I want it to accept 1080p or 1080i over DVI/HDMI with HDCP enabled and also 1080i over component for my HDTV STB. Would that about cover all bases with copyright protection?

Although some people have the right to worry about the ICT protection, I am personally not worried about it. By the time studios start using it...if ever...there will definitely be a hack for it. It's the same thing with dvd region hacks now...not a big deal.

I only have conponent connections on my TV, so I hope I'm right

 

[BMXTRIX]

I recently read that ICT will be enabled on all HD DVD formats by the studios in the coming years. It was in another forum that I read this, so there is no way of knowing it's validity.

My next purchase will be an HDTV and I want it to accept 1080p or 1080i over DVI/HDMI with HDCP enabled and also 1080i over component for my HDTV STB. Would that about cover all bases with copyright protection?

Anyone who is buying right now just needs ONE HDMI or DVI/HDCP input on their display. That's the key. Of course the display should be an HD model and have a nice image etc. But, for being able to accept HDCP protected content, the only thing required is ONE HDCP compliant input.

If you have multiple HDCP products then use an outboard switcher like the one from Monoprice (once again those guys).

 

[Geno]

My DVD player, satellite receiver, and display have both HDMI and component connections. I've tried both, and could not see a difference. Theoretically, HDMI should be superior since it's an unbroken digital connection, but you couldn't prove it by me.

 

[LCRush]

I thought that one of the tech support people, either for Denon or Samsung, but I am not really sure, stated that component connections usually gives the best picture, and not DVI/HDMI. I have not really tried changing from one to the other, so I can give no input on which is best. Because I now have motivation, I will do so and try to give my impression on this string.

 

[Daz3d&Confus3d]

Yeah in my Denon 1920 manual at the front states beside Component hookup (for best picture) yet the highest settings under the component hookup is 525p/480p and yet via hookup through the HDMI I can set it to 720p or 1080i, so go figure....I dont understand the rational here.....I must be missing something.....hummm...

 

[LCRush]

I have now tried both compnent and DVI/HDMI. I think the latter is better.