Help Wanted

[Carlm1970]

As I mentioned in a few previous threads, I would probably consider myself much more of an alcholic than an audioholic. I therefore would immensely appreciate help with my HT set up.

My components include the following:

DVD: NAD534 (HDMI Output)
Receiver: Yamaha 5990 (2 HDMI in: 1 Out)
TV: Panasonice DLP (HDMI)
Satellite: Motorola (starchoice) Component Video

I have a few questions:
1) I haven't purchased the satellite yet. However, the one I am considering only has component video output. The newer model has DVI. Question: With an HD signal, is the newer DVI model going to be remarkably better quality than component (based on my equipment)

2) Assuming I go with the component video Satellite, would I be connecting the component video and DVD HDMI directly to the TV, through the Receiver, or a combination (ex. DVD direct to TV, Satellite to receiver then to TV)??

3) Would there be any audio connections going to the TV or would the audio connections from the DVD and Satellite end at the Receiver?

My sincere gratitude for help, in advance

 

[j_garcia]

1) IMO, not much.

2) I normally go with as many items direct to the TV as possible. Unless you want to do video switching via the receiver an/or you have too few inputs on the TV, there's no reason to pass the video through it. Does the 5990 allow you to transcode and pass everything via HDMI? If so, that might be a small benefit in that you would have only one cable to the TV. I believe that also means you have to have the receiver on to watch anything though.

3) As noted above, if you want to watch TV without the receiver, you would still need to connect at the minimum, the stereo analog connections to the TV.

 

[westcott]

If you are planning on HD programming, you will need to make sure all of your equipment is HDCP compliant. All HDMI components are but components using component connections are not and will not pass an HD signal, but will be limited to 480p output. DVI may or may not be HDCP compliant so check with the mfg to make sure before making any purchases.

I would only purchase HDMI equiped components for future use and potentially better video quality.

 

[John D]

I would like to add something to question 1. If I am not mistaken, you will not get true HD through your component video connections. The best you will get would be 480p (resolution) and maybe your TV could up-convert to 720p or 1080i (whatever your TV will handle). In order to get true HD, you will need either a HDMI or DVI connection with a HDTV compatable satellite receiver.
You say you are with Star Choice, so I guess that means you are in Canada. (I don't think Star Choice is in the States -- but I'm not 100% certain). You can pick up a DSR-505 from Future Shop for $199 right now (I've seen them recently for $149, so you may be able to wait for that price again). This receiver is the minimum required for true HD. There is a DVR-530 model that can record programs to its hard drive, but that is priced at $699 now.

On questions 2 & 3, I pretty much agree with j_garcia.

 

[Carlm1970]

Thanks Westcott. I'm a bit confused by your second sentence. Are you suggesting that there is no way to realize optimal HD signals via component outputs of the satellite receiver? Again, the satellite receiver I have in mind is considered an "HD" receiver from the point of view of the Satellite provider. However, it is limited only to component video. Of course, that might explain why the model is now discontinued. Thoughts?

 

[westcott]

Thanks Westcott. I'm a bit confused by your second sentence. Are you suggesting that there is no way to realize optimal HD signals via component outputs of the satellite receiver? Again, the satellite receiver I have in mind is considered an "HD" receiver from the point of view of the Satellite provider. However, it is limited only to component video. Of course, that might explain why the model is now discontinued. Thoughts?

HDCP has not yet been enforced but when that day comes (probably with the release of HD material via disk), you will not get a HD signal via component connections with content using HDCP. Most studios will be using HDCP for content protection using a flag\handshake.

That is why it is discontinued. Also, MPEG 4 and VC1 compression formats require new hardware and this also makes them obsolete in the future. With the new HD material and standard definition programming going HD by 2007 (Directv is), the new compression formats will provide the bandwidth necessary for this to happen.

 

[thoward4444]

If I am not mistaken, you will not get true HD through your component video connections.

Not true. You can get HD through component video (720p and 1080i - not sure about 1080p), but it will be an analog signal. You need DVI or HDMI to get a pure digital signal. The problem you will find is that a lot of cable and satelite boxes do not properly support the HDMI specification. This has forced many of us to use the component video from our cable boxes to get HD until the cable/satelite companies get their act together.

 

[John D]

Ok. My bad.

Not true. You can get HD through component video (720p and 1080i - not sure about 1080p), but it will be an analog signal. You need DVI or HDMI to get a pure digital signal. The problem you will find is that a lot of cable and satelite boxes do not properly support the HDMI specification. This has forced many of us to use the component video from our cable boxes to get HD until the cable/satelite companies get their act together.

Ok. Sorry for the misinformation. Please disregard the first paragraph in my previous post.

 

[Carlm1970]

HDCP has not yet been enforced but when that day comes (probably with the release of HD material via disk), you will not get a HD signal via component connections with content using HDCP. Most studios will be using HDCP for content protection using a flag\handshake.

That is why it is discontinued. Also, MPEG 4 and VC1 compression formats require new hardware and this also makes them obsolete in the future. With the new HD material and standard definition programming going HD by 2007 (Directv is), the new compression formats will provide the bandwidth necessary for this to happen.

Interesting. The newer satellite model that I was looking into will be able to support MPEG 4 compression. I suppose that is yet another reason to consider the updated model, aside from the DVI output.