just bought this plasma

[relaxingjoe]

I have been reading a lot lately and I seem to be getting more and more confused. Basically, the capabilities of my Plasma are below along with my questions that are numbered.

Perfect for movies and other programs formatted for 16:9 aspect-ratio screens, the monitor's HD component-video inputs accept full 720p and 1080i HDTV signals from set-top boxes and DTV receivers, which are sold separately.

High Brightness: 1000 cd/m 2
VGA (852 x 480 Pixel Resolution)
16:9 Wide Screen Aspect Ratio
High Definition Television (HDTV) Compatible
1000:1 Contrast Ratio
16.7 Million Color Display

Video Input
SD & HD Rear Component Video
Side and Rear Composite Video
Side and Rear S-Video

Audio Input
2 Side & 2 Rear L/R Audio for Video

Audio Output
L/R Audio for Video

1) There is only 1 component hookup to support HD - so do I use component cables to connect the DVD player with TV?

2) Do I use composite cables to hook up the cable box to the TV (but i can order HD via cable box per monthly fee - is this then a waste to order it?)

THANKS in advance!!!

 

[BMXTRIX]

I'm not sure it is a waste of you plan to upgrade to HD in the future, but I'm not sure it is the best thing you could purchase.

Yes, the DVD would hook up via component video. If you got a HD cable box, then you would need some sort of component switcher since there is only one component connection on the display.

You may want to consider a display like the Samsung 4232 which has internal tuners that allow for OTA HD reception and if you go HD, it has an internal CableCard slot which allows you to avoid paying for an external cable box.

Please though, if you are going to reference equipment, list the brand, make model, etc. so that you can get solid recommendations for that product.

 

[relaxingjoe]

Sylvania 6842PEM 42" Flat-Panel EDTV Plasma

Thanks - this is the make/model. I just bought it and thought it was a good deal for $1,100.

1) So I should buy a Component Switcher which would allow me to use the HD hookup for both DVD and Cable?

2) From what I have read - I should buy Component Cables and not use the red, white, yellow RCA cables?

 

[relaxingjoe]

Will any component switcher do the job - or will any hinder the HD quality from my cable box to my TV ?

 

[AVRat]

Do you have an A/V receiver that could possibly do the job, make and model?

 

[relaxingjoe]

The A/V reciever is my roommates and I doubt it can do the job. Assuming that it can't and I eventually want to hook up:

1) HD DVD player
2) HD cable box
3) HD Xbox360

Yet I only have 1 true enhanced component hoookup! A 4x1 HDMI Switcher costs around $400.

Are my options either A) dish out $400 on a $1200 tv? or B) switch cables around every time I want to do 1 of the 3 in HD?

I sure hope not.....

 

[BMXTRIX]

1. You can use about any component switcher on the market. If you go by Target or WalMart there is a manual one for about 20 bucks that people have used and like. Should work well for you.

2. The Sylvania produces an amazing image. I really was impressed when I looked at it.

3. I didn't buy it because it does NOT have an HDMI input on it. Unless you got a different one, this one is DOA in my opinion. Technology, in the next year or so may force certain video to only be displayed on HDCP protected equipment. This means, that if (for example) Blu-Ray and HD-DVD players only output HD over HDMI or DVI, then your plasma will not work with them in HD format.

4. It should still work with those players in non-HD format, which may be enough for that display anyway.

HDMI switchers ARE expensive - but since you have no HDMI, you just need component which is much easier to deal with.

Here is one that includes a remote:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Component-Video-Digital-Audio-Selector-Switch-Switcher_W0QQitemZ5845083255QQcategoryZ64596QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[relaxingjoe]

THANK YOU! Im going to go to Best Buy and get:

1) a component switcher
2) better RCA cables.

 

[BMXTRIX]

THANK YOU! Im going to go to Best Buy and get:

1) a component switcher
2) better RCA cables.

Best Buy (that I have gone to) does NOT carry the component switcher I listed - Wal Mart and Target do.

WHY UPGRADE YOUR CABLES????

If so, please avoid Monster Cable. Save your money.

 

[relaxingjoe]

Well, I went to Best Buy and Bought Nothing - just spoke with the guy. As a result, I have a new Thread titled about Best Buy.

The only cables i have are just the old red, white, yellow RCA ones - I don't have the special "component cables" that everyone is talking about.

I found on my Plasma that I have TWO Component Inputs (Component 1) and (Component 2).... PROBLEM is, is that I read in a review online somewhere that one Component is Standard and the other is HD. Which means I really only have 1 Component hookup that I want to use - correct? (They do not mention this difference in the owners manual)

thanks,